1 Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.
2 For the indignation of the LORD [is] upon all nations, and [his] fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.
3 Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.
4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.
5 For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.
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.
7 And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.
8 For [it is] the day of the LORD’S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.
9 And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
11 But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.
12 They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none [shall be] there, and all her princes shall be nothing.
13 And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, [and] a court for owls.
14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
15 There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
16 Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.
17 And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 34
Isaiah 34 is a prophetic chapter that focuses on the judgment of nations, particularly Edom, and serves as a vivid depiction of God’s wrath against those who oppose Him. This chapter emphasizes themes of divine retribution, the desolation of the land, and the ultimate triumph of God’s justice.
The Call to Nations
The chapter begins with a summons to the nations and peoples to gather and witness the impending judgment. This call serves several purposes:
- To highlight the seriousness of God’s impending judgment.
- To demonstrate that God’s justice is not limited to Israel but extends to all nations.
- To emphasize the universal nature of God’s sovereignty and authority.
Divine Judgment Against Edom
Isaiah 34 specifically targets Edom, a nation historically known for its hostility towards Israel. The text describes the following aspects of God’s judgment:
- Destruction of the Land: The imagery used conveys total devastation, with references to the land being turned into a wasteland.
- Wrath and Anger: The chapter illustrates God’s fierce anger against Edom, depicting His sword and judgment as instruments of divine vengeance.
- Bloodshed and Carnage: The language is graphic, emphasizing the severity of the punishment that awaits those who oppose God.
Imagery of Desolation
The chapter employs vivid imagery to portray the desolation that will befall Edom:
- Thorns and Briers: The land will be overrun by thorns and briers, symbolizing decay and abandonment.
- Wild Animals: The mention of wild animals taking over the desolate land suggests a complete reversal of civilization and a return to chaos.
- Uninhabited Cities: The cities of Edom will be left empty, reinforcing the idea of total destruction.
Theological Implications
This chapter raises significant theological themes:
- The Justice of God: It affirms the belief that God will ultimately judge nations based on their actions and treatment of His people.
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter underscores that God is in control of history and will fulfill His promises regarding judgment and restoration.
- Hope for the Faithful: While it depicts destruction, the chapter also serves as a reminder of hope for those who remain faithful to God amidst turmoil.
Conclusion
Isaiah 34 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s justice and the consequences of rebellion against Him. Through vivid imagery and a strong message of judgment, the chapter calls both nations and individuals to recognize the sovereignty of God and the importance of aligning with His will. The desolation of Edom stands as a warning and a testament to the reality of divine retribution.
