1 Woe to Ariel—Ariel, the city where David lodged!Though you add year to year,and the feastdays recur in succession,
2 yet will I distress Ariel:there shall be mourning and sorrowwhen she becomes as my aaltar hearth.a
3 I will encamp against you round about,and beleaguer you with assault posts,and erect siege installations against you.
4 And when you have been laid low,you will speak from the ground,your words uttering out of the dust:your voice from the groundshall be like that of a medium;your sayings shall whisper out of the dust.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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5 Suddenly, in an instant,your crowds of evildoersb shall become as fine dust,your violent mobs like flying chaff.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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6 She shall be chastened by Jehovah of Hostswith thunderous quakings,resounding booms, tempestuous blastsand conflagrations of devouring flame.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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7 And the nations amassed to fight against Ariel,all who congregate at her strongholdto distress her,shall be as a dream seen in the night:
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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8 like a hungry man who dreams he eatsbut awakens famished,or like a thirsty man who dreams he drinksbut wakes up faint and craving.So shall be all the nationsthat amass to fight against Mount Zion.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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9 Procrastinate, and become bewildered;preoccupy yourselves, until you cry for help.Be drunk, but not with wine;stagger, but not from strong drink.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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10 Jehovah has poured out on youa spirit of deep sleep:he has shut your eyes, the prophets;he has covered your heads, the seers.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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11 For you the sum of vision has become as the words of a sealed book that they give to one who is learned, saying, Please read this, and he answers, I cannot; it is sealed.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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12 Or if they give it to one who is unlearned, saying, Please read this, he answers, I am unlearned.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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13 But my Lord says, Because these peopleapproach me with the mouthand pay me homage with their lips,while their heart remains far from me—their piety toward me consisting ofcommandments of men learned by rote—
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
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A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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14 therefore it is that I shall again astound these peoplewith wonder upon wonder,rendering void the knowledge of their sagesand the intelligence of their wise men insignificant.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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15 Woe to those who contriveto hide their schemes from Jehovah!They work in the dark, thinking,Who will see us? Who will know?
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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16 What a contradiction you are!Shall the potter be regarded as the clay?Shall what is made say of its maker,He did not make me,or a work of its designer, He doesn’t understand?
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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17 In a very little while, shall not Lebanonagain become a fruitful land,and lands now fruitful be considered backwoods?
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
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18 In that day shall the deaf hearthe words of the bookand the eyes of the blind seeout of gross darkness.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
red
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but that Jehovah's servant banishes from Jehovah's elect.
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19 The lowly shall obtain an increase of joy in Jehovah,and the poorest of men rejoicein the Holy One of Israel.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
red
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but that Jehovah's servant banishes from Jehovah's elect.
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20 For tyrants shall come to nought and scorners cease;all who watch for iniquity shall be cut off—
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
red
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but that Jehovah's servant banishes from Jehovah's elect.
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21 those who at a word adjudge a man to be guilty,who ensnare the defender at court,who for nothing turn away him who is in the right.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
red
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but that Jehovah's servant banishes from Jehovah's elect.
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22 Therefore thus says Jehovah,who redeemed Abraham, to the house of Jacob:No longer shall Jacob be dismayed;his face shall pale no more.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
red
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but that Jehovah's servant banishes from Jehovah's elect.
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23 For when he sees among him his children,the work of my hands, hallowing my name,devoted to the Holy One of Jacob,reverencing the God of Israel,
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
red
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but that Jehovah's servant banishes from Jehovah's elect.
red
A pseudonym of (1) Jehovah's end-time servant, his hand of deliverance, who releases the captives of Israel's Ten Tribes from (2) the king of Assyria/Babylon, Jehovah's hand of punishment.
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24 then will the erring in spirit gain understandingand they who murmured accept instruction.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his people, who guides them in a time of wickedness and who translates ancient records that predict the end of the world.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who personifies the flame that burns up the miscreants of Jehovah's people and the nations in a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of holocaust.
red
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but that Jehovah's servant banishes from Jehovah's elect.
red
A pseudonym of (1) Jehovah's end-time servant, his hand of deliverance, who releases the captives of Israel's Ten Tribes from (2) the king of Assyria/Babylon, Jehovah's hand of punishment.
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Apocalyptic Commentary
Isaiah 29
Dual meanings of the name Ariel—“Altar Hearth” and “Lion of God”—allude to the dual destinies of Jehovah’s people whom it symbolizes. The “city” that represents his people divides in two: one part turns to wickedness and suffers a Sodom-and-Gomorrah type of destruction; the other turns to righteousness and enjoys deliverance at the intercession of Jehovah’s servant David (Isaiah 1:21, 26-27; 25:1-2; 26:1-6; 37:20, 35; 55:3-4). In spite of his people’s observing annual feastdays and solemn occasions, and of his servant’s having dwelt among them, Jehovah’s curse on Ariel attests to their apostasy.
As Jehovah’s alienated people were beleaguered and laid low in the dust anciently, so they are laid low in his end-time Day of Judgment. For all who pertain to Isaiah’s Babylon category, Assyria’s invasion ends in destruction as it did in the past (Isaiah 10:28-34; 21:1-2). Even the Zion/Jerusalem category undergoes Assyria’s siege until Jehovah has fully proven his people’s loyalty (Isaiah 1:7-8; 31:4-5). The history of Jehovah’s ancient people and their demise are told for the benefit of his end-time people. The voice designates Jehovah’s servant, a seer (Isaiah 28:16; 50:10) who tells their tale.
