'Isaiah Lxiii 1-------8' by Phillis Wheatly


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SAY, heav'nly muse, what king or mighty God,
That moves sublime from Idumea's road?
In Bosrah's dies, with martial glories join'd,
His purple vesture waves upon the wind.
Why thus enrob'd delights he to appear
In the dread image of the Pow'r of war?
Compres'd in wrath the swelling wine-press groan'd,
It bled, and pour'd the gushing purple round.
"Mine was the act," th' Almighty Saviour said,
And shook the dazzling glories of his head,
"When all forsook I trod the press alone,
"And conquer'd by omnipotence my own;
"For man's release sustain'd the pond'rous load,
"For man the wrath of an immortal God:
"To execute th' Eternal's dread command
"My soul I sacrific'd with willing hand;
"Sinless I stood before the avenging frown,
"Atoning thus for vices not my own."
His eye the ample field of battle round
Survey'd, but no created succours found;
His own omnipotence sustain'd the right,
His vengeance sunk the haughty foes in night;
Beneath his feet the prostrate troops were spread,
And round him lay the dying, and the dead.
Great God, what light'ning flashes from thine eyes?
What pow'r withstands if thou indignant rise?
Against thy Zion though her foes may rage,
And all their cunning, all their strength engage,
Yet she serenely on thy bosom lies,
Smiles at their arts, and all their force defies.


Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deeper Look at Phillis Wheatley's "Isaiah Lxiii 1-8"

Phillis Wheatley's "Isaiah Lxiii 1-8" is a classic work of poetry that has stood the test of time. The poem is a powerful meditation on the theme of salvation, and it speaks to the heart of what it means to be saved. In this essay, we will take a closer look at Wheatley's poem and analyze its meaning and significance in the context of her life and times.

Background

Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa in 1753 and was brought to America as a slave when she was only seven years old. She was sold to John Wheatley, a wealthy Boston merchant, who recognized her intelligence and talent and provided her with an education in literature, language, and religion. By the time she was a teenager, Wheatley had become a published poet and had gained national and international acclaim for her work.

Wheatley's poetry was characterized by its religious themes, its classical references, and its use of traditional forms and meters. Her writing was bold and ambitious, and it challenged the prevailing attitudes of her time towards African Americans and women.

Analysis

"Isaiah Lxiii 1-8" is a poem that is steeped in biblical imagery and language. It begins with a description of a figure who is coming from Edom, a region in the Middle East that was associated with the enemies of Israel. This figure is described as being "clothed in dyed garments" and "travelling in the greatness of his strength." The speaker asks who this figure is, and he answers that it is the Lord, who has come to save his people.

The poem then shifts to a description of the Lord's actions. He is described as having "trodden the winepress alone" and as having "stained his raiment with blood." This is a reference to the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, where Christ is described as coming with a sword and treading the winepress of the wrath of God. The Lord is also described as having "redeemed" his people and as having become "their savior in all their affliction."

The poem concludes with a reflection on the fact that the Lord's people have rebelled against him, and that he has allowed them to suffer as a result. The speaker asks why the Lord has allowed this to happen, and he answers that it is because they have sinned against him.

Interpretation

"Isaiah Lxiii 1-8" is a poem that is rich in meaning and symbolism. At its core, it is a meditation on the theme of salvation, and it speaks to the heart of what it means to be saved. The figure of the Lord, who comes from Edom, represents the divine force that has the power to save and redeem his people. The Lord's actions, which involve treading the winepress and staining his raiment with blood, are a reference to the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross for the salvation of mankind.

The poem's reflection on the fact that the Lord's people have rebelled against him is a reminder that salvation is not a one-way street. It requires a response on the part of the saved, who must submit themselves to the will of the Lord and strive to live a life that is pleasing to him.

