Isaiah 29:7
And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.
Isaiah 29:7 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the term "Ariel" is used to refer to Jerusalem, particularly emphasizing its alter that burns with sacrifices. The verse describes how all the nations that come against Jerusalem will be like a fleeting dream or a temporary vision in the night. This imagery suggests the ultimate futility of fighting against God's chosen city and people. It serves as a reminder that any opposition or distress faced by Jerusalem will ultimately be short-lived and insignificant in the grand scheme of God's plan. The verse highlights the protection and sovereignty of God over His people, implying that any attempts to harm Jerusalem will ultimately be in vain. It conveys the idea that despite the temporary struggles and challenges faced by Jerusalem, God's ultimate victory and protection will prevail.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Isaiah portrays Ariel, which means "lion of God," as a symbol of Jerusalem. In this context, the multitude of nations that fight against Ariel represent the enemies of God's chosen city. The imagery of their destruction being "as a dream of a night vision" suggests that their efforts to harm Jerusalem will ultimately be futile and fleeting, much like a dream that vanishes upon waking. This serves as a reminder of God's protection over His people and the ultimate victory of His purposes. The word "munition" used in this verse can be further studied to refer to the fortifications and defenses of Jerusalem, emphasizing the futility of any attempts to harm the city. The imagery presented in this verse showcases the sovereignty and protection of God over His people, even in the face of adversity and opposition.
Isaiah 29:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her stronghold, and that distress her, shall be as a dream, a vision of the night.
World English Bible
The multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, will be like a dream, a vision of the night.
Douay-Rheims
And the multitude of all nations that have fought against Ariel, shall be as the dream of a vision by night, and all that have fought, and besieged and prevailed against it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the multitude of all the nations that fight against the altar, shalbe as a dreame or vision by night: euen all they that make the warre against it, and strong holdes against it, and lay siege vnto it.