Isaiah 42:22

KJV

But this [is] a people robbed and spoiled; [they are] all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.

KJV (with Strong's)

But this is a people {H5971} robbed {H962} and spoiled {H8154}; they are all of them snared {H6351} in holes {H2352}{H970}, and they are hid {H2244} in prison {H3608} houses {H1004}: they are for a prey {H957}, and none delivereth {H5337}; for a spoil {H4933}, and none saith {H559}, Restore {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But this is a people pillaged and plundered, all trapped in holes and sequestered in prisons. They are there to be plundered, with no one to rescue them; there to be pillaged, and no one says, "Return them!"

Berean Standard Bible

But this is a people plundered and looted, all trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons. They have become plunder with no one to rescue them, and loot with no one to say, “Send them back!”

American Standard Version

But this is a people robbed and plundered; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison-houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:22 starkly portrays the dire condition of God's chosen people, Israel, depicting them as plundered, imprisoned, and utterly helpless. This verse serves as a sobering indictment of their spiritual blindness and disobedience, illustrating the severe consequences of their failure to heed God's voice and walk in His ways, a state from which, at this moment, no human or divine intervention appears forthcoming to deliver or restore them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42:22 appears within a pivotal section of Isaiah often referred to as the first "Servant Song" (Isaiah 42:1-9). This song introduces the Lord's chosen Servant, who is endowed with the Spirit to bring justice to the nations, open blind eyes, and release prisoners from darkness. Immediately following this glorious depiction of the Servant's universal mission, the prophetic focus shifts abruptly and dramatically to Israel (often called "Jacob" or "My servant" in Isaiah). Verses 18-25 lament Israel's profound spiritual deafness and blindness, contrasting sharply with the Servant's role as a "light to the Gentiles" and one who "opens the eyes of the blind" ([Isaiah 42:6-7](/isaiah/42-6 "Isaiah 42:6-7 - The Servant's Mission")). The desolate state described in verse 22 is presented as a direct consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness and their failure to perceive God's truth, despite being His chosen witnesses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Isaiah 42:22 resonates deeply with the historical experiences of ancient Israel, particularly the periods of foreign oppression and exile. While the immediate historical backdrop might point to the Assyrian subjugation, the language powerfully foreshadows the devastating Babylonian captivity, where the nation was literally "robbed and spoiled," their cities plundered, and their people taken captive and "hid in prison houses" ([2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Imprisonment")). Culturally, being "snared in holes" evokes the common practice of trapping animals in pits, suggesting an inescapable and sudden capture, a metaphor for the nation's inability to escape its divinely ordained judgment. The lack of a deliverer or one to "restore" emphasizes the completeness of their subjugation, a stark contrast to God's past interventions on their behalf.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of disobedience** to God's covenant, demonstrating that even a chosen people are not immune to divine judgment when they persist in spiritual rebellion. Their state of being "robbed and spoiled" is a direct result of their spiritual failure and refusal to "hear" or "see" God's truth ([Isaiah 42:18-20](/isaiah/42-18 "Isaiah 42:18-20 - Israel's Blindness and Deafness")). Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **captivity and desolation**, portraying Israel's national and spiritual bondage through vivid imagery of entrapment and imprisonment. This condition was not accidental but a divinely permitted consequence of their actions. Lastly, the phrase "none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore" underscores their utter **helplessness and the absence of immediate redemption**. This stands in stark contrast to the Servant's future role as the ultimate deliverer, who will "bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and those who dwell in darkness from the prison" ([Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - The Servant Frees Prisoners")), thereby setting the stage for the subsequent prophecies of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** H5971 - This term refers to "a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people." In this context, it specifically denotes the nation of Israel, God's chosen covenant people. The use of 'am here emphasizes that it is *this* particular people, distinct in their relationship with God, who find themselves in such a deplorable state, highlighting the tragedy of their condition despite their unique calling.
* **snared (Hebrew, _pâchach'_):** H6351 - Derived from a primitive root meaning "to spread a net," this word signifies being "snared" or trapped. It vividly conveys the idea of being caught in a snare, like an animal, implying an inescapable and sudden capture. This term emphasizes the complete and overwhelming nature of Israel's predicament, suggesting they are caught in a trap from which they cannot extricate themselves, a consequence of their own spiritual missteps.
