Isaiah 34

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a call to the nations to gather and witness God's judgment on the world, as described in Isaiah 34:1-4. The Lord will come with a sword to judge the nations, and the mountains will be soaked with the blood of the slain, as stated in Isaiah 34:3. The chapter then focuses on Edom, which will be utterly destroyed and become a desolate wasteland, as prophesied in Isaiah 34:5-17. The chapter concludes with a description of the desolation and the creatures that will inhabit the land, as seen in Isaiah 34:11-15. Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice in judging the nations for their sin.

Context for the Chapter

Isaiah chapter 34 is part of a larger section of the book that deals with God's judgment on the nations, specifically Edom. The chapter is closely tied to the preceding chapters, which describe God's judgment on various nations, and sets the stage for the final section of the book, which describes the restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. The chapter is also closely related to other prophetic books, such as Ezekiel and Jeremiah, which also describe God's judgment on the nations.

Heart Application

This chapter serves as a reminder of the severity of God's judgment on sin and the importance of seeking redemption through Christ. It emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in the face of God's sovereignty and authority. As believers, we should be mindful of God's judgment and seek to live in obedience to His will, trusting in His mercy and grace.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Isaiah chapter 34 is about God's judgment on the nations, specifically Edom, for their sin and rebellion. The chapter describes the devastation and desolation that will befall these nations as a result of God's wrath, as stated in Isaiah 34:1-4. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all the earth, and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking redemption through Christ. In Isaiah 34:5, the Lord's slaughter of the nations is a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring on the world.

Voices from the Church

“The judgment of God is a terrible thing, and it is a solemn thought that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:10.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The sovereignty of God is a fundamental doctrine of Scripture, and it is essential to understand that God is the ruler of all things, as seen in Psalm 103:19.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Call to Witness God's Judgment (Isaiah 34:1-4) — The chapter begins with a call to the nations to gather and witness God's judgment on the world.
2. The Description of God's Judgment (Isaiah 34:5-10) — The chapter then describes the devastation and desolation that will befall the nations as a result of God's wrath.
3. The Emphasis on Edom's Destruction (Isaiah 34:5-17) — The chapter focuses on Edom, which will be utterly destroyed and become a desolate wasteland.
4. The Description of the Desolation (Isaiah 34:11-15) — The chapter concludes with a description of the desolation and the creatures that will inhabit the land.
5. The Conclusion (Isaiah 34:16-17) — The chapter concludes with an emphasis on God's sovereignty and authority over all the earth.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter emphasizes God's absolute authority and control over the nations and their destiny, as seen in Isaiah 34:1-4 and 17.

The Wrath of God

The chapter describes the severity of God's wrath towards sin and rebellion, as stated in Isaiah 34:2-3.

The Judgment of God

The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's judgment on sin and the need for redemption through Christ, as seen in Isaiah 34:5 and John 12:31.

The Redemption through Christ

The chapter points to the need for salvation through Christ, who took upon Himself the wrath of God for sinners, as seen in Isaiah 34:5 and John 12:31.

Lessons from Isaiah 34

1. The Importance of Seeking Redemption through Christ — The chapter emphasizes the need for redemption through Christ, who took upon Himself the wrath of God for sinners, as seen in Isaiah 34:5 and John 12:31.
2. The Severity of God's Wrath — The chapter describes the severity of God's wrath towards sin and rebellion, as stated in Isaiah 34:2-3.
3. The Emphasis on God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's absolute authority and control over the nations and their destiny, as seen in Isaiah 34:1-4 and 17.
4. The Universality of God's Judgment — The chapter emphasizes that God's judgment is not limited to one nation, but is universal, encompassing all nations, as stated in Isaiah 34:1-4.
5. The Importance of Humility and Repentance — The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and repentance in the face of God's sovereignty and authority.

Themes from Isaiah 34

1. God's Judgment on the Nations — The chapter emphasizes God's judgment on the nations for their sin and rebellion, as stated in Isaiah 34:1-4.
2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's absolute authority and control over the nations and their destiny, as seen in Isaiah 34:1-4 and 17.
3. The Wrath of God — The chapter describes the severity of God's wrath towards sin and rebellion, as stated in Isaiah 34:2-3.
4. The Redemption through Christ — The chapter points to the need for salvation through Christ, who took upon Himself the wrath of God for sinners, as seen in Isaiah 34:5 and John 12:31.
5. The Importance of Humility and Repentance — The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and repentance in the face of God's sovereignty and authority.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the main theme of Isaiah chapter 34?
2. How does the chapter describe God's judgment on the nations?
3. What is the significance of Edom's destruction in the chapter?
4. How does the chapter emphasize God's sovereignty and authority over all the earth?
5. What is the practical application of this chapter for believers today?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Isaiah 34

	Sermon	Description
	The Lord's Controversy Concerning Zion by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the love of Jesus and His desire to give peace and rest to His followers. He warns against the flood of sin and deception that is being sprea
	Week of Meetings-07 Armageddon-Who When Where by Dwight Pentecost	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events that will occur after the Lord Jesus Christ takes believers to be with Him. He mentions that the nations of the earth are currentl
	Judgment Prepared in the Ungodly Ii by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of complacency and its consequences. He uses the analogy of thieves robbing vineyards to illustrate how God will strip away every
	Armageddon and the Day of the Lord by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dark days that are prophesied in the Bible, but emphasizes that the scripture always offers hope and a future beyond the darkness.
	(Through the Bible) Isaiah 31-35 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the future reign of Christ and the restoration of the world as God intended it. He emphasizes that the current state of suffering and physical
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 34:4 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the future events that will occur before the glorious kingdom age. He emphasizes that there will be a period of great tribulation and G
	(Revelation) the Day of Vengeance Fully Come by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to the day of judgment as described in the book of Revelation. He highlights the battle of Armageddon, the judgment of
	The Sounds and Fury of Hell by Steve Zehr	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the repulsive and horrifying experience of watching a video of Nick Berg being beheaded by Al Qaeda in Iraq. The speaker describes the screa
	16 Facets of the Word of God by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a moment when they were in a restaurant filled with expensive and beautiful things. They noticed that in order to enter the restaurant, the
	(Isaiah) the Highway of Holiness by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the hope and transformation that believers can experience through the power of God. He emphasizes that nature is eagerly waiting for the Mes

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 34

In this chapter, we see the Lord's judgment on the nations, specifically Edom, for their sin and rebellion. The chapter is a solemn warning to all nations of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking redemption through Christ. The description of God's judgment is severe and graphic, emphasizing the intensity of His wrath towards sin. The chapter also emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all the earth, and the importance of humility and repentance in the face of His judgment. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is enraged against all the nations, and furious against all their armies; He has devoted them to destruction, and given them over to slaughter.' This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking salvation through Christ, who took upon Himself the wrath of God for sinners, and of living in obedience to His will, trusting in His mercy and grace. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?