Isaiah 30 17

Isaiah 30:17 kjv

One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.

Isaiah 30:17 nkjv

One thousand shall flee at the threat of one, At the threat of five you shall flee, Till you are left as a pole on top of a mountain And as a banner on a hill.

Isaiah 30:17 niv

A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill."

Isaiah 30:17 esv

A thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you shall flee, till you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill.

Isaiah 30:17 nlt

One of them will chase a thousand of you.
Five of them will make all of you flee.
You will be left like a lonely flagpole on a hill
or a tattered banner on a distant mountaintop."

Isaiah 30 verses

Isaiah 30 17 Meaning

The verse foretells a future event where Egypt will tremble due to God's might when He intervenes for Jerusalem. This intervention signifies God's complete dominion and control over all nations, especially in His protective actions towards His chosen people.

Isaiah 30 17 Context

This verse is found in Isaiah chapter 30, a section where Isaiah prophesies against Judah's misplaced trust in alliances with Egypt rather than in the Lord. Judah was facing a military threat and looked to Egypt for help, which Isaiah warned was a futile and sinful action. This verse specifically addresses the consequences of such reliance, painting a picture of Egypt's own fear and subjugation when the Lord ultimately acts on behalf of Jerusalem. The historical context involves the Assyrian threat during the late 8th century BCE, or possibly later threats like Babylon. The immediate context within chapter 30 contrasts God's promised protection with the danger of seeking foreign aid.

Isaiah 30 17 Word Analysis

• And (וְ) (və): A common conjunction, linking this verse to the preceding one, signifying an addition or consequence.
• five (חָמֵשׁ) (chamesh): The number five. Its presence here implies a specific, but possibly symbolic, quantity. It could denote a small, insufficient force.
• shall (יִהְיֶה) (yihiyeh): Future tense of "to be." Indicates certainty in the prophetic declaration.
• be (כְּ) (kə): As, like.
• like (אַחַת) (achat): One. Here used with "five," implying five men will be like one person in their flight.
• one (שָׁקֵק) (shaqeq): To run, to hasten, to pursue rapidly.
• flee (מִפְּנֵי) (mippənē): From the face of, because of. Indicates the cause of their flight is an opposing force or presence.
• at (חֶרֶב) (cherev): Sword. Refers to military might, war, or decisive divine judgment.
• the (לָפֶן) (lapen): Turn away, face.
• sword (נֶגֶף) (negeph): Striking, plague, pestilence. Can signify a deadly blow or a calamitous event.
• of (אֶלֶף) (eleph): Thousand.
• a (רַב) (rav): Many, much, great.
• thousand (מֵאֶחָיו) (me’echav): From his brethren.
• from (שֶׁעָרוֹת) (she’arot): Remnant, remainder, those left over.
• at (נָס) (nas): Flee, escape.
• the (כּ) (kaph): Lamed-kaph preposition, denoting at, to, by.
• men (חֲמִשָּׁה) (chamishah): Five.
• at (עַמִּים) (amim): Peoples, nations.
• the (רוּחַ) (ruach): Wind, spirit, breath.
• three (חֶסֶד) (checed): Favor, lovingkindness, mercy.
• hundred (וַיָּבֹא) (vayavo): And he came.
• the (פָּעַם) (pa'am): Footstep, striking.
• its (נָחֹנְנּוּ) (nachonenu): They will be made secure, firm.
• hundred (לֹא) (lo): Not.
• and (לֹא) (lo): Not.
• all (קַל) (qal): Light, swift.
• of (כְּ) (kə): As, like.
• its (מַרְאֶה) (mar’eh): Sight, appearance.
• their (צַעַר) (tsa’ar): Affliction, distress.
• own (כֹּל) (kol): All, every.
• most (גְּאוֹנֶיהָ) (gə’oneihah): Its pride, arrogance, excellency.

Word Group Analysis:"five men at the sword shall flee" (חֲמִשָּׁה אֲנָשִׁים מִפְּנֵי חֶרֶב): This signifies a dramatic rout, where a mere handful is routed by an approaching enemy force."a hundred at the turning of the hand" (מֵאָה אֶל מִפְּנֵי נֶגֶף): A slightly larger number (a hundred) flees from a plague or devastating strike."shall flee" (נָס): Emphasizes their utter defeat and hasty escape."from all of its pride" (וְכֹל שְׁאֵרִיתָהּ): The flight is not just a minor setback, but a consequence that strips away all their confidence and remaining strength, implying their arrogance is humbled.

Isaiah 30 17 Bonus Section

The imagery of "five men fleeing a hundred" and "a hundred fleeing a thousand" is hyperbolic. It underscores a complete and overwhelming defeat. This rhetorical device was common in ancient Near Eastern literature and prophecy to emphasize the totality of God's judgment or deliverance. It’s also seen in Leviticus 26:8 where "five of your enemies shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand." Here, the roles are reversed to show God’s judgment upon Egypt. This verse exemplifies the principle that those who oppose God's people will ultimately be overcome by God's power. The "pride" (גְּאוֹנֶיהָ - gə’oneihah) of Egypt refers to its self-reliance and vaunted military strength, which will be completely humbled.

Isaiah 30 17 Commentary

This verse vividly portrays the futility of relying on Egypt for security. Instead of finding refuge, Egypt itself will experience devastating defeat when God intervenes for Jerusalem. The specific numbers, "five" and "a hundred," along with "a hundred" and "a thousand," suggest a complete breakdown of their military might and pride. God's action will be so powerful that it will shatter Egypt's capacity to resist or protect itself. This serves as a direct indictment against Judah's diplomatic policies, highlighting that true security comes only from unwavering trust in God's sovereign power. The enemies' downfall becomes a testament to God's might and His commitment to His people.