Isaiah 30:17

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.

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}.

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."

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.

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

Isaiah 30:17 graphically illustrates the devastating consequences of rejecting God's counsel and seeking help from human alliances rather than divine protection. This verse, part of a larger prophecy condemning Judah's reliance on Egypt against the Assyrian threat, paints a picture of utter defeat and desolation.

Context of Isaiah 30:17

Chapter 30 of Isaiah is a powerful prophetic indictment against the kingdom of Judah for its stubborn rebellion and lack of faith. The people, facing the formidable Assyrian empire, chose to send envoys to Egypt for military support and horses, rather than trusting in the Lord their God for deliverance. This act of seeking security in worldly power, as described in Isaiah 30:1-3, provoked God's righteous anger. Verse 17 specifically details the humiliating and catastrophic outcome of this misplaced trust, emphasizing the swiftness and completeness of their downfall.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The verse vividly portrays the overwhelming power of God's judgment. A vast number (a thousand) flees at the "rebuke of one," and then at the "rebuke of five," signifying that their strength and multitude will be utterly meaningless against God's displeasure. This highlights the severe consequences of disobedience and lack of faith in God's provision.
  • Humiliation and Desolation: The imagery of being "left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill" speaks to a state of extreme isolation, exposure, and desolation. From a thriving nation, they would be reduced to a solitary, empty marker, a testament to their downfall. This is a stark warning against self-reliance and pride.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite Judah's strategic missteps, it is ultimately God who orchestrates their defeat through His "rebuke," demonstrating His ultimate control over nations and their destinies.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "rebuke" is ga'arah (ื’ึผึทืขึฒืจึธื”), which implies a strong, authoritative denunciation or threat, often from God Himself. It conveys the idea that it is not a physical army, but God's powerful word of judgment, that causes such widespread panic and flight.
  • "Beacon" (ืชึผึนืจึถืŸ - toren) and "ensign" (ื ึตืก - nes) both refer to a mast, pole, or banner. When left alone on a hilltop, they symbolize utter abandonment and solitary desolation, rather than a rallying point. They serve as a grim monument to what once was.

Practical Application

Isaiah 30:17 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. It underscores the critical importance of placing our trust solely in God, especially during times of crisis. Relying on worldly solutions, political alliances, or human strength instead of seeking God's wisdom and guidance can lead to devastating consequences. Just as Judah learned the hard way, true security and deliverance come only from the Lord. This verse calls us to examine where our ultimate trust lies and to turn to God for our help, understanding that His "rebuke" has more power than any army.

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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

    ยถ 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;