Isaiah 34:2
For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לַֽיהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
is upon all nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
is upon all nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
6 of 13
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וְחֵמָ֖ה
and his fury
H2534
וְחֵמָ֖ה
and his fury
Strong's:
H2534
Word #:
7 of 13
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צְבָאָ֑ם
upon all their armies
H6635
צְבָאָ֑ם
upon all their armies
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
10 of 13
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
הֶחֱרִימָ֖ם
he hath utterly destroyed
H2763
הֶחֱרִימָ֖ם
he hath utterly destroyed
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
11 of 13
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
Historical Context
This oracle specifically targets Edom (verse 5), Israel's ancient enemy descended from Esau. Edom's gloating over Jerusalem's fall (Obadiah 1:10-14) made them exemplars of nations opposing God's purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we reconcile God's love with His wrath against nations?
- What does it mean that Christ bore God's indignation on our behalf?
- How should God's righteous anger shape our understanding of sin's seriousness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase "indignation of the LORD" (Hebrew "qetseph YHWH") emphasizes God's holy wrath against sin. The "ban" or "herem" signifies complete devotional destruction, a concept fulfilled ultimately in Christ who became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). God's anger is not capricious emotion but righteous response to covenant violation and moral evil. The imagery of armies delivered to slaughter prefigures the winepress of God's wrath in Revelation 14:19-20.