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.
Isaiah 34, a part of the book of Isaiah in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, is a chapter that presents a vivid account of the divine judgment and restoration. It is a prophetic narrative that speaks of the universal judgment of God upon the nations, primarily upon Edom, a historical enemy of Israel. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, His justice, and His ultimate plans for His creation.
The chapter begins with an imperative call for all nations and peoples to hear and heed the message of the Lord. This universal call emphasizes the global scope of God's judgment and the importance of His message. Just as all are called to hear, all are subject to judgment. The transcendent nature of God, His overarching authority over all the earth, is a key theme in this chapter.
Isaiah 34 vividly describes the terrifying wrath of God poured out upon the nations. The chapter uses apocalyptic imagery, depicting the heavens dissolving and the sky rolling up like a scroll. This metaphor serves to illustrate the absolute and total nature of God's judgment. The apocalyptic language used in this chapter is not unusual in prophetic writings, often serving to underscore the gravity and finality of God's judgment.
The specific focus of God's wrath in this chapter is Edom, a nation traditionally hostile to Israel. Edom serves as a representative of all the nations that oppose God and His people. The judgment upon Edom is described in graphic detail, with the land turned into a desolate wilderness and its streams turned into pitch. This destruction of Edom is a powerful symbol of God's justice, demonstrating the consequences of opposing God and His chosen people.
Following the description of divine judgment, Isaiah 34 transitions to a promise of restoration. This restoration is not for the judged nations but for the people of God. This juxtaposition of judgment and restoration serves to highlight God's mercy and love for His people, even amidst His righteous anger against the wicked.
The promise of restoration in Isaiah 34 is depicted through the imagery of the wilderness and solitary place being glad and the desert blossoming like a rose. This is a stark contrast to the desolation described earlier in the chapter, and it serves to illustrate the transformative power of God's mercy and grace. The promise of restoration is a key theme in Isaiah 34, offering hope and comfort to God's people.
One of the central messages of Isaiah 34 is the proclamation of God's sovereignty. God is depicted as the ultimate Judge, executing righteous judgment upon the nations. His judgment is absolute and inescapable, reinforcing His authority over all creation.
At the same time, God is also the ultimate Restorer. He promises to bring renewal and joy to His people, transforming their circumstances and restoring them to a place of blessing. This dual role of God as both Judge and Restorer is a testament to His character, demonstrating His justice, mercy, and love.
Another important theme in Isaiah 34 is the assurance of God's providence. Despite the dire circumstances depicted in the chapter, there is the assurance that God is in control and that His plans will ultimately prevail. This assurance is found in the certainty of God's judgment and the promise of restoration, both of which are certain and unchanging.
This assurance offers comfort and hope to God's people, reminding them that despite the challenges and difficulties they may face, God's plans for them are good and will ultimately lead to their restoration and blessing.
The chapter of Isaiah 34, with its vivid depictions of divine judgment and restoration, continues to hold relevance for readers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, justice, and mercy, offering hope and comfort to those who trust in Him. The themes of divine judgment, restoration, sovereignty, and providence resonate with timeless truths about the character of God and His plans for His creation.
In a world that often seems chaotic and unjust, Isaiah 34 assures us of the certainty of God's righteous judgment and the promise of His merciful restoration. It reminds us that God is in control, that His plans are sure, and that those who trust in Him can look forward to a future of blessing and joy. As such, Isaiah 34 stands as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of God's Word, speaking to us with a message of hope and assurance that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
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