Isaiah 63:1
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)
Isaiah 63:1
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)
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The imagery of "crimsoned garments" isn't just a splash of color; it points to the intense, bloody victory this figure has achieved. This isn't a gentle arrival, but a triumphant return from crushing enemies, highlighting God's powerful, decisive action in saving His people.
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Imagine a colossal figure approaching, their clothes stained a deep crimson. Who are they? What does this vivid imagery tell us about their recent actions?
The verse opens with a dramatic question: "Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah?" This isn't just any traveler. Edom, and specifically its capital Bozrah, were symbolic enemies of God's people. The "crimsoned garments" aren't just red cloth; they powerfully represent the blood of vanquished enemies.
A Fierce Victory
This isn't a picture of gentle arrival. The "crimsoned garments" speak of a brutal, decisive victory. The wearer has been in the thick of a fierce battle, and the evidence is undeniable. This imagery highlights the cost of victory and the totality of the defeat inflicted upon those who oppose God's purposes. It's a stark reminder that God's justice is thorough and his power absolute against His enemies.
After the dramatic question, the figure reveals themselves. What does their self-introduction tell us about their identity and mission?
The mystery is unveiled. The answer to the prophet's question rings out: “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” This isn't a human warrior; it's none other than God Himself, identifying as the source of this victory.
Righteousness and Salvation
Two core attributes are declared:
This declaration assures us that God's mighty actions are always rooted in His perfect justice and aimed at securing salvation.
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.
This passage draws on the deep-seated, historical animosity between Israel and Edom, using Edom's ancient homeland and cities as symbolic backdrops for a future, ultimate victory of God's righteous power over all His enemies.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Empire Dominates
The Neo-Assyrian Empire was at its height, wielding immense power and influencing the political landscape of the ancient Near East, including the region of Edom.
605-562 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and deported many Judeans, initiating the Babylonian exile. Edom's opportunistic hostility during this period is noted.
c. 550 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which would eventually conquer Babylon and allow the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
c. 400 BC
Post-Exilic Tensions with Edom
After the return from exile, tensions remained high between the returning Judeans and the Edomites, with historical accounts suggesting continued hostility.
c. 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD
Edomites Become Prominent in Judea
The Idumeans, descendants of Edom, gained significant political influence in Judea, eventually being incorporated into the Jewish population, though their historical animosity was not forgotten.
c. AD 62-66
Jewish-Roman War Begins
The great Jewish revolt against Roman rule began. This period saw intense conflict and devastation, with many interpreting the imagery of judgment in Isaiah as applying to future conflicts.
Unspecified Future Eschatological Time— this verse
Messiah's Triumphant Return
The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy is understood by many to be the Messiah's glorious return to judge His enemies and save His people, a time of ultimate victory and salvation.
This passage describes Christ returning from battle, clothed in a robe dipped in blood, directly echoing the imagery of Isaiah's 'crimsoned garments' and reinforcing the theme of divine victory and judgment.
Isaiah 34:5-6These verses directly precede Isaiah 63:1 and prophesy God's judgment on Edom (Bozrah being a key city), setting the stage for the triumphant warrior's appearance and explaining the context of 'coming from Edom'.
Psalm 110:1This Psalm speaks of God's command to a king (understood by many to be the Messiah) to 'rule' until his enemies are made a footstool, aligning with the triumphant, conquering posture of the figure described in Isaiah 63:1.
Luke 1:71This verse speaks of salvation from enemies, connecting to the declaration 'mighty to save' and highlighting the ongoing theme of God's redemptive power throughout Scripture, even amidst judgment.
Nahum 2:3This passage describes the chariots of the attackers being 'like scarlet' and 'like torches' as they march, drawing a parallel to the 'crimsoned garments' and 'greatness of his strength,' painting a vivid picture of divine power in action against His enemies.
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 imagery of "crimsoned garments" isn't just a splash of color; it points to the intense, bloody victory this figure has achieved. This isn't a gentle arrival, but a triumphant return from crushing enemies, highlighting God's powerful, decisive action in saving His people.
{ "hasHistoricalBackground": true, "events": [ { "date": "c. 8th Century BC", "title": "Assyrian Empire Dominance", "description": "The Assyrian Empire's military might loomed over the region, a period of intense conflict and conquest that impacted many nations, including Edom.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "701 BC", "title": "Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem", "description": "The Assyrian king Sennacherib's campaign against Judah and surrounding nations, including actions against Edom, solidified Assyrian power and created deep-seated anxieties.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "605-586 BC", "title": "Babylonian Conquest and Exile", "description": "The Babylonian Empire rose to power, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Judeans. Edom is noted for its participation or complicity in this downfall.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 550 BC", "title": "Persian Empire Rises", "description": "Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire, which would eventually conquer Babylon and allow the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 520 BC", "title": "Second Temple Construction", "description": "Following the return from exile, the Jewish people began rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event in their religious and national identity.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "4th - 1st Century BC", "title": "Hellenistic Period and Roman Influence", "description": "Following Alexander the Great's conquests, the region fell under Hellenistic rule, eventually leading to Roman dominance. Edomites (Idumeans) became increasingly integrated into Judea.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. AD 30-33", "title": "Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection", "description": "The central events of Christian faith, viewed by many as the ultimate victory over spiritual enemies (sin, death, Satan), with echoes of this divine triumph seen in the prophecy.", "isCurrentContext": true } ], "summaryInsight": "The prophet uses the imagery of a triumphant warrior returning from Edom, a historical enemy of Israel, to portray God's decisive victory over His adversaries. This powerful metaphor, deeply resonant with ancient Israel's experiences of oppression and divine deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's conquest of sin and death, celebrated in His glorious resurrection." }
{ "hasHistoricalBackground": true, "events": [ { "date": "c. 8th Century BC", "title": "Assyrian Empire Dominance", "description": "The Assyrian Empire's military might loomed over the region, a period of intense conflict and conquest that impacted many nations, including Edom.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "701 BC", "title": "Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem", "description": "The Assyrian king Sennacherib's campaign against Judah and surrounding nations, including actions against Edom, solidified Assyrian power and created deep-seated anxieties.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "605-586 BC", "title": "Babylonian Conquest and Exile", "description": "The Babylonian Empire rose to power, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Judeans. Edom is noted for its participation or complicity in this downfall.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 550 BC", "title": "Persian Empire Rises", "description": "Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire, which would eventually conquer Babylon and allow the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 520 BC", "title": "Second Temple Construction", "description": "Following the return from exile, the Jewish people began rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event in their religious and national identity.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "4th - 1st Century BC", "title": "Hellenistic Period and Roman Influence", "description": "Following Alexander the Great's conquests, the region fell under Hellenistic rule, eventually leading to Roman dominance. Edomites (Idumeans) became increasingly integrated into Judea.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. AD 30-33", "title": "Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection", "description": "The central events of Christian faith, viewed by many as the ultimate victory over spiritual enemies (sin, death, Satan), with echoes of this divine triumph seen in the prophecy.", "isCurrentContext": true } ], "summaryInsight": "The prophet uses the imagery of a triumphant warrior returning from Edom, a historical enemy of Israel, to portray God's decisive victory over His adversaries. This powerful metaphor, deeply resonant with ancient Israel's experiences of oppression and divine deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's conquest of sin and death, celebrated in His glorious resurrection." }
"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 imagery of "crimsoned garments" isn't just a splash of color; it points to the intense, bloody victory this figure has achieved. This isn't a gentle arrival, but a triumphant return from crushing…
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