Isaiah 17:4

KJV

And in that day it shall come to pass, [that] the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in that day {H3117} it shall come to pass, that the glory {H3519} of Jacob {H3290} shall be made thin {H1809}, and the fatness {H4924} of his flesh {H1320} shall wax lean {H7329}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When that day comes, Ya'akov's glory will wane, and his full body grow thin,

Berean Standard Bible

“In that day the splendor of Jacob will fade, and the fat of his body will waste away,

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 17:4 stands as a solemn prophetic pronouncement foretelling the severe judgment awaiting the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often identified as Jacob or Ephraim. Employing potent agricultural and physiological metaphors, the verse vividly describes a divinely ordained and comprehensive decline in the nation's prosperity, strength, and population. What was once robust, abundant, and indicative of God's favor and covenant blessings would be reduced to a state of emaciation and diminishment, a direct and inevitable consequence of Israel's spiritual apostasy and their misplaced reliance on human alliances rather than on the sovereign Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 17 is strategically placed within a larger collection of "burdens" or oracles (Isaiah 13-23), which underscore Yahweh's universal sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. Specifically, this chapter focuses on the impending judgment of Damascus (Syria) and Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel), highlighting their interconnected destinies. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 17:1-3](/isaiah/17-1-3 "Isaiah 17:1-3 - Destruction of Damascus")) detail the complete desolation of Damascus, predicting its transformation from a vibrant city into a ruin. Isaiah 17:4 then seamlessly transitions the prophetic focus, linking Israel's fate to that of its allied neighbor. This transition emphasizes that even God's covenant people are not exempt from divine judgment when they abandon their covenant obligations and trust in foreign powers. The subsequent verses ([Isaiah 17:5-6](/isaiah/17-5-6 "Isaiah 17:5-6 - Israel's Desolation")) continue to elaborate on Israel's desolation, utilizing the poignant imagery of a harvested field and gleaned olive tree, reinforcing the themes of severe reduction, loss, and a remnant. This entire oracle is deeply rooted in the historical events surrounding the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 734-732 BC), where Syria and Israel formed an ill-fated alliance against Judah, prompting King Ahaz of Judah to seek Assyrian intervention—a decision sharply condemned by Isaiah in his earlier prophecies, particularly in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy and Ahaz's Unbelief").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 17:4 unfolds against the formidable backdrop of the ascendant Assyrian Empire, a dominant military and political force in the ancient Near East during Isaiah's 8th-century BC ministry. Both Damascus and Israel, with its capital Samaria, found themselves ensnared in complex geopolitical struggles, frequently attempting to resist Assyrian expansion or forming alliances that ultimately proved futile. The vivid imagery of "glory" and "fatness" would have resonated profoundly with an agrarian society where national prosperity was intrinsically linked to fertile land, abundant harvests, healthy livestock, and a thriving population. These elements collectively symbolized national well-being, demographic strength, and military might. For Israel, "Jacob" was far more than a historical patriarch; he was a living symbol of their national identity, their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, and the rich blessings promised to Abraham's descendants. Therefore, the impending "thinning" and "waxing lean" would signify a catastrophic reversal of these covenant blessings, directly attributable to their persistent idolatry, spiritual apostasy, and misguided political maneuvering, especially their reliance on foreign powers like Syria rather than placing their trust in God's protective hand, a sin explicitly condemned in [Isaiah 30](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Woe to Rebellious Children Who Trust in Egypt").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering righteousness and wrath against sin, even when committed by His covenant people. When Israel abandons Him for idolatry and unfaithfulness, judgment is inevitable. Secondly, it vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, showing that turning away from God inevitably leads to a loss of divine favor, protection, and prosperity, echoing the covenant curses detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The stark imagery of "thinning" and "leaning" powerfully portrays the **Loss of Prosperity and Strength**, emphasizing that true national security and well-being are rooted not in material wealth or military alliances, but in an obedient and faithful relationship with God. Finally, the passage subtly yet profoundly points to the theme of **God's Sovereignty**, asserting His ultimate and absolute control over the destinies of all nations, including Israel. It highlights His prerogative to use foreign powers, such as Assyria, as instruments of His righteous judgment, a concept further developed and explored in [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - Assyria, God's Instrument of Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** (H3519) Derived from a root meaning "heavy" or "weighty," this term primarily denotes splendor, honor, reputation, and substantiality. In a national context, it encompasses a nation's wealth, power, population, and the visible manifestation of God's presence and blessing. For Jacob (Israel), their "glory" was inextricably linked to their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, their status as a chosen people, and the prosperity and strength that flowed from His favor. To have this "glory" made thin implies a profound and humiliating reduction in all these aspects, signifying a loss of divine favor and national standing.
* **made thin (Hebrew, _dâlal'_):** (H1809) A primitive root meaning "to slacken or be feeble," "to be oppressed," or "to be brought low." This word vividly conveys a state of emaciation, depletion, or impoverishment. When applied to "glory," it suggests a weakening, a fading, or a diminishing of what was once substantial and impressive. The use of this term emphasizes a process of decline, not a sudden collapse, but a gradual wasting away of strength, vitality, and substance, leading to a state of feebleness and oppression.
