Chapter Summary

Prophecy of the Day of the Lord and Armaggedon.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 34

1. We find a serious contrast between the end of chapter 33 and chapter 34. What is different about the attitudes of the enemy nations? What will God's judgment do to their lands?
2. Chapter 34 is a powerful poem about God's judgment on Edom and the self-exalting nations. How far will God's destruction carry? How long will his destruction of Edom continue?
3. Why does God use terminology likened to a sacrificial offering? What else does the Bible say about sin and the purpose of sacrificial offerings?
4. God has appointed a "Day of vengeance" (ESV). Who is he avenging? Where do we see glimpses of his merciful nature in the context of his righteous destruction?
5. God makes it clear that he will empty Edom of rulers. Who will oversee the land in the future? How does the creation mandate in Genesis 1:26-28 help us interpret this particular turn of events?
6. How do we know from verses 16–17 that God will bring judgment to pass? What is the difference between God's judgment on Edom and Israel?
7. Where do you see God's kingdom advancing through the death of a nation? How can God turn these evil events to good for his people? When in your life or modern events have you seen a horrific event become something God uses in a positive way?
8. God gave us this account of judgment for a reason. Read Psalm 90:12. What is the command? How do we gain wisdom in our walk before Almighty God? How should we respond to his righteous commands?
9. Do you think our culture appreciates the justice of God? Why or why not? How does our society treat the commands of God? How would we respond to a skeptic who claims that God cannot exist because of evil in the world?
10. Read Hebrews 10:1–14. What does God desire more than sacrifice? How did Jesus purchase our faith and extend mercy to God's people? Do believers need to fear God's judgment in the future? Why or why not?

Key Words/Phrase

Day of vengeance, v. 8.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

16, 17.