For the Lord has a day of vengeance,

a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.

Isaiah 34:8

This chapter is intense. Some of the most graphically violent metaphors in the bible are found here. We see dead corpses with rising stench, mountains flowing with blood, even a sword said to be made fat with the sacrifices of the nations.

Why all of this violence? Why so much destruction? Why such widespread judgment? We are told here that it is a “day of vengeance” for the “cause of Zion”.

Let’s examine that: Vengeance is all about God AVENGING His people and His character, glory and honor; not about God exacting REVENGE on others. This is not a wickedly inspired vengeance, but God finally making right the centuries of abuse that His people have suffered, and the restoration of His name and proper place as the ruler of this world.

The cause of Zion is an amazing concept. Zion is the city of God, His collective people and the place they dwell. Throughout history God’s people have suffered wrongs of every kind, and God Himself has been mocked and scorned.

Because God is righteous, He must judge. Think about the cross… It was equally bloody… if it is rejected; this is the kind of judgment that remains.

Friends, press into the Lord. Trust in Him. Realize that God is one day going to vindicate us, and to exact vengeance. We don’t rejoice in the “death of the wicked”, but we do rejoice in God taking back what is rightfully His. Praise Him for His plan to save and redeem.