Isaiah 34:8
For it is the day of the LORD'S vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
י֥וֹם
For it is the day
H3117
י֥וֹם
For it is the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
of the LORD'S
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
of the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שִׁלּוּמִ֖ים
of recompences
H7966
שִׁלּוּמִ֖ים
of recompences
Strong's:
H7966
Word #:
6 of 8
a requital, i.e., (secure) retribution, (venal) a fee
Cross References
Isaiah 63:4For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.Isaiah 61:2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;Isaiah 35:4Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.Psalms 94:1O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.Jeremiah 46:10For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.Revelation 19:2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.Revelation 18:20Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.Deuteronomy 32:35To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
Historical Context
Edom's participation in Jerusalem's sacking (Psalm 137:7) created a "controversy" requiring divine justice. God promised Abraham that those who cursed his descendants would be cursed (Genesis 12:3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's commitment to vengeance for His people comfort those suffering persecution?
- What does "recompense" reveal about divine justice being perfectly proportional?
- How should we live in light of the coming day of the Lord?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The "day of the LORD's vengeance" (Hebrew "yom naqam") is central to prophetic eschatology—a day when God actively intervenes to judge evil and vindicate His people. "Recompense" (shillem) implies paying what is due, emphasizing justice not arbitrary punishment. Zion's controversy represents all covenant conflicts between God's kingdom and rebellious nations. This prefigures the final day when Christ returns to judge the living and the dead.