Isaiah 34:3

KJV

Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their slain {H2491} also shall be cast out {H7993}, and their stink {H889} shall come up {H5927} out of their carcases {H6297}, and the mountains {H2022} shall be melted {H4549} with their blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their slain will be thrown out, the stench will rise from their corpses, the mountains will flow with their blood.

Berean Standard Bible

Their slain will be left unburied, and the stench of their corpses will rise; the mountains will flow with their blood.

American Standard Version

Their slain also shall be cast out, and the stench of their dead bodies shall come up; and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 34:3 delivers a grim and potent prophetic vision of divine judgment, depicting the catastrophic consequences for those who stand in opposition to God. This verse, embedded within a broader oracle of global desolation, vividly portrays the aftermath of overwhelming conflict: unburied corpses, a pervasive stench of decay, and the very landscape transformed by the immense bloodshed. It underscores the totality and severity of God's righteous wrath, revealing a judgment so absolute that it leaves no room for burial or mourning, and fundamentally alters the natural world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 34 forms a distinct prophetic unit, often termed "The Little Apocalypse," which contrasts sharply with the preceding chapters focused on specific nations and the subsequent chapters (Isaiah 35 onwards) that describe glorious restoration. Chapter 34 itself is a universal judgment oracle, yet it singles out Edom as a primary recipient of God's wrath, likely due to its persistent hostility toward Israel (e.g., [Obadiah 1:10-14](/obadiah/1-10 "Obadiah 1:10-14 - Edom's Violence Against Jacob")). This verse, with its graphic imagery of death and decay, sets the tone for the complete desolation described throughout the chapter, emphasizing the finality and horror of divine retribution before the glorious vision of Zion's redemption in [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Future Glory of Zion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of unburied bodies and their resulting stench was a profound curse and dishonor in the ancient Near East. Proper burial was crucial for dignity and spiritual well-being, and its denial signified utter defeat, abandonment, and divine rejection (e.g., [Jeremiah 8:2](/jeremiah/8-2 "Jeremiah 8:2 - Unburied Bodies as a Curse")). The "Day of the Lord," a recurring prophetic motif, refers to a time when God intervenes decisively in history to execute judgment on His enemies and vindicate His people. This concept encompassed both historical events and eschatological fulfillment. The specific focus on Edom, a nation descended from Esau, highlights a long-standing familial and political animosity with Israel, making it a symbolic representation of all nations hostile to God's covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, portraying God not as a passive observer but as an active and righteous judge who will decisively punish wickedness and rebellion against His sovereignty. The graphic imagery also emphasizes **Utter Desolation**, where the consequences of sin are so severe that they lead to complete societal collapse and environmental transformation, leaving no survivors to bury the dead. Furthermore, it speaks to **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, affirming that ultimately, all nations are accountable to Him, and His justice will prevail, even if it means widespread destruction for those who defy Him, a theme echoed in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as the Righteous Judge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From the root meaning "to pierce," this word specifically refers to those "pierced (especially to death)" or "wounded" and left dead. In Isaiah 34:3, it emphasizes the violent and fatal nature of the judgment, highlighting that the bodies are not merely deceased but are the result of a brutal slaughter, signifying a complete military defeat and the utter vulnerability of the vanquished.
* **Stink (Hebrew, _bᵉʼôsh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be foul" or "to putrefy," this term denotes a strong, offensive odor, a stench. Its use here vividly conveys the repulsive and pervasive smell of decaying corpses, underscoring the horrific reality of the unburied dead and the complete absence of human dignity or care in the aftermath of God's judgment. It signifies the ultimate dishonor and abandonment.
* **Melted (Hebrew, _mâçaç'_):** A primitive root meaning "to liquefy," "to waste," or "to dissolve." When applied to mountains "melting with their blood," it functions as a powerful hyperbole, conveying an unimaginable volume of bloodshed. It suggests a transformation of the very landscape, implying that the extent of the slaughter is so vast and overwhelming that it metaphorically dissolves the solid earth, emphasizing the cataclysmic scale of God's wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their slain also shall be cast out":** This clause immediately establishes the horrific scene of judgment. "Cast out" implies that the bodies of the slain are left unburied, exposed, and dishonored. This was a severe curse in ancient cultures, signifying utter contempt and a complete lack of respect for the dead, highlighting the finality and severity of God's judgment upon His enemies.
* **"and their stink shall come up out of their carcases":** This graphic detail amplifies the horror, appealing to the sense of smell. The pervasive and unavoidable stench of decaying bodies underscores the vast number of the dead and the complete absence of anyone to perform burial rites. It paints a picture of pervasive defilement and desolation, making the judgment inescapable and universally repulsive.
* **"and the mountains shall be melted with their blood":** This is a powerful hyperbolic image. The "mountains" represent the enduring, unyielding features of the earth. The idea of them "melting" with blood conveys an unimaginable quantity of bloodshed, so vast that it metaphorically alters the very landscape. It signifies the overwhelming and transformative force of God's vengeance, indicating a judgment of unparalleled scale and intensity that impacts even the natural world.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 34:3 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of overwhelming judgment. **Imagery** is paramount, appealing to both visual and olfactory senses. The "slain... cast out" and "stink... out of their carcases" create a repulsive visual and olfactory picture of widespread death and decay, emphasizing the dishonor and abandonment of the vanquished. The phrase "mountains shall be melted with their blood" is a striking example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. Mountains, symbols of stability and permanence, are depicted as dissolving under the sheer volume of blood, vividly communicating the unprecedented and cataclysmic scale of the slaughter. This hyperbole also functions as **Symbolism**, where the melting mountains symbolize the profound and irreversible alteration of the natural order and the complete devastation wrought by divine judgment. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the reader the absolute and terrifying nature of God's righteous wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 34:3 serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that the Lord is not indifferent to the wickedness of nations but will, in His appointed time, execute righteous judgment upon all who oppose Him and oppress His people. This graphic depiction of wrath underscores the seriousness of sin and rebellion, emphasizing that divine judgment is not a mere concept but a terrifying reality with tangible, devastating consequences. For believers, it provides assurance that God will ultimately vindicate His righteousness and His people, while for the unrepentant, it stands as a solemn warning of the inevitable outcome of defying the Almighty.

