Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He allots their portions; his hand distributes them by measure. They will possess it forever and dwell there from generation to generation. New Living Translation He has surveyed and divided the land and deeded it over to those creatures. They will possess it forever, from generation to generation. English Standard Version He has cast the lot for them; his hand has portioned it out to them with the line; they shall possess it forever; from generation to generation they shall dwell in it. Berean Standard Bible He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation. Berean Literal Bible And He has cast in it a lot, and His hand has divided it among them with a measuring line; even to forever they will possess it; for generation and generation they will dwell in it. King James Bible 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. New King James Version He has cast the lot for them, And His hand has divided it among them with a measuring line. They shall possess it forever; From generation to generation they shall dwell in it.” New American Standard Bible He has cast the lot for them, And His hand has divided it to them by the measuring line. They shall possess it forever; From generation to generation they will dwell in it. NASB 1995 He has cast the lot for them, And His hand has divided it to them by line. They shall possess it forever; From generation to generation they will dwell in it. NASB 1977 And He has cast the lot for them, And His hand has divided it to them by line. They shall possess it forever; From generation to generation they shall dwell in it. Legacy Standard Bible He has cast the lot for them, And His hand has divided it to them by line. They shall possess it forever; From generation to generation they will dwell in it. Amplified Bible The LORD has cast the lot for them, And His hand has divided and apportioned Edom to the wild beasts by measuring-line. They will possess it forever; From generation to generation they will dwell in it. Berean Annotated Bible He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation. Christian Standard Bible He has cast the lot for them; his hand allotted their portion with a measuring line. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation. Holman Christian Standard Bible He has ordained a lot for them; His hand allotted their portion with a measuring line. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version The LORD has decided where they each should live; they will be there forever, generation after generation. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation He is the one who throws dice for them, and his hand divides up [the land] for them with a measuring line. They will possess it permanently and live there for generations. Good News Translation It is the LORD who will divide the land among them and give each of them a share. They will live in the land age after age, and it will belong to them forever. International Standard Version It is he who has allotted their portions, and his hand has divided it for them with a measuring line forever. They will possess it forever; from generation to generation they will live in it." NET Bible He assigns them their allotment; he measures out their assigned place. They will live there permanently; they will settle in it through successive generations. New Heart English Bible He has cast the lot for them, and his hand has divided it to them with a measuring line. They shall possess it forever. From generation to generation they will dwell in it. Webster's Bible Translation And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it to them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation. World English Bible He has cast the lot for them, and his hand has divided it to them with a measuring line. They shall possess it forever. From generation to generation they will dwell in it. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He has cast a lot for them, "" And His hand has apportioned [it] to them by line, "" They possess it for all time, "" They dwell in it from generation to generation! Berean Literal Bible And He has cast in it a lot, and His hand has divided it among them with a measuring line; even to forever they will possess it; for generation and generation they will dwell in it. Young's Literal Translation And He hath cast for them a lot, And His hand hath apportioned it to them by line, Unto the age they possess it, To all generations they dwell in it! Smith's Literal Translation And be cast the lot for them, and his hand divided it to them by line; they shall possess it even forever, to generation and generation they shall dwell in it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it to them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation they shall dwell therein. Catholic Public Domain Version And he has cast lots over them. And his hand has distributed this to them by measure. They will possess it, even unto eternity. From generation to generation, they will dwell in it. New American Bible It is he who casts the lot for them; his hand measures off their portions; They shall possess it forever, and dwell in it from generation to generation. New Revised Standard Version He has cast the lot for them, his hand has portioned it out to them with the line; they shall possess it forever, from generation to generation they shall live in it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he has cast the lot for them, and his hand has divided it to them by the measuring line; they shall possess it for ever; from generation to generation they shall dwell in it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he cast lots for these and his hand divided measuring lines for these, so that they shall inherit it until eternity, and for a generation of generations they shall dwell in it OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he shall cast lots for them, and his hand has portioned out their pasture, saying, Ye shall inherit the land for ever: they shall rest on it through all generations. