For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.

ISAIAH 34:2KJV
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Isaiah 34:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 34:2 mean?

Isaiah 34:2 describes how the LORD’s anger is directed at all nations and their armies, declaring that God has decided to destroy them completely and hand them over to be killed. The verse uses strong language to show that this judgment is total and unavoidable.

In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about God’s coming judgment on the nations that oppose Him. The verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which describes a scene of devastation as a result of God’s wrath. The focus is on the seriousness of God’s response to widespread wrongdoing among the nations.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 34:2

  • indignation (זַעַם, za‘am): This word means intense anger or wrath, especially the kind that leads to decisive action. Here, it emphasizes that God’s anger is not just a feeling but is being acted upon.
  • nations (גּוֹי, goy): This word refers to all the peoples or groups outside of Israel, showing that the judgment is not limited to one nation but is universal in scope.
  • destroyed (חָרַם, charam): This word often means to devote something to destruction or to set it apart for complete removal. It highlights that the judgment being described is thorough and final.
  • slaughter (טֶבַח, tebach): This word means a violent killing, usually in the context of battle or judgment. It underlines the severity of what is being described—this is not just defeat, but utter devastation.

Why Isaiah 34:2 matters

  • Isaiah 34:2 makes it clear that God’s judgment is not random or partial; it is directed at all nations who are in opposition, showing the seriousness of their actions.
  • The verse uses strong words for destruction and slaughter, emphasizing that this is not a minor punishment but a complete and final judgment.
  • Understanding the universal scope of this warning helps set the stage for the rest of Isaiah 34, which continues to describe the consequences of ignoring God’s authority.

Where else these words appear

“slaughter” Hebrew H2874 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
  • Isaiah 34:6 The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
  • Jeremiah 50:27 Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

“indignation” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 19:10 And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

“destroyed” Hebrew H2763 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 22:20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
  • Joshua 10:1 Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;
  • 1 Samuel 15:18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

“fury” Hebrew H2534 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 27:44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;
  • Psalms 106:23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
  • Lamentations 4:11 The LORD hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof.