Isaiah 30:17

KJV

One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} thousand {H505} shall flee at {H6440} the rebuke {H1606} of one {H259}; at {H6440} the rebuke {H1606} of five {H2568} shall ye flee {H5127}: till ye be left {H3498} as a beacon {H8650} upon the top {H7218} of a mountain {H2022}, and as an ensign {H5251} on an hill {H1389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A thousand will flee at the threat of one, you all will flee at the threat of five, until you are left isolated, like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill."

Berean Standard Bible

A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.

American Standard Version

One thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on a hill.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 30:17 delivers a stark prophetic warning to Judah, illustrating the catastrophic consequences of their rebellion and misplaced trust in human alliances rather than divine protection. This verse, embedded within a broader condemnation of Judah's reliance on Egypt against the Assyrian threat, vividly portrays a nation utterly routed and reduced to a desolate, isolated remnant, serving as a public monument to their profound spiritual failure and God's righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 30 is a powerful oracle of judgment and hope, primarily addressing Judah's stubborn refusal to trust Yahweh and their decision to seek an alliance with Egypt against the formidable Assyrian empire. The chapter begins with a "Woe" (Hebrew: `hôy`) pronounced upon the rebellious children who devise plans not from God's Spirit, and who go down to Egypt for help, trusting in Pharaoh's strength and the shadow of Egypt ([Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). Verses 1-7 detail this foolish alliance, while verses 8-17 describe the people's obstinate rejection of God's prophetic word and the inevitable judgment that will follow. Verse 17 specifically functions as the climax of this segment, depicting the humiliating and complete defeat that awaits Judah as a direct result of their unfaithfulness, before the chapter pivots to promises of restoration for those who repent ([Isaiah 30:18ff](/isaiah/30-18 "Isaiah 30:18ff - Promises of Restoration")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, the Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower, threatening the very existence of Judah. King Hezekiah faced immense pressure to resist Assyrian subjugation, and many in Judah looked to Egypt, a traditional regional power, for military aid, particularly chariots and horses. This was a common geopolitical strategy in the ancient Near East, but for Judah, it represented a profound theological failure. God had repeatedly commanded His people not to rely on foreign alliances or military might, but to trust in Him alone ([Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Many Horses"); [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")). Culturally, a "beacon" or "ensign" on a mountain or hill was a highly visible marker, often used for signaling or as a rallying point for troops. However, in this context, it signifies a desolate, abandoned marker, a public testament to a nation's downfall, stripped of its people and purpose, exposed for all to see.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent in Isaiah and the prophetic tradition. First, it highlights **Divine Judgment and the Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that God's "rebuke" is infinitely more potent than any human army or alliance. Second, it emphasizes the **Futility of Human Strength and Self-Reliance** when pitted against God's will; Judah's vast numbers and strategic alliances prove utterly useless. Third, the imagery of desolation speaks to **Humiliation and Isolation**, portraying a once-proud nation reduced to a solitary, empty symbol. Finally, the passage implicitly affirms **God's Sovereignty** over nations and their destinies, reminding Judah that their fate rests not on geopolitical maneuvering but on their relationship with Yahweh, who alone holds the power to deliver or to judge ([Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30-31 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebuke (Hebrew, _gᵉʻârâh'_):** From the root meaning "to chide" or "to denounce," this word signifies a strong, authoritative denunciation or threat, often originating from God Himself. In Isaiah 30:17, it is not a physical army that causes the panic and flight, but God's powerful, spoken judgment. This "rebuke" is a manifestation of divine displeasure, carrying an inherent power to dismantle and scatter.
* **Flee (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** This primitive root means "to flit," "to vanish away," or "to escape." It conveys a sense of rapid, desperate flight, often in disarray. The repetition of "flee" in the verse emphasizes the complete and chaotic rout of Judah's forces, indicating a lack of organized resistance and an overwhelming sense of terror.
* **Beacon / Ensign (Hebrew, _tôren'_ / _nêç'_):** `Tôren` refers to a pole, mast, or flagstaff, while `nêç` refers to a flag, banner, or signal. Both terms denote a highly visible marker. In this context, they are not symbols of rallying or victory, but of solitary desolation. To be left "as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on a hill" implies that Judah will be reduced to a stark, abandoned monument, stripped of its inhabitants and purpose, standing as a public testament to its downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one":** This clause introduces the hyperbole, vividly portraying an utterly disproportionate and humiliating defeat. A vast multitude, numerically superior, is shown to be instantly scattered and put to flight by the mere "rebuke" of a single, seemingly insignificant entity. This highlights the overwhelming power of God's judgment, which needs no large army to accomplish its devastating purpose.
* **"at the rebuke of five shall ye flee":** This phrase intensifies the humiliation and complete rout. The initial scattering by "one" is followed by an even more abject flight at the "rebuke of five." This signifies that any semblance of strength or resistance will be utterly broken, and the remaining few will flee in terror, demonstrating the complete and irreversible nature of their defeat.
* **"till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill":** This concluding imagery paints a picture of profound desolation and public shame. Judah, once a thriving nation, will be reduced to a solitary, empty marker, exposed and isolated on a prominent hilltop. This "beacon" or "ensign" will not be a rallying point but a grim monument to what once was, a stark and visible reminder of their abandonment and the consequences of their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 30:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in the phrases "One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee." This exaggeration underscores the utter disproportionate nature of Judah's defeat, emphasizing that their vast numbers will be meaningless against God's displeasure. It highlights the futility of human strength when divine judgment is at play. The verse also utilizes **Simile** and **Metaphor** in the imagery, "till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill." Here, the nation of Judah is likened to a solitary, abandoned pole or flag, stripped of its people and purpose. This serves as a powerful **Symbolism** for desolation, isolation, and public shame, transforming what might typically be a rallying point into a grim monument of downfall. The overall effect is one of stark, visual prophecy, making the consequences of disobedience undeniably clear.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 30:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty and the consequences of human rebellion. It underscores that true security and deliverance are found only in Yahweh, not in worldly power or strategic alliances. The "rebuke" of God, though unseen, possesses an inherent power that far surpasses any physical army, demonstrating that God's word is efficacious in both creation and judgment. This passage challenges the human tendency to seek refuge in tangible, controllable solutions rather than placing absolute trust in the invisible, omnipotent God. It reveals God's righteous anger against faithlessness and His commitment to upholding His covenant, even through severe discipline, ultimately to bring His people to repentance and reliance on Him alone.

* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King Saved by Great Army")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5-6 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - Curse on Trusting in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 30:17 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for believers today, urging us to examine the true object of our trust, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty. Just as ancient Judah sought security in the fleeting power of Egypt rather than the enduring strength of God, we too can be tempted to rely on worldly solutions—financial stability, political systems, human wisdom, or personal achievements—instead of seeking divine guidance and provision. This verse reminds us that such misplaced trust inevitably leads to spiritual desolation and a humiliating exposure of our misplaced priorities. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on God, acknowledging that His "rebuke" carries more weight than any earthly threat, and His protection is more secure than any human alliance. Our ultimate security is found not in our resources or strategies, but in humble, obedient faith in the Lord, who alone is our refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human strength or worldly solutions rather than trusting God fully?**
* **How does the imagery of being "left as a beacon" challenge my desire for worldly success or recognition?**
* **What does it mean practically to "trust in the Lord" when facing overwhelming challenges, and how can I cultivate that trust more deeply?**
* **How can I ensure my plans and decisions are aligned with God's Spirit, rather than being "devised not from Me" (Isaiah 30:1)?**

### FAQ

**What does the "rebuke of one" and "rebuke of five" signify?**

Answer: The phrases "rebuke of one" and "rebuke of five" are hyperbole, a literary device used to emphasize the absolute and disproportionate nature of Judah's defeat. It signifies that their vast numbers and military strength would be utterly meaningless against God's judgment. It's not about a literal single person or five people, but rather that the divine "rebuke" itself, a manifestation of God's displeasure, would be so potent that it would cause a massive army to flee in terror and disarray, without the need for a formidable opposing force. It highlights the futility of human power when God's will is against it, and the overwhelming power of His word of judgment.

**What is the significance of being "left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill"?**

Answer: This powerful imagery signifies complete desolation, isolation, and public humiliation. A "beacon" or "ensign" (a mast or flag) on a hilltop is typically a highly visible marker, often used as a rallying point or a symbol of presence. However, in this context, it is a symbol of abandonment. Judah, once a vibrant nation, would be reduced to a solitary, empty marker, stripped of its people and purpose. It would stand as a stark, public testament to their downfall, a grim monument to what once was, exposed for all to see, rather than a place of strength or gathering. It illustrates the complete loss of national identity and security due to their unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 30:17 speaks of judgment upon Judah for their unfaithfulness, its themes find a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. He became the ultimate "ensign" or "banner" lifted high, not in desolation, but as a rallying point for all nations ([Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - Root of Jesse as an Ensign")). Unlike Judah, who sought refuge in fleeting human alliances, Christ perfectly embodied trust in the Father, even unto death on the cross. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's "rebuke" against sin, enduring the divine wrath that we deserved, so that we might not be scattered but gathered to Him ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus lifted up")). He is the true and secure refuge, the solid ground upon which we can build our lives, offering peace and security that no worldly alliance or human strength can provide ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Through His sacrifice, we are no longer left desolate but are brought into the abundant life of God's kingdom, finding our true identity and purpose in Him ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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

Deuteronomy 28:25

The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Deuteronomy 32:30

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Leviticus 26:36

And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

Leviticus 26:8

And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

Joshua 23:10

One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he [it is] that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.

Proverbs 28:1

¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Romans 11:17

And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;