Isaiah 34:15

KJV

There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

KJV (with Strong's)

There shall the great owl {H7091} make her nest {H7077}, and lay {H4422}, and hatch {H1234}, and gather {H1716} under her shadow {H6738}: there shall the vultures {H1772} also be gathered {H6908}, every one {H802} with her mate {H7468}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There the hoot owl will nest, lay her eggs, hatch and gather her young in its shade. There the vultures will assemble, every one with its mate.

Berean Standard Bible

There the owl will make her nest; she will lay and hatch her eggs and gather her brood under her shadow. Even there the birds of prey will gather, each with its mate.

American Standard Version

There shall the dart-snake make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shade; yea, there shall the kites be gathered, every one with her mate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 34:15 offers a chillingly vivid portrayal of the ultimate consequence of divine judgment, depicting a land so utterly and irrevocably devastated that it becomes the permanent, self-sustaining domain of wild, desolate, and ritually unclean creatures. This verse, embedded within a sweeping prophecy of God's righteous wrath against nations in rebellion, underscores the profound completeness and irreversible nature of the desolation, signifying a radical reversal of the created order and a stark, enduring consequence of persistent defiance against the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 34 is a potent prophetic declaration, often characterized as the "Day of the Lord's Vengeance," forming a crucial part of Isaiah's "Book of Judgment" (chapters 13-35). This chapter specifically details God's universal judgment against all nations, with a particular focus on Edom, Israel's long-standing adversary. Verse 15 serves as a climactic intensification of the imagery of desolation introduced in preceding verses, where the very heavens dissolve and the earth is laid waste, as described in [Isaiah 34:4](/isaiah/34-4 "Isaiah 34:4 - Heavens Rolled Up"). It directly follows graphic descriptions of the land becoming a wasteland inhabited by chaotic and wild creatures like the "screech owl" and "satyrs" in [Isaiah 34:14](/isaiah/34-14 "Isaiah 34:14 - Wild Beasts in the Ruins"), reinforcing the theme of a land returning to primeval chaos, utterly devoid of human order or flourishing. This stark picture of ruin stands in dramatic, deliberate contrast to the glorious prophecies of restoration and renewal for God's people found in the immediately subsequent chapter, [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Desert Blooms"), highlighting the two distinct outcomes of divine interaction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary target of this prophecy, Edom, a nation descended from Esau, maintained a long and bitter history of animosity towards Israel, notably participating in and celebrating Jerusalem's destruction, as recounted in [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob"). Consequently, Edom functions here as a symbolic representation of all nations that defiantly oppose God and His chosen people. The concept of the "day of the Lord's vengeance," mentioned in [Isaiah 34:8](/isaiah/34-8 "Isaiah 34:8 - The Day of the Lord's Vengeance"), is a pivotal theological theme in the Old Testament, denoting a definitive time of divine reckoning and judgment upon wickedness. The specific creatures enumerated—owls and vultures—held significant cultural weight; they were considered unclean animals under Mosaic Law, as detailed in [Leviticus 11:13-19](/leviticus/11-13-19 "Leviticus 11:13-19 - Unclean Birds"), and were universally associated with ruins, death, and desolate places throughout the ancient Near East. Their pervasive presence in the prophecy signifies not merely abandonment, but a complete and permanent transformation of the land into an uninhabitable, cursed wilderness, a profound reversal of God's original creative intent for a flourishing and ordered world.
* **Key Themes:** The powerful imagery in Isaiah 34:15 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Utter Desolation**, vividly demonstrating God's righteous wrath against sin and rebellion, which inexorably leads to irreversible destruction. The land's transformation into a permanent habitat for wild, unclean creatures signifies the finality of this judgment, where human flourishing is utterly extinguished. Secondly, the verse powerfully highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion**, serving as a severe and solemn warning about the inevitable and devastating outcomes for nations and individuals who persistently defy God and persecute His people. Lastly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and the Certainty of His Word**. The meticulous detail of the prophecy, extending even to the specific creatures and their reproductive patterns ("every one with her mate"), asserts God's absolute control over history and the guaranteed fulfillment of His pronouncements, establishing a new, divinely ordained order of desolation that cannot be undone by human effort.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **great owl (Hebrew, _qippôwz'_ H7091):** This term is derived from an unused root meaning "to contract" or "spring forward," suggesting a creature that darts or swoops. While the King James Version translates it as "great owl," the Strong's data allows for the interpretation of an "arrow-snake." Regardless of the precise zoological identification, the intent is to depict a creature characteristic of desolate, abandoned, and ruinous places, emphasizing the wild, untamed, and uninhabitable nature of the judged land. Its presence signifies the complete absence of human habitation and the triumph of the wilderness.
