Isaiah 34:17

KJV

And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he hath cast {H5307} the lot {H1486} for them, and his hand {H3027} hath divided {H2505} it unto them by line {H6957}: they shall possess {H3423} it for {H5704} ever {H5769}, from generation {H1755} to generation {H1755} shall they dwell {H7931} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is he who cast the lot for them, his hand measured out their shares. They will possess it forever, and live there through all generations.

Berean Standard Bible

He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation.

American Standard Version

And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever; from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 34:17 serves as the definitive conclusion to a sweeping prophetic oracle, primarily targeting Edom but encompassing all nations that stand in defiance of God's sovereign authority. This verse powerfully asserts the absolute certainty and permanent nature of the desolation previously described, declaring that the resulting wilderness, now inhabited by wild creatures, is not a random consequence but a precise, divinely ordained inheritance. It is meticulously allocated and eternally secured by God's own hand, ensuring its perpetual state from generation to generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 34 presents a dramatic and terrifying vision of "the day of the Lord's vengeance" ([Isaiah 34:8](/isaiah/34-8 "Isaiah 34:8 - The Day of the Lord's Vengeance")), depicting cosmic and earthly upheaval as God pours out His righteous wrath. This chapter stands in stark contrast to the subsequent chapter 35, which offers a glorious vision of restoration and blessing. Within chapter 34, the immediate preceding verses (11-15) vividly portray the utter desolation of Edom, symbolically representing all of God's enemies. This land is depicted as reverting to primordial chaos, becoming a permanent dwelling for wild beasts and desolate creatures. Verse 17 functions as the emphatic and unassailable conclusion to this judgment, asserting the divine precision, intentionality, and irreversible permanence of this cursed inheritance, leaving no ambiguity regarding its certain fulfillment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Edom carries significant historical weight due to the nation's long-standing, often bitter, antagonism towards Israel, rooted in their shared ancestry through Jacob and Esau ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Prophecy of Two Nations")). Edom consistently opposed Israel, famously refusing them passage during the Exodus ([Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom's Refusal to Israel")), and later demonstrating malicious glee at Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon ([Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10-14 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Treachery Against Judah")). The imagery of "casting lots" and "dividing by line" reflects well-established ancient Near Eastern practices for land allocation and inheritance, a method notably employed in Israel's own distribution of Canaan ([Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Joshua Divides Land by Lot")). By applying these familiar human methods to divine judgment, Isaiah underscores God's methodical, precise, and intentional distribution of consequences, mirroring the exactitude with which He once distributed blessings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. It powerfully articulates **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, showcasing God's absolute control over the destinies of nations and lands. He is portrayed as the ultimate arbiter who "casts the lot" and "divides it by line," demonstrating His meticulous and unchallengeable authority. This leads directly to the theme of the **Certainty of Prophecy**, as the declaration that "they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein" emphasizes the irreversible and enduring nature of God's decree. What God declares will undoubtedly come to pass and persist. Furthermore, it vividly illustrates the theme of **Permanent Desolation** for those under God's judgment, where the outcome is not temporary exile but perpetual ruin—a land given over to chaos and wildness, serving as a stark and enduring warning of the dire consequences of rebellion against the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** This term (H1486) refers to a pebble or small stone, historically used for making decisions or allocating portions, often to determine land inheritance or discern divine will. In Isaiah 34:17, its application signifies that the desolate state of the land is neither accidental nor arbitrary, but rather a deliberate, divinely assigned destiny, a precise portion determined by God's sovereign and impartial will.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The word (H3027) for "hand" here denotes power, means, and direction. When the text states that God's "hand hath divided it," it emphasizes His direct, personal, and authoritative involvement in the allocation of judgment. This highlights divine agency and the irresistible force behind the decree, ensuring that the division is carried out with absolute precision, might, and intentionality.
* **Forever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term (H5769) properly signifies something concealed, extending to the vanishing point, and generally denotes time out of mind, eternity, or perpetual duration. Its inclusion in this verse underscores the irreversible and enduring nature of the judgment. The desolation is not a temporary affliction but a permanent, unending state, signifying the finality of God's decree against those who oppose Him, extending across all future generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he hath cast the lot for them":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the supreme and sovereign agent of judgment. The imagery of casting lots, a method used in ancient cultures for impartial and divinely guided distribution (e.g., the division of the land of Canaan), powerfully conveys that the desolation of Edom is not a random calamity but a precise, intentional, and just allocation determined by God Himself.
* **"and his hand hath divided it unto them by line":** This phrase further reinforces the divine agency and underscores the meticulous precision of God's judgment. The "line" (Hebrew: _qav_) refers to a measuring cord used by surveyors, emphasizing that God's division is exact, methodical, and unchangeable. It is a deliberate act of divine apportionment, not a chaotic or haphazard outcome, demonstrating God's complete control over the execution of His decrees.
* **"they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein":** This concluding clause emphatically stresses the permanence and unending nature of the judgment. The "possession" is not one of blessing or human habitation but of desolation, and the "dwelling" is by the wild, chaotic creatures mentioned in the preceding verses (Isaiah 34:11-15). The powerful repetition of "from generation to generation" and the phrase "for ever" emphatically declare that this divinely ordained state of ruin is perpetual and irreversible, extending through all future ages without cessation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 34:17 skillfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of certain and permanent judgment. **Personification** is subtly yet powerfully present in the idea of God's "hand" actively dividing the land, attributing a human action to the divine to emphasize direct involvement, agency, and the irresistible force of His will. **Imagery** is central to the verse's impact, particularly the vivid pictures of "casting the lot" and "dividing by line," which draw on familiar ancient practices to illustrate the precise, intentional, and non-arbitrary nature of God's judgment. This imagery also creates a profound **contrast** with the typical use of these methods for land inheritance and blessing, here applying them to perpetual desolation. Furthermore, the repetition of "from generation to generation" exemplifies **hyperbole** and **emphasis**, underscoring the absolute and unending duration of the decreed ruin, thereby reinforcing the finality and irrevocability of God's word. The entire verse functions as a powerful **summary statement**, bringing the preceding detailed descriptions of desolation to a definitive and unalterable conclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 34:17 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering justice and the absolute certainty of His prophetic word. It reveals a God who is not only powerful enough to execute judgment but also meticulously precise and intentional in its application, using the familiar human processes of lot and measuring line to underscore divine exactitude. For those who stand in persistent opposition to God, this verse serves as a solemn and terrifying warning of irreversible consequences. For believers, while daunting in its severity, it offers a paradoxical assurance: if God's word concerning judgment is so certain and permanent, then His promises of salvation, restoration, and eternal inheritance for His people are equally, if not more, reliable and enduring. It calls us to a deeper reverence for the God whose character encompasses both profound love and righteous, unyielding justice, demonstrating His faithfulness to every word He speaks.

