Isaiah 29:7

KJV

And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the multitude {H1995} of all the nations {H1471} that fight {H6633} against Ariel {H740}, even all that fight {H6638} against her and her munition {H4685}, and that distress {H6693} her, shall be as a dream {H2472} of a night {H3915} vision {H2377}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, all the nations fighting Ari'el, every one at war with her, the ramparts around her, the people that trouble her will fade like a dream, like a vision in the night.

Berean Standard Bible

All the many nations going out to battle against Ariel— even all who war against her, laying siege and attacking her— will be like a dream, like a vision in the night,

American Standard Version

And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her stronghold, and that distress her, shall be as a dream, a vision of the night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 29:7 delivers a profound prophetic declaration concerning the ultimate futility of all nations that rise against Jerusalem, here symbolically called Ariel. Despite the overwhelming numbers and formidable preparations of these hostile forces, their perceived triumph and the distress they inflict will be utterly ephemeral, dissolving as insubstantially and completely as a dream vanishes upon waking. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign protection over His people and His city, assuring that no earthly power can ultimately thwart His divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 29 is situated within a larger section of the book (chapters 28-33) often referred to as the "Book of Woes" or "Oracles against Nations and Israel." Specifically, chapter 29 begins with a severe condemnation of Jerusalem (Ariel) for its spiritual blindness, hypocrisy, and dullness, predicting a time of profound judgment and siege where the city will be brought low and speak from the dust ([Isaiah 29:1-4](/isaiah/29-1 "Isaiah 29:1-4 - Woe to Ariel")). Verses 5-6 graphically describe the sudden, overwhelming attack by a "multitude of strangers" and "terrible ones." However, verse 7 introduces a dramatic and immediate reversal, shifting from the impending doom of Jerusalem to the sudden, miraculous demise of its attackers. This abrupt transition highlights God's unexpected intervention and ultimate control, contrasting human might with divine sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The most immediate historical backdrop for this prophecy is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC, led by King Sennacherib. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military campaigns and overwhelming force. Jerusalem, though fortified, faced an existential threat from an army that had already conquered many surrounding nations. The name "Ariel" for Jerusalem is highly significant; it can mean "lion of God," suggesting strength and divine protection, or "hearth/altar of God," emphasizing its sacred role as the center of Israelite worship and sacrifice. The imagery of a "dream of a night vision" would have been deeply resonant in a culture where dreams were often seen as vivid, sometimes terrifying, but ultimately unsubstantial and fleeting experiences once one awoke.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, asserting that despite the overwhelming power and numerical superiority of the nations arrayed against Jerusalem, God maintains ultimate control over all earthly affairs. Their might is temporary and subject to His will, as vividly demonstrated in the historical account of the Assyrian defeat ([Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Destroys the Assyrian Army")). Secondly, it highlights **The Illusory Nature of Evil's Triumph**. What appears to be an inevitable and devastating victory for the enemies of God's people is revealed as fleeting and unsubstantial, akin to a nightmare that vanishes upon waking. Finally, it offers a profound message of **Hope Amidst Adversity and Judgment**. Even in times of severe discipline and siege, the verse assures that God will not allow His chosen city or His covenant people to be utterly consumed by their adversaries, providing a glimpse of ultimate deliverance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** This term (H1995) denotes a "noise, tumult, crowd," and by extension, "abundance" or "many." In this context, it emphasizes the overwhelming numerical superiority and the tumultuous, threatening presence of the attacking nations. It highlights the seemingly insurmountable odds faced by Ariel, making the subsequent divine reversal all the more dramatic.
* **Nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** The word (H1471) specifically refers to "foreign nations" or "Gentiles," often carrying connotations of pagan or non-covenant peoples. Its use here underscores that the opposition against Ariel is not merely a political or military conflict but a confrontation with forces outside of God's covenant, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the conflict.
* **Ariel (Hebrew, _ʼĂrîyʼêl'_):** This symbolic name (H740) for Jerusalem is central to the verse. As noted, it can mean "lion of God" (suggesting strength and divine protection) or "hearth/altar of God" (referencing its cultic significance as the place of sacrifice and divine presence). The dual meaning enriches the prophecy: the city, despite its spiritual failings, remains under divine protection as God's chosen dwelling and place of worship.
* **Dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_), Vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** These two words (H2472 and H2377 respectively) are used together to form a powerful simile, "as a dream of a night vision." _Chălôwm_ refers to a literal dream, while _châzôwn_ can mean a sight, revelation, or oracle, often implying a mental or spiritual perception. The combination emphasizes the ephemeral, insubstantial, and ultimately unreal nature of the enemies' perceived triumph. What seemed terrifyingly real and imminent will prove to be nothing more than a fleeting illusion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel,"**: This opening clause establishes the formidable nature of the threat. "Multitude" emphasizes the sheer number and overwhelming force of the attackers, while "all the nations" signifies a universal, seemingly unstoppable coalition against Jerusalem, referred to by its symbolic name, Ariel. This sets the stage for a conflict of immense scale.
