Isaiah 29:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 29:5 dramatically prophesies the sudden and complete annihilation of Jerusalem's formidable enemies, likening their vast numbers to ephemeral "small dust" and "chaff that passeth away." This verse marks a pivotal shift in the prophetic narrative, assuring God's people that despite overwhelming external threats and their own internal spiritual blindness, divine intervention will swiftly and decisively dismantle the power of their oppressors, demonstrating God's sovereign protection over His chosen city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 29 opens with a lament over "Ariel," identified as Jerusalem, depicting a city under siege, experiencing profound distress and spiritual stupor (Isaiah 29:1-4). The initial verses portray Jerusalem as a city that will be brought low, speaking "out of the ground" and having its voice "low out of the dust," symbolizing humiliation and near-destruction. However, verse 5 introduces a sudden and dramatic reversal of fortune. Instead of Jerusalem's complete demise, the focus abruptly shifts to the swift and utter destruction of her besiegers. This unexpected turn highlights God's ultimate control over the destiny of nations and His commitment to His covenant people, even when they are deserving of judgment. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 29:6-8) further elaborate on the divine intervention, describing a terrifying, sudden storm that scatters the enemy as a dream.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 29 is widely understood to refer to the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah, specifically the campaign led by Sennacherib in 701 BC. Assyria was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military might and overwhelming numbers. The imagery of "small dust" and "chaff" would have resonated powerfully with an agrarian society familiar with the process of winnowing grain. After threshing, grain was tossed into the air, allowing the heavier kernels to fall, while the light, worthless chaff was blown away by the wind. This common agricultural practice served as a potent metaphor for the utter insignificance and swift disappearance of the seemingly invincible Assyrian army before the power of God, echoing similar imagery found in [Psalm 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4 - The Wicked are Like Chaff").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Reversal**, where God dramatically overturns human expectations and the apparent trajectory of events. What seemed like certain defeat for Jerusalem is miraculously transformed into the catastrophic defeat of its enemies. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Sovereignty of God** over all nations and human powers; no earthly army, however mighty or "terrible," can withstand His decree. Thirdly, it highlights the **Transience and Insignificance of Oppressors** when confronted by divine power, reducing them to ephemeral elements like dust and chaff. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Unwavering Protection of His People**, even in their unfaithfulness, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness in delivering Jerusalem from seemingly insurmountable odds, as also seen in the account of [Hezekiah's prayer and God's deliverance](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** From the root meaning "to make a noise," this term denotes a "noise, tumult, crowd," and by extension, "abundance" or "many." In Isaiah 29:5, it emphasizes the sheer numerical superiority and clamorous presence of the invading armies, portraying them as a vast, overwhelming force. The use of this word twice in the verse underscores the immense scale of the enemy, making their subsequent reduction to dust and chaff all the more striking.
* **Chaff (Hebrew, _môts'_):** This word refers to the light, worthless husks separated from grain during the winnowing process. It is a potent symbol of worthlessness, fragility, and ephemerality. Unlike the valuable grain, chaff is easily scattered and blown away by the slightest wind, signifying the complete and effortless dispersal and destruction of the enemy forces.
* **Suddenly (Hebrew, _pithʼôwm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to open (the eyes)" or "a wink," this adverb signifies an instantaneous, unexpected, and abrupt event. Its pairing with "at an instant" (Hebrew, _pethaʻ_) in the verse creates a powerful double emphasis, highlighting the immediate and unforeseen nature of God's judgment. The destruction will not be a protracted battle but a swift, decisive act of divine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust":** This clause introduces the first simile, comparing the vast numbers ("multitude") of foreign invaders ("strangers," referring to the Assyrian army) to "small dust." The imagery of "small dust" (Hebrew, _daq ʼâbâq_) evokes something extremely fine, easily dispersed, and utterly insignificant. It conveys the idea that no matter how numerous or imposing the enemy appears, they are nothing more than fine particles that can be effortlessly scattered by a breath of wind, symbolizing their fragility and impending disappearance.
* **"and the multitude of the terrible ones [shall be] as chaff that passeth away":** This second clause reinforces the imagery with another powerful simile. The "terrible ones" (Hebrew, _ʻârîyts_), referring to the formidable and tyrannical oppressors, are likened to "chaff that passeth away." This highlights their worthlessness and transience. Just as chaff is separated from grain and blown away, so too will these mighty armies be swept away and vanish, emphasizing their utter powerlessness before God's might. The phrase "passeth away" (Hebrew, _ʻâbar_) signifies a complete and irreversible transition, a vanishing act.
* **"yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.":** This final clause provides the crucial temporal element, emphasizing the swiftness and unexpectedness of the divine intervention. The combination of "at an instant" (Hebrew, _pethaʻ_, meaning a wink or moment) and "suddenly" (Hebrew, _pithʼôwm_, meaning instantly) creates a powerful rhetorical device, underscoring that God's judgment will not be a slow, drawn-out process but a single, immediate, and unforeseen act. This swiftness highlights God's absolute power and the futility of resistance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 29:5 is rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, which are central to its powerful message. The enemies are vividly portrayed through two distinct comparisons: "like small dust" and "as chaff that passeth away." Both similes draw upon common, relatable agricultural and environmental phenomena to convey the utter fragility, insignificance, and transient nature of the seemingly overwhelming foe. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the reduction of a vast army to mere dust and chaff, emphasizing the immense disparity between human strength and divine power. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the initially terrifying "multitude" and "terrible ones" with their ultimate, ignominious fate as scattered, worthless particles. The repetition of "multitude" and the double emphasis on the timing ("at an instant suddenly") create a sense of dramatic **Foreshadowing** and underscore the certainty and swiftness of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 29:5 is a profound declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It teaches that no human force, however great or terrifying, can stand against the divine will. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God is the one who raises up and casts down kingdoms, demonstrating His power to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. The imagery of dust and chaff serves as a timeless reminder of the transience of human might and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous judgment against those who oppose Him and His purposes.

