Isaiah 63:3-4

3, 4. In reply, the mistake of his visage, (Isaiah 63:1,) as that of an earthly warrior approaching as from afar, is explained. Not that kind of a warrior is he; but he is as one who has braved sin, death, and hell at Gethsemane and on the cross, then rose as a conqueror out of the grave, and ascended to the highest heaven. Ephesians 4:8-9.

Trodden the winepress alone If this refers to the closing scenes of Christ’s life, as not improbably it may, at least in more than a secondary way, then those scenes are present or past as seen in vision, but future as actually to be viewed in exposition. He went emphatically “alone” to his death, with garments soiled and dripping; but on regaining victory and power, held for a time in abeyance, he hastened to judgment upon the unrighteous and incorrigible, causing their utter separation from among those humble ones who were ready to receive him and render to him such aid as they were able. For the while, the process is destructive, but in the end he shall put all enemies under his feet. Of the last part of Isaiah 63:3, their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment, Dr. W. Kay says, on the phrase “will stain:” “The unique form of the Hebrew verb, gaal, seems meant to connect it with the word ‘redeemed’ ( geul) in Isaiah 63:4, as though the stains were marks of his having fulfilled the duty of goel the avenger of blood and the re-instater of his oppressed kinsman.” Sp. Comment.

The day of vengeance Announced before, (Isaiah 61:2,) to follow “the acceptable year,” a period during which the best great efforts of the Messianic reign of peace and salvation are exemplified. But in contrast with this is a period wherein surviving powers of evil gather strength, and upon which the positive side of Messiah’s righteousness and judgment must be visited, and his own true people be avenged. This is the year of Messiah’s redeemed people. This principle has many a time had, and will yet have, exemplification in Messianic or Christian history.