Isaiah 63:3 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

I have trodden, &c.— This is a common image among the prophets, generally made use of to describe the effects of the divine vengeance, but never touched upon by any classic author among the Greeks and Romans. Bishop Lowth has well observed, that there is an energy and sublimity in this description, which is not to be parallelled in any language. Though, indeed, the image of a warrior inebriated with wine may appear to modern critics a coarse comparison, when applied to the Messiah; yet it might not convey that idea to the antient Jews, who perhaps never joined that secondary idea to this vice, in the comparison which always occurs in the mind of the modern, owing to that power of the mind by which it associates different ideas. Vitringa renders this verse very properly, I have trodden, &c. for I have trodden them in mine anger, and trampled them in my fury; and their blood or strength has been sprinkled or dashed upon my garments, and I have stained all my raiment.

Isaiah 63:3

3 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.