What does Isaiah 29:7 mean?
"¶ And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision." - Isaiah 29:7

Isaiah 29:7 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision."
This verse is part of a prophecy given to Isaiah by God concerning the destruction and judgment of Jerusalem. The word "Ariel" in this verse is believed to be a symbolic name for Jerusalem, meaning "lion of God" or "altar hearth." This imagery conveys the strength and significance of Jerusalem in the eyes of God. The verse specifically mentions the multitude of nations that will gather against Jerusalem, seeking to wage war and distress the city. However, the outcome of their efforts is likened to a dream or a night vision, indicating that their plans and attacks will ultimately be futile and temporary.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning. Throughout the book of Isaiah, there are numerous prophecies of judgment against the wicked and rebellious nations, as well as assurances of God's ultimate sovereignty and deliverance for his people. In the preceding verses of chapter 29, Isaiah denounces the hypocritical leaders of Jerusalem and predicts their downfall. He describes the spiritual blindness and deafness of the people, and the impending judgment that will come upon them. The verses leading up to verse 7 convey a sense of impending doom and destruction for Jerusalem, as a result of the city's disobedience and unfaithfulness to God.
The theme of judgment and redemption is evident in this verse, as well as throughout the entire book of Isaiah. God's warnings and promises of judgment are always accompanied by the prospect of salvation and restoration for those who remain faithful to Him. In the case of Jerusalem, the prophecy of destruction is followed by messages of hope and restoration for the city and its people.
The symbolism in this verse also conveys important spiritual truths. The comparison of the nations' attacks on Jerusalem to a dream or night vision underscores the temporary and illusory nature of their efforts. Just as a dream fades and dissipates upon waking, so too will the plans of the nations come to nothing in the face of God's power. This imagery serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty and control of God over the affairs of the world, and the vanity of human attempts to thwart his purposes.
Furthermore, the use of the name "Ariel" for Jerusalem carries with it a sense of divine protection and significance. As the "lion of God," Jerusalem is portrayed as a symbol of strength and spiritual significance. This name also conveys the idea of Jerusalem being a place of worship and sacrifice, as represented by the altar hearth. Thus, the verse not only speaks to the physical and political struggles of Jerusalem, but also to its spiritual identity as the chosen city of God.
In conclusion, Isaiah 29:7 from the KJV conveys a powerful message of the futility of human opposition to God's plans and purposes. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and control over the affairs of the world, and the ultimate triumph of His will. The verse also holds a message of hope and redemption for Jerusalem, despite the impending judgment. The symbolism and themes present in this verse contribute to its timeless relevance and significance for believers, as it speaks to the universal truths of God's power and faithfulness.
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Isaiah 29:7 Artwork
Isaiah 29:7 - "¶ And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision."
Isaiah 29:7 (KJVA) And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.
"¶ And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision." - Isaiah 29:7
Isaiah 29:6
Isaiah 29:12
Isaiah 29:4
Isaiah 29:4
Isaiah 29:18
Numbers 29:7
Genesis 29-7
Isaiah 41:29 - "Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion."
Matthew 7:24-29
Matthew 7:24-29
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."
Isaiah 29:2 - "Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel."
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 28:29 - "This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."
Psalms 29:7 - "The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire."
isaiah 6:7
2 Samuel 7:1–29
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."
isaiah 6:7
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."
Proverbs 29:7 - "The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it."
Matthew 7:29 - "For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
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."
Isaiah 29:21 - "That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought."
Isaiah 29:17 - "Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?"
Isaiah 1:29 - "For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen."