Book of Isaiah - Chapter 14 - Verse 23

The verse "I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts." from the book of Isaiah 14:23 depicts a grim image of God's judgment upon a particular land. In this verse, God promises to make the land a possession for the bittern, a type of bird, and turn it into pools of water. This suggests desolation and wilderness, as the bittern is often associated with solitude and abandonment. The sweeping with the besom of destruction signifies a thorough and complete devastation, indicating that God's judgment will be all-encompassing and irreversible. The use of this imagery serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and sin, illustrating the seriousness of God's wrath towards those who turn away from Him. Overall, this verse highlights the justice and power of God as the ultimate authority over all creation.

One theological interpretation of this verse can be seen in the contrast between the promise of making the land a possession for the bittern and pools of water, and the threat of sweeping it with the besom of destruction. The bittern was a bird associated with desolation and abandonment in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing desolation and forsakenness. In this context, the promise of making the land a possession for the bittern could be interpreted as a symbol of the divine judgment and punishment that the land will face due to its disobedience. The pools of water can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and blessing, highlighting the contrast between God's grace and judgment. The besom of destruction symbolizes the complete devastation that will come upon the land if it continues in disobedience. The LORD of hosts is portrayed as a powerful and just ruler who will carry out these promises and threats according to His righteous judgment.