Isaiah 34:6
The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
Isaiah 34:6 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah describes a scene of divine judgment and sacrifice. The sword of the Lord, representing his power and authority, is depicted as being filled with blood and fat from the slaughter of lambs, goats, and rams. This imagery symbolizes the severity of God's judgment upon the inhabitants of Bozrah and Idumea, who have incurred his wrath due to their sins and disobedience. The mention of sacrifice alludes to the need for atonement and payment for their transgressions. The use of blood and fat in this context highlights the seriousness of the consequences of their actions and suggests a significant and costly price to be paid. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the righteous judgment of God and the need for repentance and obedience to avoid his wrath.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to understand the symbolic nature of the imagery used. The mention of the sword of the LORD being filled with blood, fatness, and the sacrifices in Bozrah and Idumea paint a vivid picture of judgment and divine retribution. The shedding of blood and the offering of sacrifices were significant rituals in ancient Israel, serving as a means of atonement for sins and a way to seek forgiveness from the LORD. The use of these specific elements in the verse indicates a severe judgment being executed by the LORD. Bozrah and Idumea were both regions known for their defiance of God, and the great slaughter mentioned in the verse serves as a warning to those who oppose the will of the LORD. Overall, this verse highlights the justice and sovereignty of God, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and the necessity of repentance.
Isaiah 34:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
The sword of Jehovah is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams; for Jehovah hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
World English Bible
Yahweh’s sword is filled with blood. It is covered with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams; for Yahweh has a sacrifice in Bozrah, And a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
Douay-Rheims
The sword of the Lord is filled with blood, it is made thick with the blood of lambs and buck goats, with the blood of rams full of marrow: for there is a victim of the Lord in Bosra and a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sword of the Lord is filled with blood: it is made fat with the fat and with the blood of the lambes and the goates, with the fat of the kidneis of the rams: for the Lord hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Edom.