The desert owl and screech owl will possess itThis phrase indicates desolation and abandonment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, owls were often associated with desolate places. The mention of these birds symbolizes the complete devastation of Edom, a nation often in conflict with Israel. The desert owl and screech owl are creatures that inhabit ruins, emphasizing the total destruction and uninhabitability of the land. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where desolation is depicted through the presence of wild animals (e.g.,
Isaiah 13:21-22).
and the great owl and raven will dwell in it
The great owl and raven further emphasize the theme of desolation. Ravens, like owls, are scavengers and are often associated with death and decay. Their presence signifies that Edom will become a place of ruin, devoid of human life. This imagery is a common prophetic motif used to describe divine judgment and the reversal of a once-thriving land into a wasteland. The use of these specific birds highlights the completeness of the judgment against Edom.
The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos
The measuring line is a tool used in construction, but here it is used metaphorically to signify the precise and deliberate nature of God's judgment. The "measuring line of chaos" suggests that God will bring about a calculated and thorough destruction. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such asLamentations 2:8, where God measures for destruction. The use of a measuring line indicates that the judgment is not random but is a deliberate act of divine justice.
and a plumb line of destruction
A plumb line is used to ensure structures are vertically true, but in this context, it symbolizes the certainty and accuracy of God's judgment. The "plumb line of destruction" implies that the destruction will be complete and exact, leaving no room for escape or error. This imagery is also found inAmos 7:7-9, where God uses a plumb line to signify judgment against Israel. The use of construction tools in this metaphor underscores the idea that God's judgment is as precise and unyielding as the tools used to build or demolish structures.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Desert Owl and Screech OwlThese birds are often associated with desolation and unclean places in biblical literature. They symbolize the complete abandonment and ruin of a place.
2.
Great Owl and RavenSimilar to the desert and screech owls, these birds are also symbols of desolation. Their presence indicates a place that is uninhabitable and forsaken.
3.
Measuring Line of ChaosThis is a metaphorical tool used to signify God's judgment. It represents the precise and deliberate nature of divine judgment.
4.
Plumb Line of DestructionAnother metaphorical tool, the plumb line indicates the standard by which God measures and executes judgment, ensuring that it is just and true.
5.
EdomThe context of
Isaiah 34 is a prophecy against Edom, representing nations that oppose God. Edom is often used symbolically for God's enemies.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod's use of a measuring line and plumb line illustrates His sovereign authority to judge nations. His judgments are precise and purposeful.
Symbolism of DesolationThe presence of unclean birds signifies the totality of God's judgment. It serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.
Call to RighteousnessUnderstanding God's standards should lead believers to examine their own lives and align with His righteousness to avoid judgment.
Hope in RestorationWhile this passage speaks of judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God, as seen in other parts of Isaiah.
Warning Against ComplacencyThe prophecy against Edom serves as a warning to all nations and individuals not to become complacent in sin, but to seek God's mercy and grace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 34:11?
2.How does Isaiah 34:11 illustrate God's judgment on sinful nations today?
3.What do the "owl and raven" symbolize in Isaiah 34:11?
4.How can Isaiah 34:11 deepen our understanding of God's sovereignty?
5.Connect Isaiah 34:11 with other scriptures about God's judgment and desolation.
6.How should Isaiah 34:11 influence our response to God's warnings in our lives?
7.What is the significance of Isaiah 34:11's mention of the "line of confusion" and "stones of chaos"?
8.How does Isaiah 34:11 reflect God's judgment on nations in biblical history?
9.What historical events might Isaiah 34:11 be referencing with its imagery?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 34?
11.Why does the text in Isaiah 34:10–11 claim permanent desolation when other biblical passages speak of possible restoration?
12.What do owls symbolize in the Bible?
13.Jeremiah 4:23–26: How can the land become “formless and void” again if there’s no scientific or historical record of a second global chaos after creation?
14.Does Isaiah 34:5-6 have any historical or archaeological evidence to support its portrayal of Edom's judgment?What Does Isaiah 34:11 Mean
The desert owl and screech owl will possess it“The desert owl and screech owl will possess it...”
• Isaiah pictures the land of Edom after judgment so empty that only night-loving creatures take over. Similar scenes appear inIsaiah 13:21 andZephaniah 2:14, where wild beasts move into ruins once bustling with people.
• The detail is literal—real animals will roost in the abandoned cities—but it also signals total desolation. When humans turn away from God, He can withdraw His protective hand (Deuteronomy 32:20-25), allowing creation to reclaim what was once cultivated.
• Owls often symbolize loneliness and abandonment (Psalm 102:6). Their presence in Edom underscores that no human comfort or activity remains after God’s verdict.
and the great owl and raven will dwell in it“...and the great owl and raven will dwell in it.”
• The raven, deemed unclean inLeviticus 11:13-15, highlights how defiled the territory has become. Instead of covenant people enjoying blessing, scavengers feed on what is left (Jeremiah 9:11).
