The book of Isaiah, chapter 34, verse 16, is a part of the prophetic writings in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. This specific verse is often understood within the context of God’s judgment upon the nations, particularly Edom, which is used as a symbol for all nations that oppose God.
Isaiah 34:16 says, “Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.”
To unpack this verse, let’s consider its components and the overall message within the chapter:
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read:” This phrase suggests consulting the scriptures or the divine record. It implies that the truth about God’s plans and actions can be found in His word. The “book of the LORD” likely refers to the divine decree or the scriptures that contain God’s will and prophetic utterances.
“no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate:” This part of the verse assures that every creature or entity mentioned in God’s plan will be present and accounted for. The phrase “none shall want her mate” indicates that there will be a completeness or fulfillment of God’s design, where every element has its counterpart or complement, suggesting a state of perfection or completeness in God’s creation or judgment.
“for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” Here, God affirms that His word (what His mouth has commanded) is the source of authority, and His Spirit is the agent that executes this command, gathering all things according to His will. This emphasizes God’s sovereignty over creation and the fulfillment of His prophetic words.
In the context of Isaiah 34, which speaks of judgment and desolation upon the nations, verse 16 serves as a statement of God’s faithfulness to His word. It underscores that every aspect of God’s plan, including the gathering of creatures for judgment or restoration, will be fulfilled precisely as He has decreed. The emphasis is on the reliability and completeness of God’s will, reassuring that His intentions, as recorded in scripture, will indeed come to pass without exception.
This message can be interpreted on multiple levels, including a call to trust in God’s sovereignty and the assurance that His word is trustworthy. In a broader theological context, it speaks to the themes of divine providence, the importance of Scripture, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purposes in history.
