For the day of vengeance, &c.— There is nothing requisite to the understanding of this passage but a reference to chap. Isaiah 59:16-17 where nearly the same words are used to describe the same thing. These verses may be read in the past tense. Some critics think that the phrase, make them drunk, Isaiah 63:6 might have been rendered, was made drunk with them; that is to say, "I was made drunk with their blood." This expression is common to the Hebrew writers, but appears with greater elegance and propriety in this place, as those who tread in the wine-press are commonly inebriated by that means. See chap. Isaiah 24:20. Psalms 60:3; Psalms 60:12. Vitringa, in his investigation of this prophesy, observes, first, that it is not to be interpreted of the death and passion of our Saviour, but of the deliverance of the church from certain enemies with great slaughter and effusion of their blood; and secondly, that under this figure is described the final and peremptory judgment whereby the Messiah, the deliverer and avenger of his people, will take the most severe vengeance upon the princes and people of idolatrous and apostate Rome. The visions in the Revelation, chap. Isaiah 14:18 and Isaiah 19:12 says he, leave here no manner of doubt. Compare Isaiah 59:15, &c.
Related Commentaries of Isaiah 63:4
Isaiah 63:4-6
4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.
6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.