Isaiah 29:5

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.

Moreover the multitude {H1995} of thy strangers {H2114} shall be like small {H1851} dust {H80}, and the multitude {H1995} of the terrible ones {H6184} shall be as chaff {H4671} that passeth away {H5674}: yea, it shall be at an instant {H6621} suddenly {H6597}.

But your many foes will become like fine powder, the horde of tyrants like blowing chaff, and it will happen very suddenly.

But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant,

But the multitude of thy foes shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be in an instant suddenly.

Commentary on Isaiah 29:5 (KJV)

Isaiah 29:5 describes the dramatic and sudden downfall of Jerusalem's enemies, presenting a powerful image of divine intervention. This verse offers comfort and assurance to God's people, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Context

Chapter 29 of Isaiah is primarily a prophecy concerning Jerusalem, referred to as "Ariel" (meaning "lion of God" or "altar hearth"). The preceding verses depict Jerusalem under siege, facing great distress and humiliation. However, the tone shifts dramatically in verse 5, moving from the city's impending doom to the swift destruction of its besiegers. Historically, this prophecy is often linked to the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Sennacherib, where God miraculously delivered the city (see 2 Kings 19:35).

Key Themes

  • Divine Reversal: What appeared to be a certain victory for the enemies is suddenly turned into their catastrophic defeat by God's hand.
  • Insignificance of Oppressors: The "multitude of thy strangers" (foreign invaders) and "terrible ones" are reduced to "small dust" and "chaff." This imagery highlights their utter powerlessness and fragility before the Almighty. Just as the wicked are often likened to chaff, easily scattered, so too are these formidable armies.
  • Sudden and Decisive Judgment: The phrase "at an instant suddenly" emphasizes the swiftness and unexpected nature of God's judgment. There will be no lingering battle; the destruction will be immediate and complete.
  • God's Protection of His People: Despite Jerusalem's unfaithfulness, God demonstrates His unwavering commitment to preserve His chosen city and people, proving that ultimately, the battle belongs to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used for "small dust" (daq daq) and "chaff" (mots) are highly evocative. Daq daq emphasizes something extremely fine, easily blown away, while mots refers to the light, worthless husks separated from grain during winnowing, which are then scattered by the wind. Both terms powerfully convey the utter fragility and swift disappearance of the seemingly mighty enemy. The double emphasis in "at an instant suddenly" (petha pit'om) underscores the immediate and unforeseen nature of their destruction.

Practical Application

Isaiah 29:5 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is Sovereign: No earthly power, however mighty or terrifying, can stand against God's will. He can turn the tide of any situation "at an instant suddenly."
  • Trust in Deliverance: When faced with overwhelming challenges or "terrible ones" in our lives, whether they are physical threats, spiritual battles, or seemingly insurmountable problems, we can trust in God's power to intervene and deliver.
  • The Transience of Evil: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the triumph of evil is always temporary and fleeting. Ultimately, all who oppose God and His people will be swept away like dust and chaff. This provides hope and resilience, knowing that if God is for us, who can be against us?
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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3

    For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

  • Isaiah 37:36

    Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

  • Isaiah 17:13

    The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

  • Isaiah 17:14

    And behold at eveningtide trouble; [and] before the morning he [is] not. This [is] the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

  • Isaiah 30:13

    Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 10:19

    And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.

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