291 Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David settled! Add year to year and let your cycle of festivals go on.
291 Ah, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts run their round.
291 Doom, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David set camp! Let the years add up, let the festivals run their cycles,
291 "Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! Add year to year; Let feasts come around.
291 "What sorrow awaits Ariel, the City of David. Year after year you celebrate your feasts.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 29:1
Commentary on Isaiah 29:1-8
(Read Isaiah 29:1-8)
Ariel may signify the altar of burnt-offerings. Let Jerusalem know that outward religious services will not make men free from judgements. Hypocrites never can please God, nor make their peace with him. God had often and long, by a host of angels, encamped round about Jerusalem for protection and deliverance; but now he fought against it. Proud looks and proud language shall be brought down by humbling providences. The destruction of Jerusalem's enemies is foretold. The army of Sennacherib went as a dream; and thus the multitudes, that through successive ages fight against God's altar and worship, shall fall. Speedily will sinners awake from their soothing dreams in the pains of hell.