Isaiah 34:17

17 God has cast the lot for them; God's hand allotted it to them with the measuring line. They will possess it forever; they will live in it from generation to generation.

Isaiah 34:17 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 34:17

And he hath cast the lot for them
The Targum adds,

``by his word:''

and his hand hath divided it unto them by line;
the same adds,

``by his will.''

The allusion is to the dividing of the land of Canaan by lot and line, to the children of Israel, for their inheritance and possession; and in like manner, it is suggested, shall Rome and its territories be distributed to those wild beasts and birds of prey, and everyone shall know and take its proper place and portion:

they shall possess it for ever;
as their inheritance, allotted and appointed to them:

from generation to generation shall they dwell therein:
(See Gill on Isaiah 34:10) where Jarchi, out of the Derash, has this note,

``this is the curse of Moses; the war of the Lord against Amalek, from generation to generation; from the generation of Moses to the generation of Saul; from thence to the generation of Mordecai; and from thence to the generation of the King Messiah.''

Isaiah 34:17 In-Context

15 There the snake will nest and lay eggs and brood and hatch in its shadow. There too vultures will gather, each with its mate.

16 Consult the LORD's scroll and read: Not one of these will be missing; none will lack its mate. God's own mouth has commanded; God's own spirit has gathered them.

17 God has cast the lot for them; God's hand allotted it to them with the measuring line. They will possess it forever; they will live in it from generation to generation.