Isaiah 29:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 29:5
5 Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 29 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, sacrifice, obedience. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 29:5
5 Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.
Analysis
Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust (וְהָיָה כְּאָבָק דַּק הֲמוֹן זָרָיִךְ, vehayah ke'avaq daq hamon zarayikh)—the זָרִים (zarim, strangers/enemies) who attack Jerusalem will themselves be reduced to fine dust. And the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away (וּכְמֹץ עֹבֵר הֲמוֹן עָרִיצִים, ukemotz over hamon aritsim)—the עָרִיצִים (aritsim, tyrants/ruthless ones) will become like מֹץ (motz, chaff) blown away. Yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly (וְהָיָה לְפֶתַע פִּתְאֹם, vehayah lefeta pit'om).
The oracle pivots dramatically from verses 1-4's siege to sudden deliverance. After describing Jerusalem's humiliation, Isaiah announces the besiegers' own destruction—not through prolonged warfare but instantaneously. This prophesies Sennacherib's 701 BC defeat when the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (Isaiah 37:36). The terrible ones become chaff; the dust-like enemies vanish.
Historical Context
The fulfillment came in 701 BC when Assyrian king Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem under Hezekiah. Despite overwhelming military superiority, the Assyrian army was decimated overnight (2 Kings 19:35-36). Sennacherib's own records (Taylor Prism) acknowledge withdrawing from Jerusalem after receiving tribute, but notably avoid mentioning conquering the city—a conspicuous omission suggesting catastrophic loss.
Reflection
- How does this sudden reversal reveal God's sovereignty over seemingly invincible enemies?
- What situations in your life seem hopeless until God acts 'at an instant suddenly'?
- How does this verse encourage trust when surrounded by 'terrible ones'?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 30:13, 37:36, 1 Thessalonians 5:3