Isaiah 63:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who is this that cometh {H935} from Edom {H123}, with dyed {H2556} garments {H899} from Bozrah {H1224}? this that is glorious {H1921} in his apparel {H3830}, travelling {H6808} in the greatness {H7230} of his strength {H3581}? I that speak {H1696} in righteousness {H6666}, mighty {H7227} to save {H3467}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who is this, coming from Edom, from Botzrah with clothing stained crimson, so magnificently dressed, so stately in his great strength? "It is I, who speak victoriously, I, well able to save."

Berean Standard Bible

Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.”

American Standard Version

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 63:1 presents a dramatic prophetic vision of a solitary, majestic figure returning from a decisive conflict, His garments stained with the remnants of battle. The prophet's astonished inquiry, "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?", elicits a powerful self-identification from the figure: "I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." This verse introduces a profound exposition of God's righteous judgment against His adversaries and His unparalleled power to deliver His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 63:1 marks a significant shift in the book of Isaiah, transitioning from the glorious promises of restoration for Zion (chapters 60-62) to a vivid depiction of divine judgment before the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. While the preceding chapters anticipate a time of peace and prosperity for God's people, this verse abruptly introduces the necessary prelude of God's active intervention to remove all obstacles to that peace. It sets the stage for a dramatic monologue by the Divine Warrior (Isaiah 63:1-6) and a subsequent lament and prayer of the people (Isaiah 63:7-64:12), ultimately leading to the vision of new heavens and a new earth in the final chapters (Isaiah 65-66). This section underscores that God's salvation is not merely a passive act but involves a forceful, righteous conquest over evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah, was a perpetual and bitter adversary of Israel, descended from Esau (Genesis 25:25, 36:1). Throughout Israel's history, Edom displayed consistent hostility, often aligning with Israel's enemies (Psalm 137:7; Obadiah 1:10-14). Bozrah was one of Edom's principal cities and a strategic stronghold. In prophetic literature, Edom often serves as a symbolic representation of all nations hostile to God and His people, embodying unrepentant opposition to divine purposes. The imagery of a warrior returning with "dyed garments" would immediately evoke the aftermath of a bloody battle in the ancient Near East, where the victor's clothing would be stained by the blood of the vanquished. This cultural understanding emphasizes the intensity and finality of the depicted conflict.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several core themes woven throughout Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Warrior** motif, portraying God not as a distant deity but as an active, formidable combatant who personally engages in conflict to defend His honor and His people. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Righteous Judgment**, demonstrating that God's actions are not arbitrary but rooted in His perfect justice, ensuring that evil will not go unpunished. The destruction of Edom symbolizes the ultimate triumph of God over all forms of wickedness and rebellion. Thirdly, the declaration "mighty to save" introduces the theme of **Sovereign Salvation**, revealing that the same immense power used for judgment is also profoundly directed towards delivering and preserving those who trust in Him. This duality of judgment and salvation, often seen in passages like [Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God Judges the Earth"), is central to understanding God's character and His ultimate plan for humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dyed (Hebrew, _châmêts'_):** From H2556, meaning "to be pungent," "sour," "dazzling," or "leavened." In this context, it specifically refers to a "reddened" or "stained" appearance, strongly implying garments soaked or splattered with blood from battle, rather than simply a color from dye. This nuance emphasizes the violent and decisive nature of the divine judgment just executed.
* **glorious (Hebrew, _hâdar'_):** From H1921, meaning "to swell up," "to favor or honour," "be high or proud." It conveys a sense of majesty, splendor, and inherent dignity. The figure's "glorious apparel" signifies not just beauty but a display of divine authority and triumphant honor, befitting a victorious King or Warrior.
* **mighty to save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_ with _rab'_):** The phrase combines H7227 (_rab_), meaning "abundant," "great," or "much," with H3467 (_yâshaʻ_), meaning "to be open, wide or free," "to be safe," or "to free or succor." Together, it signifies an immense, abundant, and unparalleled capacity to deliver, rescue, and bring salvation. This is not merely a willingness to save, but an absolute and overwhelming power to achieve it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?":** This opening rhetorical question immediately plunges the reader into a scene of mystery and dramatic anticipation. The prophet, acting as a representative of Israel, observes a formidable figure approaching. The specific mention of "Edom" and its capital "Bozrah" identifies the source of the figure's return, signaling that a significant, decisive conflict has just concluded in the territory of Israel's ancient adversary. The "dyed garments" are the visual evidence of this recent, bloody engagement, provoking the prophet's inquiry.
* **"this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?":** The question continues, shifting from the figure's origin and the state of His clothing to His majestic appearance and powerful demeanor. "Glorious in his apparel" speaks to His inherent majesty and the splendor of His victorious state, not merely the fabric of His clothing. "Travelling in the greatness of his strength" underscores His immense power and the effortless, overwhelming might with which He has accomplished His task. This description elevates the figure beyond a mere human warrior to one of divine stature.
* **"I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.":** The figure's direct, authoritative response resolves the mystery of His identity. He declares Himself as one whose words and actions are founded upon perfect "righteousness" (justice and moral rectitude). Crucially, He also affirms His ultimate purpose and capability: He is "mighty to save." This self-identification reveals the dual nature of His power – the same strength that executed judgment upon Edom is also supremely capable of delivering and preserving His people, rooted always in His inherent justice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 63:1 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a returning warrior whose garments are "dyed" (stained with blood), signifying a recent, decisive victory. The phrase "glorious in his apparel" further enhances this imagery, conveying majesty and triumph. The opening "Who is this...?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, immediately drawing the reader into the scene and creating a sense of awe and anticipation before the figure's self-revelation. **Symbolism** is paramount, with Edom and Bozrah representing not just a historical enemy but all adversaries of God and His people, making the victory over them symbolic of God's ultimate triumph over evil. The "dyed garments" are also symbolic, representing the blood of the vanquished and the execution of divine wrath. Finally, the passage employs **Personification**, presenting God (the figure) in the anthropomorphic role of a victorious warrior returning from battle, making His divine attributes more relatable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 63:1 profoundly reveals God's active sovereignty and His commitment to both justice and salvation. It shatters any notion of a passive deity, presenting the Lord as the ultimate Divine Warrior who personally intervenes in history to execute His righteous judgments. This is not arbitrary violence but a holy vengeance against those who have persistently opposed His will and oppressed His people. Yet, the same immense power that brings judgment is also dedicated to salvation, demonstrating that God's might is always in service of His righteous character. His "dyed garments" are a testament to His wrath against sin, but His declaration "mighty to save" offers profound hope and assurance to those who align with His purposes. This tension between divine wrath and divine mercy is a central theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the person and work of Christ.