* **"even all that fight against her and her munition,"**: This phrase reiterates and intensifies the description of the attackers, highlighting their direct and comprehensive assault. "Her munition" (Hebrew _mâtsôwd_, H4685) refers to Jerusalem's fortifications, bulwarks, or strongholds. The enemies are not merely attacking the city but also its defenses, aiming for total conquest and destruction.
* **"and that distress her,"**: This clause emphasizes the psychological and physical impact of the siege. The attacking forces are actively causing severe hardship, oppression, and anguish to Jerusalem. It paints a picture of a city under immense pressure, facing dire circumstances and suffering.
* **"shall be as a dream of a night vision."**: This is the climactic declaration of divine reversal. Despite the overwhelming numbers, the direct assault on defenses, and the deep distress caused, the entire formidable threat will vanish. The simile powerfully conveys the sudden, complete, and unsubstantial nature of their disappearance, as if the terrifying reality was never truly real, but merely an illusion that dissipates with the dawn.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 29:7 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its prophetic message. The most prominent device is **Simile**, found in the phrase "shall be as a dream of a night vision." This comparison vividly conveys the ephemeral and ultimately unreal nature of the enemies' power and their perceived victory. What appears to be a concrete, terrifying reality is likened to something fleeting and insubstantial, emphasizing the sudden and complete disappearance of the hostile forces. **Symbolism** is evident in the use of "Ariel" to represent Jerusalem. This name, with its dual meanings of "lion of God" and "hearth/altar of God," imbues the city with both divine strength and sacred significance, making its protection a matter of God's honor and covenant faithfulness. The description of "the multitude of all the nations" employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the number and scope of the attacking forces to underscore the overwhelming odds faced by Jerusalem, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's intervention. Finally, there is a powerful sense of **Dramatic Irony** and **Contrast** within the chapter: after detailing Jerusalem's spiritual blindness and impending judgment, the sudden, almost abrupt, declaration of the enemies' vanishing acts as a divine twist, revealing God's ultimate control and turning human despair into divine triumph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 29:7 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering sovereignty of God over all earthly powers and His steadfast commitment to His covenant people. It teaches that even when God's people face overwhelming opposition and experience divine chastisement, His ultimate purpose is not their destruction but their preservation and purification. The ephemeral nature of the enemy's strength, likened to a dream, underscores that no human or demonic force can ultimately thwart God's plans or overcome His divine protection. This truth provides immense comfort, reminding believers that the trials and adversaries of this world, no matter how formidable they appear, are ultimately temporary and subject to God's decisive intervention, which can dissolve them into nothingness.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Is Our Refuge and Strength") - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
* [Psalm 2:4](/psalm/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at His Enemies") - He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
* [Revelation 20:7-10](/revelation/20-7 "Revelation 20:7-10 - The Final Defeat of Satan and His Armies") - The ultimate and complete defeat of all forces arrayed against God and His people at the end of time, paralleling the sudden vanishing of the enemy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 29:7 offers profound comfort and a vital shift in perspective for believers facing overwhelming challenges in their lives. Just as the seemingly insurmountable "multitude of all the nations" arrayed against Ariel ultimately vanished as a dream, so too will the anxieties, fears, and oppressive forces in our lives prove to be temporary and without lasting substance when viewed through the lens of God's ultimate sovereignty. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unwavering protection and His omnipotent power, knowing that His deliverance can transform the most terrifying realities into forgotten illusions. It reminds us that no enemy—whether spiritual, circumstantial, or relational—no matter how strong or numerous, can ultimately thwart God's purposes for His children. Our faith is not in the absence of struggle, but in the certainty of God's final victory and His ability to make even the most vivid nightmare disappear with the light of His intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "dream of a night vision" challenge your perception of seemingly insurmountable obstacles or fears in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust God's sovereignty over the "multitude of nations" (i.e., overwhelming problems or adversaries) that distress you?**
* **How can remembering God's past acts of deliverance (both biblical and personal) strengthen your faith when you feel besieged by current difficulties?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Ariel" in this verse?**