* [Psalm 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4 - The Wicked are Like Chaff")
* [Job 21:18](/job/21-18 "Job 21:18 - The Wicked are Like Chaff Before the Wind")
* [Psalm 37:35-36](/psalms/37-35-36 "Psalm 37:35-36 - The Wicked Vanish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 29:5 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to trust in God's sovereign power, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It reminds us that our battles are ultimately God's battles, and He is capable of delivering us from any "terrible ones" that threaten our peace or existence, whether they be physical adversaries, spiritual attacks, or seemingly insurmountable life challenges. The swiftness of the enemy's demise ("at an instant suddenly") should instill confidence that God's deliverance can come unexpectedly and decisively. This verse encourages us to shift our focus from the apparent strength of our problems to the infinite power of our God, knowing that all opposition to His will is ultimately as fleeting and insubstantial as dust and chaff. It calls us to patience and steadfast faith, knowing that the triumph of evil is always temporary, and God's justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "terrible ones" or overwhelming challenges are you facing today that seem insurmountable?**
* **How does the imagery of "small dust" and "chaff" change your perspective on the power of your adversaries or problems?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's "sudden" intervention or deliverance in your life?**
* **How can remembering God's sovereignty over all human powers strengthen your trust and patience in difficult times?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "strangers" and "terrible ones" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context, the "strangers" (Hebrew: *zûwr*) and "terrible ones" (Hebrew: *ʻârîyts*) primarily refer to the invading Assyrian army, led by King Sennacherib, who laid siege to Jerusalem in the time of King Hezekiah. They were foreign oppressors, known for their might and cruelty. The terms also carry a broader prophetic meaning, representing any formidable enemies or tyrannical powers that oppose God's people throughout history. The prophecy highlights that no matter how strong or numerous these adversaries appear, they are ultimately insignificant before God's power.

**What is the significance of the imagery of "small dust" and "chaff"?**

Answer: The imagery of "small dust" (Hebrew: *daq ʼâbâq*) and "chaff" (Hebrew: *môts*) is highly significant. "Small dust" represents something extremely fine, easily blown away, and utterly insignificant. "Chaff" refers to the worthless husks separated from grain during winnowing, which are then scattered by the wind. Both metaphors powerfully convey the utter fragility, worthlessness, and swift disappearance of the seemingly mighty enemy. They emphasize that the vast and terrifying armies will be effortlessly dispersed and vanish without a trace, highlighting their complete powerlessness in the face of divine judgment. This imagery is common in biblical literature to describe the fate of the wicked, as seen in [Psalm 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4 - The Wicked are Like Chaff").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 29:5 directly prophesies the historical defeat of Jerusalem's enemies, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the definitive triumph of God's kingdom over all spiritual and earthly opposition through Jesus Christ. The "multitude of thy strangers" and "terrible ones" find their ultimate spiritual counterpart in the forces of sin, death, and the devil, which held humanity captive. Just as God swiftly scattered the physical enemies of Israel, so too did Christ, through His death and resurrection, decisively defeat the spiritual powers that oppressed humanity. The Cross, seemingly a moment of weakness, was in fact the "instant suddenly" where the "terrible ones" of spiritual darkness were disarmed and made a public spectacle, as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"). Furthermore, this verse foreshadows the final, complete, and sudden judgment of all God's enemies at Christ's second coming, when every opposing power will be swept away like "chaff that passeth away" before the glorious presence of the Lord, establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells (see [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - The Rider on the White Horse and the Defeat of the Beast")). Thus, Isaiah 29:5 points to the comprehensive victory secured by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and who will ultimately bring all things under His feet.

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

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.