Who Is This that Comes from Edom
Who is this that comes from Edom
Who Is This that Comes from Edom is a hymn text by Martin Luther (1524) in 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 meter. Translated by Martin H. Bertram. Found in lw 278, tlh 209.
This hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on Christ's objective victory over death and the powers of evil, proclaiming the triumph of the resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope. The text embodies Luther's theology of the Gospel as the proclamation of God's mighty acts of salvation accomplished in Christ.
History & Background
Luther wrote this hymn around 1524 as part of his early hymn-writing activity for congregational worship. The text is based on Isaiah 63:1-3 and emphasizes Christ's victorious return and triumph over sin and death, appearing in numerous German hymnals and later translated for English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 278
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 209
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Luther in 1524, this Reformation hymn draws on Isaiah's vision of the suffering servant's triumphant return, celebrating Christ's objective victory over evil as the ground of Christian hope and confidence.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims the Gospel's central claim—that Christ's death and resurrection constitute God's definitive act against sin and death—and invites the hearer to move from awe at His power to assurance of personal redemption through faith.
Background Research
TLH 209. Thomas Kelly, on Isaiah 63:1–7 ("Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?"): the warrior returning from treading the winepress alone, read as Christ's victory over Satan and death. Gottesblog (2022) pairs it with the Holy Wednesday Old Testament reading (Isa 62:11–63:7), and TLH puts it in its Easter/Ascension section, which shows the two traditional ways the passage is read. Hymnary also lists an anthem built from sundry Scriptures in a 1781 collection, on the same text. DATE FLAG: the index gives Kelly's death as 1854, but Melody Publications gives 14 May 1855 (aged 86), which I believe is correct. See r564 for Kelly's biography.
Overview
Thomas Kelly's Easter hymn built on Isa 63:1-6, the Divine Warrior returning from Edom with garments stained red. The question (st. 1) is answered: it is the victorious Savior, who has conquered Satan and the grave (st. 2); the blood on his robes is that of his defeated foes, fallen never to rise (st. 3); reign forever, Victor, who fought our foes and healed our woes (st. 4). Church tradition has long read the passage of Christ, with the stained garments also recalling his own Passion.
Central theme: The risen Christ as the Divine Warrior returning in triumph from the battle against sin, Satan and death
Structure
Four six-line stanzas (8.7.8.7.7.7). The question (1) — the Savior (2) — the defeated foes (3) — the reign (4).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel: 'To the captive speaking freedom'; 'Satan conquered and the grave'; 'Thou hast healed Thy people's woes.'
Confessional Connections
2 Tim 1:10 (TLH's text): Christ 'abolished death and brought life and immortality to light.' The foes are spiritual — Satan, sin, death, hell (Col 2:15; Heb 2:14) — not human nations; the hymn applies Isa 63 christologically as Rev 19:13 does ('clothed in a robe dipped in blood'). This is the 'Christus Victor' strand of the atonement, which Lutherans hold together with satisfaction (SC Second Article: 'from sin, from death, and from the power of the devil').
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Easter season; Ascension.
Historical Notes
Kelly (1769-1854), Irish evangelical who left the Church of Ireland and founded his own congregations; author of 765 hymns. Published in his Hymns on Various Passages of Scripture (1809).
About the Tune
NEANDER (Joachim Neander, 1680) — also called UNSER HERRSCHER.
Scripture References
Isa 63:1-6 2 Tim 1:10 Isa 61:1 Luke 4:18 Col 2:15 Heb 2:14 Rev 19:13 Rev 19:11-16 1 Cor 15:25-26 Rev 5:9-12 Isa 53:4-5
Stanza by Stanza
Who is this coming from Edom, his clothing all stained with blood, proclaiming freedom to the captive, bringing and giving good things, glorious in the clothing he wears, glorious in the plunder he carries?
'Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah… splendid in his apparel?' (Isa 63:1). 'To proclaim liberty to the captives' (Isa 61:1; Luke 4:18).
- Scripture
- Isa 63:1, Isa 61:1, Luke 4:18
- Imagery & language
- Edom; stained raiment; captives freed; spoil.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the Liberator.
- Connection to previous
- The question.
It is the Savior, now victorious, traveling on in his strength; it is the Savior — how glorious a sight to his people! Satan and the grave are conquered; Jesus is now mighty to save.
'It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save' (Isa 63:1). Through death he destroyed the devil (Heb 2:14).
- Scripture
- Isa 63:1, Heb 2:14, Col 2:15
- Imagery & language
- Savior victorious; strong to save.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — victory.
- Connection to previous
- The Savior.
Why is his clothing stained with blood? It is the blood of many slain; none of his enemies remain to keep up the fight. They have fallen, never to rise again; all their glory lies in the dust.
'Why is your apparel red?… I trod them in my anger' (Isa 63:2-3). 'He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood' (Rev 19:13). 'The last enemy to be destroyed is death' (1 Cor 15:26). The foes are the spiritual powers.
- Scripture
- Isa 63:2-6, Rev 19:13, 1 Cor 15:25-26
- Imagery & language
- Bloodstained raiment; foes fallen.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — enemies destroyed.
- Connection to previous
- The foes.
Mighty Victor, reign forever; wear the crown you won at such cost. Your people will never stop singing what you have done. You fought your people's enemies; you healed your people's sorrows.
'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain' (Rev 5:12). 'Surely he has borne our griefs… with his wounds we are healed' (Isa 53:4-5).
- Scripture
- Rev 5:9-12, Isa 53:4-5, Rev 19:16
- Imagery & language
- Crown dearly won; foes fought; woes healed.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — reign and healing.
- Connection to previous
- Reign.
Themes
Christ's victory Resurrection power Redemption through Christ God's power over sin and death