Look in the scroll of the Lord and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is his mouth that has given the order, and his Spirit will gather them together. Isaiah 34:16 NIV

Chapter thirty-four of the book of Isaiah pronounces judgment on the enemies of Israel and specifically mentions the nation of Edom. In the chapter, Isaiah writes that God is angry with all nations. He gives us a picture of destruction and desolation for any who live in opposition to God’s people and his word. In verse sixteen, the words “Look in the scroll of the Lord” refers to the importance of searching and applying the word of God as revealed in scripture.

In his discourse, Isaiah describes the ruins of once great cities and towns. The prophet mentions the death and destruction of the enemy of Israel. He portrays Edom as a place of suffering and great slaughter. He illustrates his point with images of nature reclaiming the dwelling places of the Edomites. Specifically, how owls, falcons, hyena, goats, and jackals will possess that land. Isaiah 34:12 says “Her nobles will have nothing there to be called a kingdom, all her princes will vanish away. NIV”

Desolate Places

Former citadels and strongholds lay in ruins covered by dense overgrowth of thorns and brambles. In these desolate places of former human habitation, the Spirit of God calls wildlife to enter and possess the once great cities of Israel’s enemy Edom. This is what Isaiah describes in his statement about the “scroll of the Lord.”

Those who live sinful lives of opposition to the Lord, suffer destruction. The Lord gives their former possessions to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field. Fortunately, God provides a way to restore our good standing with him. When we repent from our sins and accept Christ, God forgives our transgressions, and we escape destruction.

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Lamb of God