When the archtyrant launches his worldwide holocaust, the “crowds of evildoers” and “violent mobs” among Jehovah’s people turn into “fine dust” and “flying chaff”—into chaotic matter or nonentities. The wicked’s rage against the righteous reaching fever pitch in those days signals that the end is near: “Those who gather into mobs are not of me; whoever masses against you shall fall because of you” (Isaiah 54:15). A fiery desolation awaits Ariel—the “Altar Hearth” (vv 1-2)—at the hands of Jehovah’s flame—the king of Assyria/Babylon (Isaiah 5:24; 9:18-19; 30:27; 42:25; 47:14; 66:15-16).
The “nations” or “Gentiles” (goyim) who fight against Ariel—in this instance, the “Lion of God” (vv 1-2)—ultimately come away empty. Synonymously paralleled with Mount Zion, Ariel here denotes the righteous of Jehovah’s people or Jehovah’s valiant ones. In other words, the curses of his covenant, as represented by hunger and thirst, now come upon those who violate the rights of Jehovah’s elect. The nations who labor under the dream or delusion conjured up in the night—Jehovah’s Day of Judgment—that they can destroy his righteous people are in the end themselves destroyed (Isaiah 17:12-14).
Jehovah’s people who are here addressed are chronically delusional to the point of slumbering in a deep sleep. Having procrastinated the day of their salvation by buying into dreamlike deceptions and fantasies, they grow “bewildered” and “cry for help” when Jehovah’s judgments come upon them. As a people’s leaders generally reflect the people themselves, so all are spiritually “drunk” and “stagger” instead of walking straight. The prophets and seers—the people’s “eyes” and “heads”—can’t awaken them to spiritual realities because they themselves are intoxicated and asleep (Isaiah 28:7; 56:9-12).
The expression “sum of vision” or “comprehensive vision” (hazut hakkol) signifies all that Jehovah has revealed about the past, present, and future (Isaiah 48:6). It defines an apocalyptic or cosmic vision as seen by Isaiah and others (cf. Daniel 8:15-19; Revelation 1:10). Word links determine that “the sealed book” is the Book of Isaiah (v 18; Isaiah 30:8), besides whatever secondary meanings may apply. That book, which predicts “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10), neither the learned nor unlearned have understood (v 24; Isaiah 32:3-4; 41:28; 42:18-20; 44:25; 48:6-8; 52:15; 56:10).
The expression “these people”—which repudiates the covenant formula “my people”—reflects Jehovah’s people’s alienated state. Although they are religious, praying and giving lip service to Jehovah, their piety is superficial. Grounded in human teachings or precepts of men, their religion separates them from him instead bringing them into his presence. When Jehovah intervenes among them at the onset of his Day of Judgment, what their “sages” and “wise men” knew or thought they knew—what their scholars and professors had taught them—Jehovah wonderfully overturns (Isaiah 44:25; 52:15).
Jehovah pronounces a curse on those who live a double standard. His people’s “schemes” or “plans” (‘esa), concocted in private, put them at odds with Jehovah and cause spiritual blindness. Instead of aligning their actions with his desire for his people (Isaiah 40:13; 46:11), they attempt to make Jehovah follow theirs: “Woe to those in conflict with their Maker, mere shards of earthenware pottery! As though the clay were to say to him who molds it, ‘What are you doing? Your hands have no skill for the work!’” (Isaiah 45:9). By pursuing their own agenda, they are their own gods (Isaiah 41:21-24).
When Jehovah intervenes in humanity’s affairs the entire situation of his people changes. A great reversal of circumstances occurs between the righteous and the wicked, including their places of habitation: “I will lay waste mountains and hills and make all their vegetation wither” (Isaiah 42:15); “Wilderness and arid land shall be jubilant; the desert shall rejoice when it blossoms like the crocus” (Isaiah 35:1). As symbolized by their lands, the “fruitfulness” of the wicked is then seen as unfruitful, and what some considered the unfruitfulness of the righteous then appears fruitful (Isaiah 60:13-15).
In Jehovah’s Day of Judgment—at the time Isaiah’s prophecies come to pass—many of Jehovah’s people understand them. Those who were “blind” and “deaf”—his covenant people (Isaiah 42:16-20; 43:8)—then “see” and “hear” (Isaiah 32:3-4; 35:5). Having formerly “put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20), they then “see with their eyes and hear with their ears” (Isaiah 6:10). When Jehovah appoints his servant as “a light to the nations”—“to open eyes that are blind” and to deliver “those in darkness” (Isaiah 42:7; 49:6, 9; cf. 9:2)—humanity’s poor and lowly rejoice in Israel’s Holy One.
At Jehovah’s intervention to restore justice among his people (Isaiah 1:27; 42:1-4), tyrants and scorners “come to nought” and “cease” (Isaiah 16:4-5; 28:22). Faultfinders on the lookout for flaws in others—who, on mere hearsay, judge them guilty—who trip others up in their words to prevent justice being served, are “cut off.” That is, severed from Jehovah, from his covenant blessings, and from being numbered among his people (Isaiah 9:14; 22:25; 48:18-19). While the wicked create opposition that tries the faith and loyalty of the righteous, Jehovah removes them from the earth in his Day of Judgment.
When end-time events occur just as Isaiah had predicted them—as neither the wise nor rash-minded had supposed (v 14; Isaiah 32:4)—many who had “erred in spirit” and “murmured,” who had misjudged Isaiah’s prophecies for what they are, come to “understanding” and receive “instruction.” As Jehovah delivered Abraham from Babylon’s plagues, and as Jacob’s face grew pale no more when he saw his son Joseph alive (Genesis 12:1-13:Genesis 12:1-13:46:30; 46:306:30; Genesis 12:1-13:46:30; 46:306:306:30), so Jehovah delivers Abraham’s descendants from Greater Babylon’s plagues and restores Jacob’s lost tribes from exile (Isaiah 19:25; 41:8-9; 49:5-6).