In the context of Wheatley's life and times, "Isaiah Lxiii 1-8" can be seen as a powerful expression of the African American experience. Wheatley was a slave who had been brought to America against her will, and she had to fight against the prevailing attitudes of her time in order to gain recognition and respect for her work. The theme of rebellion and redemption that runs through the poem speaks to the struggle of African Americans to achieve freedom and equality in a society that had enslaved and oppressed them.

Conclusion

"Isaiah Lxiii 1-8" is a classic work of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful meditation on the theme of salvation, and it speaks to the heart of what it means to be saved. The poem's rich symbolism and biblical imagery make it a work that is worthy of close study and reflection. In the context of Wheatley's life and times, "Isaiah Lxiii 1-8" can be seen as a powerful expression of the African American experience, and it continues to inspire and challenge readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Phillis Wheatley's "Isaiah Lxiii 1-------8" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. The poem is a powerful and moving piece that speaks to the human condition and the struggle for freedom and justice. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.

The poem begins with a powerful image of a warrior coming from Edom, with his garments stained in blood. The image is striking and immediately captures the reader's attention. The warrior is described as "mighty to save," and the speaker asks, "Why is your apparel red, and your garments like him who treads in the winepress?" This image is a reference to the biblical story of the winepress, where grapes are crushed to make wine. The image of the warrior's garments being stained in blood is a metaphor for the struggle for freedom and justice. The warrior is coming from Edom, which is a biblical reference to a place of oppression and tyranny. The image of the warrior coming from Edom is a symbol of hope and liberation.

The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's own struggle for freedom and justice. The speaker says, "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me." This line speaks to the isolation and loneliness that often comes with the struggle for freedom and justice. The speaker is saying that they have been fighting alone, without the support of others. This line is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not easy, and often requires great sacrifice and perseverance.

The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's hope for the future. The speaker says, "For he said, 'Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely.'" This line is a reference to the biblical story of God's chosen people. The speaker is saying that they believe that they are God's chosen people, and that they will not deal falsely. This line is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not just a political struggle, but a spiritual one as well.

The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's vision of the future. The speaker says, "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor." This line is a reference to the biblical story of God's search for an intercessor. The speaker is saying that they believe that there is no one who can intercede on their behalf, and that they must rely on themselves to achieve freedom and justice. This line is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not just a political struggle, but a personal one as well.

The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's hope for the future. The speaker says, "Therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him, and his righteousness, it sustained him." This line is a reference to the biblical story of God's salvation. The speaker is saying that they believe that they will be saved by their own actions, and that they will be sustained by their own righteousness. This line is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not just a political struggle, but a moral one as well.

The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's vision of the future. The speaker says, "And he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head." This line is a reference to the biblical story of the armor of God. The speaker is saying that they believe that they will be protected by their own righteousness and salvation. This line is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not just a political struggle, but a spiritual one as well.

The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's hope for the future. The speaker says, "For the day of vengeance is in my heart, and the year of my redeemed has come." This line is a reference to the biblical story of God's vengeance and redemption. The speaker is saying that they believe that they will be redeemed and that their oppressors will be punished. This line is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not just a political struggle, but a moral one as well.

The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's vision of the future. The speaker says, "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold." This line is a reference to the biblical story of God's search for a helper. The speaker is saying that they believe that there is no one who can help them, and that they must rely on themselves to achieve freedom and justice. This line is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not just a political struggle, but a personal one as well.

The poem then moves on to describe the speaker's hope for the future. The speaker says, "Therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me." This line is a reference to the biblical story of God's salvation. The speaker is saying that they believe that they will be saved by their own actions, and that they will be sustained by their own fury. This line is a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not just a political struggle, but a moral one as well.

In conclusion, Phillis Wheatley's "Isaiah Lxiii 1-------8" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the human condition and the struggle for freedom and justice. The poem is filled with biblical references and imagery that add depth and meaning to the text. The poem is a reminder that the struggle for freedom and justice is not just a political struggle, but a spiritual and moral one as well. The poem is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul.

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