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God's Judgments on the Nations…16Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit. 17He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation. Cross References He has allotted their portion; Deuteronomy 32:8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. Psalm 47:4 He chooses our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loves. Selah Psalm 78:55 He drove out nations before them and apportioned their inheritance; He settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. His hand has distributed it by measure. Numbers 26:55-56 Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. / Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.” Ezekiel 45:1 “When you divide the land by lot as an inheritance, you are to set aside a portion for the LORD, a holy portion of the land 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits wide. This entire tract of land will be holy. Zechariah 2:1-2 Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. / “Where are you going?” I asked. “To measure Jerusalem,” he replied, “and to determine its width and length.” They will possess it forever; Genesis 17:8 And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” Isaiah 60:21 Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. Ezekiel 37:25 They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever. they will dwell in it from generation to generation. Joel 3:20 But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. Psalm 102:28 The children of Your servants will dwell securely, and their descendants will be established before You.” Isaiah 35:1-2 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. / It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 13:21-22 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. Isaiah 14:1-2 For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob. / The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors. 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. Isaiah 61:7 Instead of shame, My people will have a double portion, and instead of humiliation, they will rejoice in their share; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. Treasury of Scripture And he has cast the lot for them, and his hand has divided it to them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein. he hath cast Joshua 18:8 And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh. Psalm 78:55 He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents. Acts 13:19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. they shall Isaiah 34:10 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. Isaiah 13:20-22 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there… Jump to Previous Age Allots Apportioned Cast Distributes Divided Dwell Forever Generation Generations Hand Heritage Lot Measure Measured Measuring Portions Possess Resting-Place Theirs ThereinJump to Next Age Allots Apportioned Cast Distributes Divided Dwell Forever Generation Generations Hand Heritage Lot Measure Measured Measuring Portions Possess Resting-Place Theirs ThereinIsaiah 34 1. The judgments wherewith God revenges his church11. The desolation of her enemies 16. The certainty of the prophecy He has allotted their portion; This phrase indicates divine sovereignty and control over the distribution of land and inheritance. In the context of Isaiah 34, God is executing judgment on the nations, particularly Edom, and assigning the land to creatures of desolation. The concept of God allotting portions is reminiscent of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel in the book of Joshua (Joshua 13-21). It underscores the belief that God is the ultimate authority over all creation, determining the fate of nations and peoples. His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe sovereign ruler who determines the fate of nations and peoples. In this verse, God is depicted as the one who apportions land and destiny. 2. Nations While not explicitly named in this verse, the context of Isaiah 34 speaks to the judgment of nations, particularly Edom, as a representation of all nations opposed to God. 3. Edom A nation often symbolizing opposition to Israel and God. The broader chapter speaks of its desolation as a result of divine judgment. 4. The Land The land that is divided and apportioned by God, symbolizing His control over creation and history. 5. Generations The descendants who will inherit the land, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's decrees. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyGod is in control of all things, including the distribution of land and the fate of nations. This should bring comfort to believers, knowing that nothing is outside of His plan. Eternal Inheritance The promise of possession "forever" points to the eternal nature of God's promises. Believers can trust in the eternal inheritance promised through Christ. Generational Faithfulness The mention of "generation to generation" encourages believers to think about their legacy of faith and the importance of passing down spiritual truths. Judgment and Justice The context of judgment in Isaiah 34 reminds us of God's justice. It serves as a warning to live righteously and align with God's will. Hope in Desolation Even in the context of judgment, there is hope for restoration and possession. Believers can find hope in God's redemptive plans. