Isaiah 34:11

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.

Study Bible

The desert owl and screech owl will possess it
In the Hebrew text, the word for "desert owl" is "qippowz," which is often associated with desolation and wilderness. The "screech owl" is translated from "yachmur," a term that can also refer to a type of wild animal. These creatures symbolize desolation and abandonment, indicating that the land will be so forsaken that only creatures of the night and wilderness will inhabit it. This imagery is consistent with the prophetic theme of divine judgment, where once-thriving places become barren and uninhabitable due to God's righteous wrath.

the great owl and raven will dwell in it
The "great owl" is translated from "yanshuwph," another bird associated with desolation. The "raven," or "oreb" in Hebrew, is a scavenger bird, often seen as unclean in the Jewish tradition. The presence of these birds further emphasizes the complete desolation and ruin of the land. Historically, the raven is a symbol of death and decay, reinforcing the idea that the land will be left in utter ruin, a place of death rather than life.

He will stretch out a measuring line of chaos
The "measuring line" is a tool used in construction to ensure straightness and accuracy. Here, it is metaphorically used to describe God's precise and deliberate judgment. The "chaos" or "tohu" in Hebrew, refers to a state of formlessness and confusion, reminiscent of the pre-creation state described in Genesis 1:2. This suggests that God's judgment will return the land to a state of utter disorder, undoing the order and beauty that once existed.

and a plumb line of destruction over it
A "plumb line" is used to ensure vertical accuracy in building, symbolizing God's exacting standards in judgment. The "destruction" or "bohu" in Hebrew, complements "tohu," and together they describe a complete and utter desolation. This phrase underscores the thoroughness of God's judgment, leaving no part of the land untouched. The use of construction imagery highlights the reversal of creation, where God, the ultimate architect, deconstructs what was once built due to the people's sin and rebellion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Desert Owl and Screech Owl
These birds are often associated with desolation and unclean places in biblical literature. They symbolize the complete abandonment and ruin of a place.

2. Great Owl and Raven
Similar to the desert and screech owls, these birds are also symbols of desolation. Their presence indicates a place that is uninhabitable and forsaken.

3. Measuring Line of Chaos
This is a metaphorical tool used to signify God's judgment. It represents the precise and deliberate nature of divine judgment.

4. Plumb Line of Destruction
Another metaphorical tool, the plumb line indicates the standard by which God measures and executes judgment, ensuring that it is just and true.

5. Edom
The context of Isaiah 34 is a prophecy against Edom, representing nations that oppose God. Edom is often used symbolically for God's enemies.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's use of a measuring line and plumb line illustrates His sovereign authority to judge nations. His judgments are precise and purposeful.

Symbolism of Desolation
The presence of unclean birds signifies the totality of God's judgment. It serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

Call to Righteousness
Understanding God's standards should lead believers to examine their own lives and align with His righteousness to avoid judgment.

Hope in Restoration
While this passage speaks of judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God, as seen in other parts of Isaiah.

Warning Against Complacency
The prophecy against Edom serves as a warning to all nations and individuals not to become complacent in sin, but to seek God's mercy and grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the owls and ravens in Isaiah 34:11 help us understand the severity of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can the "measuring line of chaos" and "plumb line of destruction" be applied to our personal lives in terms of God's standards?

3. How does the prophecy against Edom in Isaiah 34 relate to the broader theme of divine judgment found in other prophetic books?

4. What lessons can we learn from the desolation described in Isaiah 34:11 about the consequences of turning away from God?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's justice, as depicted in Isaiah 34, while also recognizing His mercy and grace in other parts of Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The imagery of desolation and unclean birds is echoed in Revelation, where similar creatures are associated with Babylon's fall, symbolizing divine judgment on wickedness.

The concept of a "measuring line" and "plumb line" is also found in Amos, where God uses these tools to demonstrate His standards of righteousness and justice.

The theme of divine judgment against nations is prevalent throughout the prophetic books, including Jeremiah and Ezekiel, where God pronounces judgment on various nations for their sins.