Woe to Jerusalem

Text: Isaiah 29

Jerusalem Will Be Brought Low - Isaiah 29:1-4

Jerusalem is called Ariel, "The Lion of God." It took comfort in being the city of David and the place where God's worship was centered. But despite that, it will undergo distress as a foreign army lays siege against her and brings the city low.

God Will Destroy the Destroyers - Isaiah 29:5-8

However, the enemy nations will be suddenly ground to dust. God will bring a destructive storm against them. They will feel like they're in a nightmare. What appears to be is different from what actually is. This probably refers to the Assyrian attack on Jerusalem in II Kings 19 and Isaiah 37.

The Judeans Can't Understand What God Is Telling Them - Isaiah 29:9-15

God has warned Judah and told them why He is angry with them. However, the people don't want to listen. They drag their feet, and they put blinders on. It is as if they were drunken or asleep. The prophecies are like a sealed book to them. People who should be able to grasp what God is saying won't make the effort to unseal the words.

God complains that the people act religiously, but it isn't from their hearts. They only follow the traditions they have learned by rote. God is about to do something marvelous, but they will lose their wise men, and good judgment will be missing.

The Judeans Think God Doesn't See Their Plots - Isaiah 29:15-16

The wicked in Judah think they can hide their plans, and God won't notice. But God points out that they aren't in control. God fashioned them, so of course, He understands their plots. Denying God doesn't make Him go away.

God's Plans for Restoring Judah - Isaiah 29:17-24

God is preparing to make significant changes that are equivalent to the forests of Lebanon becoming farm fields and farm fields becoming forests (Isaiah 32:15). Instead of dealing with people who are blind and deaf (Isaiah 29:9), they will see and hear. Their suffering will turn to joy. The evil will come to an end.

Israel's ancestor will no longer be ashamed of his own descendants. Israel will treat God as holy. When people stray in thought, they will know what to do. Those who are rebuked will learn (John 6:44-45; 7:17).