* **fatness (Hebrew, _mashmân'_):** (H4924) From a root meaning "to be fat," this word literally refers to physical fatness, but figuratively and concretely, it denotes richness, abundance, fertility (of a field), or robustness (of a person). In the context of a nation, "fatness" symbolizes prosperity, health, and a flourishing state. It represents the material well-being, physical strength, and demographic robustness of the people and the land. Its loss signifies a reversal of blessings, leading to scarcity and weakness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in that day it shall come to pass":** This introductory phrase, "in that day" (H3117, _yôwm_), is a characteristic prophetic marker in Isaiah, signaling a specific, divinely appointed future time when God's judgment or salvation will be decisively enacted. Here, it points to a definite historical moment when the predicted events will unfold, specifically referring to the impending Assyrian invasion and its devastating impact on the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the prophecy.
* **"that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin":** "Jacob" (H3290, _Yaʻăqôb_) here serves as a synecdoche for the nation of Israel, particularly the Northern Kingdom of Ephraim, which was the dominant tribal entity. Their "glory" (H3519, _kâbôwd_), encompassing their honor, wealth, population, and the visible manifestation of divine favor, is depicted as being "made thin" (H1809, _dâlal_). This powerful metaphor signifies a severe reduction in their national substance, a fading of their former splendor and strength, and a profound loss of the blessings that had marked them as God's chosen people. It speaks to a comprehensive diminishment of their national identity and standing.
* **"and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean":** This clause provides a parallel and reinforcing image, intensifying the meaning of the first. "His flesh" (H1320, _bâsâr_) refers to the physical body of Jacob, representing the nation's physical well-being, its population, and its material prosperity. Their "fatness" (H4924, _mashmân_), symbolizing their abundance, robustness, and flourishing state, will "wax lean" (H7329, _râzâh_), indicating a process of emaciation, depletion, and severe decline. This vivid physiological metaphor underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting every aspect of national life, from its demographic strength to its agricultural resources and overall vitality.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:4 is profoundly enriched by its masterful use of **Imagery**, particularly vivid **Metaphor** and **Personification**, to convey its dire message of impending judgment. The nation of Israel, symbolically represented by the patriarch "Jacob," is strikingly personified as a physical body undergoing a process of severe wasting away. The abstract concept of "glory" is given a tangible, physical attribute, being "made thin," while "fatness"—representing national prosperity, health, and strength—is described as "waxing lean." This deliberate employment of physiological and agricultural terms (thinning, leaning, fatness) draws deeply on the audience's immediate understanding of physical health, decay, and agricultural abundance, making the spiritual and national decline intensely palpable and impactful. Furthermore, the verse employs a powerful instance of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean") reiterates, amplifies, and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("the glory of Jacob shall be made thin"). This poetic structure not only emphasizes the certainty and totality of the predicted desolation but also creates a memorable and haunting image of a once-flourishing entity reduced to a state of emaciation and depletion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 17:4 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God's covenant people, though uniquely chosen, are not exempt from His righteous judgment when they persist in disobedience and idolatry. The "thinning" of Jacob's glory and the "leaning" of his fatness represent the withdrawal of divine blessing and protection, which were always contingent upon faithfulness to the covenant. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that true prosperity and national strength are not found in material abundance, military might, or political alliances, but in a vibrant, obedient, and trusting relationship with God. It highlights the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy, where the pursuit of worldly security and the embrace of foreign gods inevitably leads to a state of spiritual and often tangible emaciation. Ultimately, it demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His holiness and justice, even when it necessitates the painful discipline of His own beloved people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Hosea 13:16](/hosea/13-16 "Hosea 13:16 - Samaria's Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 30:7](/jeremiah/30-7 "Jeremiah 30:7 - Jacob's Trouble and Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 17:4, though rooted in an ancient prophecy of judgment, offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers and communities. The striking imagery of "glory" becoming "thin" and "fatness" waxing "lean" serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual decline and the consequences of misplaced trust. It challenges us to deeply examine the foundation of our own "glory" and "fatness"—our sense of well-being, security, identity, and flourishing. Are we, like ancient Israel, placing our ultimate trust in worldly achievements, material possessions, human systems, or even our own abilities, rather than in the living God? When we neglect our spiritual disciplines, compromise our convictions, or seek fulfillment and security apart from Christ, our spiritual vitality can indeed begin to "wax lean," leading to a profound sense of emptiness and loss, even amidst outward appearances of success. This verse is a poignant call to introspection, urging us to recognize that genuine, lasting prosperity—whether for an individual, a family, or a church—stems exclusively from faithfulness to God and a vibrant, dependent relationship with Him. It reminds us that spiritual health is the indispensable foundation for all other forms of well-being, and neglecting it inevitably leads to a profound diminishment of true life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "glory" and "fatness" represent in my own life or in my community today, and where do I primarily seek them?**
* **In what specific areas might I be experiencing a spiritual "thinning" or "leaning" due to misplaced trust, spiritual neglect, or compromise?**
* **How can I actively cultivate spiritual "fatness" and pursue true "glory" that is rooted in Christ and His eternal kingdom?**
* **What idols or false securities might I be relying on instead of God, and what concrete steps can I take to turn from them in repentance and faith?**

