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.

They are gone over {H5674} the passage {H4569}: they have taken up their lodging {H4411} at Geba {H1387}; Ramah {H7414} is afraid {H2729}; Gibeah {H1390} of Saul {H7586} is fled {H5127}.

They have crossed the pass, then lodged at Geva. Ramah is shaking, Giv'at-Sha'ul has fled.

They have crossed at the ford: “We will spend the night at Geba.” Ramah trembles; Gibeah of Saul flees.

they are gone over the pass; they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah trembleth; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

Commentary

Isaiah 10:29 is a vivid snapshot of impending doom, part of a prophetic passage (Isaiah 10:28-32) that describes the terrifying advance of the Assyrian army towards Jerusalem. It paints a picture of a relentless, methodical invasion, inducing panic in the towns north of the capital.

Context

This verse is set during a critical period in the history of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the reign of King Hezekiah, when the powerful Assyrian Empire was expanding its dominion. The prophet Isaiah delivered messages of both judgment and hope to a nation often caught between reliance on foreign alliances and trust in God. Here, the "they" refers to the Assyrian forces, marching through a specific geographical sequence of towns: Geba, Ramah, and Gibeah of Saul. These locations are strategically important, lying on the probable invasion route from the north, just a few miles from Jerusalem. The mention of Geba, a Levitical city, and Ramah, a prominent town, along with Gibeah of Saul (the hometown of Israel's first king), underscores the deep historical and national significance of the threatened areas, amplifying the sense of crisis.

Key Themes

  • Imminent Threat and Invasion: The verse powerfully conveys the rapid and unstoppable approach of the Assyrian army, highlighting the immediate danger faced by Judah.
  • Fear and Despair: The reactions of the towns – "Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled" – vividly illustrate the widespread terror and panic among the inhabitants as the enemy drew closer. This human response to an overwhelming force is a central theme.
  • Divine Sovereignty (Implicit): While focusing on human fear, the broader context of Isaiah 10 reminds the reader that even this devastating invasion was permitted by God as a means of judgment against Judah's sin, though Assyria itself would ultimately be judged for its pride and cruelty.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "gone over the passage" suggests they have crossed a significant geographical barrier, indicating a point of no return for the invasion. "Taken up their lodging" implies a deliberate, unhurried advance, settling in for the night, further emphasizing their methodical and relentless progress. The verbs "is afraid" and "is fled" are simple yet potent, conveying the immediate and visceral reactions of the local populations to the approaching terror.

Related Scriptures

This passage sets the stage for the dramatic events described in Isaiah 36 and 37, detailing the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Sennacherib and God's miraculous deliverance. The earlier part of Isaiah 10, particularly Isaiah 10:5-6, establishes Assyria as God's "rod" of anger, used to discipline His people.

Practical Application

Isaiah 10:29 resonates with situations where individuals or communities face overwhelming threats that seem to advance relentlessly, causing fear and despair. It reminds us that such moments of crisis are a natural part of the human experience. While the immediate focus is on the terror of invasion, the broader narrative of Isaiah encourages believers to look beyond the immediate threat to God's ultimate control and His promise of deliverance for those who trust in Him, even when circumstances seem dire. It underscores the importance of faith when all human options appear to fail, much like the ultimate deliverance of Jerusalem in Isaiah 37:36.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 13:23 (4 votes)

    And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.

  • 1 Samuel 7:17 (4 votes)

    And 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 21:17 (3 votes)

    And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,

  • 1 Samuel 11:4 (3 votes)

    Then 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.

  • Joshua 18:24 (2 votes)

    And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

  • Joshua 18:25 (2 votes)

    Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

  • 1 Samuel 13:16 (2 votes)

    And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people [that were] present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.