Capital city of Edom
Bozrah
Named in 7 verses across 5 books, first in Genesis 36:33.
בׇּצְרָהBozrah
The name means “in tribulation or distress.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Bozrah Written by AI
Bozrah was a prominent city in the land of Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea. It served as the capital of Edom during the reign of King Jobab, son of Zerah (Genesis 36:33, 1Ch.1.44). The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos mention Bozrah in their oracles of judgment against Edom (Isaiah 34:6, 63:1; Jeremiah 49:13, 22; Amo.1.12). These prophecies depict Bozrah as a symbol of Edom's power and pride, which would be brought low by God's judgment. Isaiah's prophecy portrays God as a warrior coming from Bozrah with blood-stained garments, symbolizing His vengeance against Edom (Isaiah 63:1-6). Jeremiah foretells that Bozrah would become a desolation and a curse, with its inhabitants fleeing in terror (Jeremiah 49:13, 22). Amos declares that God would send fire upon Bozrah, consuming its palaces (Amo.1.12). The exact location of Bozrah is uncertain, but it is believed to be near the modern town of Busaira in southern Jordan. It should not be confused with the Levitical city of Bezer, also called Bozrah, in the territory of Reuben (Deu.4.43, Joshua 20:8).
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Enclosure; fortress. (1.) The city of Jobab, one of the early Edomite kings (Gen. 36:33). This place is mentioned by the prophets in later times (Isa. 34:6; Jer. 49:13; Amos 1:12; Micah 2:12). Its modern representative is el-Busseireh. It lies in the mountain district of Petra, 20 miles to the south-east of the Dead Sea.
(2.) A Moabite city in the “plain country” (Jer. 48:24), i.e., on the high level down on the east of the Dead Sea. It is probably the modern Buzrah.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
30.735, 35.606 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- Genesis 36:33
When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place.
- 1 Chronicles 1:44
When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place.
- Isaiah 34:6
The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
- Isaiah 63:1
Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.”
- Jeremiah 49:13
For by Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that Bozrah will become a desolation, a disgrace, a ruin, and a curse, and all her cities will be in ruins forever.”
- Jeremiah 49:22
Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down, spreading its wings over Bozrah. In that day the hearts of Edom’s mighty men will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
- Amos 1:12
So I will send fire upon Teman to consume the citadels of Bozrah.”
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.