Isaiah 13:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The demons will sing in the wilderness, as it is said that they prefer to dwell in isolated locations seeking quietude. The term “Sirinas” likely refers to birds of pleasant song, or, according to certain translations, it denotes owls; “Onocentaurs” signifies wild donkeys, and hedgehogs may refer to creatures that bear sharp quills. All these associations aptly reflect completely desolate cities or abandoned homes. Furthermore, it is proclaimed that He is coming quickly, and will not delay, either the One who brings great anguish upon the Assyrians or the One who brings comfort to the people of Israel. In their captivity, they held onto the hope of returning to their homeland after Cyrus, alongside the Persians and Medes, triumphed over the Babylonians. He assures them of swift deliverance from their tribulations, affirming that the fulfillment of their deepest longings will arrive promptly, as though immediately upon the declaration of this prophecy.

Sirens, as understood from pagan lore, are enchanting women; yet, here, it appears the term signifies beings of debauchery, which is why Aquila referred to them as strophocamils. Aquila also termed the Onocentaurs described in the Septuagint as onokentaurs, or triciwntaj, suggesting a particular type of demons, brutish and shadowy, whose nature is to be ever restless, whether in movement or thought.

The Prophet states, "there are Sirens, besi, Onocentaurs, and blackbeans." Hence, when you observe a soul in turmoil, recognize that it is filled with clamor, for there is no distinct word present; only the chaotic cries of its passions resound in the realm of that soul. It seems that certain malevolent entities, howling in voice, delight in ensnaring souls with their seductive songs, reveling in their destruction, ensnaring those who pass by. It is uncertain whether the enjoyment from their voices or other forms of temptation and enticement to sin originate from these demons, but those enchanted by their allure lose sight of their true homeland. Should you witness someone, as noted in 2 Timothy 4:3, being diverted from the truth, drawn to myths, and rejecting the solid word, refusing correction or strict admonishment, but instead enamored with words that provide comfort and delight, understand that such a person, enticed by sweet talk and flattery, falls under the influence of the Sirens.

Of the demons, it is said they shall dance, as dancing involves varied motions of the body. Those who dance become a spectacle either in their current form or in another, just as demons utilize different guises to manipulate us, portraying the wrathful, the lustful, or those devoted to earthly desires. We allow these demons to enact their various functions within us, swaying our hearts and physical selves at their will. Therefore, when you see someone alternating between excessive laughter and profound sorrow, tormented by grief and in tears, recognize that it is as if a spirit dances within them, shifting from one form to another. Whether it manifests as greed, vanity, or pride, in every instance, those who celebrate and dance in the hearts of indulgence and sin mock humanity itself.

Their abodes, it is said, will be filled with dragons, as we have indicated, and according to Aquila’s translation, typhons; Symmachus also used the original Hebrew term, ohim, which the LXX and Theodotion translated as shouts or noises. The reference to shaggy creatures may signify nightmares, satyrs, or forest beings, which some label as Fauns or other kinds of demons. Similarly, instead of owls, the Hebrew term iim was frequently used; however, one translation rendered it as onokentaurs. The sirens are known as thennim, interpreted as demons or monstrous entities resembling large dragons with crests, capable of flight. All these signify an utter desolation, illustrating that the once-mighty city will face such devastation that, due to the multitude of demons and wild beasts, no shepherd or lover of the wilderness will dare enter. A brother from Elam, who has spent time in those regions and now lives as a monk in Jerusalem, has relayed that in Babylon there are royal hunts, and within its walls, only various kinds of animals are maintained.