Isaiah 63

Second Coming

Edom — 'red'; Bozrah — 'grape-gathering'; here a symbol of the wicked world

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Isaiah 63:1–2

A glorious figure comes in red clothing and answers, 'I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.' The Doctrine and Covenants says this is the Lord at His Second Coming, dressed in red.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by D&C 133:46-48 — 'Who is this that cometh down from God in heaven with dyed garments ... the Lord shall be red in his apparel.'
• alluded to by Revelation 19:13 — The Word of God clothed with a vesture dipped in blood.

Second Coming (Judgment)

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. Isaiah 63:3–6

Christ speaks of judging the wicked alone, like a man crushing grapes, while the 'year of my redeemed' arrives for the righteous. Only His own arm could bring salvation.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quoted by D&C 133:50-51 — The Lord quotes 'I have trodden the wine-press alone' of His coming.
• alluded to by Revelation 19:15 — He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
• alluded to by D&C 88:106 — He hath overcome and hath trodden the wine-press alone.
• the same title in Isaiah 59:16 — No intercessor, so His arm brought salvation.

Gethsemane

Gethsemane — 'oil press'

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. Isaiah 63:3

Latter-day Saint teachers often connect the lonely treading of the winepress with Gethsemane, the 'oil press,' where Christ was pressed by the weight of sin until He bled, with no one to share the load.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by D&C 76:107 — Christ 'shall have trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God.'
• a type of what is in Luke 22:44 — His sweat as great drops of blood in the garden.

Savior

Saviour — Hebrew moshia, from the same root as Yeshua (Jesus)

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. Isaiah 63:7–8

Remembering His lovingkindness, Isaiah says Jehovah 'was their Saviour.' Christ has always been the Savior of His covenant people.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Isaiah 60:16 — 'I the LORD am thy Saviour.'

Angel of His Presence

Angel of His Presence — literally 'messenger of His face,' the Lord's own presence sent to save

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9

The Lord felt every one of Israel's afflictions, and His presence saved, redeemed, and carried them. The Doctrine and Covenants quotes this verse about Christ, who by His Atonement takes on our afflictions.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by D&C 133:52-53 — 'In all their afflictions he was afflicted. And the angel of his presence saved them.'
• alluded to by Alma 7:11-12 — Christ takes upon Him the pains and afflictions of His people.
• the same title in Exodus 23:20-21 — The Angel sent before Israel, with 'my name' in Him.

Jehovah

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? Isaiah 63:11–14

Israel remembers how Jehovah led them through the Red Sea with Moses as His shepherd. Jehovah, the premortal Christ, is the deliverer behind Moses.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Exodus 14:21-22 — The dividing of the Red Sea.
• the same event in 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 — Paul says the Rock that followed Israel through the sea and wilderness was Christ.

Redeemer

Redeemer — Hebrew go'el, the kinsman who buys back a family member from bondage

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. Isaiah 63:16

Even if Abraham would not recognize them, the Lord is still their Father and Redeemer. Christ becomes the Father of those He spiritually begets through covenant, and His name is everlasting.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by Mosiah 5:7 — Through covenant they become the children of Christ, His sons and daughters.
• the same title in Ether 3:14 — Christ: 'I am the Father and the Son.'
• the same title in Isaiah 64:8 — 'O LORD, thou art our father.'

Take His Name

We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name. Isaiah 63:19

Covenant Israel pleads that they belong to the Lord and are called by His name, unlike their enemies. Covenant people today take upon them the name of Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Mosiah 5:8 — Take upon you the name of Christ.