The Promise of Justice: God Will Take Down the Terrible and the Scorner
"For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:" - Isaiah 29:20

When we turn our attention to Isaiah 29:20, we find a verse that speaks directly to the heart of a world rife with injustice and treachery. The King James Version puts it succinctly: "For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off." This verse encapsulates a powerful promise from God – one that reassures the downtrodden, the oppressed, and those who feel the weight of injustice on their shoulders.
At the time this prophecy was delivered, the people of Israel were grappling with a series of trials and tribulations. Their society was plagued by corrupt leaders, false prophets, and rampant injustice. The ‘terrible one’ could be interpreted as a representation of those powerful forces that seem to operate above the law, instilling fear, and perpetuating oppression. The scorner represents the skeptics and mockers who belittle the faith and faithfulness of God’s people.
However, God, through the prophet Isaiah, unveils a divine assurance: these forces of evil will not have the last word. **"The terrible one is brought to nought."** This phrase brings to mind an image of a mighty force that, despite its outward appearance of strength, shall ultimately be brought down. There is a stark contrast between the size and might of the racing waves and the peaceful calm of the shore. Often, we are engulfed in a storm of fears and anxieties, believing the strong tide is unrelenting; yet Scripture reminds us that God reigns supreme over these circumstances. He can and will render those who appear terrible as insignificant – brought to nought – demonstrating His unshakeable authority.
The next part of the verse states, **“and the scorner is consumed.”** Here lies a significant promise for all believers. The scoffers who belittle God’s truth will not escape justice; they will be consumed by the very judgments they mock. This gives us reason to reflect on our own attitudes and words. We are reminded not to take lightly the truth of God’s word, nor to adopt a posture of scorn towards those who seek righteousness.
Furthermore, the phrase **“all that watch for iniquity are cut off”** serves as a warning to those who perpetuate evil and seek to bring about injustice. God sees the wicked plans of the heart, those who watch and plot in secret against the innocent. They are no match for divine scrutiny; they will be cut off from the blessings of God. His justice will prevail, and He will separate dark deeds from light.
As we meditate on this powerful verse, we are faced with profound implications for our own lives. The assurance that justice is in God’s hands frees us from the burden of seeking revenge or losing hope when surrounded by injustice. Instead, we cultivate patience and trust in God's righteous timing. There’s a liberating power in knowing that we can surrender our worries to Him. Just as He promises to bring low the terrible ones, He also promises to uplift the oppressed.
Moreover, as followers of Christ, this passage serves as a reminder of our call to reflect God’s justice in how we live and act in our communities. We should strive to protect the vulnerable and speak against injustice. Rather than perpetuating a cycle of scorn or indifference, we can embody the message of hope found in Isaiah. Though we may face our own trials and pressures from a world that often applauds the terrible and the scornful, we hold firmly to the conviction that our God is a God of justice and mercy.
In conclusion, let us cherish the promises found in Isaiah 29:20. We take comfort in knowing that the terrible will be brought low, the scorners will meet their reckoning, and those aligned with injustice will find themselves cut off. May our hearts be encouraged, our spirits invigorated, and our resolve strengthened as we walk in faith, declaring God’s justice and trusting in His perfect plan.
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Isaiah 29:20 Artwork
Isaiah 29:20 - "For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:"
Isaiah 29:20-21 - "For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down— those who with a lying word deny justice to the one in the right at the gate, and deprive the innocent of his right."
"For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:" - Isaiah 29:20
"For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down— those who with a lying word deny justice to the one in the right at the gate, and deprive the innocent of his right." - Isaiah 29:20-21
Isaiah 29:6
Isaiah 29:12
Isaiah 29:4
Isaiah 29:4
Isaiah 29:18
Psalm 89:20-29
Matthew 20:29-34
1 Samuel 20:27-29
Judges 20:29 - "And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah."
Matthew 20:29 - "And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him."
Isaiah 41:29 - "Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion."
Isaiah 40:29 - "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."
Isaiah 29:24 - "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."
Proverbs 20:29 - "The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head."
Job 29:20 - "My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand."
Isaiah 29:2 - "Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel."
Isaiah 28:29 - "This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."
Job 20:29 - "This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God."
Luke 20:29 - "There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children."
Isaiah 29:9 - "¶ Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink."
Proverbs 29:20 - "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him."
Isaiah 3:20 - "The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,"
2 Chronicles 29:20 - "¶ Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD."
Isaiah 10:29 - "They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled."
Numbers 29:20 - "¶ And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;"
Isaiah 29:19 - "The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel."