I’m skipping over to Chapter 34 for this next posting. This chapter starts with God addressing His message to all nations and people on planet earth. He describes a time when He will destroy their armies, and my mind quickly connects to the campaign of Armageddon foretold in Revelation. The wording of verse 4 makes a direction connection to Revelation 6.
Is. 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.
Rev. 6:13-14 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. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
In verse 8 the Lord explains that this time will be the day of His vengeance on the nations for their treatment of His people, the nation of Israel. It would seem that one of the first victims of God’s sword will be the land of Idumea or Edom where He has a sacrifice prepared in Bozrah, known today as Petra. I personally believe (due to enlightenment from the teaching of Arnold Fruchtenbaum) that is because the Lord will begin His defeat of the forces of Antichrist with those positioned around Petra who are threatening the preserved remnant of Israel whom God is protecting there as they await His coming to establish His kingdom. The destruction will be so thorough that man will no longer find it suitable for habitation; it will be overtaken by the wild animals.
Verse 16 is a declaration by God that His word is sure. He challenges the people to seek out His book (the Bible) and read His prophecies. He boldly declares that not one prophecy will fail—not one will be listed that is not fulfilled.
This same message is continued in chapter 35. In contrast to the destruction of the nations, the land of Israel will experience healing. She will “blossom as the rose” with abundance. When the Lord is on the throne, both man and the land will experience physical healing.
In the closing verses the Lord declares that Zion, Jerusalem, will be a place of rejoicing. The redeemed will seek to gather there for worship, and they will not have to fear the attack of the enemy on their journey. It is obvious to me that this passage is definitely one that is awaiting its mate (34:16).
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