The divine warrior comes with his garment soaked in blood. His coming is the day of vengeance for the enemies of his people, symbolized by Edom. It is also the day of salvation for his people. We look forward to this day when Jesus comes again to put all his enemies, even sin and death, under his feet.

The prophet remembers God's steadfast love for his people, demonstrated in his people's redemption from slavery in Egypt in the days of Moses. In light of God's faithfulness to Israel in the past, Isaiah asks God to show mercy and compassion on them. He asks for God's active intervention to save them. God acts on behalf of those who wait on him and helps those who do right and remembers his ways. Isaiah confesses their sins, identifying himself with his sinful and unclean people. Even all their righteous acts are like filthy rags (12). We cannot claim anything from God. We need God's grace of forgiveness. We must put on Jesus Christ, God's righteousness. The prophet asks God for mercy, as a child comes to his father, asserting: "LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay; you are the potter. We are all the work of your hand." Our hope lies only in God who will not keep silent forever but helps those who ask for mercy and wait patiently on him.


Application: Lord, I am not able to do what is right in your sight without your grace. Cleanse me and clothe me with the righteousness of Christ.
One Word: God is our Father and Redeemer