Location
Overview
Bozrah was a principal city of Edom, set in the rugged highlands south-east of the Dead Sea. It stands in the prophets as a symbol of proud, doomed Edom.
An old Edomite city
Bozrah appears already among the kings of Edom: "Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned" (Genesis 36:33).
The oracle of judgment
The prophets pronounced its fall: "the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea [Edom]" (Isaiah 34:6); "Bozrah shall become a desolation" (Jeremiah 49:13; cf. Amos 1:12).
The warrior from Bozrah
Isaiah's haunting vision pictures the LORD coming as a conqueror "from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah... travelling in the greatness of his strength" — treading the winepress of judgment alone (Isaiah 63:1–3).
Events Here
Isaiah prophesies the LORD’s sacrifice and vengeance at Bozrah
Scripture References
9 versesGenesis1 verse
Genesis 36:33
And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
1 Chronicles1 verse
1 Chronicles 1:44
And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
Isaiah2 verses
Isaiah 34:6
The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
Isaiah 63:1
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. glorious: Heb. decked
Jeremiah3 verses
Jeremiah 48:24
And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.
Jeremiah 49:13
For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.
Jeremiah 49:22
Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
Amos1 verse
Amos 1:12
But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.
Micah1 verse
Micah 2:12
I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.
Archaeology & History
Bozrah is identified with Buseirah in southern Jordan, a fortified hilltop site excavated to reveal a substantial Edomite town with monumental buildings. Its strength and prominence made it the natural stand-in for Edom as a whole in the prophetic oracles.
Frequently asked about Bozrah
Where is Bozrah today?
Today, Bozrah corresponds to Buseirah, Jordan.
What does the name Bozrah mean?
The name Bozrah means “Sheepfold, fortress”.
What happened at Bozrah in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Bozrah include isaiah prophesies the lord’s sacrifice and vengeance at bozrah.
Where is Bozrah first mentioned in the Bible?
Bozrah is first mentioned in Genesis 36:33.
How often is Bozrah mentioned in the Bible?
Bozrah is mentioned in 9 verses across 6 books: Genesis, 1 Chronicles, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Micah.
What was Bozrah?
A chief city of Edom, repeatedly named in the prophets’ oracles of judgment — and in Isaiah 63 as the place from which the LORD comes "with dyed garments" as a mighty avenger.
Where is Bozrah?
In the highlands of Edom in southern Jordan, identified with Buseirah. (It is distinct from the Bozrah of Moab and the later city of Bosra in the Hauran.)