Isaiah 34:9

Edom's streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch.

Study Bible

Her streams
The Hebrew word for "streams" is "נַחֲלֵיהָ" (nachaleha), which often refers to flowing bodies of water such as rivers or brooks. In the context of Isaiah 34, these streams symbolize the life-giving and sustaining resources of a land. The transformation of these streams into tar signifies a complete reversal of their natural state, indicating divine judgment and desolation. This imagery serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as the life-giving waters are replaced with something unusable and destructive.

will be turned to tar
The transformation of streams into "tar" (זֶפֶת, zepheth) is a vivid depiction of judgment. Tar, a sticky and flammable substance, represents something that is not only unusable but also a source of danger and destruction. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of divine retribution, where the natural order is upended as a consequence of sin. The use of tar here may also evoke the historical context of ancient Near Eastern practices, where tar was used in construction and warfare, further emphasizing the totality of the land's devastation.

and her soil to sulfur
The Hebrew word for "sulfur" is "גָּפְרִית" (gophrith), often associated with destruction and divine wrath, as seen in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24). Sulfur, known for its pungent smell and association with fire, symbolizes a land that is cursed and uninhabitable. The transformation of soil into sulfur indicates a complete and irreversible judgment, rendering the land barren and lifeless. This serves as a powerful warning of the consequences of persistent rebellion against God.

her land will become a blazing pitch
The phrase "blazing pitch" (זֶפֶת בֹּעֵר, zepheth bo'er) combines the imagery of fire and tar, suggesting a land engulfed in flames and smoke. Pitch, a derivative of tar, is highly flammable, and its burning represents a scene of utter devastation. This imagery is not only a literal depiction of destruction but also a metaphor for the consuming nature of God's judgment. The historical context of ancient warfare, where cities were often set ablaze, underscores the severity of the prophecy. This serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness and justice of God, who will not tolerate sin indefinitely.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, often symbolizing God's enemies in prophetic literature. Isaiah 34 is a prophecy against Edom, representing divine judgment.

2. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, whose ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.

3. Judgment Day
The event of divine retribution against nations and peoples who oppose God, often depicted in apocalyptic imagery.

4. Streams and Soil
Natural elements that are transformed as a sign of God's judgment, symbolizing total destruction and desolation.

5. Sulfur and Pitch
Elements associated with fire and brimstone, often used in biblical texts to describe divine wrath and destruction.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and inevitable for those who oppose Him. Isaiah 34:9 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion.

Symbolism of Destruction
The transformation of natural elements into tar and sulfur symbolizes the totality of God's judgment. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God.

Call to Repentance
The vivid imagery of destruction is not just a warning but also a call to repentance. It urges believers to examine their lives and turn back to God.

Hope Amidst Judgment
While the passage speaks of judgment, it also points to the hope of redemption for those who trust in God. The broader context of Isaiah includes promises of restoration and salvation.

Living in Light of Eternity
Understanding the seriousness of God's judgment should motivate believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing their relationship with God and sharing the gospel with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of tar and sulfur in Isaiah 34:9 help us understand the severity of God's judgment?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Edom serve as a warning for nations and individuals today?

3. How can the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 inform our understanding of Isaiah 34:9?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are living in obedience to God, in light of the warnings in Isaiah 34?

5. How does the theme of judgment in Isaiah 34:9 connect with the hope of redemption found in other parts of Isaiah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, where sulfur and fire rained down from heaven, parallels the imagery in Isaiah 34:9, emphasizing God's judgment on wickedness.

Revelation 14
The imagery of fire and sulfur is echoed in the New Testament, where it describes the final judgment and the fate of those who oppose God.

Deuteronomy 29
The curses for disobedience include land becoming like burning sulfur, connecting the consequences of turning away from God to the imagery in Isaiah 34:9.