### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.
TRV