Isaiah 29:10

For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

For the LORD {H3068} hath poured out {H5258} upon you the spirit {H7307} of deep sleep {H8639}, and hath closed {H6105} your eyes {H5869}: the prophets {H5030} and your rulers {H7218}, the seers {H2374} hath he covered {H3680}.

For ADONAI has poured over you a spirit of lethargy; he has closed your eyes (that is, the prophets) and covered your heads (that is, the seers).

For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.

For Jehovah hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes, the prophets; and your heads, the seers, hath he covered.

Isaiah 29:10 describes a profound state of spiritual insensibility imposed by God upon the people of Judah, specifically targeting their spiritual leaders and seers. This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning Jerusalem, often referred to as "Ariel" in this chapter, highlighting the city's impending judgment due to its hypocrisy and ritualistic worship that lacked genuine devotion.

Context

Chapter 29 of Isaiah opens with a lament over Jerusalem (Ariel), depicting it as a city under siege and facing divine wrath because its people honored God with their lips but their hearts were far from Him (Isaiah 29:13). The "spirit of deep sleep" mentioned in verse 10 is a direct consequence of their spiritual rebellion and unwillingness to heed God's warnings. It signifies a judicial hardening, where God allows them to become insensitive to His truth, preventing them from understanding the very prophecies meant to guide them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Spiritual Blindness: The verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in judgment. The "deep sleep" (Hebrew: tardemah) is not merely apathy but a divinely induced stupor, rendering the people, especially their spiritual guides, incapable of perceiving spiritual realities or the unfolding of God's plan. This is a severe consequence for those who persistently reject divine revelation.
  • Failure of Prophetic Leadership: The prophets and rulers, who were meant to be spiritual eyes and guides for the nation, are themselves covered and blinded. This highlights the corruption and ineffectiveness of the religious and political leadership in Judah, who had become compromised and unable to discern God's will or speak His truth effectively.
  • God's Sovereignty: The phrase "the LORD hath poured out upon you" emphasizes that this spiritual dullness is not accidental but a deliberate act of God. It underscores His absolute control over the spiritual state of individuals and nations, even in their capacity to receive or reject His word.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "deep sleep" is tardemah (תַּרְדֵּמָה), which is also used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe a supernaturally induced slumber, such as when God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep before creating Eve, or during Abraham's covenant vision (Genesis 15:12). Here, however, its application is punitive, signifying a divine sealing off of understanding. The parallel phrases "hath closed your eyes" and "hath he covered" reinforce this idea of deliberate spiritual obfuscation.

Reflection and Application

Isaiah 29:10 serves as a somber warning against spiritual complacency and hypocrisy. When a nation or individuals repeatedly ignore God's truth and live in rebellion, there is a danger that God may allow them to fall into a state of spiritual blindness where they can no longer perceive His warnings or invitations. This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining a humble and receptive heart towards God's word, seeking genuine understanding rather than mere ritual. It also underscores the immense responsibility of spiritual leaders to remain spiritually vigilant and discerning, lest they too become blind guides (Matthew 15:14). For believers today, it is a call to pray for spiritual awakening and discernment, both for ourselves and for those in positions of influence, so that we may not fall into a similar "deep sleep."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 11:8

    (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

  • Isaiah 44:18

    They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:9

    [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:12

    That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

  • Isaiah 30:10

    Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

  • Acts 28:26

    Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

  • Acts 28:27

    For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

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