Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The striking image of "crimsoned garments" isn't just about a bloody battle; it highlights the divine conqueror's splendor through the victory. His "greatness of strength" isn't just brute force, but the powerful righteousness that defines His saving actions.
Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet, filled with awe, poses a question about a magnificent figure approaching, whose crimsoned garments speak of a decisive, bloody victory. This is not a scene of defeat, but a triumphant return from a place called Edom, hinting at a divine judgment against God's enemies. The magnificent warrior then answers, revealing Himself as God, declaring that His actions are rooted in righteousness and are ultimately for salvation.
Imagine a figure approaching, cloaked in something startlingly vivid. The prophet Isaiah asks, 'Who is this?' The answer is powerful, revealing the identity and mission of this incredible individual.
The prophet Isaiah opens this passage with a dramatic question, "Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah?" This isn't just a passing traveler; this figure is described as "splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength." The imagery evokes immense power and victory.
A Striking Appearance
The "crimsoned garments" are a powerful visual. While some see them as simply bright or colorful robes, many understand them to be stained, likely with the blood of enemies. This isn't a picture of defeat, but the triumphant mark of a victor who has decisively overcome opposition.
The Source of the Victory
The question points to Edom and Bozrah, historically enemies of God's people. This location signifies that the victory being celebrated is over those who opposed God and His purposes. The "greatness of his strength" emphasizes that this is no ordinary triumph; it is a display of immense, God-given power.
An Unexpected Identity
The profound question is met with an equally profound answer: "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save." This declaration of self, claiming both authority and the ability to deliver, shifts the focus from the external appearance to the internal character and purpose of this warrior.
Ask a follow-up
The answer to 'Who is this?' isn't just about power; it's about the very nature of this mighty figure. What does it mean to 'speak in righteousness' and be 'mighty to save'?
The triumphant warrior's self-declaration, "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save," reveals the core of His being and mission.
The Foundation of Righteousness
"Speaking in righteousness" speaks to the absolute truthfulness and justice of this individual. It means His words are not mere boasts, but divine declarations that align perfectly with God's character and will. This righteousness is the basis for His actions and judgments. It assures us that His victories are not arbitrary but are executed with perfect justice.
The Power to Deliver
The phrase "mighty to save" is the powerful conclusion. It declares that this figure possesses the inherent ability and authority to rescue, deliver, and redeem. This isn't a hesitant offer of help, but an announcement of complete capability. His strength is not just for conquest, but for salvation.
The Dual Nature of His Work
This verse points to a dual purpose: judgment and salvation. The imagery of blood-stained garments speaks of the destruction of enemies, while the declaration "mighty to save" speaks of deliverance for His people. This reflects God's consistent character – bringing justice to the wicked and salvation to the faithful.
Understand the original words
’ĕḏôm · Hebrew Proper Noun
An ancient nation located southeast of the Dead Sea, often representing the enemies of Israel and, symbolically, all who oppose God's kingdom.
boṣrâ · Hebrew Proper Noun
A significant city in Edom, mentioned in judgment oracles as a place of divine reckoning.
ṣəḏāqâ · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, righteousness refers to conformity to God's standard, holiness, and justice. It involves God's faithfulness to His covenant and His rectitude in judgment and salvation.
yāša‘ · Hebrew Verb
The capacity to deliver or rescue, often used to describe God as the sole provider of deliverance for His people from sin, oppression, or death.
The imagery of a warrior coming from Edom, stained with crimson, points to a divine avenger. While historically Edom represented a bitter enemy of Israel, in this prophetic vision, the 'coming one' is God Himself, or ultimately Christ, declaring His righteous victory and power to save.
c. 8th Century BC
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry
Isaiah delivers prophecies during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, including warnings of judgment and future hope.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Invasions
The Assyrian Empire exerts significant pressure on Judah, leading to political instability and prophetic pronouncements of God's judgment. Edom is often seen as an enemy allied with invaders.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians, and many Judeans are exiled. Edomites are noted for their hostility towards the exiled Judeans during this period.
Post-Exilic Period
Continued Edomite Hostility
After the exile, Edom continues its adversarial stance towards the returning Jewish people, leading to ongoing resentment and prophetic condemnation.
c. 1st Century AD
Hasmonean Conquest of Edom
The Hasmonean dynasty conquers the Edomites, forcing their conversion to Judaism. The region is often referred to as Idumea.
c. AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem by Rome
Roman armies destroy Jerusalem and the Second Temple. This event marks a significant turning point for Judaism and is sometimes allegorically linked to the judgment on Edom.
c. Late 1st Century AD
Revelation's Vision of Judgment
The Book of Revelation uses imagery of a conquering warrior and a 'winepress of wrath' that resonates with Isaiah's vision.
This passage describes Christ returning from battle, clothed in a robe dipped in blood, just as Isaiah 63:1 alludes to garments stained with the blood of enemies.
Revelation 14:19-20This passage speaks of a great winepress of God's wrath being trodden, which directly parallels the imagery of Christ's bloody garments and His mighty work of judgment.
Psalm 110:1This psalm speaks of God's anointed one having dominion over his enemies, echoing the 'mighty to save' aspect and the ultimate triumph described in Isaiah 63:1.
Isaiah 34:5-6These verses immediately precede Isaiah 63 and describe God's judgment coming upon Edom and Bozrah, providing the context for the warrior's triumphant return.
Romans 16:20This verse promises that the God of peace will soon crush Satan underfoot, reflecting the ultimate victory over all adversaries that is powerfully depicted in Isaiah's vision.
gillIsaiah 63:1: "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save."
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?.... These are not the words of the angels at the time of Christ's ascension to heaven; or of the people of Israel; but rather of the prophet, or of the church he represents; by whom this question is put, not concerning M…
cambridgeIsaiah 63:1: "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save."
1 . On Bozrah , a city of Edom, see on ch. Isaiah 34:6 . with dyed garments ] Better, with bright coloured garments . The word for “dyed” means literally “sharp,” “piercing.” The mention of Edom as the scene of a judgement which is obviously universal (see Isaiah 63:3; Isaiah 63:6 ), in…
The striking image of "crimsoned garments" isn't just about a bloody battle; it highlights the divine conqueror's splendor through the victory. His "greatness of strength" isn't just brute force, but the powerful righteousness that defines His saving actions.
The prophet, filled with awe, poses a question about a magnificent figure approaching, whose crimsoned garments speak of a decisive, bloody victory. This is not a scene of defeat, but a triumphant return from a place called Edom, hinting at a divine judgment against God's enemies. The magnificent warrior then answers, revealing Himself as God, declaring that His actions are rooted in righteousness and are ultimately for salvation.
The prophet, filled with awe, poses a question about a magnificent figure approaching, whose crimsoned garments speak of a decisive, bloody victory. This is not a scene of defeat, but a triumphant return from a place called Edom, hinting at a divine judgment against God's enemies. The magnificent warrior then answers, revealing Himself as God, declaring that His actions are rooted in righteousness and are ultimately for salvation.
"Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.”" — The striking image of "crimsoned garments" isn't just about a bloody battle; it highlights the divine conqueror's splendor through the victory. His "greatness of strength" isn't just brute force, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026