Isaiah 34:12

"But the pelican and the porcupine will possess it. The owl and the raven will dwell in it. He will stretch the line of confusion over it, and the plumb line of emptiness."

Key Reflection

This verse paints a picture of utter desolation and abandonment. The mention of pelicans, porcupines, owls, and ravens suggests a place where only creatures associated with decay and neglect will reside, symbolizing the complete ruin of a once-thriving city. The use of "line" and "plumb line" further emphasizes that this destruction is precise and total, leaving nothing but emptiness in its wake.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom -A more correct rendering of this would be, ‘As to the nobles, they shall call them, but there shall be there no kingdom.’ The idea is, that the kingdom would be desolate; there would be no people to rule. Or, there will be no nobles there who shall survive the destruction, and who can undertake the government of the state. The idea is taken from a government or constitution where the monarch is chosen from the ranks of the nobility.

More from Isaiah 34

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion