Isaiah 10:29
They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.
Original Language Analysis
עָֽבְרוּ֙
They are gone over
H5674
עָֽבְרוּ֙
They are gone over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 10
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
מַעְבָּרָ֔ה
the passage
H4569
מַעְבָּרָ֔ה
the passage
Strong's:
H4569
Word #:
2 of 10
a crossing-place (of a river, a ford; of a mountain, a pass); abstractly, a transit, i.e., (figuratively) overwhelming
מָל֣וֹן
they have taken up their lodging
H4411
מָל֣וֹן
they have taken up their lodging
Strong's:
H4411
Word #:
4 of 10
a lodgment, i.e., caravanserai or encampment
חָֽרְדָה֙
is afraid
H2729
חָֽרְדָה֙
is afraid
Strong's:
H2729
Word #:
6 of 10
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
Cross References
1 Samuel 13:23And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.1 Samuel 7:17And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.Joshua 21:17And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,1 Samuel 11:4Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.
Historical Context
The locations mentioned are real towns north of Jerusalem. Geba was about 6 miles north of Jerusalem; Ramah about 5 miles; Gibeah (Saul's hometown) about 3 miles. This geographical specificity suggests either prophetic vision of a future invasion or description of an actual campaign. Sennacherib's 701 BC invasion approached from the north after conquering Lachish to the southwest. The detailed geography emphasizes how close Assyria came to Jerusalem—and how miraculous their sudden defeat became.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when threats seem to advance relentlessly toward what you hold dear?
- What does God's allowance of danger to come very close (but not succeed) teach about His sovereignty and timing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah depicts the Assyrian invasion's advance toward Jerusalem with geographical precision. Each location named marks the enemy's northward approach from Samaria toward Judah's capital. 'They are gone over the passage'—crossing the border into Judean territory. 'Lodging at Geba'—establishing positions. The towns mentioned—Ramah, Gibeah—respond with fear and flight. This vivid description creates tension: the enemy advances relentlessly toward God's city. Yet the prophet's purpose is to highlight what happens when this unstoppable force meets the immovable Rock (verses 32-34).