Isaiah 29:8

KJV

It shall even be as when an hungry [man] dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, [he is] faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall even be as when an hungry {H7457} man dreameth {H2492}, and, behold, he eateth {H398}; but he awaketh {H6974}, and his soul {H5315} is empty {H7386}: or as when {H834} a thirsty man {H6771} dreameth {H2492}, and, behold, he drinketh {H8354}; but he awaketh {H6974}, and, behold, he is faint {H5889}, and his soul {H5315} hath appetite {H8264}: so shall the multitude {H1995} of all the nations {H1471} be, that fight {H6633} against mount {H2022} Zion {H6726}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It will be like a hungry man dreaming he's eating; but when he wakes up, his stomach is empty; or like a thirsty man dreaming he's drinking; but when he wakes up, he is dry and exhausted - it will be like this for the horde of all nations fighting against Mount Tziyon.

Berean Standard Bible

as when a hungry man dreams he is eating, then awakens still hungry; as when a thirsty man dreams he is drinking, then awakens faint and parched. So will it be for all the many nations who go to battle against Mount Zion.

American Standard Version

And it shall be as when a hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 29:8 powerfully illustrates the ultimate futility and profound disappointment awaiting the nations that rise up in opposition to Jerusalem, God's chosen city. Through the vivid analogy of a hungry or thirsty person dreaming of satisfying their deepest cravings only to awaken to an empty stomach or parched throat, the prophet reveals that the perceived triumphs and ambitions of those who defy God's purposes will prove to be utterly insubstantial and unfulfilling, leaving them in a state of profound emptiness and persistent longing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 29 is situated within a series of prophecies (chapters 28-33) that address both Judah's spiritual failings and the external threats it faced. The chapter begins by pronouncing a "woe" upon "Ariel," a poetic name for Jerusalem, highlighting its spiritual stupor, blindness, and hypocrisy despite its sacred status as God's "altar hearth" or "lion of God." The preceding verses detail a coming siege that will bring Jerusalem low, a divine chastisement for its unfaithfulness. However, woven into this judgment is a promise of God's eventual intervention and the ultimate deliverance of His people. Verse 8 marks a significant shift in focus from Jerusalem's internal spiritual state to the external enemies who would seek its destruction. It depicts their grand assault as destined for spectacular and humiliating failure, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over all nations and His unwavering commitment to protect His covenant people, even in the midst of their discipline. This verse serves as a stark contrast, emphasizing God's power over those who would seek to destroy His dwelling place, even when His people are being chastened.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah, particularly those concerning Jerusalem's siege, are deeply rooted in the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of the 8th century BCE. During Isaiah's ministry, the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced immense pressure from the burgeoning Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and threatened to engulf Judah. Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah and the revered site of the Temple, was not merely a strategic military target but a profound theological symbol. The "multitude of all the nations" (H1995, _hâmôwn_ of H1471, _gôwy_) likely refers to the diverse armies and peoples conscripted or allied with the Assyrians (or other regional powers) who would gather to attack Jerusalem. The vivid imagery of hunger and thirst would have resonated deeply with an ancient Near Eastern audience, where food and water scarcity were constant and life-threatening realities. The universal experience of a dream offering temporary relief from such suffering made the analogy particularly poignant. "Mount Zion" (H2022, _har_ H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) was not just a geographical location but the spiritual heart of Israel, representing God's dwelling place, His covenant people, and the center of His kingdom on earth, making any attack against it an assault on God Himself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **futility of human opposition to divine will**. Regardless of their numbers or perceived might, the efforts of the nations against God's chosen city are ultimately destined for failure and emptiness. This theme is consistently developed throughout Isaiah, where God's judgment falls upon proud and rebellious nations, as seen in the prophecies against Assyria in [Isaiah 10:1](/isaiah/10-1 "Isaiah 10 - God's Judgment on Assyria") and Babylon in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty and protection**. Even when Jerusalem is under siege and facing severe judgment for its sins, God remains its ultimate defender, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. This divine guardianship is a recurring motif, powerfully articulated in passages like [Isaiah 31:5](/isaiah/31-5 "Isaiah 31:5 - God Defends Jerusalem"), where God is depicted as a bird hovering over its young. Lastly, the imagery of the dream emphasizes the **deceptive nature of worldly ambition and power** when pursued apart from or in opposition to God. The apparent strength and anticipated success of the attacking nations are revealed as mere illusions, leading to profound disappointment. This concept finds resonance in Isaiah's warnings against trusting in human alliances rather than relying solely on God, as detailed in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dreameth (Hebrew, _châlam'_):** This primitive root (H2492) carries the primary sense of "to bind firmly," which then extends to "to be plump" (implying firmness or solidity), and through a figurative connection to "dumbness," it comes to mean "to dream." In Isaiah 29:8, it refers to the act of experiencing a dream, specifically one so vivid and immersive that it creates an illusory reality of satisfaction. The core idea conveyed is that the dream provides a temporary, deceptive sense of fulfillment that lacks any true, lasting nourishment or substance.