“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.”
My Notes
What Does Isaiah 63:1 Mean?
Isaiah sees a figure coming from Edom — a region symbolizing enemy territory — with garments dyed red. The figure is glorious in apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength. He speaks: I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
The red garments, explained in the following verses, are stained with the blood of enemies — like a person who has trodden a winepress. This is a warrior-redeemer returning from battle. The imagery is violent and victorious.
The question — "who is this?" — creates dramatic tension. The identity is revealed through the answer: one who speaks in righteousness and is mighty to save. The combination of righteousness and saving power identifies this as a divine warrior.
Christian readers have connected this image to Revelation 19:13, where Christ returns with a vesture dipped in blood. The warrior from Edom and the rider on the white horse are the same figure — God himself, executing judgment and accomplishing redemption through battle.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How does the image of a warrior-God returning from battle expand your picture of who God is?
- 2.What does 'mighty to save' mean alongside 'speaks in righteousness'?
- 3.How do you hold together God as gentle comforter and God as fierce warrior?
- 4.Where do you need God to fight for you — not just comfort you?
Devotional
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments? Isaiah sees someone approaching — glorious, powerful, stained with battle. The question demands an answer.
I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. The warrior identifies himself not by his military record but by two qualities: righteous speech and saving power. He is not just strong. He is righteous. He is not just righteous. He is mighty to save.
The garments are dyed — not with his own blood, but with the blood of enemies. This is a victorious warrior, not a suffering one. He has trampled the opposition and returns glorious.
Travelling in the greatness of his strength. He is not limping back from battle. He is traveling — moving with power, authority, and the confidence of someone who has already won.
This image of God is uncomfortable for those who prefer only gentleness. But the same God who comforts the broken fights for them. The same hand that wipes tears also wields the winepress. Both are acts of love — one for the redeemed, one against their enemies.
The warrior is coming from Edom. The battle is won. And his garments tell the story.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?.... These are not the words of the angels at the time…
Who is this - The language of the people who see Yahweh returning as a triumphant conqueror from Idumea. Struck with his…
Who is this that cometh from Edom - Probably both Edom and Bozrah are only figurative expressions, to point out the…
It is a glorious victory that is here enquired into first and then accounted for. 1. It is a victory obtained by the…
On Bozrah, a city of Edom, see on ch. Isa 34:6.
with dyed garments Better, with bright coloured garments. The word for…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture