5 But the multitude of your enemies will become like fine dust , And the multitude of the ruthless ones like the chaff which blows away ; And it will happen instantly , suddenly . 6 From the Lord of hosts you will be punished with thunder and earthquake and loud noise , With whirlwind and tempest and the flame of a consuming fire . 7 And the multitude of all the nations who wage war against Ariel , Even all who wage war against her and her stronghold , and who distress her, Will be like a dream , a vision of the night . 8 It will be as when a hungry man dreams - And behold , he is eating ; But when he awakens , his hunger is not satisfied , Or as when a thirsty man dreams - And behold , he is drinking , But when he awakens , behold , he is faint And his thirst is not quenched . Thus the multitude of all the nations will be Who wage war against Mount Zion .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 29:5-8
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.