Isaiah 63:1

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 63:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Isaiah 63:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 63

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Who 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? &c.] 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 Michael the archangel returning from fighting the king of Persia, for what has Edom and Bozrah to do with Persia? nor concerning Judas Maccabaeus, in whose times it seems a victory was obtained over the Edomites: the description is too grand and august to agree with any mere man; rather therefore it is to be understood of God himself taking vengeance on the wicked, many of the characters agreeing with the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“MESSIAH COMING AS THE AVENGER, IN ANSWER TO HIS PEOPLE'S PRAYERS. (Isa. 63:1-19) Who--the question of the prophet in prophetic vision. dyed--scarlet with blood (Isa 63:2-3; Rev 19:13). Bozrah--(See on Isa 34:6). travelling--rather, stately; literally, "throwing back the head" [GESENIUS]. speak in righteousness--answer of Messiah. I, who have in faithfulness given a promise of deliverance, am now about to fulfil it. Rather, speak of righteousness (Isa 45:19; Isa 46:13); salvation being meant as the result of His "righteousness" [MAURER]. save--The same Messiah that destroys the unbeliever saves the believer.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Who is this - The language of the people who see Yahweh returning as a triumphant conqueror from Idumea. Struck with his stately bearing as a warrior; with his gorgeous apparel; and with the blood on his raiment, they ask who he could be? This is a striking instance of the bold and abrupt manner of Isaiah. He does not describe him as going forth to war nor the preparation for battle; nor the battle itself, nor the conquests of cities and armies; but he introduces at once the returning conqueror having gained the victory - here represented as a solitary warrior, moving along with majestic gait from Idumea to his own capital, Jerusalem. Yahweh is not unfrequently represented as a warrior (see…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who - The church makes enquiry, and that with admiration, who it is that appears in such a habit or posture? Edom - Idumea, where Esau dwelt. It is put for all the enemies of the church. Bozrah - The capital city of Idumea. Here is also an allusion to the garments of this conqueror, Edom signifying red, and Bozrah a vintage. Glorious - Such as generals march before their armies in. Righteousness - Here Christ gives an answer, wherein he both asserts his fidelity, that he will faithfully perform what he hath promised, and that he will truly execute justice. Mighty - I have power to accomplish salvation. Isaiah 63:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“63:1-6 The judgment of Edom typifies God’s judgment of all the nations (see also 34:5-15). 63:1 The Lord’s robes are stained red with blood (63:3; cp. Rev 19:13). • The name Bozrah (Hebrew botsrah) is a wordplay on the verb batsar (“gather grapes”).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“is this: Psa 24:7-10; Sol 3:6, Sol 6:10, Sol 8:5; Mat 21:10 from Edom: Isa 34:5, Isa 34:6; Psa 137:7 dyed: Isa 63:2, Isa 63:3, Isa 9:5; Rev 19:13 Bozrah: Amo 1:11, Amo 1:12 glorious: Heb. decked travelling: Psa 45:3, Psa 45:4; Rev 11:17, Rev 11:18 speak: Isa 45:19, Isa 45:23; Num 23:19 mighty: Joh 10:28-30; Heb 7:25; Pe1 1:5; Jde 1:24, Jde 1:25 Isaiah 63:3”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“This is the smallest of all the twenty-seven prophecies. In its dramatic style it resembles Psa 24:1-10; in its visionary and emblematical character it resembles the tetralogy in Isaiah 21:1-22:14. The attention of the seer is attracted by a strange and lofty form coming from Edom, or more strictly from Bozrah; not the place in Auranitis or Hauran ( Jer 48:24) which is memorable in church history, but the place in Edomitis or Gebal, between Petra and the Dead Sea, which still exists as a village in ruins under the diminutive name of el-Busaire. "Who is this that cometh from Edom, in deep red clothes from Bozrah? This, glorious in his apparel, bending to and fro in the fulness of his…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification