Isaiah's Prophecy of Owls as a Sign of Judgment
Isaiah 34:11 prophesies that owls will inhabit Edom as a sign of God's judgment, stating, "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction" [1]. This passage is part of a larger oracle against Edom, a nation neighboring Judah.
The presence of owls in this context is significant because they are often associated with desolation and abandonment. In biblical literature, owls are typically mentioned alongside other creatures that inhabit ruins or desolate places [2, 3]. For example, Smith's Bible Dictionary notes that owls were known to inhabit ruins, making them a fitting symbol for desolation [2]. The specific Hebrew terms used for "owl" in Isaiah 34:11 are translated differently across various sources. The term "yanshuph" is rendered as "great owl" in some translations, and is believed to refer to the Egyptian eagle-owl (Bubo ascalaphus) [3].
The Targum Jonathan, a Jewish (Rabbinic) source, interprets Isaiah 34:11 as indicating that "the pelican and the porcupine shall inherit her, and the owls and the ravens shall dwell in her" [6]. This translation maintains the theme of desolate creatures inhabiting Edom. The use of owls as a symbol of judgment is not unique to Isaiah. Other biblical passages, such as Micah 1:8, also mention creatures like jackals and owls in the context of mourning and desolation [5].
John Calvin, one theologian, interprets the presence of owls in Isaiah 34 as a sign of God's severe judgment on Edom, emphasizing the desolation that will result from God's actions [8]. Calvin's commentary highlights the contrast between the current state of Edom and its future desolation, underscoring the severity of God's judgment.
The historical context of Isaiah's prophecy is crucial for understanding its significance. Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, covering a period from approximately 758 to 698 B.C. [4]. The prophecy against Edom is part of a broader collection of oracles against nations in Isaiah 13-23.
The theme of desolation and judgment associated with owls is not limited to Edom. Other nations and cities are also prophesied to suffer similar fates, with creatures like owls inhabiting the resulting desolation. For instance, Isaiah 13:21 prophesies that Babylon will become a dwelling place for creatures like owls and ostriches [7].
The use of owls as a symbol of judgment reflects the biblical understanding of these creatures as inhabitants of desolate places. This symbolism is rooted in the observation of owls' habits, as noted by biblical dictionaries [2, 3]. The presence of owls in a prophecy, therefore, serves as a vivid image of the desolation that follows God's judgment.
Sources
- Isaiah “Isaiah 34:11 (BSB) — The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Owl — A number of species of the owl are mentioned in the Bible, (Leviticus 11:17; 14:16; Isaiah 14:23; 34:15; Zephaniah 2:14) and in several other places the same Hebrew word is used where it is translated ostrich. (Job 30:29; Jeremiah 50:39) Some of these species were common in Palestine, and, as is well known, were often found inhabiting ruins. (Isaiah 34:11,13-15)”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Owl — (1.) Heb. bath-haya'anah, "daughter of greediness" or of "shouting." In the list of unclean birds (Lev. 11:16; Deut. 14:15); also mentioned in Job 30:29; Isa. 13:21; 34:13; 43:20; Jer. 50:39; Micah 1:8. In all these passages the Revised Version translates "ostrich" (q.v.), which is the correct rendering. (2.) Heb. yanshuph, rendered "great owl" in Lev. 11:17; Deut. 14:16, and "owl" in Isa. 34:11. This is supposed to be the Egyptian eagle-owl (Bubo ascalaphus), which takes the place of the eagle-owl (Bubo maximus) found in Southern Europe. It is found frequentin”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Isaiah — the prophet, son of Amoz. The Hebrew name signifies Salvation of Jahu (a shortened form of Jehovah), He prophesied concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, (Isaiah 1:1) covering probably 758 to 698 B.C. He was married and had two sons. Rabbinical tradition says that Isaiah, when 90 years old, was sawn asunder in the trunk of a carob tree by order of Manasseh, to which it is supposed that reference is made in (Hebrews 11:37)”
- Micah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Micah 1:8: 1:8-16 In response to the Lord’s predicted judgment, Micah walked around barefoot and naked to express mourning (cp. Isa 20:2; Lam 2:10; Ezek 24:17), vividly depicting what would happen to Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem (Judah). They would be stripped of their wealth, power, and population. • A jackal and an owl make forlorn sounds and live in forsaken wilderness areas (Isa 34:13; Jer 50:39).”
- Targum Jonathan (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Targum Jonathan, Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 34:11: The pelican and the porcupine shall inherit her, and the owls and the ravens shall dwell in her: and the line of devastation shall be extended over her, and the plummet of desolation.”
- Targum Jonathan (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Targum Jonathan, Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 13:21: But the martens shall lodge there; and their houses shall be filled with owls; and there shall the ostriches dwell; and devils shall delight themselves there.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 2.11: continually, he cuts off from them all hope of pardon, because, having never ceased to provoke God, they find that he is implacable; and Malachi also pronounces this expression of reprobation, that the curse of God will for ever rest on that nation. ( Malachi 1:4 .) The contrast must be supplied, because some mitigation is always held out to the people of God for their comfort. But this does not need a lengthened interpretation. It is enough that we understand the meaning and design of the Prophet. 11. Therefore the pelican and the owl shall ”