For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.
For (it is) the day of the Lord's vengeance, (and) the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion -
i.e., the year when God will retaliate on those who have contended with Zion. Her controversy is His. The "day" marks the brief space of time which the execution of the vengeance on the foe shall occupy. The "year," the lengthened duration of Zion's recompense for her past sufferings. Edom had thought to extend its borders by laying hold of its neighhour's lands, and had instigated Babylon to cruelty toward fallen Judah (Psalms 137:7; Ezekiel 36:5); therefore Edom shall suffer the same herself (Lamentations 4:21-22). The final winding up of the controversy between God and all enemies of Him and His people is also shadowed forth (Isaiah 61:2; Isaiah 63:4; Isaiah 66:14-16; Malachi 4:1; Malachi 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 11:18; Revelation 18:20; Revelation 19:2).