The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 34:1-17

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

SECTION 11. THE DIVINE JUDGMENT ON THE WORLD, AND THE GLORY OF THE CHURCH CONSEQUENT UPON IT (Isaiah 34:1-17; Isaiah 35:1-10.).

EXPOSITION

Isaiah 34:1-17 and Isaiah 35:1-10. are generally recognized as constituting a distinct prophecy, complete in itself, and only slightly connected with what precedes. The passage is, as Bishop Lowth observes, "an entire, regular, and beautiful poem, consisting of two parts, the first (Isaiah 34:1-17.) containing a denunciation of Divine vengeance against the enemies of God; the second (Isaiah 35:1-10.) describing the flourishing state of the Church of God, consequent upon the execution of those judgments." The present chapter, which forms the first half of the poem, is wholly denunciatory. Its theme is vengeance on God's enemies generally; but, as a typical specimen, the Edomites are selected, and their punishment is depicted in the strongest colors. The awful picture, with its dark and lurid hues, prepares the way for the soft and lovely portraiture of the blest condition of the Church triumphant, which is contained in the ensuing chapter.

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