Isaiah 34:15
There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁ֣מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֣מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
1 of 13
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
קִפּוֹז֙
There shall the great owl
H7091
קִפּוֹז֙
There shall the great owl
Strong's:
H7091
Word #:
3 of 13
spring forward; an arrow-snake (as darting on its prey)
וַתְּמַלֵּ֔ט
and lay
H4422
וַתְּמַלֵּ֔ט
and lay
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
וּבָקְעָ֖ה
and hatch
H1234
וּבָקְעָ֖ה
and hatch
Strong's:
H1234
Word #:
5 of 13
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
אַךְ
H389
שָׁ֛ם
H8033
Historical Context
Such detailed listing of creatures was a prophetic technique to emphasize totality. The breeding and gathering suggests not temporary but permanent desolation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does permanent desolation illustrate the enduring consequences of rejecting God?
- What does the breeding of creatures in ruins teach about how sin multiplies when unchecked?
- How should we view the "success" of godless societies knowing their ultimate fate?
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Analysis & Commentary
The "great owl" making her nest and laying eggs represents creatures finding permanent habitation in ruins. The Hebrew "qippoz" (possibly arrow snake) suggests dangerous creatures breeding undisturbed. "Vultures" gathering indicates ongoing death and decay. This comprehensive picture of desolation shows that once-thriving civilization becomes the domain of predators and scavengers. The irony is stark: Edom sought security but finds only creatures of death and darkness.