* **lay (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_ H4422):** This primitive root primarily means "to be smooth" or "to escape," but in a causative sense, it means "to release" or "rescue." In the specific context of this verse, it denotes "to bring forth young" or "to lay" eggs. This highlights the reproductive activity of the creatures, indicating not just their temporary presence but their successful establishment and ongoing continuation within the ruined landscape. It speaks to the self-perpetuating nature of the desolation.
* **vultures (Hebrew, _dayâh'_ H1772):** This word, an intensive form of a root meaning "to fly swiftly," refers to a "falcon" or, more commonly, a "vulture." These birds are renowned as scavengers, thriving in environments of death, decay, and carrion. Their inclusion further intensifies the imagery of desolation, signifying a land where life has ceased to flourish and only those that feed on death can survive and multiply. Their gathering underscores the abundance of decay.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow:"** This opening clause paints a vivid and disturbing picture of the "great owl" (or arrow-snake) taking full and permanent possession of the desolate land. The phrase "make her nest" (from H7077, _qânan_) signifies not merely a temporary visit but permanent habitation and establishment. The subsequent actions—"lay" (H4422, _mâlaṭ_, meaning to bring forth young), "hatch" (H1234, _bâqaʻ_, to cleave open), and "gather" (H1716, _dâgar_, meaning to brood or sit over eggs/young)—emphatically describe the complete reproductive cycle. This meticulous detail indicates a self-sustaining and growing population of these creatures, ensuring their perpetual presence in the ruined land. "Under her shadow" (H6738, _tsêl_) implies protection, dominion, and a profound sense of belonging, as if the land has become their rightful, permanent, and undisturbed home.
* **"there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate."** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the chilling imagery of desolation. The "vultures" (H1772, _dayâh_), known for scavenging and their association with death, further underscore the pervasive death and decay prevalent in the land. The phrase "be gathered" (H6908, _qâbats_) suggests a significant congregation, implying both abundance and a communal, established presence. Crucially, "every one with her mate" (H802, _ʼishshâh_, and H7468, _rᵉʻûwth_) signifies that these birds are not solitary wanderers but established pairs, fully capable of reproduction and perpetuating their kind. This detail profoundly emphasizes the irreversible and self-perpetuating nature of the judgment; the land is not merely abandoned but permanently re-inhabited by creatures of desolation, ensuring the perpetuation of its ruined and cursed state for generations.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 34:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of utter and irreversible desolation. **Imagery** is central, with the vivid descriptions of specific creatures like the "great owl" and "vultures" painting a stark, concrete picture of ruin, abandonment, and death. These creatures serve as potent **Symbolism**, representing uncleanness, chaos, and the complete absence of human life and flourishing. Their pervasive presence signifies a land cursed and returned to a wild, untamed state, the antithesis of a land blessed and cultivated by God. The extent of the desolation, where only these creatures thrive and reproduce, can be seen as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used to emphasize the severity, totality, and finality of God's judgment. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Personification** in describing the animals' actions of "making her nest," "laying," "hatching," and "gathering under her shadow," which subtly reinforces their established dominion and permanent, almost proprietorial, residence over the ruined land. Finally, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the prophecies of restoration and flourishing found elsewhere in Isaiah, particularly in the immediate subsequent chapter [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Desert Blooms"), highlighting the two distinct outcomes of divine interaction: desolation for the rebellious and renewal for the faithful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 34:15 is a profound theological statement on the devastating and enduring consequences of sustained rebellion against God's righteous rule. It reveals that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just and necessary response to entrenched wickedness, leading to a complete reversal of the created order for those who oppose the Creator. The imagery of a land given over to wild, unclean creatures signifies a return to primeval chaos, a state antithetical to the flourishing life God originally intended for humanity and creation. This serves as a solemn reminder that God's holiness demands a response, and persistent defiance inevitably leads to spiritual and physical barrenness. The permanence implied by the creatures nesting, laying, hatching, and mating underscores that the consequences of rejecting God's ways can be enduring and self-perpetuating, establishing a new, desolate order that reflects the spiritual state of those who have turned away from the source of life.

