What is the context?
A question introduces a majestic figure coming from Edom and Bozrah in crimson-stained clothing. He identifies Himself as the One who proclaims vindication and is mighty to save. A second question asks why His garments look like those of someone treading a winepress.
The answer turns the winepress into an image of judgment. He has trodden it alone, and the stain is the blood of the nations He has judged. No one from those nations stood with Him.
The day of vengeance and year of redemption have arrived together. When no one supplied help, His own arm brought salvation. The passage connects rescue with His decisive action against those who oppose Him.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The USCCB notes identify the approaching figure as the Lord and the winepress as an image of His judgment. Henry and Wesley read the victorious figure through the Messiah, with Edom representing opposition to His people.
Both Henry and Wesley emphasize that the victory comes through His own power. Henry distinguishes the blood He shed in His saving sacrifice from this picture of judgment upon His enemies. The stain here belongs to the explanation supplied by the passage itself.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Revelation 19:11–16 takes up the blood-stained robe and the winepress of God’s wrath. The rider judges in righteousness, bears the name Word of God, and is identified as King of kings and Lord of lords.
This gives Isaiah’s victory picture a clear connection with the New Testament’s presentation of Christ as judge. The One whose saving work brings redemption also confronts evil with authority. The action belongs to Him; the passage does not commission readers to take vengeance into their own hands.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.