### FAQ

**Who is "Jacob" in this verse, and why is his "glory" described this way?**

Answer: In Isaiah 17:4, "Jacob" refers to the nation of Israel, specifically the Northern Kingdom of Ephraim, which was the dominant tribe and often synonymous with Israel as a whole in prophetic literature. This usage links the nation back to its patriarchal founder, emphasizing its covenant identity. His "glory" (Hebrew: *kâbôwd*) represents the nation's honor, prosperity, strength, population, and the visible manifestation of God's blessing and presence. The description of this glory being "made thin" and its "fatness" waxing "lean" employs vivid physiological and agricultural metaphors to predict a severe decline in national well-being, population, and military might. It signifies a reversal of the covenant blessings due to Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry, a theme consistently highlighted throughout the book of [Isaiah](/isaiah "The Book of Isaiah").

**What does the imagery of "glory made thin" and "fatness waxing lean" truly convey?**

Answer: This powerful and evocative imagery conveys a comprehensive and devastating decline. "Glory made thin" suggests a profound loss of honor, reputation, and substantial power, indicating that Israel's former splendor and influence would diminish significantly. "Fatness waxing lean" reinforces this, symbolizing a severe reduction in material prosperity, agricultural abundance, and even the physical population. In an agrarian society, "fatness" was the quintessential sign of health, wealth, and divine favor, while "leanness" indicated scarcity, famine, and hardship. Together, these metaphors paint a stark picture of a nation brought to the brink of desolation, stripped of its vitality and resources, as a direct consequence of divine judgment. This imagery is consistent with the covenant curses for disobedience found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:15-44](/deuteronomy/28-15-44 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience and Their Consequences").

**Is this prophecy only relevant to ancient Israel, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of Isaiah 17:4 is undeniably the judgment upon ancient Israel and Syria, its underlying theological principles and powerful imagery possess timeless and universal implications. It serves as an enduring warning that any nation, community, or individual that turns away from God and places its ultimate trust in worldly securities will inevitably experience a spiritual, and often tangible, decline. The "thinning" of glory and "leaning" of fatness can metaphorically represent the loss of true purpose, joy, peace, and spiritual vitality when one's foundation is not firmly established in God. It underscores the enduring truth that true and lasting prosperity, whether spiritual or material, flows directly from faithfulness to the Creator, a principle applicable across all generations and cultures, as exemplified in the teachings of [Jesus in Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 17:4, with its somber prophecy of Jacob's glory being made thin and his flesh waxing lean, finds a profound and paradoxically glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Israel's glory, rooted in its covenant, temple, and land, was indeed "made thin" by its persistent unfaithfulness, ultimately leading to exile and a diminished state. Yet, in Christ, the true Israelite, the ultimate glory of God is revealed, not in worldly power or material "fatness," but in humble incarnation and sacrificial love. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that the Word became flesh and "dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." This glory, however, was not one of earthly abundance but one that embraced the "leanness" of human suffering and sin. [Isaiah 53:2-3](/isaiah/53-2-3 "Isaiah 53:2-3 - The Suffering Servant's Appearance") prophetically describes the Suffering Servant, who had "no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." Jesus willingly became poor (spiritually "lean" in the sense of taking on humanity's sin and its devastating consequences) that we, through His sacrifice, might become spiritually rich (spiritually "fat" with His righteousness and eternal life), as taught in [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"). His crucifixion, the ultimate act of self-emptying, represented the "thinning" of His physical glory, yet it paradoxically led to the "fatness" of spiritual abundance for all who believe, ushering in a new covenant of enduring glory that far surpasses the fading glory of the old, as powerfully articulated in [2 Corinthians 3:7-11](/2_corinthians/3-7-11 "2 Corinthians 3 - The Glory of the New Covenant"). Through Christ, the true "fatness" is found in spiritual life, eternal communion with God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—a glory that will never "wax lean" but will eternally flourish in the new heavens and new earth, where the Lamb himself is the light and the everlasting glory ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of the New Jerusalem")).

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

Isaiah 10:16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Deuteronomy 32:27

Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, [and] lest they should say, Our hand [is] high, and the LORD hath not done all this.

Isaiah 9:8

¶ The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.

Zephaniah 2:11

The LORD [will be] terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen.

Ezekiel 34:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, [even] I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.

Isaiah 24:16

¶ From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, [even] glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.