* [Revelation 19:13](/revelation/19-13 "Revelation 19:13 - Christ's Return as Warrior")
* [Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God Comes to Judge")
* [Zephaniah 3:17](/zephaniah/3-17 "Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord Your God Is With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 63:1 offers both a solemn warning and immense comfort. For those who persist in rebellion against God, it serves as a stark reminder of His inevitable and righteous judgment. The "dyed garments" are a potent symbol of the consequences that await those who reject His authority and oppress His people. God's patience is not infinite, and His justice will ultimately prevail. For believers, however, this vision provides profound assurance. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people or the prevalence of evil in the world. He is the sovereign Lord, actively engaged in history, who will ultimately conquer all His enemies and bring about complete and glorious salvation for those who trust in Him. His power to save is absolute, exceeding any challenge or threat. This truth should inspire confidence, patience in suffering, and a deep reverence for His holy character. We are called to live in light of His ultimate victory, trusting in His righteousness and His boundless capacity to deliver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God as a "Divine Warrior" returning from Edom impact your understanding of His character and power?**
* **In what ways does the declaration "mighty to save" provide comfort and assurance in your own life or in the face of global injustices?**
* **How should the dual nature of God's power—both to judge and to save—shape our perspective on sin and redemption?**
* **What does it mean to live in anticipation of God's ultimate triumph over all evil, as foreshadowed in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Who is the mysterious figure returning from Edom in Isaiah 63:1?**

Answer: The figure is the Lord God Himself, as indicated by His self-identification: "I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." While the imagery is that of a victorious warrior, the attributes and power described clearly point to the divine. He is portrayed as the sovereign judge and deliverer of His people.

**Why are the garments "dyed," and what is the significance of Edom and Bozrah?**

Answer: The garments are "dyed" or stained with the blood of the vanquished enemies, signifying a recent and decisive battle. This imagery is further elaborated in the following verses (Isaiah 63:2-3), where the Lord confirms He has trampled His enemies like grapes in a winepress. Edom and its capital, Bozrah, were historical adversaries of Israel, known for their persistent hostility. In this prophetic context, they symbolize all nations and powers that oppose God and His people, representing the objects of divine judgment. The return from Edom signifies God's ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 63:1 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of God's judgment on Edom, the imagery of the Divine Warrior "mighty to save" profoundly foreshadows Christ's dual role as both Savior and Judge. At His first coming, Jesus came not to condemn but to save (John 3:17), fulfilling the "mighty to save" aspect by offering Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), shedding His own blood for our redemption (Hebrews 9:22). His victory on the cross, though seemingly a defeat, was the ultimate conquest over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). However, the "dyed garments" and the return from a place of judgment also powerfully prefigure Christ's second coming. Revelation 19:13 depicts Christ returning as a warrior, "clothed in a robe dipped in blood," trampling "the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty" (Revelation 19:15). This future event will be the final, decisive act of judgment against all unrighteousness, after which He will establish His eternal kingdom in perfect righteousness (Matthew 25:31-33). Thus, Christ embodies the one who is both "mighty to save" through His atoning sacrifice and "mighty to judge" in His glorious return, ensuring the full and final realization of God's righteous plan for creation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 19:13

And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Isaiah 34:5

For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.

Isaiah 34:6

The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, [and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.

Psalms 137:7

¶ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.

Isaiah 63:2

Wherefore [art thou] red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

Isaiah 63:3

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people [there was] none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?