Isaiah 34:13-14
Thorns shall grow over its strongholds, nettles and thistles in its fortresses. It shall be the haunt of jackals, an abode for ostriches. And wild animals shall meet with hyenas; the wild goat shall cry to his fellow; indeed, there the night bird settles and finds for herself a resting place.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse paints a picture of complete desolation, but notice how it shifts from human structures (palaces, fortresses) to the natural world (thorns, nettles, jackals, ostriches). This isn't just about ruins; it signifies a profound reversal where the artificial constructs of human pride are reclaimed by wild, untamed nature, showing God's ultimate authority over all things.
The prophet Isaiah is detailing a sweeping divine judgment against the nations that have oppressed God's people, particularly focusing on the land of Edom. Following vivid descriptions of celestial and earthly upheaval, Isaiah now paints a picture of utter desolation, showing how the proud cities and strongholds of these enemies will be reduced to ruins, becoming uninhabited wildernesses. This imagery of thorns, wild animals, and abandonment serves to emphasize the completeness and finality of God's wrath upon those who defied Him.
Imagine a once-grand palace, now overtaken by weeds. This verse paints a vivid picture of what happens when judgment falls.
Isaiah 34:13 vividly describes the outcome of God's judgment on proud nations and cities. The reference to thorns, nettles, and brambles growing in palaces and fortresses isn't just about messy landscaping. It signifies a complete reversal of order and the abandonment of human civilization.
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Why does the prophet mention jackals and ostriches in the ruins of once-great cities?
The mention of wild animals like jackals (translated as 'dragons' or 'wild dogs' in older versions) and ostriches ('owls' in some translations) serves a powerful symbolic purpose.
Understand the original words
armonoth · Hebrew Noun
Fortified positions or citadels designed for protection and defense; often representing human attempts at security against God's judgment.
ma'on · Hebrew Noun
A place of frequent resort; a dwelling or habitat, often used in Scripture to describe desolate places inhabited by wild creatures rather than humans.
This prophecy against Edom vividly describes utter desolation, painting a picture of ruined palaces and fortresses becoming habitats for wild creatures. This imagery emphasizes the complete destruction and abandonment that awaits those who stand against God and His people, reflecting the historical fate of cities and nations that faced divine judgment.
c. 8th Century BC— this verse
Isaiah Delivers Prophecy
Isaiah delivers this prophecy, foretelling judgment on Edom, likely during a period of Assyrian dominance or anticipating future conflicts.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege of Jerusalem and deportation of Judean nobles, including Daniel, to Babylon. This event highlights the broader regional instability and the impending judgment on nations opposing God.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, utterly destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple. This catastrophic event marks a low point for Judah and underscores God's judgment on sin.
c. 4th Century BC
Edomite Migration North
Following territorial disputes and pressure from Nabatean Arabs, many Edomites migrate north into southern Judah, eventually becoming known as Idumeans. This historical shift impacts the relationship between Jews and Edomites.
c. 1st Century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
The Roman Empire exerts significant political and military control over Judea, including the region historically occupied by Edom (now Idumea). This period sets the stage for further prophecies concerning judgment on oppressive powers.
This verse describes Babylon becoming a desolate wasteland inhabited by wild animals, echoing Isaiah's depiction of judgment falling upon a proud city.
Ezekiel 25:13This passage details divine judgment upon Edom, stating that God will set His hand against them and make their territory a desolate wasteland, mirroring the judgment seen in Isaiah 34.
Jeremiah 9:11This verse speaks of Jerusalem becoming a desolate place covered in thorns and nettles due to disobedience, showing a similar consequence of sin and judgment as described in Isaiah 34.
Zephaniah 2:14This passage describes the ruins of Nineveh being overtaken by wild animals and birds, illustrating the theme of once-great cities becoming habitats for creatures of the wild as a sign of God's judgment.
barnesIsaiah 34:13: "And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls."
And thorns ... - (see the note at Isaiah 5:6 ) It shall be an habitation of dragons - On the meaning of the word 'dragons,' see the note at Isaiah 13:22. Court for owls - A place of resort, a residence of owls. The word rendered 'court' (חציר châtsı̂yr) means a dwelling-place, a habitation, as well as an enclosure or court. Th…
clarkeIsaiah 34:13: "And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls."
And thorns shall come up in her palaces - ועלו בארמנותיה vealu bearmenotheyha; so read all the ancient versions. A court for owls - יענה yaanah, the ostrich, from ענה anah, to cry, because of the noise it makes. "They roar, "says Dr. Shaw, "sometimes like a lion - sometimes like a bull. I have often heard them groan as if in…
The verse paints a picture of complete desolation, but notice how it shifts from human structures (palaces, fortresses) to the natural world (thorns, nettles, jackals, ostriches). This isn't just about ruins; it signifies a profound reversal where the artificial constructs of human pride are reclaimed by wild, untamed nature, showing God's ultimate authority over all things.
The prophet Isaiah is detailing a sweeping divine judgment against the nations that have oppressed God's people, particularly focusing on the land of Edom. Following vivid descriptions of celestial and earthly upheaval, Isaiah now paints a picture of utter desolation, showing how the proud cities and strongholds of these enemies will be reduced to ruins, becoming uninhabited wildernesses. This imagery of thorns, wild animals, and abandonment serves to emphasize the completeness and finality of God's wrath upon those who defied Him.
The prophet Isaiah is detailing a sweeping divine judgment against the nations that have oppressed God's people, particularly focusing on the land of Edom. Following vivid descriptions of celestial and earthly upheaval, Isaiah now paints a picture of utter desolation, showing how the proud cities and strongholds of these enemies will be reduced to ruins, becoming uninhabited wildernesses. This imagery of thorns, wild animals, and abandonment serves to emphasize the completeness and finality of God's wrath upon those who defied Him.
"Thorns shall grow over its strongholds, nettles and thistles in its fortresses. It shall be the haunt of jackals, an abode for ostriches. And wild animals shall meet with hyenas; the wild goat shall cry to his f…" — The verse paints a picture of complete desolation, but notice how it shifts from human structures (palaces, fortresses) to the natural world (thorns, nettles, jackals, ostriches). This isn't just abo…
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