Isaiah 29

Because of their blindness and hypocrisy, judgment was about to fall upon the people of Jerusalem; the people would be astounded. Their human wisdom and intelligence would vanish (verse 14) when confronted with the wonder upon wonder of God’s judgments (see 1 Corinthians 1:19–20).

How can the people think they are wiser than God? (verse 15). They are like clay pots questioning the existence of the potter who made them! (verse 18).

17–21 After describing the poor spiritual condition of Jerusalem’s people (verses 9–16), Isaiah promises that one day the situation will be reversed: the eyes of the spiritually blind will see, the humble and needy will rejoice, and the ruthless and the mocker will disappear (verses 18–20). Jerusalem will be restored! In these verses, Isaiah is looking ahead to the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.

22–24 At that time Israel will no longer be ashamed; no longer will the faces of the Israelites grow pale from fear of their enemies (verse 22). Instead, they will see their children among them—the scattered Jewish exiles who have returned to Jerusalem—and they will keep [God’s] name holy¹³⁰ (verse 23). Indeed, following the Exile, the Jews did reestablish a godly community in Jerusalem.¹³¹