Isaiah 34:5

A second reason for God’s worldwide judgment is that when His sword, a symbol of His judgment (cf. Deuteronomy 32:41-43; Joshua 5:13; Judges 7:20), has done all it can do to the heavenly host, it will fall on the nations represented by Edom. That the literal destruction of Edom is not in view should be clear from two facts. Edom did not experience such a destruction as this passage presents during her history. And Edom ceased to exist as a nation long ago, so a future destruction of Edom is not possible. Humans must pay. Everyone belongs to God. If human beings do not submit to Him voluntarily, He will force them to do so against their wills. This will be God’s judgment on the world for rebelling against Him.