Isaiah 34:4

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.

And all the host {H6635} of heaven {H8064} shall be dissolved {H4743}, and the heavens {H8064} shall be rolled together {H1556} as a scroll {H5612}: and all their host {H6635} shall fall down {H5034}, as the leaf {H5929} falleth off {H5034} from the vine {H1612}, and as a falling {H5034} fig from the fig tree {H8384}.

The whole host of heaven will decompose, the heavens themselves be rolled up like a scroll; all their array will wither away like a withering grape-leaf that falls from a vine or a withered fig from a fig tree.

All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree.

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll; and all their host shall fade away, as the leaf fadeth from off the vine, and as a fading leaf from the fig-tree.

Commentary

Isaiah 34:4 presents a powerful and dramatic prophetic vision of God's judgment, using vivid cosmic imagery to convey the totality and severity of His wrath. The verse describes the heavens undergoing a catastrophic dissolution, emphasizing that no part of creation is beyond God's ultimate authority and reckoning.

Context

Chapter 34 of Isaiah serves as a prophetic oracle of judgment, specifically against the nation of Edom, but also symbolizing God's universal judgment against all nations that oppose Him. It is part of a larger section (chapters 28-35) that contrasts God's impending wrath with His future restoration and blessing for His people. This particular verse highlights the cosmic dimensions of this divine intervention, preceding the glorious vision of the new creation in Isaiah 35. The imagery here is typical of "Day of the Lord" prophecies, where earthly and heavenly realms are affected by God's manifest presence and judgment.

Key Themes

  • Cosmic Dissolution and Unmaking: The most striking theme is the idea that even the seemingly stable and eternal "host of heaven" (stars, celestial bodies) will "dissolve" and the "heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll." This signifies a complete and irreversible end to the current cosmic order under divine judgment.
  • God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power: The ability to unravel the very fabric of the heavens underscores God's omnipotence. He is not merely judging nations, but demonstrating His ultimate control over all creation.
  • Certainty and Totality of Judgment: The comparisons to leaves falling from a vine and figs from a fig tree convey an inevitable, natural, and complete downfall. Just as a ripe fig is easily detached, so too will those under God's wrath face an undeniable end.
  • Eschatological Foreshadowing: This verse contains imagery that resonates deeply with New Testament descriptions of the end times, pointing to a future cosmic shaking before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "dissolved" (ืžึธืงึทืง, mฤqaq) implies melting away, decaying, or wasting, suggesting a process of disintegration rather than just a sudden disappearance. The phrase "rolled together as a scroll" (ื’ึธึผืœึทืœ, gฤlal) paints a vivid picture of something being finished, closed up, or put away, much like an ancient scroll that has been read and then rolled up. This emphasizes the finality of the current age's conclusion.

Prophetic Significance and Cross-References

Isaiah 34:4 is a foundational text for understanding biblical apocalyptic literature. Its imagery of cosmic upheaval is echoed and expanded upon in the New Testament, particularly in descriptions of the Day of the Lord and the ultimate end of the present creation:

  • The heavens "rolled together as a scroll" finds a direct parallel in Revelation 6:14, where "the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together," describing a cataclysmic event during the breaking of the seals.
  • The concept of the heavens and earth passing away or being dissolved is further developed in 2 Peter 3:10-12, which speaks of the "heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." This points towards the ultimate purification and renewal of creation.
  • The judgment against the "host of heaven" can also have a spiritual dimension, hinting at the defeat of spiritual powers aligned against God, as seen in Isaiah 24:21.

Practical Application

This powerful verse serves as a sober reminder of God's absolute holiness and justice. For those who oppose Him, it is a stark warning of inevitable and comprehensive judgment. For believers, it offers profound reassurance:

  • It affirms God's ultimate control over all creation and history, even amidst chaos and evil. His plans will not be thwarted.
  • It points to the transience of the present world and its systems, encouraging believers to fix their hope on the eternal realities of God's coming kingdom and the new heavens and new earth.
  • It underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and faith in Christ, who alone can deliver from the wrath to come.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 6:13

    And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

  • Revelation 6:14

    And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

  • Matthew 24:29

    Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

  • Ezekiel 32:7

    And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light.

  • Ezekiel 32:8

    All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD.

  • 2 Peter 3:7

    But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

  • 2 Peter 3:12

    Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
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