This chapter relates solely to Jerusalem - here called Ariel (see the note at Isaiah 29:1). It is not immediately connected with the preceding or the following chapters, though it is not improbable they were delivered about the same time. At what time this was delivered is not known, though it is evident that it was before the invasion by Sennacherib, and probably before the time of Hezekiah. The prophecy in the chapter consists of two parts: (I) The invasion of Judea by Sennacherib, and its sudden deliverance Isaiah 29:1-8. (II) A reproof of the Jews for their infidelity and impiety.
I. The invasion of Judea, and the distress that would be brought upon Jerusalem, and its sudden deliveranceIsaiah 29:1-8 Isaiah 29:1-8.
1. Ariel would be filled with grief and distress Isaiah 29:1-2.
2. Yahweh would encamp against it and besiege it, and it would be greatly straitened and humbledIsaiah 29:3-4 Isaiah 29:3-4.
3. Yet the besieging army would be visited with sudden calamity and destruction - represented here by thunder, and tempest, and flame Isaiah 29:5-6.
4. The enemy would vanish as a dream, and all his hopes would be disappointed, as the hopes of a hungry and thirsty man are disappointed who dreams of having satisfied his hunger and thirst Isaiah 29:7-8.
There can be no doubt, I think, that this portion of the prophecy refers to the sudden and dreadful overthrow of Sennacherib; and the design of this portion of the prophecy is to give the assurance, that though Jerusalem would be in imminent danger, yet it would be suddenly delivered.
II. The second part consists of reproofs of the inhabitants of Jerusalem for their infidelity and impiety.
1. They were full of error, and all classes of people were wandering from God - reeling under error like a drunken man Isaiah 29:9.
2. A spirit of blindness and stupidity everywhere prevailed among the people Isaiah 29:10-12.
3. Formality and external regard for the institutions of religion prevailed, but without its life and power Isaiah 29:13.
4. They attempted to lay deep and skillful plans to hide their wickedness from Yahweh Isaiah 29:15.
5. They were unjust in their judgments, making a man an offender for a word, and perverting just judgment Isaiah 29:21.
6. For all this they should be punished.
(a) The wisdom of their wise men should fail Isaiah 29:14.
(b) The scorner would be consumed Isaiah 29:20.
7. There would be an overturning, and the people would be made acquainted with the law of God, and the truly pious would be comforted Isaiah 29:16-19. Those who had erred would be reformed, and would come to the true knowledge of God Isaiah 29:22-24.