Answer: "Ariel" (H740) is a symbolic name for Jerusalem, carrying rich theological meaning. It can be interpreted as "lion of God," signifying Jerusalem's strength, its role as a powerful center of God's kingdom, and its divine protection. Alternatively, it can mean "hearth of God" or "altar of God," referring to Jerusalem's central role as the site of the Temple, where sacrifices were offered and God's presence dwelt. In Isaiah 29, the name highlights both Jerusalem's sacred identity and its vulnerability to judgment, while simultaneously emphasizing that it remains under God's ultimate care, even when chastised. The name underscores that the conflict is not merely geopolitical but deeply spiritual, involving God's chosen city.

**How does this prophecy relate to historical events, specifically the Assyrian siege?**

Answer: While Isaiah's prophecies often have multi-layered fulfillments, the most immediate and prominent historical fulfillment of Isaiah 29:7 points to the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army under Sennacherib in 701 BC. The Assyrians, a formidable "multitude of nations," had besieged Jerusalem, causing great distress. However, as recorded in [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Destroys the Assyrian Army") and [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians"), the Angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night, causing Sennacherib to withdraw in shame. This sudden and complete destruction of the enemy forces perfectly aligns with the imagery of a terrifying "dream of a night vision" that vanishes without a trace upon waking, demonstrating God's sovereign intervention.

**Does this verse imply God will always protect His people from all harm or judgment?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply absolute immunity from all harm or judgment. In fact, the preceding verses in Isaiah 29 explicitly describe Jerusalem's impending judgment and distress due to its spiritual blindness and hypocrisy ([Isaiah 29:1-4](/isaiah/29-1 "Isaiah 29:1-4 - Woe to Ariel")). The "distress" mentioned in verse 7 is a consequence of God's disciplinary hand. Rather, the verse teaches that while God may allow His people to experience hardship or even judgment, He ultimately retains sovereign control over their adversaries. He will not permit His purposes to be thwarted, nor will He allow His chosen city or people to be utterly consumed. The "dream of a night vision" metaphor applies to the *ultimate* futility of the enemy's efforts to permanently destroy God's plan, not to the absence of temporary suffering or discipline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 29:7, with its dramatic portrayal of the vanishing enemy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While historically pointing to the defeat of Assyria, the "multitude of all the nations" that fight against God's chosen "Ariel" (Jerusalem, and by extension, God's people) represents all the forces of evil, sin, death, and the demonic realm. In Christ, the true "Lion of God" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), these formidable adversaries are definitively overcome. His crucifixion, which appeared to be the ultimate triumph of the "nations" and the powers of darkness, was in reality the moment of their decisive defeat. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), rendering their apparent victory as fleeting and unsubstantial as "a dream of a night vision." He abolished death and brought life and immortality to light ([2 Timothy 1:10](/2_timothy/1-10 "2 Timothy 1:10 - Christ Abolished Death")). Furthermore, the Church, as the spiritual Jerusalem and the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), now stands as the true "Ariel." Though the Church faces spiritual opposition and tribulation in this world, the ultimate victory of its enemies is an illusion. At Christ's glorious return, all remaining adversaries—death, sin, and every nation that opposes His reign—will be utterly vanquished and dissolved, fulfilling the prophetic imagery of Isaiah 29:7 on a cosmic scale ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - The Rider on the White Horse and the Defeat of the Beast")).

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

Job 20:8

He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

Zechariah 12:9

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

Micah 4:11

Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

Micah 4:12

But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

Revelation 20:8

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

Revelation 20:9

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

Zechariah 12:3

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.