Isaiah – Chapter 63

Old Testament19 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 63 of Isaiah begins: "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bosra, this beautiful one in his robe, walking in the greatness of his strength.…" The chapter centers on Moses and Abraham. Across its 19 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and holiness. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bosra, this beautiful one in his robe, walking in the greatness of his strength. I, that speak justice, and am a defender to save.

2Why then is thy apparel red, and thy garments like theirs that tread in the winepress?

3I have trodden the winepress alone, and of the Gentiles there is not a man with me: I have trampled on them in my indignation, and have trodden them down in my wrath, and their blood is sprinkled upon my garments, and I have stained all my apparel.

4For the day of vengeance is in my heart, the year of my redemption is come.

5I looked about, and there was none to help: I sought, and there was none to give aid: and my own arm hath saved for me, and my indignation itself hath helped me.

6And I have trodden down the people in my wrath, and have made them drunk in my indignation, and have brought down their strength to the earth.

7I will remember the tender mercies of the Lord, the praise of the Lord for all the things that the Lord hath bestowed upon us, and for the multitude of his good things to the house of Israel, which he hath given them according to his kindness, and according to the multitude of his mercies.

8And he said: Surely they are my people, children that will not deny: so he became their saviour.

9In all their affliction he was not troubled, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love, and in his mercy he redeemed them, and he carried them and lifted them up all the days of old.

10But they provoked to wrath, and afflicted the spirit of his Holy One: and he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

11And he remembered the days of old of Moses, and of his people: Where is he that brought them up out of the sea, with the shepherds of his flock? where is he that put in the midst of them the spirit of his Holy One?

12He that brought out Moses by the right hand, by the arm of his majesty: that divided the waters before them, to make himself an everlasting name.

13He that led them out through the deep, as a horse in the wilderness that stumbleth not.

14As a beast that goeth down in the field, the spirit of the Lord was their leader: so didst thou lead thy people to make thyself a glorious name.

15Look down from heaven, and behold from thy holy habitation and the place of thy glory: where is thy zeal, and thy strength, the multitude of thy bowels, and of thy mercies? they have held back themselves from me.

16For thou art our father, and Abraham hath not known us, and Israel hath been ignorant of us: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer, from everlasting is thy name.

17Why hast thou made us to err, O Lord, from thy ways: why hast thou hardened our heart, that we should not fear thee? return for the sake of thy servants, the tribes of thy inheritance.

18They have possessed thy holy people as nothing: our enemies have trodden down thy sanctuary.

19We are become as in the beginning, when thou didst not rule over us, and when we were not called by thy name.

Important Verses in Isaiah 63

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bosra, this beautiful one in his robe, walking in the greatness of his strength. I, that speak justice, and am a defender to save.

Isaiah 63:1

I looked about, and there was none to help: I sought, and there was none to give aid: and my own arm hath saved for me, and my indignation itself hath helped me.

Isaiah 63:5

In all their affliction he was not troubled, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love, and in his mercy he redeemed them, and he carried them and lifted them up all the days of old.

Isaiah 63:9

Look down from heaven, and behold from thy holy habitation and the place of thy glory: where is thy zeal, and thy strength, the multitude of thy bowels, and of thy mercies? they have held back themselves from me.

Isaiah 63:15

Historical Context

Isaiah belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah. Chapter 63 of 66 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Moses and Abraham appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bosra, this beautiful one in his robe, walking in the…" The chapter ends with: "We are become as in the beginning, when thou didst not rule over us, and when we were not called by thy name. " Read against its original backdrop, Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

In this 19-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bosra, this beautiful one in his robe, walking in the greatness of his strength. I, that speak…" The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

Catholic exegesis reads Isaiah 63 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). St. Irenaeus and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 355).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

People in This Chapter

Moses2 mentionsAbraham1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Isaiah Chapter 63 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that judgment, comfort, and messianic hope is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing the call to holiness in ordinary life.

May your reading of Isaiah Chapter 63 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God's salvation reaches to the ends of the earth applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 63 about?

Isaiah 63 contains 19 verses. It opens with "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bosra, this beautiful one in his robe, walking in the…" and closes with "We are become as in the beginning, when thou didst not rule over us, and when we were not called by thy name. ". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 63?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bosra, this beautiful one in his robe, walking in the greatness of his strength. I, that speak justice, and am a…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Isaiah Chapter 63?

This chapter mentions Moses, Abraham.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

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