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Derived from H5315, this word properly denotes "a breathing creature" or "vitality." It is used very broadly in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the inner self, appetite, life, mind, or the entire person. Here, the phrases "his soul is empty" (H7386, _rêyq_) and "his soul hath appetite" (H8264, _shâqaq_) emphasize a deep, internal, and persistent hunger or thirst that remains unfulfilled despite the dream's temporary illusion. This highlights a profound, existential dissatisfaction rather than merely a physical sensation, underscoring the spiritual emptiness of those who oppose God.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to a foreign nation, often used in the plural to denote Gentiles or heathen peoples. Figuratively, it can also refer to a troop or multitude. In Isaiah 29:8, "the multitude (H1995, _hâmôwn_) of all the nations" specifically refers to the vast, diverse armies gathered against Jerusalem. The use of this term underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and the ultimate futility of any human power, regardless of its size or origin, attempting to thwart His divine plans concerning His chosen people and city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall even be as when an hungry [man] dreameth, and, behold, he eateth;":** This initial clause introduces the first part of the extended simile, setting up a universally relatable scenario of intense physical longing. A person suffering from hunger, in their desperate state, dreams of the very thing they crave—food—and in the dream, they experience the vivid act of eating, providing a temporary, albeit illusory, sense of satisfaction.
* **"but he awaketh, and his soul is empty:":** This clause delivers the stark and painful reality that shatters the dream's illusion. The act of awakening reveals the dream's insubstantiality; the physical hunger remains, and more profoundly, the "soul" (the inner being, the seat of desire and life) is still empty, highlighting the complete lack of true fulfillment or lasting nourishment.
* **"or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh;":** This clause presents a parallel simile, reinforcing the initial one with a similar experience of fundamental human need. A thirsty person dreams of drinking, experiencing the refreshing sensation of quenching their thirst, emphasizing the vividness of the dream's temporary relief from suffering.
* **"but he awaketh, and, behold, [he is] faint, and his soul hath appetite:":** This second part of the parallel simile again reveals the harsh reality. Upon waking, the thirst remains, leading to a state of faintness, and the "soul" continues to crave, underscoring the persistent, unfulfilled longing. The dream offered no genuine sustenance or lasting relief.
* **"so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.":** This final clause is the prophetic application of the preceding similes. The experience of the hungry and thirsty dreamer perfectly illustrates the ultimate fate of the vast armies and nations that gather to attack Jerusalem (Mount Zion). Their perceived strength, their meticulously laid plans for conquest, and their anticipated victory will be as fleeting and illusory as the dream. Upon the "awakening" of divine intervention and judgment, they will find their efforts have yielded nothing but profound emptiness, exhaustion, and continued, unfulfilled desire, signifying their utter defeat and the absolute futility of their opposition to God's sovereign will.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 29:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and sobering message. The primary device is an **Extended Simile**, explicitly introduced by "It shall even be as when..." and concluded with "so shall...". This comparison draws a direct and vivid parallel between the profound disappointment of a hungry or thirsty person waking from a dream of satisfaction and the ultimate emptiness awaiting the nations that oppose Mount Zion. This makes the abstract concept of divine judgment viscerally relatable and impactful. A strong element of **Irony** is also present; the nations, confident in their overwhelming strength and numbers, anticipate glorious victory and conquest, yet their efforts are portrayed as utterly ineffectual and illusory, leading to the precise opposite of their desired outcome. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the passage: "Mount Zion" symbolizes not just the physical city of Jerusalem but God's sacred presence, His covenant people, and the very center of His kingdom on earth, making the attack against it a direct challenge to divine sovereignty. The "dream" itself serves as a potent symbol of false hope, deceptive appearances, and the fleeting nature of worldly aspirations, while the "empty soul" symbolizes the profound spiritual and existential void that inevitably results from opposing God's purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 29:8 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and the ultimate futility of any power that sets itself against His divine will. It underscores the biblical truth that human strength, no matter how formidable or numerous, is utterly impotent when it attempts to thwart God's purposes. The nations' grand ambitions and military might are depicted as mere illusions, offering no lasting satisfaction or true victory. This passage reminds us that true fulfillment and lasting security are found only in aligning with God's kingdom and trusting in His protective hand, rather than in the fleeting and deceptive promises of worldly power or self-reliance. It is a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people and His plan of redemption, even amidst their failures and the formidable opposition of the world.