* **Restore (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** H7725 - This primitive root means "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively... generally to retreat; often adverbial, again; ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) again, (cause to) answer (again),... restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return..." In the negative ("none saith, Restore"), it highlights the absence of any command or action to reverse their plight, to bring them back to their former state, or to return what was taken. This underscores the profound depth of their judgment and helplessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But this [is] a people robbed and spoiled":** This opening clause immediately establishes the dire state of Israel. The terms "robbed" (Hebrew: _bâzaz_, H962) and "spoiled" (Hebrew: _shâçâh_, H8154) convey violent seizure and plundering. It indicates that Israel has been violently deprived of its possessions, security, and dignity by external forces, a direct consequence of their spiritual unfaithfulness.
* **"[they are] all of them snared in holes":** This powerful imagery depicts Israel as trapped, akin to an animal caught in a pit or snare. "Snared" (Hebrew: _pâchach_, H6351) suggests inescapable capture, while "holes" (Hebrew: _chûwr_, H2352) refers to crevices, pits, or even prison cells. This signifies their entrapment in a desperate and confined situation, unable to escape the consequences of their actions.
* **"and they are hid in prison houses":** Building on the previous clause, this further emphasizes their captivity and lack of freedom. "Hid" (Hebrew: _châbâʼ_, H2244) implies being concealed or confined, while "prison houses" (Hebrew: _keleʼ_, H3608, and _bayith_, H1004) explicitly refers to places of confinement. This paints a picture of national and spiritual bondage, where the people are literally or figuratively incarcerated.
* **"they are for a prey, and none delivereth":** This clause reiterates their vulnerability. "Prey" (Hebrew: _baz_, H957) signifies something seized by violence, reinforcing the idea of being plundered. The phrase "none delivereth" (Hebrew: _nâtsal_, H5337) highlights their utter helplessness and the absence of any rescuer, whether human or divine, to snatch them away from their captors or their predicament.
* **"for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.":** This final phrase parallels the initial description, using "spoil" (Hebrew: _mᵉshiççâh_, H4933) to again emphasize their plundered state. The concluding "none saith, Restore" (Hebrew: _ʼâmar_, H559, and _shûwb_, H7725) underscores the finality and completeness of their desolation. There is no one to command their release, no one to bring back what was taken, signifying a profound state of abandonment and unreversed judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:22 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of Israel's desolate state. The descriptions of being "robbed and spoiled," "snared in holes," and "hid in prison houses" create a powerful visual of a people utterly dispossessed, trapped, and confined. This imagery evokes a sense of helplessness and despair. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, particularly in its concluding phrases: "they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central message of their profound vulnerability and the complete absence of any intervention or reversal of their plight. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** with the preceding verses (Isaiah 42:1-9) that describe the Servant of the Lord who will bring justice, light, and release to the captives. This stark juxtaposition highlights Israel's current state of spiritual blindness and physical bondage as a tragic foil to the Servant's redemptive mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:22 powerfully articulates the theological principle that covenant disobedience inevitably leads to severe consequences, even for God's chosen people. It demonstrates God's unwavering justice, where His people, despite their unique relationship, are held accountable for their spiritual blindness and rebellion. The verse underscores that God's discipline, though painful, is a righteous response to persistent unfaithfulness, serving to highlight the gravity of sin and the necessity of repentance. This desolation, however, is not the final word in Isaiah; rather, it sets the stage for God's ultimate redemptive plan, emphasizing the depth from which His people need to be rescued by the promised Servant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 1:1-3](/lamentations/1-1 "Lamentations 1:1-3 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:22 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and persistent disobedience. Just as ancient Israel faced dire consequences for their spiritual blindness and turning away from God, individuals and communities today can experience various forms of "captivity" or "spoiling" when they disregard divine principles and neglect their covenant relationship with God. This verse challenges us to honestly assess our own spiritual vision and hearing: Are we truly seeing God's truth and hearing His voice, or are we, like Israel, allowing spiritual dullness to lead us into snares and prisons of our own making? The "holes" and "prison houses" can manifest as cycles of sin, destructive habits, emotional bondage, or societal injustices that trap us. While the verse describes a moment of profound despair and lack of human deliverance, its broader context within Isaiah points to God's ultimate faithfulness and His sovereign plan for redemption. It encourages us to seek deliverance from our own spiritual "snares" and to remember that God's discipline, though painful, is often a prelude to a season of restoration and renewed relationship, prompting us to turn back to Him in repentance and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be spiritually "blind" or "deaf" to God's truth today?**
* **What "snares" or "prison houses" (e.g., habits, fears, unforgiveness) might I be caught in due to disobedience or spiritual neglect?**
* **How does the absence of a human "deliverer" or one to "restore" in this verse highlight the ultimate need for divine intervention in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Who is "this people" referred to in Isaiah 42:22?**

