Who Is This that Comes from Edom
Who is this that comes from Edom
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.
Themes
Christ's victory Resurrection power Redemption through Christ God's power over sin and death