11. (a) Why does Jehovah bring a “day of vengeance”? (b) Who were the “repurchased ones” in ancient times, and who are they today?

¹¹ Jehovah further explains why he performs this task personally, saying: “The day of vengeance is in my heart, and the very year of my repurchased ones has come.” (Isaiah 63:4)b Only Jehovah has the right to execute vengeance upon those who harm his people. (Deuteronomy 32:35) In ancient times the “repurchased ones” were the Jews who suffered at the hands of the Babylonians. (Isaiah 35:10; 43:1; 48:20) In modern times they are the anointed remnant. (Revelation 12:17) Like their ancient counterparts, they have been repurchased from religious captivity. And like those Jews, the anointed, along with their “other sheep” companions, have been the victims of persecution and opposition. (John 10:16) Isaiah’s prophecy thus assures Christians today that at God’s appointed time, He will intervene in their behalf.