Isaiah 10:31

Isaiah 10:31 (KJV): "Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee."

Context

This verse is part of a vivid prophetic passage (Isaiah 10:28-32) detailing the terrifying march of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib as they approach Jerusalem. Isaiah lists various towns and locations just north of Jerusalem, describing the panic and disruption caused by the invaders' advance. Madmenah and Gebim were likely small settlements or areas very close to the capital, experiencing the immediate effects of the impending attack before it reached the city itself.

Key Themes

• Panic and Flight: The verse paints a stark picture of fear, showing the inhabitants abandoning their homes and gathering desperately to escape the approaching enemy.
• Imminent Threat: It highlights the extreme proximity of danger to Jerusalem, as the Assyrian forces move through the surrounding countryside, causing widespread terror.
• Vulnerability of Small Settlements: The focus on Madmenah and Gebim emphasizes how the smaller, less fortified places were the first to fall or be deserted in the face of such overwhelming military power.

Linguistic Insights

The names 'Madmenah' (מַדְמֵנָה, Madmenah) and 'Gebim' (גֵּבִים, Gebim) themselves may carry significance. 'Madmenah' possibly relates to a word for 'dunghill,' perhaps suggesting an insignificant or despised place. 'Gebim' means 'cisterns' or 'ditches.' The phrase "gather themselves to flee" (יַעְתִּיקוּ לָנוּס, ya‘tîqū lānūs) is a strong expression, conveying a hurried, collective movement driven by intense fear and the need for immediate escape.

Reflection and Application

Isaiah's detailed description of the fear and flight in Madmenah and Gebim serves as a powerful illustration of the chaos and terror that can accompany overwhelming threats. While we may not face a literal army at our doorstep today, this verse speaks to the human tendency to panic and flee when faced with seemingly insurmountable problems or crises. It contrasts with the call to trust in God as our refuge, even when the world around us seems to be collapsing. The historical context shows that while smaller towns fell, Jerusalem was miraculously delivered (see Isaiah 37:36), reminding us that God's power is greater than any earthly threat.