* [Psalm 37:29](/psalms/37-29 "Psalm 37:29 - The Righteous Inherit the Land Forever")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of Burning for the Wicked")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Judgment Against the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 34:17 compels us to reflect deeply on the profound implications of God's absolute sovereignty and the enduring nature of His decrees. In a world that frequently dismisses divine authority or presumptuously relies on God's patience, this verse serves as a stark and sobering reminder that there are indeed eternal consequences for persistent rebellion against the Creator. It challenges us to critically examine our own lives: are we living in alignment with God's revealed will, or are we, perhaps subtly, aligning ourselves with the trajectory of those nations whose ultimate destiny is desolation? For the believer, this passage, while sober in its pronouncements, should paradoxically deepen our trust in God's unwavering faithfulness. If His word of judgment is so utterly reliable and permanent, how much more certain and unbreakable are His promises of grace, mercy, and eternal life through Jesus Christ? It calls us to a posture of profound humility, diligent obedience, and confident reliance on the God who meticulously fulfills every word He speaks, whether of blessing or of judgment, demonstrating His perfect justice and unwavering character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "casting the lot" and "dividing by line" challenge or confirm your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **What is the significance of the "forever" and "generation to generation" aspect of this judgment for our view of God's character and the finality of His decrees?**
* **In what specific ways might this verse serve as both a solemn warning for the unrepentant and a profound assurance for those who trust in God's promises today?**
* **How does the absolute certainty of God's judgment on His enemies underscore and strengthen the certainty of His promises of eternal life and inheritance to His people in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does Isaiah 34:17 imply that God is arbitrary in His judgments?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. The imagery of "casting the lot" (H1486, _gôwrâl'_) and dividing "by line" (H6957, _qav_) in Isaiah 34:17 emphasizes God's precision, intentionality, and justice, not arbitrariness. In ancient Israel, lots were frequently cast to determine divine will or to ensure an impartial, fair distribution, such as the division of the land among the tribes ([Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Land Divided by Lot")). The "line" refers to a measuring cord used by surveyors, indicating a careful, methodical, and exact apportionment. Therefore, this verse highlights that God's judgment is a deliberate, measured, and just act, a precise execution of His righteous decrees, rather than a random or capricious one. It underscores His sovereign control and the undeniable certainty of His pronouncements against those who have persistently defied Him.

**Who are "they" who shall possess the land forever in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate literary context of Isaiah 34, "they" refers to the wild beasts and desolate creatures described in the preceding verses (Isaiah 34:11-15). These verses paint a vivid picture of Edom's land becoming utterly desolate, a place where "the owl and the raven shall dwell in it" ([Isaiah 34:11](/isaiah/34-11 "Isaiah 34:11 - Desolation of Edom")), and where "the wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island" ([Isaiah 34:14](/isaiah/34-14 "Isaiah 34:14 - Wild Beasts in Edom")). Therefore, the "possession" and "dwelling" are not by human inhabitants but by the creatures of the wilderness, symbolizing the complete and permanent ruin of the land due to God's judgment. This emphasizes the utter reversal of its former state and its abandonment by human civilization, becoming a perpetual wasteland.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 34:17 directly addresses the judgment upon Edom and, by extension, all who oppose God, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the comprehensive and final nature of God's justice executed through Jesus Christ. The precision and permanence of the judgment described here powerfully foreshadow the definitive and eternal separation that Christ accomplishes at the end of the age. Just as God "cast the lot" and "divided by line" for Edom's desolation, so too will Christ, the ultimate and righteous Judge, perfectly and justly separate the righteous from the unrighteous ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Sheep and the Goats")). All judgment has been committed to His "hand" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Given All Judgment to the Son")), ensuring that the destiny of every individual and nation is precisely determined by His divine authority. The "forever, from generation to generation" aspect of the desolation finds its parallel in the eternal consequences for those who reject Christ, who will "go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" ([Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life")). Conversely, for those who are in Christ, the "possession" is not of desolation but of an eternal inheritance, a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2-peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")), secured by His finished work on the cross and His new covenant ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant")). Thus, Isaiah 34:17, in its chilling certainty of judgment, points forward to the absolute, final, and unwavering authority of Christ in determining eternal destinies.

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 34:10

It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

Acts 17:26

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Joshua 18:8

And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the LORD in Shiloh.

Psalms 78:55

He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

Jeremiah 13:25

This [is] thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.

Isaiah 13:20

It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold 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.