Before Jesus died, went to Hell, and stripped Satan of the power he had taken from Adam (Ephesians 4:8-10; Colossians 2:15) when Adam disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, the Lord already had a plan to redeem us. Notice that in verse 10 of this Psalm, God asks who would take Him to the strong city, where the devil and captive souls were (1 Peter 3:19), and guide Him to Edom, the enemy of His people, who thought they were safe living in a fortress (Obadiah 1:3,4). The Lord showed that the redemption of man would be accomplished there through His Son. God has foreknowledge. Hallelujah!

         Seven hundred years before Christ was born, Isaiah prophesied against Edom (Isaiah 34:5-8), the descendants of Esau, comparing that place to Hell, where Christ would descend. Nothing is hidden from God's eyes, so those who allow themselves to be taught by Him will know the right direction in life. We must prevent the flesh and personal vanity from “calling the shots”, but rather allow the Holy Spirit to act. Being guided by Him will make you a conqueror!

         Satan kept everything that belonged to him safe, for he still had the desire to become like God (Isaiah 14:13-14), but Jesus stripped him of everything. At the time of the Savior's crucifixion, Jerusalem was in turmoil. The Son of God was brought before the religious leaders of Israel and presented to the authorities of the Roman Empire as a deceiver and charlatan. But Jesus knew what would happen to Him, for everything was written. The Son of God endured everything in silence for love of us!

         When Jesus took upon Himself our sins, our transgressions, guilt, sicknesses, and pains, as well as the punishment that brings us peace, the Father abandoned Him: And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27.46). At that moment, Christ experienced spiritual death, separation from God, and soon after, He died physically!

         Seeing that there was nothing more to be done in Jerusalem, Jesus declared: So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit (John 19.30). A Roman centurion, seeing how the Master had died, acknowledged: “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27.54). Then Christ symbolically went to Bozrah, capital of the kingdom of Edom, to fulfill His last mission: to dispossess the enemy. Believe!

         Thus were fulfilled the following words of Isaiah: Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, this One who is glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength?— “I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save” (Isaiah 63.1). Jesus went to Hell and stripped the devil of the authority with which he oppressed us. Then the Savior was quickened by the Spirit of God and rose again. Glory!

         The strong city was taken, and the captivity that held us under the devil's reins fell to the ground. When He rose again, “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (Ephesians 4.8). We are free to live forever and ever in the Kingdom of God's love (Colossians 1:13). However, we need to take hold of what is ours in Christ!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares