Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 34

This prophecy of judgment was against the nations at the terrifying day of the Lord (see study note on Isaiah 2:5–22; see also Isaiah 63:1–6).

devote them to destruction: See Leviticus 27:28–29.

Leaving a dead body unburied was shameful.

The skies … stars: See also Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:30–31; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24–25; 2 Peter 3:10–13; Revelation 6:13–14.

Edom represents what all nations will experience, similar to how Moab was described in Isaiah 25.

Bozrah was a city in Edom, southeast of the Dead Sea.

• The Lord’s revenge means God’s just anger against his enemies and those who oppress his people on the day of the Lord.

• a year of recompense: There will be payback for Edom’s wrongs against Judah (see also Psalm 137:7; Lamentations 4:21; Obadiah; Malachi 1:3–5). Edom, known for its betrayal, will meet its end.

Edom’s judgment was similar to the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24; see also Jeremiah 49:17–18).

See also Revelation 14:11; 19:3.

Wild animals, nocturnal birds, and thorny plants with thistles and briars filled the land. These things made the place feel empty and frightening.

The identification of some of these birds is uncertain, but they inhabited wild and deserted places and many were considered unclean (Deuteronomy 14:11–18).

• Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Isaiah's prophecy showed that God's word is true.

• The power of the Spirit makes the Lord's plans happen, ensuring all prophecy is fulfilled as God promised.