* [Psalm 2:4](/psalm/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at Rebellious Nations")
* [Acts 5:39](/acts/5-39 "Acts 5:39 - Gamaliel's Warning Against Fighting God")
* [Revelation 19:19-21](/revelation/19-19-21 "Revelation 19:19-21 - The Defeat of the Beast and His Armies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 29:8 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for individuals and nations alike. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and seek our ultimate satisfaction. Are we, like the nations fighting against Zion, pursuing worldly ambitions, material wealth, or human power as our primary source of fulfillment, only to find ourselves awakening to an empty soul and continued longing? The verse warns against the deceptive allure of fleeting successes and superficial achievements that promise much but deliver nothing of lasting value. For believers, it serves as a powerful encouragement to trust in God's unfailing sovereignty and protection, even when facing overwhelming opposition or feeling vulnerable. It reminds us that our true sustenance, lasting peace, and genuine satisfaction come from Him alone, and that any effort to build our lives or seek our security apart from His will is ultimately a pursuit of illusion, destined to leave us faint and craving. It calls us to align our desires and actions with God's purposes, finding our deepest satisfaction in Him rather than in the passing shadows of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "dreaming" of satisfaction from sources that are ultimately empty or illusory?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to deepen my trust in God's sovereignty and protection, especially when circumstances seem overwhelming or threatening?**
* **What practical steps can I take to seek true spiritual nourishment and lasting fulfillment in God, rather than chasing after worldly illusions that promise much but deliver emptiness?**

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

Answer: "Mount Zion" (H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) is far more than just a geographical location in Jerusalem; it is a profound theological symbol. It represents God's dwelling place on earth, the center of His covenant with Israel, and the seat of His kingdom. To "fight" (H6633, _tsâbâʼ_) against "Mount" (H2022, _har_) Zion is therefore to directly oppose God Himself and His divine purposes for His people. The futility of the nations' efforts against Zion underscores God's unwavering protection of His chosen city and His ultimate triumph over all who would defy Him, as seen in passages like [Psalm 46:5](/psalm/46-5 "Psalm 46:5 - God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved").

**How does the imagery of hunger and thirst relate to the nations' defeat?**

Answer: The imagery of a hungry (H7457, _râʻêb_) or thirsty (H6771, _tsâmêʼ_) person dreaming (H2492, _châlam'_) of eating (H398, _ʼâkal_) or drinking (H8354, _shâthâh_) is a powerful analogy for the nations' experience. They "dream" of conquering Jerusalem, of achieving victory and satisfaction through their military might and numerical superiority (H1995, _hâmôwn_). This dream is vivid and feels real, offering the illusion of success. However, just as the dreamer awakens (H6974, _qûwts_) to find their "soul" (H5315, _nephesh_) still empty (H7386, _rêyq_) or still having appetite (H8264, _shâqaq_), so too will the nations awaken to the harsh reality of their utter failure. Their perceived gains will vanish, leaving them in a state of profound disappointment, exhaustion (H5889, _ʻâyêph_), and unfulfilled ambition. It illustrates that worldly power and conquest, when opposed to God, offer no true or lasting satisfaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 29:8, with its vivid portrayal of unfulfilled longing and the utter futility of opposing God's purposes, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "multitude of all the nations" (H1471, _gôwy_) who fight against Mount Zion foreshadows the world's ongoing rebellion against God's kingdom, which culminated in the rejection and crucifixion of Christ, the true King of Zion. Yet, just as the nations' dream of conquest against Jerusalem proved empty, so too did the powers of this world, including Satan, sin, and death, find their apparent victory over Christ on the cross to be a profound illusion. Their "dream" of triumph was shattered by His glorious resurrection, revealing their efforts to be utterly vain and leading to their ultimate, eternal defeat. Jesus Himself is the true bread of life and living water, the one who satisfies the deepest hunger and thirst of the "soul" (H5315, _nephesh_). He declared, "[I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" and offered "[living water... springing up into everlasting life](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")". Thus, the emptiness experienced by those who oppose God in Isaiah 29:8 is precisely the spiritual emptiness that only Christ can fill. The true "Mount Zion" (H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) is not merely a physical hill but the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, which believers approach through Christ ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). Any opposition to God's kingdom, now embodied in Christ and His church, will ultimately prove to be as insubstantial and unsatisfying as a dream of food to a starving man, for "[no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand](/john/10-29 "John 10:29 - No One Can Snatch Them")".

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

Psalms 73:20

As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

Isaiah 44:12

The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.

Isaiah 10:7

Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but [it is] in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.

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.

2 Chronicles 32:21

And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.