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.

ISAIAH 34:17KJV
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Isaiah 34:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 34:17 mean?

Isaiah 34:17 describes how God assigns a portion of land to a group by casting lots and measuring it out, promising that they will possess and live in it forever, through every generation. The verse emphasizes the certainty and permanence of this inheritance, showing that it is settled by God’s own authority.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking about God’s judgment on the nations, especially Edom, and the future fate of their land. The language of dividing by lot and line refers to ancient practices of distributing land, making clear that God is the one who decides who will own and inhabit it. The verse stresses that this decision is final and lasting, highlighting God’s control over the destiny of peoples and places.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 34:17

  • "Lot" (גּוֹרָל, goral): This word refers to the practice of casting lots, a method used in ancient Israel to make decisions or assign portions fairly, believed to reveal God’s will. Here, it underscores that the distribution of the land is not random but divinely directed.
  • "Divided" (חָלַק, chalaq): This verb means to divide or apportion. In this verse, it shows that God is actively measuring out the land, not just choosing by chance but carefully assigning boundaries.
  • "Line" (קָו, qav): This word refers to a measuring line or cord used in surveying land. Its use here highlights the precision and intentionality with which God allots the land.
  • "Possess" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This verb means to inherit or take possession. It indicates a permanent transfer of ownership, reinforcing the idea that the new inhabitants will truly settle and remain there.

Why Isaiah 34:17 matters

  • Isaiah 34:17 clears up any idea that the fate of the land is left to chance or human power; it is God who decides and assigns it, using familiar images of lots and measuring lines to make this clear.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Isaiah 34, where God’s judgment brings about a complete reversal for the land and its people, showing both justice and finality.
  • By stressing that the possession is "forever, from generation to generation," Isaiah 34:17 highlights the enduring nature of God’s decisions, contrasting the temporary power of nations with God’s lasting authority.

Where else these words appear

“line” Hebrew H6957 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:23 And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
  • Psalms 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
  • Isaiah 44:13 The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.

“divided” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Kings 18:6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
  • Proverbs 2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

“lot” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
  • Job 18:2 How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.