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 34:17?2. How does Isaiah 34:17 demonstrate God's sovereignty over creation and nations? 3. What does "He has cast the lot" reveal about God's divine plan? 4. How can Isaiah 34:17 encourage trust in God's promises and timing today? 5. Connect Isaiah 34:17 with other scriptures on God's authority over the earth. 6. How should Isaiah 34:17 influence our understanding of God's justice and judgment? 7. What does Isaiah 34:17 reveal about God's sovereignty over nations and their lands? 8. How does Isaiah 34:17 fit into the broader context of God's judgment in Isaiah 34? 9. What historical events might Isaiah 34:17 be referencing or predicting? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 34? 11. How consistent is Elisha's symbolic act in 2 Kings 13:14-19 with other biblical prophecies, and does it question divine sovereignty? 12. Why does the text in Isaiah 34:10-11 claim permanent desolation when other biblical passages speak of possible restoration? 13. Jeremiah 19:7 -- How can a loving or just deity sanction such extreme disasters upon an entire city, including the innocent, as portrayed here? 14. Numbers 31:28-30: How does distributing people as spoils align with the broader biblical theme of human worth? What Does Isaiah 34:17 Mean He has allotted their portion“ He has allotted their portion ” (Isaiah 34:17) shows the LORD acting as the sovereign land-giver. • The language echoes Deuteronomy 32:8, where “the Most High gave the nations their inheritance,” reminding us that every boundary—whether for people (Joshua 14:1–2) or, as here, for the desert creatures replacing Edom’s population—is set by Him. • In the immediate context, Isaiah 34 forecasts the downfall of Edom. By the time we reach verse 17, the prophet pictures God carving up that once-proud territory for owls, jackals, and other unclean animals (vv. 11–15). • The takeaway is plain: no nation can cling to land or power once God reassigns it (Psalm 75:6-7). His hand has distributed it by measure “ His hand has distributed it by measure ” assures us that the allotment is neither random nor careless. • Job 38:5 asks, “Who fixed its measurements—surely you know!” The same divine precision that laid earth’s foundations now doles out Edom’s ruins by exact “measure.” • Isaiah 40:12 pictures God “measuring the waters in the hollow of His hand,” underscoring meticulous control. Judgments are not emotional outbursts but carefully calibrated to fit the crime (Proverbs 16:11). • Because God’s “hand” does the measuring, the decision is irreversible; no human treaty or alliance can redraw the map He has finalized (Acts 17:26). They will possess it forever “ They will possess it forever ” shifts focus to duration. • The “they” refers to the scavenging creatures listed in verses 11-15. God is granting them permanent title to Edom’s land, just as He once gave Israel the Promised Land (Psalm 37:29). • “Forever” means the devastation will not be quickly repaired; Edom’s prideful cities will remain a haunt of beasts (Malachi 1:3-4). • The same word “forever” is used of God’s covenant blessings (Isaiah 60:21). If His promises of mercy are eternal, so are His decrees of judgment—both flow from the same faithful character. They will dwell in it from generation to generation The closing phrase nails down the idea of continuous occupancy. • Psalm 102:27-28 celebrates the LORD who remains “the same,” and “the children of Your servants will dwell securely.” Here, however, the principle is applied in reverse: unclean animals will inherit Edom “from generation to generation,” confirming total and lasting desolation. • Exodus 3:15 uses the same expression of God’s memorial name “throughout all generations,” stressing that His word endures longer than any kingdom or dynasty. • The line also implies a warning: if God can perpetuate judgment through successive generations, there is no safe harbor in merely “waiting out” His anger (Lamentations 5:19). Only repentance can alter the future. summary Isaiah 34:17 caps a chapter of stark judgment by highlighting four realities: God alone decides territorial destinies, He does so with deliberate precision, His verdicts stand forever, and they are upheld across generations. Edom’s land passes permanently to desert creatures, proving that when the LORD speaks, history bends to His word—whether to bless or to bring down. (17) He hath cast the lot for them . . .--i.e., hath allotted, or assigned it as by a formal deed of transfer, to the savage beasts who are to be its future possessors. The thought is the same as that of Acts 17:26. God is represented as the Supreme Ruler assigning to each nation its place in the world's history, its seasons of prosperity and judgment.Verse 17. - He hath cast the lot for them. God, who allots to all the nations of the earth their several countries, has now allotted Idumea to the unclean beasts and birds and reptiles which have been mentioned; henceforth it is formally assigned to them as their habitation. It is throughout to be understood that Idumea stands for the world power, which resists God and will be finally abased and put to shame. |
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