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Isaiah 29:8

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Isaiah 29:8

Isaiah chapter 29 primarily addresses Jerusalem, referred to as "Ariel" (meaning "lion of God" or "altar hearth"), and prophesies concerning its impending judgment and siege, followed by a miraculous deliverance. The people are depicted as spiritually blind and deaf, despite God's clear revelation. Within this prophetic narrative, verse 8 specifically describes the ultimate futility and disappointment awaiting the numerous nations that gather to attack God's chosen city, Mount Zion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Futility of Opposing God's Will: The central message is that any attempt by human powers or nations to thwart God's ultimate plan or attack His people will result in utter disappointment and emptiness. Their perceived victory will be as fleeting and insubstantial as a dream.
  • Illusion vs. Reality: The vivid imagery of the hungry or thirsty person dreaming of satisfaction highlights the deceptive nature of worldly ambition and power when set against God's sovereignty. The nations may *think* they are achieving victory, but upon the "awakening" of divine intervention, they will find their efforts have yielded nothing.
  • Divine Judgment and Protection: While Jerusalem faced judgment for its sins, God ultimately protects His city and people. The nations' attack, though formidable, is ultimately part of God's plan, and their defeat demonstrates His unwavering power and commitment to His covenant.

Linguistic Insights and Imagery

The strength of this verse lies in its powerful and universally relatable analogy. The Hebrew text vividly paints the picture of a person suffering from intense hunger or thirst. The dream offers temporary, vivid relief, making the subsequent awakening to an empty stomach or parched throat all the more agonizing. The phrase "his soul is empty" or "his soul hath appetite" emphasizes a deep, internal dissatisfaction and longing that remains unfulfilled. This stark contrast between the vivid dream and the harsh reality perfectly illustrates the utter void and frustration that will be the lot of those who oppose God's purposes, particularly in their futile attempts to conquer God's dwelling place.

Related Scriptures

  • For the theme of the futility of opposing God, consider Acts 5:39, where Gamaliel wisely warns against fighting against God.
  • The concept of ultimate satisfaction versus spiritual emptiness can be paralleled with Jesus' teachings on true sustenance, as seen in John 6:35 ("I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger...") and John 4:14 (about the living water).
  • The ultimate defeat of nations opposing God's people is a recurring theme, echoing passages like Psalm 2:4 and the prophetic visions in Revelation 19:19-21.

Practical Application

Isaiah 29:8 serves as a powerful reminder for all generations. It cautions against placing hope or seeking satisfaction in worldly power, material gain, or human achievements that are contrary to God's will. Just as the dream of food brings no lasting nourishment, so too are the triumphs of those who fight against God's kingdom ultimately empty and unsatisfying. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and protection, even when facing overwhelming opposition. It highlights that true fulfillment and lasting victory are found only in aligning with God's purposes and seeking Him for spiritual sustenance, rather than chasing after the fleeting illusions of the world.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 73:20 (3 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 44:12 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.