Isaiah 34: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 34 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Nations are called to hear Yahweh's message (vv. 1-2). He is angry with all the nations and their armies. Yahweh has destroyed them and given them over for slaughter. Their slain will be cast out, and the stench of their bodies will fill the land (vv. 3-4). Yahweh will bring judgment on Edom, and his sword is filled with blood (vv. 5-7). The day of vengeance has come for Zion, and Edom will face a great slaughter (vv. 8-10). The land will turn to pitch, and its smoke will rise forever. It will become desolate, and only wild animals will dwell in it (vv. 11-15). Yahweh commands that not one animal will be missing. His Spirit gathers them, and they will possess the land forever (vv. 16-17).

Key verse

“For Yahweh has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.”
Isaiah 34:8 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 34:1–2 Call to Nations
Isaiah 34:3–4 Destruction Imagery
Isaiah 34:5–7 Judgment on Edom
Isaiah 34:8–10 Day of Vengeance
Isaiah 34:11–15 Desolation of the Land
Isaiah 34:16–17 Divine Sovereignty

Discussion questions

In v6, what is described as 'filled with blood' in Yahweh's sword?
What will happen to the streams and dust in v9?
The phrase 'day of vengeance' in v8: what does this imply about God's judgment?
In v11, what does Yahweh's 'line of confusion' suggest about the state of Edom?
When have you experienced a situation where destruction led to new beginnings, as seen in v17?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 34: Matthew 24, Revelation 6, Psalm 33.

Before next time: read Isaiah 35.