Answer: "This people" refers to the nation of Israel, also known as Jacob, God's chosen covenant people. Throughout Isaiah, God frequently addresses Israel, lamenting their spiritual blindness and deafness despite being called to be His witnesses. This verse specifically highlights their state of judgment and desolation due to their unfaithfulness.

**What does it mean that they are "snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses"?**

Answer: This vivid imagery describes Israel's state of utter entrapment and confinement. "Snared in holes" evokes the picture of animals caught in pits or traps, signifying an inescapable and sudden capture. "Hid in prison houses" explicitly refers to their physical and spiritual captivity. Historically, this points to the various periods of foreign oppression and exile, particularly the Babylonian captivity, where the people were literally taken as prisoners. Spiritually, it symbolizes their bondage to the consequences of their sin and disobedience, from which they cannot free themselves.

**Why is it stated that "none delivereth" and "none saith, Restore"?**

Answer: This phrase underscores the completeness and severity of God's judgment upon Israel for their persistent rebellion. It signifies that, at this particular moment in their history, there was no human or divine intervention to rescue them from their plight or to reverse the plundering and captivity they endured. It emphasizes their utter helplessness and the finality of the divine disciplinary action, highlighting that their suffering was a direct and unmitigated consequence of their spiritual failure. This contrasts sharply with God's earlier acts of deliverance and sets the stage for the revelation of the Servant who *will* deliver and restore.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:22, in its stark portrayal of a people robbed, spoiled, snared, and imprisoned with no one to deliver or restore, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Israel's plight in this verse mirrors the universal human condition under the dominion of sin and death, where humanity is similarly "robbed" of its innocence, "spoiled" by corruption, and "snared in holes" of spiritual bondage, "hid in prison houses" of guilt and despair, with no one among us capable of delivering or restoring. However, the very chapter that introduces this lament also introduces the true Servant of the Lord. Jesus, the promised Messiah, is the one foretold to "bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and those who dwell in darkness from the prison" ([Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - The Servant Frees Prisoners")). He came to proclaim "liberty to the captives" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), delivering us from the power of darkness and transferring us into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate Deliverer, disarming the powers that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). He is the one who not only delivers but also "restores" all that was lost through sin, bringing us back into a right relationship with God and offering true freedom to all who believe ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ")). Thus, the despair of Isaiah 42:22 is ultimately overcome by the glorious hope found in Christ, who is our Deliverer and Restorer.

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 102:20

To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;

Jeremiah 50:17

Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Isaiah 51:23

But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.

Psalms 50:22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

Isaiah 18:2

That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!

Isaiah 42:7

To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Isaiah 52:4

For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.