* [Leviticus 11:13-19](/leviticus/11-13-19 "Leviticus 11:13-19 - Unclean Birds")
* [Zephaniah 2:14](/zephaniah/2-14 "Zephaniah 2:14 - Desolation of Nineveh")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark imagery of Isaiah 34:15, while rooted in ancient prophecy, offers timeless and profound truths for contemporary reflection and application. It compels us to confront the gravity of sin and rebellion against God, reminding us that His justice is real, unwavering, and carries lasting consequences. The chilling picture of a land so utterly abandoned to creatures of desolation should evoke a profound sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. It challenges any casual or dismissive approach to sin, urging us to consider the ultimate spiritual barrenness and desolation that result from persistent defiance of divine will. However, this passage is not merely a message of fear; it is a powerful, urgent call to repentance and a vivid reminder of the two paths laid before humanity: one leading to desolation and spiritual death, the other to life, flourishing, and abundant grace through faithfulness. It prompts us to deeply examine our own lives, asking whether our choices are aligning us with God's purposes for life and fruitfulness, or if we are contributing to spiritual desolation in our own hearts, homes, or communities through our disobedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of desolation and wild creatures challenge our understanding of God's justice and the severity of sin in a way that mere theological statements might not?**
* **What might "making a nest" and "gathering with her mate" in a desolate place symbolize about the permanence or self-perpetuating nature of spiritual consequences, both positive and negative, in our own lives or communities?**
* **In what practical ways does this prophecy encourage us to align our lives more fully with God's will and purposes, actively seeking spiritual life and flourishing rather than contributing to spiritual barrenness?**

### FAQ
**Is this prophecy about Edom literal or symbolic?**

Answer: While rooted in a literal historical context of judgment against Edom, the vivid imagery of Isaiah 34:15, with its specific creatures and their permanent establishment, functions powerfully as **symbolism** for the complete and irreversible desolation that results from divine judgment. It conveys a profound spiritual truth about the consequences of sustained rebellion against God, extending beyond just one nation to encompass all who oppose His righteous rule. This kind of prophetic language often uses concrete, striking images to communicate abstract theological realities, as seen in other prophetic books like [Jeremiah 50:39](/jeremiah/50-39 "Jeremiah 50:39 - Desolation of Babylon") or [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon"). The literal fulfillment for Edom was severe, but the symbolic weight carries universal application.

**Why are these specific birds mentioned?**

Answer: The "great owl" (_qippôwz_) and "vultures" (_dayâh_) are chosen for their strong association with desolate, ruined places and their status as unclean birds in Mosaic Law, as detailed in [Leviticus 11:13-19](/leviticus/11-13-19 "Leviticus 11:13-19 - Unclean Birds"). Their presence signifies not just abandonment, but a land that has become antithetical to human habitation and flourishing—a place of death, decay, and ritual impurity. The meticulous detail that they "make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow" and are "gathered, every one with her mate" emphasizes the permanence and self-sustaining nature of this desolation. It indicates that the land will be forever transformed into a wild, uninhabited wilderness, a stark and enduring consequence of divine wrath, where the very creatures that thrive are symbols of its cursed state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 34:15 graphically portrays the desolation resulting from divine judgment, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Jesus Christ fully absorbed and transformed the trajectory of judgment for humanity. The curse of desolation, which would otherwise fall upon all humanity due to sin, was borne by Christ on the cross. He became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), enduring the divine wrath and spiritual abandonment that would lead to eternal desolation for those outside of Him. His sacrifice, a perfect act of love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")), averted the spiritual wasteland for all who believe, offering instead a path to flourishing life. For those who reject Him, the "desolation" described here finds its ultimate and most terrifying spiritual fulfillment in eternal separation from God's presence ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire for the Unrighteous")), a spiritual wilderness far more severe than any physical ruin. Conversely, for believers, Christ transforms the spiritual wilderness of sin into a vibrant, flourishing garden, fulfilling the contrasting prophecies of restoration (e.g., [Isaiah 35:1-2](/isaiah/35-1-2 "Isaiah 35:1-2 - The Desert Blossoms")). He is the source of living water ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")), bringing life where there was spiritual death, and making us new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), thereby reversing the curse of desolation and ushering in an era of grace and spiritual abundance.

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

Deuteronomy 14:13

And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,