ישעיהו, פרק ס״ג, פסוק ב׳

A dramatic dialogue unfolds as a striking figure approaches, wearing garments stained with an unnatural color. Jerusalem turns to God, who appears before her [שד״ל], and asks why His clothing is red. The red hue is not the original, majestic color of the garments; rather, they have been visibly soiled and stained [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם].

The primary approach among commentators is to understand this vivid imagery as a parable. God is portrayed as a mighty warrior striking down His enemies. Just as dark juice splashes and stains the clothes of someone stomping grapes, the blood of the fallen splatters onto God's garments [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. In this powerful metaphor, the nations of the world are likened to grapes gathered in a winepress—the heavy vessel used to crush fruit and extract its liquid [מצודת ציון]. God's judgment upon the nations is depicted as a forceful act of trampling and crushing [צאינה וראינה, מצודת ציון].

A deeper layer of meaning emerges from the specific types of garments worn during this event. A distinction is made between unique, royal attire and ordinary everyday clothing. The special garments symbolize the ultimate recognition of God's kingship and divinity. Because the nations of the world refuse to acknowledge His sovereignty, these royal garments turn red as God prepares to exact justice upon them. As a direct result of this retribution, His ordinary clothes also become thoroughly stained with blood [מלבי״ם].