Isaiah 34:17
And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
Original Language Analysis
וְהֽוּא
H1931
וְהֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הִפִּ֤יל
And he hath cast
H5307
הִפִּ֤יל
And he hath cast
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
2 of 15
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
גּוֹרָ֔ל
the lot
H1486
גּוֹרָ֔ל
the lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
וְיָד֛וֹ
for them and his hand
H3027
וְיָד֛וֹ
for them and his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בַּקָּ֑ו
it unto them by line
H6957
בַּקָּ֑ו
it unto them by line
Strong's:
H6957
Word #:
8 of 15
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
עַד
it for
H5704
עַד
it for
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עוֹלָם֙
ever
H5769
עוֹלָם֙
ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
יִֽירָשׁ֔וּהָ
they shall possess
H3423
יִֽירָשׁ֔וּהָ
they shall possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
11 of 15
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
וָד֖וֹר
from generation
H1755
וָד֖וֹר
from generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
וָד֖וֹר
from generation
H1755
וָד֖וֹר
from generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
Cross References
Isaiah 34:10It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.Acts 17:26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Historical Context
Lot-casting was used for dividing the Promised Land (Joshua 14-19). Isaiah uses this imagery ironically—God divides desolation with the same sovereignty He divided blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty in judgment demonstrate His perfect justice?
- What does the permanence of this judgment teach about the eternal consequences of rejecting God?
- How should the contrast between judgment and blessing motivate our gratitude for grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God casting the lot and measuring with His hand demonstrates divine sovereignty in judgment—nothing is random or arbitrary. The "perpetual possession" and dwelling "from generation to generation" emphasizes eternal judgment. This ironic inheritance contrasts with Israel's promised land; Edom's "inheritance" is permanent desolation. The language of lot-casting recalls Joshua's land distribution, but here God distributes judgment rather than blessing.