Isaiah 34, The Destruction Of Edom

In Isaiah 34, the Lord declares a message of judgment to the nations. As we look at this significant chapter, let’s see how it will affect us.

And when my sword has finished its work in the heavens, it will fall upon Edom, the nation I have marked for destruction. Isaiah 34:5

Before we unpack what God revealed through the prophet Isaiah, we must understand the seriousness of the Lord’s words. He has already planned what will happen at the end of time.

God wants everyone to know how things will turn out. So, He tries to summon the nations to listen. This generation, however, doesn’t seem to want to listen to anyone in authority.

Come here and listen, O nations of the earth. Let the world and everything in it hear my words. For the Lord is enraged against the nations. His fury is against all their armies. Isaiah 34:1-2

He goes on to say that He will completely slaughter those armies. Then, the prophet got extremely graphic about the stench of their unburied bodies.

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The book of Revelation sheds more light on the end-time events. Have you ever heard someone refer to the calm before the storm? In Revelation, calm comes before the destruction begins.

Revelation

When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets. Revelation 8:1-2

When each angel blows their trumpet, it triggers a different event of destruction and terror. I have summarized the sounding of the first four and the sixth as they affect the earth.

The first angel blew his trumpet. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned. Revelation 8:7
Then the second angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the water in the sea became blood. One-third of all things living in the sea died, and one-third of all the ships on the sea were destroyed. Revelation 8:8-9
When the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water. Revelation 8:10
Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night. Revelation 8:12
When the sixth angel blew his trumpet. One-third of all the people on earth were killed by these three plagues—by the fire and smoke and burning sulfur that came from the mouths of the horses. Revelation 8:17

None of these coming events should take anyone by surprise. But they will, and for two reasons. First, they don’t take God’s warnings seriously; second, many people don’t believe it.

Duel Meaning in Isaiah 34

Why did Isaiah refer to Edom in chapter 34? In the Bible, Edom can mean the world in general, but it also refers to the descendants of Esau.

So, according to Revelation, God will bring destruction upon the earth. And cause the death of many people. Could the final battle end up in a showdown between the twin brothers Jacob and Esau?

Jacob, whom God renamed Israel, and Esau, the father of the Edomites. God has nothing good to say about Esau. Malachi says that He would forever suffer God’s anger.

But the Lord of Heaven’s Armies replies, “They may try to rebuild, but I will demolish them again. Their country will be known as ‘The Land of Wickedness,’ and their people will be called ‘The People with Whom the Lord Is Forever Angry. Malachi 1:4

The writer of Hebrews gave us a warning not to be like Esau. God knows our hearts. That’s how He knew that Esau was immorally godless.

Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. Hebrews 12:16

Our verse for today says after God finishes with the nations, He will turn to Edom. Keep in mind when God pays someone, it means damnation. His grace, though, means life everlasting.

For it is the day of the Lord’s revenge, the year when Edom will be paid back for all it did to Israel. Isaiah 34:8

Since Edom can refer to Esau and the world, we must take what Isaiah has written seriously. Mainly because what he said in verse 10 lines up with those condemned to hell.

This judgment on Edom will never end; the smoke of its burning will rise forever. Isaiah 34:10

The Antichrist

Could the Antichrist who rises up during the tribulation come from the lineage of Esau? Whether he does or not, he, the beast in Revelation, will receive wages for his sin along with others.

Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10,15

Looking at the big picture, we can see why the Lord raptures the church before the tribulation begins. God will rescue Israel from the Edomites, or should we say the rest of the world.

God will show Jacob (or Israel) how much He loves him, and Israel will recognize Jesus as their Messiah. At the same time, the Lord will follow through with what He promised to Esau.

The bottom line comes down to this. Receive Christ to enter the spiritual lineage of Israel and live forever. Reject Christ and suffer for all eternity as an Edomite. It’s an easy choice to make.

Lord, thank you that we took the opportunity to accept Jesus. Thus, staying out of the family squabble between Jacob and Esau.

If you haven’t accepted Christ as your Savior, please do it today. Because once you enter eternity, it’s too late.

When you accept Christ, email me at robin@ramckinley.com so I can pray for you and encourage you.