Isaiah 29:17-24·~1 min

Sanctification for the Godly

In a very short time the LORD will so reverse conditions that barren Lebanon becomes fruitful and what seemed fruitful is re-evaluated, while the deaf hear the scroll and the blind see out of darkness. The humble and needy increase their joy in the LORD precisely as the ruthless, mockers, and legal abusers are cut off, showing that restored perception and restored justice arrive together.

I¹⁷n a very short time, ¹⁸On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, ¹⁹The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, ²⁰For the ruthless will vanish, ²¹those who indict a man with a word,

The LORD who redeemed Abraham promises that Jacob will no longer be ashamed or turn pale when he sees his children gathered around him as the work of God's hands. In that renewed household they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and stand in awe of the God of Israel, and even those once wandering in spirit or murmuring against instruction will finally learn understanding and receive teaching.

²²Therefore the LORD who redeemed Abraham says of the house of Jacob: ²³For when he sees his children around him, ²⁴Then the wayward in spirit will come to understanding,

Section summaryThe chapter's closing movement promises that the present condition will not last long: Lebanon will become fruitful, the deaf will hear, and the blind will see out of gloom and darkness. As the ruthless and fraudulent are cut off, Jacob's descendants will no longer be ashamed but will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and even the wayward and grumbling will come to understanding and instruction.

Role in the chapterThis section turns the chapter from judicial blindness to restorative understanding and reverence.