* [Revelation 14:20](/revelation/14-20 "Revelation 14:20 - The Great Winepress of God's Wrath"): Describes a scene of immense bloodshed outside the city, where blood flows "up to the horses' bridles," echoing the overwhelming scale of judgment.
* [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Harvest of Judgment"): Uses agricultural imagery of a "winepress" full to bursting, signifying the readiness for God's furious judgment upon the nations.
* [Psalm 79:3](/psalms/79-3 "Psalm 79:3 - Unburied Bodies as a Desecration"): Laments the unburied bodies of God's servants, highlighting the profound dishonor and devastation associated with such a fate, a curse that Isaiah 34:3 portrays as inflicted upon God's enemies.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid and unsettling imagery of Isaiah 34:3 compels us to confront the profound seriousness of God's holiness and His unwavering justice. While the scene is one of terrifying destruction, it serves as a crucial theological anchor, reminding us that God is not a cosmic bystander but the sovereign Lord who will ultimately set all things right. This passage should cultivate within us a deep reverence for His power and a sober understanding of the consequences of rebellion against His perfect will. It calls us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are aligned with His purposes, living in humility and obedience rather than presumptuous defiance. For those who trust in Him, this graphic portrayal of judgment against His enemies offers a profound assurance that He is indeed just and will ultimately bring about His kingdom, where righteousness dwells. It encourages us to live with a sense of urgency, sharing the good news of His mercy and grace, knowing that a day of accounting awaits all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic imagery of Isaiah 34:3 challenge or deepen your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **What is the spiritual significance of bodies being "cast out" and left unburied in ancient thought, and how does this apply to the judgment described here?**
* **In what ways should this passage motivate believers to live a life of greater reverence and obedience to God?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the Lord" that this verse refers to?**

Answer: The "Day of the Lord" is a prominent prophetic theme throughout the Old Testament, referring to a specific time when God intervenes decisively in human history to execute His judgment upon the wicked and to bring about the salvation and vindication of His people. It is often depicted as a time of darkness, wrath, and destruction for those who oppose God, but also a time of light and deliverance for those who are faithful. While it can refer to specific historical events (like the fall of Babylon or Edom), it also carries an eschatological dimension, pointing to a final, ultimate judgment at the end of time, as seen in passages like [Zephaniah 1:14-18](/zephaniah/1-14 "Zephaniah 1:14-18 - The Great Day of the Lord"). Isaiah 34:3 vividly portrays the devastating physical consequences of this divine intervention.

**Is this prophecy literal or symbolic, especially the "mountains melting with blood"?**

Answer: The prophecy in Isaiah 34:3 employs highly vivid and hyperbolic language, particularly the image of "mountains shall be melted with their blood." While the judgment itself is certainly real and its consequences devastating, the "melting mountains" is a **hyperbolic** expression designed to convey the immense, unimaginable scale of bloodshed and destruction. It's a poetic way of emphasizing that the slaughter will be so vast that it will fundamentally alter the very landscape, indicating a cataclysmic event of unparalleled magnitude. The prophet uses such powerful imagery to impress upon the reader the terrifying totality of God's wrath, rather than to suggest a literal geological transformation by blood. This kind of symbolic or hyperbolic language is common in prophetic literature to convey profound spiritual truths about divine power and judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 34:3 graphically depicts God's righteous judgment against His enemies, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom all judgment will ultimately be executed, as declared in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, but Has Given All Judgment to the Son"). The horrific scene of unburied bodies and pervasive stench speaks to the wages of sin, which is death and separation from God, a reality that Christ bore on the cross. His shed blood, unlike the blood of the slain in Isaiah, is not a cause of judgment but the means of atonement, cleansing, and reconciliation for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). For those who trust in Him, the wrath described in Isaiah 34:3 has been averted, as Christ absorbed the full fury of God's judgment on our behalf ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath Through Christ")). Thus, this passage, while terrifying in its immediate context, ultimately points to the necessity of a Savior who delivers us from the coming wrath, and to the final establishment of God's righteous kingdom where such desolation will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

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

Joel 2:20

But I will remove far off from you the northern [army], and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.

Ezekiel 39:4

Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that [is] with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and [to] the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Isaiah 34:7

And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.

Ezekiel 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Ezekiel 32:5

And I will lay thy flesh upon the mountains, and fill the valleys with thy height.

Ezekiel 32:6

I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, [even] to the mountains; and the rivers shall be full of thee.

2 Kings 9:35

And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of [her] hands.