Isaiah 10:31

KJV

Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Madmenah {H4088} is removed {H5074}; the inhabitants {H3427} of Gebim {H1374} gather themselves to flee {H5756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Madmenah is in flight, The people of Gevim take cover.

Berean Standard Bible

Madmenah flees; the people of Gebim take refuge.

American Standard Version

Madmenah is a fugitive; the inhabitants of Gebim flee for safety.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:31 vividly captures the escalating terror and chaos as the Assyrian army advances relentlessly towards Jerusalem. It describes the immediate and devastating impact on smaller towns like Madmenah and Gebim, whose populations are depicted as being dislodged and desperately fleeing in a desperate attempt to escape the overwhelming and imminent threat, underscoring the widespread panic preceding the siege of the capital.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a highly descriptive and dramatic section in Isaiah 10:28-32, often referred to as "The March of the Assyrians." Following a pronouncement of judgment against Assyria for its arrogance (Isaiah 10:5-19) and a promise of a remnant's return to God (Isaiah 10:20-27), Isaiah shifts to a harrowing portrayal of the Assyrian army's specific route of advance from the north towards Jerusalem. The prophet lists a series of towns—Aiath, Migron, Michmash, Geba, Ramah, Gibeah of Saul, Anathoth, Madmenah, Gebim, and Nob—creating a sense of relentless progression and increasing proximity to the capital. Each town's reaction, from hiding to fleeing, builds the tension, culminating in the army's arrival at Nob, from where Jerusalem is visible, poised for attack. This detailed itinerary emphasizes the immediate and tangible nature of the threat to Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 10 is the late 8th century BCE, specifically the Assyrian King Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BCE. After conquering many fortified cities in Judah, Sennacherib set his sights on Jerusalem. The towns mentioned in this passage, including Madmenah and Gebim, were likely small settlements situated north of Jerusalem, along the expected invasion route. Their vulnerability and the panic of their inhabitants reflect the typical response of ancient Near Eastern populations facing a formidable and brutal invading army like the Assyrians, known for their siege warfare, deportations, and terror tactics. The flight of the inhabitants was a common survival strategy, though often futile, as people sought refuge in larger, more fortified cities or hidden places. The geographical precision of Isaiah's prophecy would have resonated deeply with his contemporary audience, who were experiencing or had recently experienced the very real threat of Assyrian aggression.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 10:31 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book of Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Human Vulnerability**. While Assyria is presented as God's instrument of judgment against Judah's sin (Isaiah 10:5), the human cost of this judgment is vividly portrayed through the panic and displacement of the innocent inhabitants of these towns. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Imminent Threat and Escalating Crisis** facing Jerusalem, as the enemy draws ever closer, causing widespread terror and disruption in the surrounding countryside. This foreshadows the ultimate confrontation at Jerusalem itself. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty amidst Chaos**, as even the seemingly unstoppable march of Assyria is ultimately under divine control, setting the stage for Jerusalem's miraculous deliverance, a theme that becomes central in later chapters (e.g., [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army")). The flight from Madmenah and Gebim serves as a stark contrast to the divine promise of protection for Zion found elsewhere in Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 31:5](/isaiah/31-5 "Isaiah 31:5 - The Lord Will Protect Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **removed (Hebrew, _nâdad'_):** This primitive root (H5074) primarily means "to wave to and fro," but figuratively, it conveys the idea of roving, fleeing, or being driven away. In this context, it powerfully describes Madmenah as being dislodged, unsettled, or forced into abandonment. It implies a violent upheaval, not a voluntary departure, reflecting the destructive impact of the Assyrian advance.
* **inhabitants (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From the primitive root (H3427), meaning "to sit down," "to dwell," or "to remain." Here, it refers to those who normally reside or settle in a place. The use of "inhabitants" emphasizes that these are the people whose established lives and homes are now being violently disrupted, highlighting the profound personal and communal impact of the invasion.
* **gather themselves to flee (Hebrew, _ʻûwz'_):** This primitive root (H5756) means "to be strong" or "to strengthen," but causatively, it implies saving oneself by flight or retiring. The phrase "gather themselves to flee" vividly portrays a collective, desperate, and urgent movement of the people. It's not a calm evacuation but a panicked scramble for survival, emphasizing the overwhelming fear that compels them to abandon everything.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Madmenah is removed":** This clause signifies the complete disruption and abandonment of the town of Madmenah. The passive voice "is removed" suggests an external, forceful action, implying that the town is either literally destroyed, emptied of its population, or rendered uninhabitable by the Assyrian advance. It conveys a sense of desolation and the immediate consequence of the approaching enemy.
* **"the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee":** This second clause describes the reaction of the people from a neighboring location, Gebim. Unlike Madmenah, which is "removed," the focus here is on the active, albeit terrified, response of its residents. "Gather themselves to flee" paints a picture of a hurried, collective exodus, driven by sheer panic and the instinct for self-preservation. It underscores the widespread fear and the desperate attempt to escape the advancing Assyrian forces.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey the terror of the Assyrian advance. The most prominent is **Vivid Description** and **Imagery**, which paint a stark picture of chaos and flight. By naming specific, geographically proximate towns like Madmenah and Gebim, Isaiah uses **Topographical Specificity** to ground the prophecy in a tangible reality, making the threat feel immediate and terrifyingly close to Jerusalem. The contrast between Madmenah being "removed" (passive, implying destruction or abandonment) and the inhabitants of Gebim actively "gathering themselves to flee" (active, implying panicked movement) creates a sense of **Parallelism** in their shared fate of disruption, yet distinct responses, highlighting the pervasive nature of the fear. The entire passage (Isaiah 10:28-32) functions as a form of **Dramatic Narrative**, building suspense with each town mentioned, leading to the climactic arrival at Nob, just outside Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:31 serves as a poignant reminder of human vulnerability in the face of overwhelming power, whether it be an earthly army or the consequences of divine judgment. The panic and flight depicted here underscore the transient nature of earthly security and the futility of relying on human strength or fortifications when God's purposes are at work. Theologically, it highlights the principle that judgment often begins at the periphery before reaching the core, demonstrating the pervasive reach of divine wrath against sin, even when executed through human instruments. Yet, even in this scene of despair, the broader narrative of Isaiah reassures us that God remains sovereign over all nations and events, ultimately using even the most fearsome empires to achieve His redemptive purposes for His people.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Do Not Fear Those Who Kill the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of Madmenah being removed and the inhabitants of Gebim desperately fleeing resonates deeply with the human experience of fear and uncertainty. While we may not face a literal invading army, life often presents overwhelming threats—financial crises, health scares, relational breakdowns, or societal upheavals—that can cause us to feel "removed" from our stability or compel us to "gather ourselves to flee" from our comfort zones. This verse challenges us to consider where our ultimate security lies. Do we panic and flee, or do we, like the faithful remnant in Isaiah's time, turn to the Lord, who is our true refuge? It calls us to examine our trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem chaotic and uncontrollable, reminding us that true peace is found not in the absence of threat, but in the presence of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Assyrian armies" (overwhelming threats or fears) are you facing in your life today that cause you to feel dislodged or compelled to flee?**
* **How does the panic described in this verse contrast with a posture of faith and trust in God's sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to find refuge in Him, rather than attempting to "flee" or control circumstances in your own strength?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific towns mentioned in Isaiah 10:28-32?**

