Isaiah 34:11
Isaiah 34:11 in Multiple Translations
The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction.
¶ 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.
But the pelican and the porcupine shall possess it; and the owl and the raven shall dwell therein: and he will stretch over it the line of confusion, and the plummet of emptiness.
But the birds of the waste land will have their place there; it will be a heritage for the bittern and the raven: and it will be measured out with line and weight as a waste land.
The desert owl and screech owl will take it over, and the eagle owl and raven will live there. The Lord will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of destruction and a plumb line of desolation.
But the pelicane and the hedgehog shall possesse it, and the great owle, and the rauen shall dwel in it, and he shall stretch out vpon it the line of vanitie, and the stones of emptinesse.
And possess her do pelican and hedge-hog, And owl and raven dwell in her, And He hath stretched out over her A line of vacancy, and stones of emptiness.
But the pelican and the porcupine will possess it. The owl and the raven will dwell in it. He will stretch the line of confusion over it, and the plumb line of emptiness.
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.
The bittern and ericius shall possess it: and the ibis and the raven shall dwell in it: and a line shall be stretched out upon it, to bring it to nothing, and a plummet, unto desolation.
Ravens and various kinds of owls and small animals will live there. Yahweh will measure that land carefully: He will measure it to to decide where to cause chaos and destruction.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 34:11
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Isaiah 34:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 34:11
Study Notes — Isaiah 34:11
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 34:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:11
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
- Sermons on Isaiah 34:11
Context — Judgment on Edom
11The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction.
12No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing. 13Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 2:8 | The LORD determined to destroy the wall of the Daughter of Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withdraw His hand from destroying. He made the ramparts and walls lament; together they waste away. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 21:13 | I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab, and I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes out a bowl—wiping it and turning it upside down. |
| 3 | Zephaniah 2:14 | Herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. Both the desert owl and screech owl will roost atop her pillars. Their calls will sound from the window, but desolation will lie on the threshold, for He will expose the beams of cedar. |
| 4 | Revelation 18:2 | And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. |
| 5 | Isaiah 14:23 | “I will make her a place for owls and for swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction,” declares the LORD of Hosts. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 8:2 | David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. |
| 7 | Isaiah 13:20–22 | She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in her fortresses and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Babylon’s time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged. |
| 8 | Revelation 18:21–23 | Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again. And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again. The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.” |
| 9 | Malachi 1:3–4 | but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals. ” Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever. |
| 10 | Isaiah 24:10 | The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry. |
Isaiah 34:11 Summary
[Isaiah 34:11 describes a devastating scene where the nation of Edom is left in ruins, with only owls and ravens inhabiting the land. This picture of desolation is a result of God's judgment on Edom's sin and rebellion, as seen in scriptures like Isaiah 34:10 and Jeremiah 25:12-14. Just as Edom's destruction serves as a warning to other nations, including Israel, we can learn from this verse the importance of humility and faithfulness to God, recognizing that our actions have consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8. By reflecting on Edom's fate, we are reminded to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, and to live in accordance with His will, as described in Matthew 22:37-40.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the image of owls and ravens dwelling in Edom signify in Isaiah 34:11?
The presence of these birds indicates desolation and abandonment, as seen in Isaiah 34:11, where the LORD brings judgment upon Edom, leaving it a barren and uninhabitable land, much like the desolate landscape described in Jeremiah 9:11.
What is the meaning of the 'measuring line of chaos' and 'plumb line of destruction' in this verse?
These lines represent the tools of a builder, but in this context, they signify God's judgment and destruction upon Edom, as He measures out its punishment and ensures its downfall, much like the plumb line used by the prophet Amos in Amos 7:7-8 to signify God's judgment on Israel.
Is Edom's destruction a permanent judgment, or will the nation be restored?
According to Isaiah 34:10, Edom will 'lie desolate; no one will ever again pass through it', indicating a permanent judgment, although other scriptures, such as Ezekiel 36:24, speak of a future restoration of Israel and the nations, emphasizing God's sovereignty and mercy.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's judgment in the Bible?
Isaiah 34:11 is part of a larger narrative of God's judgment on the nations, as seen in Isaiah 13-23, and is consistent with other scriptures that describe God's judgment, such as Revelation 20:12-15, where all nations are held accountable before God.
Reflection Questions
- As you reflect on the desolation of Edom in Isaiah 34:11, consider the ways in which sin and rebellion against God can lead to spiritual desolation in your own life.
- What are the 'owls and ravens' that may be dwelling in your heart, symbolizing areas where you may be giving in to darkness or sin, and how can you invite God's light and redemption into those areas?
- How does the image of God's 'measuring line of chaos' and 'plumb line of destruction' challenge your understanding of God's justice and mercy, and what does it mean for your own relationship with Him?
- In what ways can you apply the lesson of Edom's destruction to your own life, recognizing the importance of humility, repentance, and faithfulness to God, as seen in scriptures like Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Matthew 5:3-12?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 34:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 34:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 34:11
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 34:11
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 34:11
Sermons on Isaiah 34:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i |
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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(Isaiah) Judgment of the Nations by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Babylon as described in the book of Isaiah. He emphasizes the vividness and power of God's word, which conveys the panic and terr |
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Are You One of the Chosen Ones? by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of ideas and philosophy in shaping our society. He points out that in today's generation, ther |
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Church of Vidor Saturday by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for the church to undergo a cleansing process, drawing parallels between the spiritual state of the church today and the historical clean |
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Crucified Unto Me by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity of separation from the world and dedication to God as foundational principles of Christian living. He illustrates the stark contrast between B |
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America Is Finished, unless... by Pierre Bynum | Pierre Bynum preaches about the impending judgment on America due to its sins and departure from God, emphasizing the need for national repentance and a God-sent Awakening to avert |