• Together, the great owl and raven portray:
– Continuous night (Job 30:26)
– Ongoing scavenging of the dead (Revelation 18:2)
• God warned Edom against pride and violence toward Israel (Obadiah 10-14). Because they persisted, He reverses their fortunes—life is replaced by creatures associated with death and impurity.
The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos“The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos...”
• Builders use a measuring line to plan order (Zechariah 2:1-2). Here, the Lord uses it to plan “chaos,” meaning He deliberately maps out devastation, not restoration.
• This echoes2 Kings 21:13, where God speaks of the “measuring line of Samaria” against Jerusalem; precise, calculated judgment, not random calamity.
• The scene reassures God’s people: their Judge sees every injustice and answers with exact recompense (Psalm 94:1-5).
and a plumb line of destruction“...and a plumb line of destruction.”
• A plumb line checks vertical accuracy (Amos 7:7-9). Edom’s structures fail that divine test, so they are marked for complete teardown.
•Isaiah 28:17 presents the positive side: “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.” Edom experiences the inverse—destruction instead of justice because they rejected God’s standard.
• Precision in judgment shows God’s sovereignty; He is not capricious. Every collapse in Edom corresponds to their recorded sins (Malachi 1:4). God’s dealings remain righteous (Psalm 89:14).
summaryIsaiah 34:11 pictures Edom after God’s decisive intervention: literal birds of night and carrion replace people, signaling irreversible ruin. The same measuring tools that once shaped order now map out chaos and destruction, proving the Lord’s judgment is deliberate, precise, and justified. Edom’s fate warns every nation and individual that rejecting God’s ways invites measured, thorough desolation, while obedience secures measured, thorough blessing.
(11)
But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it . . .--The picture of a wild, desolate region, haunted by birds and beasts that shun the abode of men, is a favourite one with Isaiah (comp.
Isaiah 13:20-22;
Isaiah 14:23), and is reproduced by Zephaniah (
Zephaniah 2:14). Naturalists agree in translating,
The pelicans and hedgehogs; the owl, and the raven.The line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness . . .--The "line" and the "stones" are those of the builder's plumb-line, used, as in2Kings 21:13;Amos 7:7-9;Lamentations 2:8, for the work, not of building up, but for the destroying as with a scientific completeness. "Confusion" and "emptiness," are thetohu v'bohu, "without form and void" of the primeval chaos (Genesis 1:1). . . .
Verse 11. -
The cormorant and the bittern shall possess it. Compare the prophecy against Babylon in
Isaiah 14:23. The Hebrew word translated "cormorant," is now generally regarded as designating the "pelican," while the one rendered "bittern" is thought by some to mean "hedgehog" or "porcupine." Animals that delight in solitude are certainly meant, but the particular species is, more or less, matter of conjecture.
He shall stretch out upon it; rather,
and one shall stretch out
upon it. The verb is used impersonally.
The line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness; rather,
the line of desolation,
and the plummet of emptiness (comp.
2 Kings 21:13;
Lamentations 2:8;
Amos 7:7, 8). The destruction of cities was effected by rule and measure, probably because different portions of the
task were assigned to different sets of laborers, and, if the work was to be completely done, it required to be done systematically. Here, the measuring-tape and the plumb-line are to be these of
tohu and
vohu, or of the eternal chaos out of which God, by his word, produced order (
Genesis 1:2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The desert owlקָאַ֣ת(qā·’aṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6893:(a bird) perhaps pelicanand screech owlוְקִפּ֔וֹד(wə·qip·pō·wḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7090:A species of bird, the bitternwill possess it,וִירֵשׁ֙וּהָ֙(wî·rê·šū·hā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3423:To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruinand the great owlוְיַנְשׁ֥וֹף(wə·yan·šō·wp̄)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3244:(a ceremonially unclean bird) perhaps an owland ravenוְעֹרֵ֖ב(wə·‘ō·rêḇ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6158:A ravenwill dwellיִשְׁכְּנוּ־(yiš·kə·nū-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7931:To settle down, abide, dwellin it.בָ֑הּ(ḇāh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's HebrewThe LORD will stretch outוְנָטָ֥ה(wə·nā·ṭāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendover [Edom]עָלֶ֛יהָ(‘ā·le·hā)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsta measuring lineקַֽו־(qaw-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6957:A cord, for, measuring, a rule, a rim, a musical string, accordof chaosתֹ֖הוּ(ṯō·hū)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8414:A desolation, desert, a worthless thing, in vainand a plumb lineוְאַבְנֵי־(wə·’aḇ·nê-)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 68:A stoneof destruction.בֹֽהוּ׃(ḇō·hū)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 922:A vacuity, an undistinguishable ruin
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 34:11 But the pelican and the porcupine will (Isa Isi Is) 
