Isaiah 34:12

KJV

They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none [shall be] there, and all her princes shall be nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall call {H7121} the nobles {H2715} thereof to the kingdom {H4410}, but none shall be there, and all her princes {H8269} shall be nothing {H657}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of its nobles, none will be called to be king, and all its princes will be nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing.

American Standard Version

They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there; and all its princes shall be nothing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 34:12 vividly portrays the utter desolation and complete collapse of leadership in Edom, a nation emblematic of all those who oppose God. It prophesies a time when the call for its esteemed nobles and princes to govern will go unanswered, their power and very existence reduced to nothing, signifying a comprehensive and irreversible divine judgment upon a rebellious people and their earthly kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 34 is a powerful prophetic oracle, part of a larger section (chapters 28-35) often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" due to its themes of judgment and ultimate restoration. This chapter specifically details the "Day of the Lord's vengeance" against all nations, with Edom serving as the primary example of divine wrath. The preceding verses describe a cosmic judgment, where the heavens melt and the earth is drenched in blood, leading into the specific focus on Edom's destruction. Verse 12 fits seamlessly into this narrative of complete annihilation, immediately following descriptions of Edom's land becoming a desolate wilderness inhabited by wild animals, thus emphasizing the absence of any human presence, especially leadership, in the aftermath of God's judgment. It stands in stark contrast to the glorious restoration and blessing promised to God's people in the subsequent [chapter, Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Future Glory of Zion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea, was a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, and thus a distant kin to Israel. Despite this kinship, Edom consistently displayed hostility towards Israel throughout their history, often acting as an adversary (e.g., [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage to Israel"), [Amos 1:11](/amos/1-11 "Amos 1:11 - Edom's Cruelty to Jacob")). Their pride and treachery were particularly evident during the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon, when they rejoiced over Judah's calamity and even participated in plundering (as detailed in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery Against Judah")). Culturally, "nobles" (חֹרִים, *chôrîm*) and "princes" (שָׂרִים, *śarîm*) represented the highest echelons of Edomite society and government, signifying their political and social structure. The prophecy of their utter disappearance underscores the complete dismantling of Edom's national identity and power, a direct consequence of their persistent opposition to God and His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **utter desolation and annihilation** that results from divine judgment, emphasizing the complete breakdown of societal order and leadership. Secondly, it underscores **God's ultimate sovereignty and unwavering justice** over all nations; Edom's destruction is not random but a precise, all-encompassing consequence of their actions and defiance of God's purposes. Thirdly, it serves as a stark warning about the **futility of human power and the consequences of rebellion** against the Lord; earthly might and pride are shown to be transient and ultimately "nothing" when they defy divine will. This theme resonates throughout the prophetic books, demonstrating that God's word is sovereign over all earthly kingdoms, as seen in passages like [Psalm 2:4-6](/psalm/2-4 "Psalm 2:4-6 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nobles (Hebrew, _chôr'_):** From H2715 (חֹר), this word properly means "white or pure," derived from the cleansing or shining power of fire. Figuratively, it refers to those of high rank or distinction, hence "noble." In this context, it signifies the elite, the distinguished persons of Edomite society, those who would typically be called upon to lead or govern. Their absence underscores the depth of the desolation.
* **Kingdom (Hebrew, _mᵉlûwkâh'_):** From H4410 (מְלוּכָה), this feminine passive participle means "something ruled," or a "realm." It refers to the political entity, the royal domain, or the governing structure of Edom. The call to the "kingdom" implies an attempt to restore or maintain its governmental functions, which is rendered impossible by the absence of its leaders.
* **Nothing (Hebrew, _ʼepheç'_):** From H657 (אֶפֶס), this word denotes "cessation" or "an end." It is often used adverbially to mean "no further," "no," "none," or "less than nothing," a "thing of nought." Its use here, particularly in "all her princes shall be nothing," powerfully conveys absolute non-existence, utter futility, and complete annihilation of their power and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom":** This clause paints a picture of a desperate, futile attempt to restore order or leadership. The unspecified "they" could refer to any remaining populace, or it could be a general, impersonal statement indicating that the natural order of succession or governance has been utterly broken. The "nobles," the traditional leaders and elite, are sought after to fulfill their roles within the "kingdom," the governmental structure.
* **"but none [shall be] there":** This is the stark, devastating reality. The call goes unanswered because the very individuals who should respond are absent. This signifies not merely a lack of will, but a complete physical or existential void – they are either dead, exiled, or otherwise entirely removed from their positions and presence. The phrase underscores the absolute and irreversible nature of the judgment.
* **"and all her princes shall be nothing":** This second clause reinforces and amplifies the first. "Princes" (שָׂרִים, *śarîm*) refers to another class of high-ranking officials, perhaps military commanders or administrative heads. The declaration that they "shall be nothing" emphasizes their utter annihilation, not just their absence. Their power, authority, and even their very being are reduced to non-existence, signifying the total collapse of Edom's governmental and social fabric.

