Isa 29:17-24 | NETfull | STEP | In just a very short time Lebanon will turn into an orchard, and the orchard will be considered a forest.

Isaiah 29:17-24

Changes are Coming

17 In just a very short time ^{▼▼ The Hebrew text phrases this as a rhetorical question, “Is it not yet a little, a short [time]?”}
Lebanon will turn into an orchard,
and the orchard will be considered a forest. ^{▼▼ The meaning of this verse is debated, but it seems to depict a reversal in fortunes. The mighty forest of Lebanon (symbolic of the proud and powerful, see 2:13; 10:34) will be changed into a common orchard, while the common orchard (symbolic of the oppressed and lowly) will grow into a great forest. See J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT), 1:538.}
18 At that time ^{▼▼ Or “In that day” (KJV).} the deaf will be able to hear words read from a scroll,
and the eyes of the blind will be able to see through deep darkness. ^{▼▼ Heb “and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.”} ^{▼▼ Perhaps this depicts the spiritual transformation of the once spiritually insensitive nation (see vv. 10–12, cf. also 6:9–10).}
19 The downtrodden will again rejoice in the Lord;
the poor among humankind will take delight ^{▼▼ Or “will rejoice” (NIV, NCV, NLT).} in the Holy One of Israel. ^{▼▼ See the note on the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” in 1:4.}
20 For tyrants will disappear,
those who taunt will vanish,
and all those who love to do wrong will be eliminated ^{▼▼ Heb “and all the watchers of wrong will be cut off.”} –
21 those who bear false testimony against a person, ^{▼▼ Heb “the ones who make a man a sinner with a word.” The Hiphil of חָטָא (khata’) here has a delocutive sense: “declare a man sinful/guilty.”}
who entrap the one who arbitrates at the city gate ^{▼▼ Legal disputes were resolved at the city gate, where the town elders met. See Amos 5:10.}
and deprive the innocent of justice by making false charges. ^{▼▼ Heb “and deprive by emptiness the innocent.”}
22 So this is what the Lord, the one who delivered Abraham, says to the family of Jacob: ^{▼▼ Heb “So this is what the Lord says to the house of Jacob, the one who ransomed Abraham.” The relative pronoun must refer back to “the Lord,” not to the immediately preceding “Jacob.” It is uncertain to what event in Abraham’s experience this refers. Perhaps the name “Abraham” stands here by metonymy for his descendants through Jacob. If so, the Exodus is in view.}
“Jacob will no longer be ashamed;
their faces will no longer show their embarrassment. ^{▼▼ Heb “and his face will no longer be pale.”}
23 For when they see their children,
whom I will produce among them, ^{▼▼ Heb “for when he sees his children, the work of my hands in his midst.”}
they will honor ^{▼▼ Or “treat as holy” (also in the following line); NASB, NRSV “will sanctify.”} my name.
They will honor the Holy One of Jacob; ^{▼▼ Holy One of Jacob is similar to the phrase “Holy One of Israel” common throughout Isaiah; see the [S] at Isa 1:4.}
they will respect ^{▼▼ Or “fear,” in the sense of “stand in awe of.”} the God of Israel.
24 Those who stray morally will gain understanding; ^{▼▼ Heb “and the ones who stray in spirit will know understanding.”}
those who complain will acquire insight. ^{▼▼ Heb “will learn instruction”; cf. NASB, NIV, NRSV, NLT “will accept instruction.”}