22 קָאַת (qa’at) refers to some type of bird (cf. Lev 11:18; Deut 14:17) that was typically found near ruins (see Zeph 2:14). קִפּוֹד (qippod) may also refer to a type of bird ( “hoot owl”; “screech owl”; “ravens”), but some have suggested a rodent may be in view (cf. “small animals”; “porcupine”; , “hedgehog”).
23 Heb “will possess it” (so ).
24 The Hebrew text has יַנְשׁוֹף וְעֹרֵב (yanshof vé’orev). Both the יַנְשׁוֹף (“owl”; see Lev 11:17; Deut 14:16) and עֹרֵב (“raven”; Lev 11:15; Deut 14:14) were types of wild birds.
25 Heb “he”; the referent (the Lord) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
26 Heb “stones,” i.e., the stones used in a plumb bob.
27 The metaphor in v. 11b emphasizes that God has carefully planned Edom’s demise.

In other versions

But the hawk and the porcupine shall possess it,

the owl and the raven shall dwell in it.

He shall stretch the line of confusion over it,

and the plumb line of emptiness.

The desert owl and screech owl will possess it;

the great owl and the raven will nest there.

God will stretch out over Edom

the measuring line of chaos

and the plumb line of desolation.

Eagle owls and herons will possess it,

and long-eared owls and ravens will dwell there.

The Lord will stretch out a measuring line

and a plumb line over her

for her destruction and chaos.

It will be haunted by the desert owl and the screech owl,

the great owl and the raven.

For God will measure that land carefully;

he will measure it for chaos and destruction.

But the large bird and the hedgehog shall take possession of it,

and the owl and the raven shall live in it.

And he shall stretch the measuring line of confusion out over it,

and the plumb line of emptiness.

But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it;

The owl also and the raven shall dwell in it:

And he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

Public Domain