#### Literary Devices
The prophet Isaiah employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the severity and finality of Edom's judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme language, particularly "none shall be there" and "all her princes shall be nothing," which emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of the desolation, leaving no room for recovery or remnant of leadership. **Parallelism** is effectively used between the two clauses of the verse; "They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none [shall be] there" is paralleled by "and all her princes shall be nothing." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central message of complete leadership collapse from different angles, adding weight and emphasis to the prophecy. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where "nobles" and "princes" stand for the entire governmental, social, and political structure of Edom. Their disappearance signifies the total dismantling and non-existence of the nation's power and identity. The implied **irony** is also striking: those who once held positions of power and prestige, embodying the strength of Edom, are now utterly absent and reduced to "nothing," a testament to the reversal of fortunes under divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 34:12 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the inevitable consequences of rebellion against His will. It underscores that all earthly kingdoms, no matter how powerful or established, are transient and ultimately subject to the divine decree. The complete annihilation of Edom's leadership demonstrates that human pride, self-sufficiency, and hostility towards God and His people will ultimately lead to utter desolation. This passage reminds us that true authority and lasting power reside solely with God, who "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). It is a stark reminder that God will hold all nations accountable for their actions, and His justice will prevail, ensuring that those who oppose Him will ultimately be brought to nothing.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Low") - "For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes exaltation, but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another."
* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom") - "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring to an end, and it shall stand forever."
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord Against Nations") - "For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return on your own head."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient prophecy, while specific to Edom, carries timeless lessons for all generations. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transience of all earthly power and the ultimate futility of placing our trust in human systems, leaders, or even our own strength. When we see nations rise and fall, or leaders come and go, Isaiah 34:12 calls us to remember that God's kingdom alone is eternal and unshakable. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate allegiance lies: Is it in the fleeting glory of human achievements and institutions, or in the enduring sovereignty of God? Furthermore, it underscores the certainty of divine justice, reminding us that while God is merciful, He is also righteous and will hold individuals and nations accountable for their actions, especially their opposition to His will and His people. This should lead us to humility, repentance, and a deep desire to align our lives and our societies with God's righteous purposes, knowing that true security and flourishing are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transience of earthly power described in this verse shape my perspective on current events or personal ambitions?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to place my trust in human leaders or systems rather than in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **What does Edom's fate teach me about the long-term consequences of opposing God or His people?**

### FAQ
**Why is Edom singled out for such severe judgment in Isaiah?**

Answer: Edom, descended from Esau, was a perpetual enemy of Israel. Their consistent hostility, particularly their rejoicing over Judah's downfall (e.g., [Psalm 137:7](/psalm/137-7 "Psalm 137:7 - Edom's Cruelty Against Jerusalem") and [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery Against Judah")), made them a prime example of a nation that consistently opposed God's chosen people and therefore God Himself. Isaiah's prophecy uses Edom as a representative of all nations hostile to God, illustrating the universal principle of divine judgment against those who defy Him.

**Does this prophecy mean God delights in destruction?**

Answer: No. While the language is severe, it emphasizes God's justice and holiness. His judgment is a consequence of persistent rebellion and sin, not an arbitrary act. It demonstrates His ultimate sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to upholding righteousness. It also serves as a warning for others to turn from wickedness and align themselves with God's purposes, highlighting that His character encompasses both immense mercy and unwavering justice.

**How does the concept of "nobles" and "princes" becoming "nothing" apply today?**

Answer: This imagery underscores the ultimate futility of human power and pride when set against God's will. It serves as a timeless reminder that all earthly authorities, no matter how strong or established, are temporary and subject to God's ultimate authority. It calls believers to place their hope not in transient human systems, but in the eternal kingdom of God, whose [dominion is an everlasting dominion](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man") and whose King, Jesus Christ, reigns forever. It reminds us that human systems, when they oppose God, will ultimately come to nothing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 34:12, with its stark depiction of the utter collapse of earthly power and leadership under divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all opposing forces. The desperate, unanswered call for Edom's nobles and princes foreshadows the ultimate dismantling of every earthly authority, principality, and power that sets itself against God. When Christ returns, He will establish His righteous reign, and all human systems that have rebelled against Him will be brought to "nothing," just as Edom's princes were. The apostle Paul declares that Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Unlike Edom's absent leaders, Christ is the ever-present King, the true Noble and Prince of Peace, whose kingdom "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")). The judgment against Edom anticipates the final judgment where Christ, as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ, King of Kings"), will utterly defeat all His enemies, and every knee will bow to Him, whether in heaven or on earth ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, Isaiah 34:12 points forward to the glorious day when all earthly opposition will be rendered "nothing," and Christ's eternal, unshakeable dominion will be fully established.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 3:6

When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, [saying], Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and [let] this ruin [be] under thy hand:

Isaiah 3:8

For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings [are] against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

Ecclesiastes 10:16

¶ Woe to thee, O land, when thy king [is] a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!

Ecclesiastes 10:17

Blessed [art] thou, O land, when thy king [is] the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Jeremiah 39:6

Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

Isaiah 41:11

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.