Isaiah 34:14

KJV

The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wild beasts of the desert {H6728} shall also meet {H6298} with the wild beasts of the island {H338}, and the satyr {H8163} shall cry {H7121} to his fellow {H7453}; the screech owl {H3917} also shall rest {H7280} there, and find {H4672} for herself a place of rest {H4494}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Wildcats and hyenas will meet there; and billy-goats call to each other; Lilit [the night monster] will lurk there and find herself a place to rest.

Berean Standard Bible

The desert creatures will meet with hyenas, and one wild goat will call to another. There the night creature will settle and find her place of repose.

American Standard Version

And the wild beasts of the desert shall meet with the wolves, and the wild goat shall cry to his fellow; yea, the night-monster shall settle there, and shall find her a place of rest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 34:14 paints a chilling picture of utter desolation and irreversible judgment, specifically targeting the nation of Edom as a symbol of all God's enemies. The verse describes a land once inhabited by humans now transformed into a permanent haunt for wild, eerie, and often malevolent creatures, signifying a complete reversal of order and a profound spiritual abandonment. It serves as a stark prophetic declaration that where divine order is rejected, chaos and ruin will inevitably take root, becoming a desolate wilderness where only creatures of darkness and desolation find rest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 34 stands as a powerful prophetic oracle of divine judgment, often referred to as "The Day of the Lord's Vengeance." It is part of a larger section (chapters 28-35) that contrasts God's impending judgment on the nations with His ultimate restoration of Zion. Chapter 34 specifically focuses on the devastation of Edom, a long-standing enemy of Israel, using hyperbolic and graphic imagery to convey the totality of God's wrath. This verse, along with [Isaiah 34:11-15](/isaiah/34-11 "Isaiah 34:11-15 - Prophecy of Edom's Desolation"), describes the resulting desolate landscape, setting a stark contrast with the glorious restoration and flourishing of creation promised to God's people in the very next chapter, [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Desert Blossoms"). The immediate verses preceding Isaiah 34:14 speak of the heavens being rolled up and all their host falling, emphasizing the cosmic scale of this judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah, was a descendant of Esau and a perennial adversary of Israel, often characterized by its pride and hostility (see [Obadiah 1:3-4](/obadiah/1-3 "Obadiah 1:3-4 - Edom's Pride and Downfall")). The prophecy against Edom in Isaiah 34 is not merely a historical prediction but a symbolic representation of God's judgment against all nations that oppose His will and persecute His people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the presence of wild animals, especially those associated with the night or desolate places (like owls, jackals, and "satyrs"), in formerly inhabited areas was a potent symbol of utter abandonment, divine curse, and the triumph of chaos over order. The imagery evokes a sense of dread and supernatural terror, suggesting that the land would become a dwelling place for malevolent spirits or creatures of the underworld, rather than merely a natural wilderness.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty** of God, demonstrating His absolute authority over all nations and His righteous indignation against sin and rebellion. The severity of the desolation highlights the seriousness of His wrath. Secondly, it portrays a radical **Reversal of Order**, where human civilization and divine blessing are replaced by a chaotic, wild, and cursed domain. What was once structured and inhabited becomes a realm where only the creatures of ruin thrive, symbolizing a complete spiritual and physical collapse. Lastly, the specific creatures mentioned contribute to the **Symbolism of Ruin and Spiritual Darkness**. Each animal, from the "wild beasts of the desert" and "wild beasts of the island" to the "satyr" and "screech owl," serves as a potent symbol of a land given over to utter abandonment, a place where the forces of darkness and chaos hold sway, a stark warning of the consequences of rejecting God's covenant and rule, as seen in other prophecies of desolation like [Isaiah 13:21-22](/isaiah/13-21 "Isaiah 13:21-22 - Babylon's Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Satyr (Hebrew, _sâʻîyr'_):** This word literally means "hairy one" or "he-goat." While it can refer to a literal goat, in prophetic contexts, especially when associated with desolate places and pagan worship, it often alludes to goat-demons or malevolent spirits. Its presence here signifies not just the absence of human life, but the active presence of spiritual corruption and extreme abandonment, suggesting the land becomes a haunt for entities associated with idolatry and the demonic.
* **Screech Owl (Hebrew, _lîylîyth'_):** This is the only occurrence of _lîylîyth_ in the Hebrew Bible. Derived from the word for "night," it is best understood as a nocturnal bird of prey, like an owl, or a night spectre. Its inclusion emphasizes the eerie silence, darkness, and perhaps supernatural terror associated with such a desolate, cursed place, where only creatures of the night find undisturbed rest, highlighting the depth of the land's abandonment and its eerie, haunted quality.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _mânôwach'_):** This term, derived from the root meaning "to settle" or "quiet," refers to a settled spot, a place of quiet, or a home. In the context of Isaiah 34:14, it is profoundly ironic. While humans are driven out, these creatures of desolation find their "place of rest" in the ruins. This signifies the permanence and completeness of the judgment; the land is not merely temporarily abandoned but permanently given over to these creatures as their new, undisturbed home, a chilling reversal of what was once a place of human dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island":** This clause paints a picture of a convergence of desolate creatures. "Wild beasts of the desert" (Hebrew: _tsîyîy_, desert-dwellers/nomads/wild beasts) and "wild beasts of the island" (Hebrew: _ʼîy_, howlers/solitary wild creatures, often associated with jackals or hyenas) are brought together in this cursed landscape. This meeting emphasizes the complete abandonment of the land by humans and its reclamation by the most untamed and desolate elements of the natural world, suggesting a new, chaotic order where these creatures, normally separated by habitat, now freely intermingle in the ruins.
* **"and the satyr shall cry to his fellow":** The imagery intensifies with the "satyr" (Hebrew: _sâʻîyr_), a goat-like demon or spirit, calling out to its companion. This personification deepens the sense of the land's spiritual corruption and its transformation into a haunt for malevolent entities. It suggests an active, eerie communication among the inhabitants of this desolation, further cementing the idea that the land is not just empty, but actively populated by forces of darkness and ruin, celebrating their new dominion.
* **"the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest":** The final clause brings a chilling sense of permanence to the desolation. The "screech owl" (Hebrew: _lîylîyth_), a nocturnal bird or night spectre, finds undisturbed "rest" (Hebrew: _mânôwach_) in this ruined place. This signifies that the judgment is not temporary; the land has become a permanent dwelling for these creatures of the night and wilderness. The repetition of "rest" underscores the profound irony: while humanity is displaced, these symbols of chaos and darkness find ultimate peace and permanent habitation in the cursed land.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 34:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of utter desolation. **Symbolism** is paramount, as each creature mentioned—the wild beasts, the satyr, and the screech owl—symbolizes not just natural wilderness but also divine curse, spiritual abandonment, and the triumph of chaos. The "satyr" and "screech owl" carry particularly potent symbolic weight, alluding to demonic presence or eerie, supernatural elements that underscore the land's transformation into a place of dread. **Personification** is evident in the "satyr" crying to its "fellow," giving these creatures human-like interaction and further emphasizing the eerie, unnatural nature of the new inhabitants. Finally, the entire verse utilizes **Grotesque Imagery** and **Hyperbole** to paint a vivid, almost nightmarish, picture of ruin. The convergence of such diverse and often ominous creatures in a formerly inhabited land is an extreme exaggeration designed to impress upon the reader the absolute and irreversible nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 34:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of rebellion against God, illustrating the severity of divine judgment. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. The imagery of a once-inhabited land given over to wild beasts and demonic figures highlights the spiritual decay and moral chaos that inevitably follow when a society turns away from God's order. This desolation is not merely physical but spiritual, a vivid portrayal of what happens when God's restraining hand is removed. It reminds us that sin, left unchecked, leads to a wilderness of spiritual emptiness and a haunting by the very forces that oppose God's life-giving presence.

* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Babylon's Fall and Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 50:39](/jeremiah/50-39 "Jeremiah 50:39 - Prophecy of Babylon's Ruin")
* [Psalm 91:1](/psalm/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Finding Rest in God's Shelter")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling imagery of Isaiah 34:14, while a specific prophecy against Edom, carries enduring relevance for all who encounter it. It serves as a stark reminder of the profound seriousness of God's judgment and the inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against His holy character. We are confronted with the truth that where God's presence is rejected and His divine order is scorned, spiritual desolation and moral chaos will inevitably fill the void. This passage challenges us to consider the "desolations" in our own lives or societies—areas where spiritual neglect or active sin have invited a "wildness" that is contrary to God's design for flourishing. It prompts us to reflect on the importance of seeking God's true rest and order, lest we find ourselves in a spiritual wilderness where only the "screech owl" of despair and the "satyr" of corruption find a place of rest. Ultimately, it calls us to repentance and to embrace the life-giving presence of God, which alone can transform any wilderness into a garden.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of wild beasts and "satyrs" finding "rest" in a desolate land challenge my understanding of true peace and security?**
* **In what areas of my life or society might I observe a "reversal of order" where spiritual wilderness has begun to take root due to a turning away from God?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the gravity of God's judgment and the importance of living in alignment with His will?**
* **How does the contrast between this desolation and God's promises of restoration (e.g., in Isaiah 35) shape my hope for the future?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "satyr" in this verse?**

