Isaiah 29:1
Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.
Original Language Analysis
אֲרִיאֵ֔ל
to Ariel
H740
אֲרִיאֵ֔ל
to Ariel
Strong's:
H740
Word #:
2 of 12
ariel, a symbolical name for jerusalem, also the name of an israelite
אֲרִיאֵ֔ל
to Ariel
H740
אֲרִיאֵ֔ל
to Ariel
Strong's:
H740
Word #:
3 of 12
ariel, a symbolical name for jerusalem, also the name of an israelite
חָנָ֣ה
dwelt
H2583
חָנָ֣ה
dwelt
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
סְפ֥וּ
add
H5595
סְפ֥וּ
add
Strong's:
H5595
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
2 Samuel 5:9So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.Isaiah 66:3He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.Hosea 8:13They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.Hosea 5:6They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.Hosea 9:4They shall not offer wine offerings to the LORD, neither shall they be pleasing unto him: their sacrifices shall be unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.
Historical Context
Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (740-686 BC). Jerusalem had become synonymous with the Temple and sacrificial worship, yet the nation's heart had drifted. Within fifteen years of this prophecy, Sennacherib's Assyrian army would besiege Jerusalem (701 BC), fulfilling Isaiah's warning of divine distress upon Ariel.
Questions for Reflection
- How might our religious activities become empty rituals that provoke God's woe rather than His favor?
- What does it mean that God pronounces judgment on the very city He chose for His dwelling place?
- In what ways do we 'add year to year' in religious observance while neglecting the heart transformation God desires?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! The name אֲרִיאֵל (Ariel) carries layered meaning: 'lion of God' or 'altar hearth.' Isaiah employs this cryptic designation for Jerusalem, the city David established as Israel's capital. The repetition intensifies the lament—God Himself pronounces woe upon His own sanctuary city. The phrase add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices (סְפוּ שָׁנָה עַל־שָׁנָה, siphu shanah al-shanah) drips with irony: continue your empty religious calendar, pile up your meaningless sacrifices.
This oracle dates to Hezekiah's reign (circa 701 BC) when Judah maintained religious observances while trusting political alliances over Yahweh. The sacrifices continued at the Temple, but spiritual complacency pervaded. God's woe announces that ritual without righteousness provokes judgment, not blessing. The city hosting His altar would become like an altar itself—a place of burning and slaughter.