Isaiah 34
AOSNIsaiah 34:1-17
This prophecy of judgment was against the nations at the terrifying day of the Lord (see study note on Isaiah 2:5–22; see also Isaiah 63:1–6).
Isaiah 34:2
devote them to destruction: See Leviticus 27:28–29.
Isaiah 34:3
Leaving a dead body unburied was shameful.
Isaiah 34:4
The skies … stars: See also Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:30–31; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24–25; 2 Peter 3:10–13; Revelation 6:13–14.
Isaiah 34:5
Edom represents what all nations will experience, similar to how Moab was described in Isaiah 25.
Isaiah 34:6
Bozrah was a city in Edom, southeast of the Dead Sea.
Isaiah 34:8
The Lord’s revenge means God’s just anger against his enemies and those who oppress his people on the day of the Lord.
a year of recompense: There will be payback for Edom’s wrongs against Judah (see also Psalm 137:7; Lamentations 4:21; Obadiah; Malachi 1:3–5). Edom, known for its betrayal, will meet its end.
Isaiah 34:9
Edom’s judgment was similar to the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24; see also Jeremiah 49:17–18).
Isaiah 34:10
See also Revelation 14:11; 19:3.
Isaiah 34:11-14
Wild animals, nocturnal birds, and thorny plants with thistles and briars filled the land. These things made the place feel empty and frightening.
Isaiah 34:11
The identification of some of these birds is uncertain, but they inhabited wild and deserted places and many were considered unclean (Deuteronomy 14:11–18).
Isaiah 34:16
Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Isaiah's prophecy showed that God's word is true.
The power of the Spirit makes the Lord's plans happen, ensuring all prophecy is fulfilled as God promised.
Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.