feminine from בָּצַר; an enclosure, i.e. sheep fold; Bozrah.
Transliteration:botsrâh
Pronunciation:bots-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term botsrâh (`{{H1223}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root batsar (`{{H1219}}`), which conveys the sense of "to cut off," "to enclose," "to fortify," or "to make inaccessible." The base definition of botsrâh itself is "an enclosure," specifically highlighting its application as a "sheep fold." This suggests a place of protection, security, and often, fortification. Beyond its common noun meaning, botsrâh is predominantly used in the biblical text as a proper noun, "Bozrah," referring to a significant city in Edom. The name of the city itself thus carries the semantic weight of being a strong, fortified, or inaccessible place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the common noun meaning of "enclosure" or "sheepfold" is inherent in its etymology, botsrâh (`{{H1223}}`) is almost exclusively used as the proper name "Bozrah" in the Hebrew Bible. It is consistently identified as a prominent city in the territory of Edom, a nation frequently in conflict with Israel.
* In [[Genesis 36:33]], Bozrah is mentioned as the city from which Jobab, one of the kings of Edom, reigned, establishing its early historical significance as a capital or royal seat.
* The prophetic books frequently feature Bozrah as a target of divine judgment, symbolizing the entire nation of Edom. [[Isaiah 34:6]] and [[Isaiah 34:9]] depict Bozrah as a place of great slaughter, where the Lord's sword is "filled with blood" and "made fat with fatness," signifying a complete and devastating judgment.
* Perhaps the most striking and theologically rich occurrence is in [[Isaiah 63:1]], where the Lord is depicted coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with "dyed garments," having "trodden the winepress alone." This vivid imagery portrays God's fierce and solitary execution of judgment against His enemies.
* [[Jeremiah 49:13]] and [[Jeremiah 49:22]] reiterate the prophecy of Bozrah's utter desolation, becoming a "perpetual waste" and a "reproach," underscoring the finality of God's judgment against Edomite pride and hostility.
* [[Amos 1:12]] also pronounces judgment, declaring that "fire will be sent upon Teman, and it will devour the strongholds of Bozrah," emphasizing the destruction of its fortifications.
Across these contexts, Bozrah serves as a powerful symbol of Edomite strength and, consequently, the object of God's righteous and unyielding wrath against those who oppose His divine will and His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root batsar (`{{H1219}}`), from which botsrâh is derived. This root signifies "to cut off," "to enclose," "to fortify," or "to make inaccessible." This foundational meaning informs the understanding of Bozrah as a fortified, strong city.
Related concepts include:
* **Fortified Cities:** Bozrah's identity as a stronghold connects it to other heavily defended cities in biblical narratives, highlighting the human reliance on physical defenses.
* **Sheepfolds/Enclosures:** The literal meaning of botsrâh points to a place of protection for livestock, which contrasts sharply with the city's eventual fate of destruction.
* **Divine Judgment:** The consistent portrayal of Bozrah as the target of God's wrath links it inextricably with the broader biblical theme of divine judgment against nations, particularly those characterized by pride and enmity towards God's covenant people.
* **Edom:** As the capital or a major city of Edom, Bozrah is representative of the entire nation and its adversarial relationship with Israel, rooted in the ancient rivalry between Jacob and Esau.
* **The Winepress of God's Wrath:** The imagery in [[Isaiah 63:1-6]] profoundly connects Bozrah to the concept of God's decisive and overwhelming judgment, often paralleled with the treading of a winepress, a metaphor for righteous vengeance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of botsrâh (Bozrah) is profound, primarily revolving around themes of divine judgment, sovereignty, and the ultimate futility of human strength apart from God.
1. **Symbol of Defiance and Pride:** As a fortified capital, Bozrah represents the strength, pride, and self-reliance of nations that stand in opposition to God and His purposes. Its repeated condemnation by the prophets underscores the biblical truth that no human stronghold, no matter how formidable, can withstand the righteous judgment of the Almighty.
2. **Manifestation of Divine Judgment:** The prophecies against Bozrah serve as stark warnings and demonstrations of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. The destruction foretold for Bozrah illustrates that God's justice will be executed fully and decisively against sin, rebellion, and the oppression of His people. It highlights the principle that God holds all nations accountable for their actions.
3. **The "Winepress" of God's Wrath:** [[Isaiah 63:1-6]] is arguably the most theologically significant passage involving Bozrah. The image of the Lord returning from Bozrah with blood-stained garments, having "trodden the winepress alone," is a powerful metaphor for God's righteous wrath against His enemies. This imagery is echoed in later biblical texts, particularly in the Book of Revelation, signifying the final, decisive judgment upon evil. It portrays God as the sole and irresistible executor of divine justice.
4. **Messianic Foreshadowing (Interpretive):** While primarily a passage of judgment, some interpretations of [[Isaiah 63:1]] see a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate triumph. The "one who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, mighty to save" can be seen as a prefigurement of the Messiah, who defeats the enemies of God not only through judgment but also by securing salvation through His own sacrifice and victory over sin and death.
### Summary
The Hebrew word botsrâh (`{{H1223}}`), derived from batsar (`{{H1219}}`) meaning "to enclose" or "to fortify," primarily functions in the Bible as the proper noun "Bozrah," a significant and fortified capital city of Edom. Its biblical occurrences are almost exclusively within prophetic contexts, where it symbolizes the nation of Edom and becomes a focal point for divine judgment. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos pronounce severe destruction upon Bozrah, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous wrath against nations characterized by pride and enmity toward His covenant people. The most profound theological significance lies in [[Isaiah 63:1-6]], where the Lord's return from Bozrah with blood-stained garments powerfully depicts Him treading the "winepress" of divine judgment. This imagery underscores the inevitability of God's justice and His ultimate triumph over all opposition, serving as a stark reminder that no human stronghold can withstand the power of the Almighty.
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