Isaiah 34:15
There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
Isaiah 34:15 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate" is full of symbolism and imagery. The great owl, known for its wisdom and solitude, represents a place of safety and security. The act of laying, hatching, and gathering under her shadow implies a maternal instinct of protection and nurturing. The vultures, on the other hand, are scavengers and often associated with death and destruction. The gathering of vultures with their mates suggests a sense of unity and partnership in a harsh environment. Overall, this verse can be interpreted as a reflection of the different aspects of life - from safety and nurturing to death and decay - all existing side by side in the natural world.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the mention of the great owl making her nest and the vultures being gathered with their mates presents a vivid image of desolation and loneliness. The great owl is often associated with darkness, loneliness, and desolation in biblical symbolism, signifying a place of abandonment and solitude. The vultures further emphasize this image, as they are commonly regarded as birds of prey that feed on death and decay. The theological interpretation of this verse may suggest that it is conveying a message about the consequences of turning away from God and His protection. The mention of these creatures making their nests and gathering together could symbolize a place where spiritual darkness and destruction reign, away from the loving embrace and shelter of God. It serves as a warning against straying from the path of righteousness and seeking solace in places of spiritual desolation, where darkness may overshadow and isolation may prevail.
Isaiah 34:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
There shall the dart-snake make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shade; yea, there shall the kites be gathered, every one with her mate.
World English Bible
The arrow snake will make her nest there, and lay, hatch, and gather under her shade. Yes, the kites will be gathered there, every one with her mate.
Douay-Rheims
There hath the ericius had its hole, and brought up its young ones, and hath dug round about, and cherished them in the shadow thereof: thither are the kites gathered together one to another.
Geneva Bible (1599)
There shall the owle make her nest, and laye, and hatche, and gather them vnder her shadowe: there shall the vultures also bee gathered, euery one with her make.