The Hebrew word Botsrâh H1224, is the name of a place in Edom H123. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses and is defined as being the same as botsrâh H1223, which means an enclosure or sheep fold. This dual meaning informs its use as both a prominent city and a powerful prophetic symbol.
In biblical history, Botsrâh H1224 is identified as the city of the Edomite king Jobab H3103 (Genesis 36:33, 1 Chronicles 1:44). However, it is most frequently mentioned in the context of divine judgment. The LORD H3068 swears that Botsrâh H1224 will become a desolation H8047, a reproach H2781, and a curse H7045 Jeremiah 49:13. It is the site of a great slaughter H2874 and sacrifice H2077 for the LORD in the land of Idumea H123 Isaiah 34:6. The prophet Amos foretells a fire H784 that will devour H398 its palaces H759 Amos 1:12. While primarily associated with Edom, it is also listed among the cities H5892 of Moab H4124 destined for judgment Jeremiah 48:24.
Several related words clarify the context and significance of Botsrâh:
- H1223 botsrâh (Bozrah): This word, meaning an enclosure or sheep fold, provides a key symbolic layer. In Micah 2:12, the remnant of Israel H3478 is gathered like sheep H6629 of Bozrah H1223 H1224 in a fold H1699.
- H123 ʼĔdôm (Edom): This is the nation with which Bozrah is most closely associated. Prophecies against Bozrah are often directed at Edom as a whole, as seen when the heart H3820 of Edom's mighty men H1368 fails at the prospect of an attack on the city Jeremiah 49:22.
- H8487 Têymân (Teman): Another important city in Edom, it is prophetically linked with Bozrah. Judgment is declared upon Teman which will devour H398 the palaces H759 of Bozrah Amos 1:12.
- H759 ʼarmôwn (palace): The mention of Bozrah's palaces H759 being devoured by fire H784 underscores its status as a royal and fortified city, making its destruction a significant display of divine power Amos 1:12.
The theological weight of Botsrâh H1224 is multifaceted, representing both judgment and redemption.
- A Symbol of Judgment: As a prominent city in Edom, Bozrah stands as a representative target for God's wrath against nations that oppose Him. The imagery of the LORD's sword H2719 being filled H4390 with blood H1818 in Bozrah signifies a total and decisive divine judgment Isaiah 34:6.
- A Metaphor for Gathering: In a dramatic turn of imagery, Micah uses the name to symbolize a place of protection. The LORD promises to gather H6908 the remnant of Israel H3478 like sheep H6629 of Bozrah, highlighting a promise of restoration and safety within a secure fold H1699 Micah 2:12.
- A Scene of Divine Victory: The warrior figure in Isaiah 63:1 cometh H935 from Bozrah with dyed H2556 garments H899, glorious H1921 in his apparel H3830 and mighty H7227 to save H3467. This portrays Bozrah as the location of a great victory, from which the divine conqueror emerges triumphant.
In summary, Botsrâh H1224 transcends its identity as a mere geographical location. While historically an Edomite royal city, its primary scriptural role is prophetic. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's judgment upon the proud and rebellious, destined for desolation and slaughter. Simultaneously, its name's connection to a "sheep fold" allows it to be used as a contrasting metaphor for the secure gathering of God's remnant. It is a place of both fierce divine retribution and ultimate redemptive victory.
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