Answer: The "satyr" (Hebrew: _sâʻîyr_) literally means "hairy one" or "he-goat." While it can refer to a literal wild goat, in prophetic contexts like [Isaiah 34:14](/isaiah/34-14 "Isaiah 34:14 - The Desolation of Edom"), it often carries a deeper, more ominous meaning. It can allude to goat-demons or malevolent spirits associated with pagan worship and desolate places. Its presence here signifies not just the absence of human life, but the active presence of spiritual corruption and extreme abandonment, suggesting the land becomes a haunt for entities associated with idolatry and the demonic, underscoring the spiritual dimension of the judgment. This imagery is also found in [Isaiah 13:21](/isaiah/13-21 "Isaiah 13:21 - Wild Beasts in Babylon's Ruins") concerning Babylon's desolation.

**What is the "screech owl" and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "screech owl" in [Isaiah 34:14](/isaiah/34-14 "Isaiah 34:14 - The Desolation of Edom") translates the Hebrew word _lîylîyth_ (H3917), which is derived from the word for "night" (_layil_). This is the only occurrence of _lîylîyth_ in the Hebrew Bible. While later folklore (Babylonian and Jewish) developed the figure of Lilith as a night demon, in the biblical context here, it most likely refers to a specific nocturnal bird of prey or a night creature, such as an owl or night-hawk. Its inclusion emphasizes the eerie silence, darkness, and supernatural terror associated with such a desolate, cursed place. The fact that it finds "rest" there highlights the complete and permanent abandonment of the land by humans, becoming a permanent dwelling for creatures of the night and symbolizing the triumph of darkness and chaos.

**Does this prophecy of desolation apply literally to a specific place or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While Isaiah 34 specifically targets Edom, the language and imagery used are highly symbolic and hyperbolic, extending beyond a literal geographical prediction. Edom serves as a representative of all nations that oppose God and His people. The prophecy describes a complete and irreversible desolation, not just a temporary abandonment. The "wild beasts," "satyrs," and "screech owls" symbolize the spiritual and moral decay, the triumph of chaos, and the presence of malevolent forces that take root where God's order is rejected. Therefore, while it has a historical referent, its primary message is a theological truth about the consequences of divine judgment on all forms of rebellion against God, serving as a powerful warning and a stark contrast to God's ultimate plan of restoration for His people, as seen in [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Desert Blossoms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 34:14, with its vivid imagery of desolation and the triumph of wild, eerie creatures, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal re-creation of this scene, but in the profound reversal and redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ. The "Day of the Lord's Vengeance" described in Isaiah 34, which brings utter ruin to God's enemies, culminates in the final judgment that Christ will execute (e.g., [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")). However, Christ also fulfills the promise of reversal and new creation. Where the old creation, marred by sin, is given over to chaos and the "screech owl" of darkness finds rest, Christ offers true and eternal rest. He is the one who casts out the "satyr"-like forces of spiritual darkness and demonic influence (e.g., [Mark 1:21-28](/mark/1-21 "Mark 1:21-28 - Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit")), bringing light and order where there was only chaos. The ultimate "place of rest" is not found in a desolate ruin, but in Christ Himself, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus takes upon Himself the full weight of God's judgment, transforming the spiritual wasteland of humanity's sin into a new creation where the wilderness blossoms like a rose ([Isaiah 35:1-2](/isaiah/35-1 "Isaiah 35:1-2 - The Desert Blossoms")). He is the Lamb of God who conquers death and desolation, ushering in the new heavens and new earth where there will be no more curse, no more night, and certainly no place for the creatures of ruin, but only the glorious presence of God and the Lamb ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 13:21

But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.

Isaiah 13:22

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in [their] pleasant palaces: and her time [is] near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.