God Will Punish and Save Jerusalem (Isa 29:1-14)
Out of great sorrow and compassion, God laments at "Ariel" (Isa 29:1), which may mean "lion of God" or "hero," perhaps referring to Jerusalem's former strength and glory. God will distress them greatly through the Assyrians (Isa 29:2-8), for they depended on Egypt (Isa 28:15,18), instead of trusting God, their sure foundation (Isa 28:16). Because of their stubbornness, God would blind them (Isa 29:9-12). They worshiped God ceremonially and habitually, while their hearts were adrift (Isa 29:13; Matt 15:8,9). Though their ritualistic worship was worthless, God's purpose would prevail (Isa 29:14; 1 Cor 1:19).
God Will Expose Clandestine Underhanded Human Politics (Isa 29:15-24)
What was their problem? They made their own secret plans by their politicking (Isa 29:15), thus rejecting God as Creator. They were like clay thinking itself as the potter (Isa 29:16; Rom 9:19-21). But one day, God himself, through Christ, would transform them (Isa 29:17), until "the deaf shall hear" and "the eyes of the blind shall see" (Isa 29:18, 35:5, 61:1-3; Matt 11:5). The oppressed would be liberated, while the powerful oppressor's dominance will end (Isa 29:19-21). God will keep his promise to the descendants of Abraham (Isa 29:22-24). Secrecy, furtiveness, surreptitious behavior will one day be replaced with openness and transparency.
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