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Isaiah 34:8

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For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.

For it is the day {H3117} of the LORD'S {H3068} vengeance {H5359}, and the year {H8141} of recompences {H7966} for the controversy {H7379} of Zion {H6726}.

For ADONAI has a day of vengeance, a year of requital for fighting with Tziyon.

For the LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.

For Jehovah hath a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.

Commentary

Isaiah 34:8 KJV declares a solemn pronouncement of divine judgment, emphasizing God's active role in justice and recompense. This verse serves as a pivotal point in a larger prophetic oracle, primarily directed against the nation of Edom, but also encompassing a universal judgment on all who oppose God and His people.

Context

Chapter 34 of Isaiah vividly describes a day of catastrophic judgment upon the nations, particularly Edom, a long-standing adversary of Israel. The preceding verses paint a picture of desolation, with armies falling and the land becoming a place of utter ruin. Verse 8 pinpoints the reason and nature of this destruction: it is not random chaos but a deliberate act of divine justice. This "day of the LORD'S vengeance" is intertwined with the Lord's indignation against all nations that have risen against His chosen people, Zion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse highlights God as the ultimate arbiter of justice. His "vengeance" is not akin to human spite or revenge, but a righteous act of setting wrongs right and upholding His covenant. It's a necessary response to persistent wickedness and injustice.
  • The Day of the Lord: This phrase is a recurring prophetic motif throughout the Old Testament, signifying a specific time when God decisively intervenes in human history to judge evil and deliver His people. Here, it is explicitly a "day of vengeance," underscoring its punitive aspect.
  • Recompense for Zion's Controversy: The phrase "the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion" signifies that God is taking up the legal case or grievance of Jerusalem (Zion). For centuries, God's people had suffered oppression, mockery, and violence from surrounding nations. This judgment is God's just repayment and vindication on behalf of Zion.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "vengeance" (נָקָם, naqam) in this context speaks to divine retribution that restores moral order, rather than personal spite. It's an act of justice that sets things right.
  • "Recompences" (שִׁלּוּמִים, shillumim) implies a full and just payment or settlement. It underscores the idea that the judgment is a deserved consequence for actions, a balancing of the scales.
  • "Controversy of Zion" (רִיב צִיּוֹן, riv Tzion) literally means "the legal dispute of Zion" or "Zion's grievance." It casts God as the advocate for His people, who have been wronged, and He will bring their case to a just conclusion.

Practical Application

Isaiah 34:8 offers profound truths for believers today:

  • Comfort for the Oppressed: For those who face injustice or persecution, this verse provides assurance that God sees their suffering and will ultimately act on their behalf. His justice may be delayed, but it is certain. As Romans 12:19 reminds us, vengeance belongs to the Lord.
  • Warning for the Unrighteous: It serves as a stern warning to those who oppress, mock, or disregard God and His people. A day of accountability will come, where all actions will receive their just recompense.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: This prophecy reinforces God's absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. He is faithful to defend Zion, whether ancient Israel or the church today, as the heavenly Zion.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 63:4 (6 votes)

    For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

  • Isaiah 61:2 (5 votes)

    To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

  • Psalms 94:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

  • Isaiah 35:4 (4 votes)

    Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

  • Jeremiah 46:10 (4 votes)

    For this [is] the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

  • Deuteronomy 32:35 (3 votes)

    To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

  • Revelation 19:2 (3 votes)

    For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.