Isaiah 29:17-24

17 In a very short time, Lebanon will become rich farmland, and the rich farmland will seem like a forest.
18 At that time the deaf will hear the words in a book. Instead of having darkness and gloom, the blind will see.
19 The Lord will make the poor people happy; they will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
20 Then the people without mercy will come to an end; those who do not respect God will disappear. Those who enjoy doing evil will be gone:
21 those who lie about others in court, those who trap people in court, those who lie and take justice from innocent people in court.
22 This is what the Lord who set Abraham free says to the family of Jacob: "Now the people of Jacob will not be ashamed or disgraced any longer.
23 When they see all their children, the children I made with my hands, they will say my name is holy. They will agree that the Holy One of Jacob is holy, and they will respect the God of Israel.
24 People who do wrong will now understand. Those who complain will accept being taught."

Isaiah 29:17-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 29

This chapter contains a prophecy concerning the destruction of the temple and city of Jerusalem by the Romans; the character and condition of the people of the Jews, previous to it; the calling of the Gentiles, by the preaching of the Gospel; the ruin of antichrist, and the conversion of the Jews, in the latter day. The siege and destruction of Jerusalem are described in Isa 29:1-6 the disappointment of their enemies, notwithstanding their taking and destroying it, Isa 29:7,8 the stupidity, judicial blindness, and hardness of the Jews, which brought on their ruin, are predicted, Isa 29:9,10 the ignorance of their learned, as well as of their unlearned men, with respect to the Scripture, and the prophecies of it, Isa 29:11,12 their hypocrisy and formality in worship, Isa 29:13 a blast upon all their wisdom and prudence, who thought to be wiser than the Lord, and too many for him, whose folly and atheism are exposed, Isa 29:14-16, and a great change both in Judea and the Gentile world, by the removal of the Gospel from the one to the other, Isa 29:17 the effects of which are, deaf sinners hear the word, dark minds are enlightened, and joy increased among the meek and poor, Isa 29:18,19 the fall of the Jews, or else of antichrist, is foretold, Isa 29:20,21 and the chapter is closed with a promise and prophecy of the conversion of the seed of Abraham and Jacob, Isa 29:22-24.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.