Isaiah 34:17

17 He has ordained a lot for them; His hand allotted their portion with a measuring line. They will possess it forever; they will dwell 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 The sand partridge will make her nest there; she will lay and hatch her eggs and will gather [her brood] under her shadow. Indeed, the birds of prey will gather there, each with its mate.

16 Search and read the scroll of the Lord: Not one of them will be missing, none will be lacking its mate, because He has ordered it by my mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit.

17 He has ordained a lot for them; His hand allotted their portion with a measuring line. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation.