Isaiah 34:12
No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing.
No nobles will be left to proclaim a king
This phrase indicates a complete desolation and absence of leadership within the nation being judged. In the context of Isaiah 34, the prophecy is directed against Edom, a nation often at odds with Israel. The absence of nobles suggests a total collapse of the societal structure, where no one remains to uphold or restore order. Historically, Edom was a mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The imagery of having no nobles left can be seen as a fulfillment of divine judgment, where God removes the power structures that oppose His will. This can be compared to other biblical instances where God judges nations by removing their leaders, such as in the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 47:1-5).

and all her princes will come to nothing
The phrase "all her princes will come to nothing" emphasizes the futility and ultimate downfall of those in power who oppose God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, princes were often seen as the future hope and strength of a nation. The prophecy indicates that even those who might have been seen as potential leaders or saviors will be rendered powerless and ineffective. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God humbling the proud and exalting the humble (James 4:6). Theologically, it underscores the sovereignty of God over nations and leaders, as seen in Daniel 2:21, where God is described as the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." This also foreshadows the ultimate reign of Christ, the true King, who will establish His kingdom in righteousness and justice, rendering all earthly powers insignificant in comparison.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Edom
The nation primarily addressed in Isaiah 34, representing God's judgment on nations opposed to Him.

2. Nobles and Princes
Symbolic of leadership and authority within a nation, indicating the complete desolation and lack of governance.

3. Isaiah
The prophet delivering God's message of judgment and desolation.

4. Judgment Day
The event symbolized by the desolation of Edom, representing God's ultimate judgment on sin.

5. The Wilderness
The desolate state of Edom, symbolizing the consequences of rebellion against God.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Earthly Power
Earthly authority and power are temporary and can be easily dismantled by God. We should not place our trust in human leadership but in God's eternal kingdom.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's judgment is comprehensive and just. He holds nations accountable for their actions, and His plans cannot be thwarted.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Rebellion against God leads to desolation and ruin. We are called to submit to God's authority and live in obedience to His Word.

Hope in God's Justice
While judgment is severe, it is also a reminder of God's justice. Believers can find hope in knowing that God will ultimately set things right.

Call to Repentance
The desolation of Edom serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's mercy. Repentance is essential to avoid the consequences of judgment.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the desolation of Edom in Isaiah 34:12 reflect the consequences of pride and rebellion against God?

2. In what ways can we see the futility of relying on human leadership and authority in today's world?

3. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in judgment provide comfort and assurance to believers?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgment of Edom and the ultimate judgment described in Revelation?

5. How can we apply the call to repentance in our own lives, and what steps can we take to align ourselves with God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
Similar themes of judgment against Babylon, illustrating God's sovereignty over nations.

Obadiah 1
A prophecy against Edom, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution for pride and opposition to God's people.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God.

Psalm 2
The futility of nations and rulers who oppose God's anointed King, highlighting God's ultimate authority.

Jeremiah 49
Prophecies against Edom, emphasizing the certainty of God's judgment.
The Divine IndignationW. Clarkson Isaiah 34:1-15
EdomF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 34:1-17
Edom's PunishmentF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 34:1-17
Isaiah 34, and 35J. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 34:1-17
The Sins and Punishment of EdomE. Johnson Isaiah 34:1-17
People
Isaiah, Kites
Places
Bozrah, Edom, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Chiefs, Freemen, Jackals, Kingdom, Longer, Nobles, Nobles-there, None, Nothing, Nought, Ones, Princes, Proclaim, Thereof, Vanish
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 34:12

     5723   nobles

Isaiah 34:8-14

     4540   weeds

Isaiah 34:11-17

     3296   Holy Spirit, in the world

Library
Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Holy Spirit in Relation to the Father and the Son. ...
The Holy Spirit in relation to the Father and the Son. Under this heading we began by considering Justin's remarkable words, in which he declares that "we worship and adore the Father, and the Son who came from Him and taught us these things, and the host of the other good angels that attend Him and are made like unto Him, and the prophetic Spirit." Hardly less remarkable, though in a very different way, is the following passage from the Demonstration (c. 10); and it has a special interest from the
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 12.) Differently to be admonished are the simple and the insincere. The simple are to be praised for studying never to say what is false, but to be admonished to know how sometimes to be silent about what is true. For, as falsehood has always harmed him that speaks it, so sometimes the hearing of truth has done harm to some. Wherefore the Lord before His disciples, tempering His speech with silence, says, I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now (Joh. xvi. 12).
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Isaiah 34:12 NIV
Isaiah 34:12 NLT
Isaiah 34:12 ESV
Isaiah 34:12 NASB
Isaiah 34:12 KJV

Isaiah 34:12 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Isaiah 34:11
Top of Page
Top of Page