Answer: The listing of specific towns like Madmenah and Gebim in [Isaiah 10:28-32](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - The March of Assyria") is highly significant because it creates a vivid and terrifying sense of the Assyrian army's relentless and geographically precise advance towards Jerusalem. These towns were located north of Jerusalem, along the most probable invasion route. By naming them, Isaiah makes the threat tangible and immediate for his audience, emphasizing that the enemy is not a distant rumor but an encroaching reality. It builds dramatic tension, showing the escalating panic as the army moves from town to town, underscoring the extreme proximity of danger to the capital and setting the stage for Jerusalem's ultimate confrontation and miraculous deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:31, with its depiction of a people in flight from an overwhelming enemy, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The terror and displacement experienced by the inhabitants of Madmenah and Gebim foreshadow the spiritual vulnerability of humanity under the dominion of sin and death, our ultimate enemies. Just as the Assyrian army was an instrument of judgment, so too is sin a relentless oppressor that causes humanity to "flee" from God's presence and experience spiritual "removal" from His peace. However, Christ enters this narrative as the ultimate refuge and deliverer. He is the one who does not flee but confronts and conquers these spiritual enemies, offering true and lasting security. His coming, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Child Born to Us"), establishes a kingdom of peace and justice where His people no longer need to "gather themselves to flee" but can find eternal rest and safety in Him. The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib, which follows this passage, serves as a historical type of Christ's greater victory over sin and death, securing an eternal sanctuary for all who believe, as described in [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - We Have Fled for Refuge to Lay Hold of the Hope Set Before Us") and [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). He is the one who gathers His scattered flock (like the terrified inhabitants) into His secure fold, becoming our strong tower and our everlasting dwelling place, fulfilling the promise of [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 15:31

And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,