Bible Commentary

Isaiah 29:1-8

Matthew Henry on Isaiah 29:1-8

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Ariel may signify the altar of burnt-offerings. Let Jerusalem know that outward religious services will not make men free from judgements. Hypocrites never can please God, nor make their peace with him.

God had often and long, by a host of angels, encamped round about Jerusalem for protection and deliverance; but now he fought against it. Proud looks and proud language shall be brought down by humbling providences.

The destruction of Jerusalem's enemies is foretold. The army of Sennacherib went as a dream; and thus the multitudes, that through successive ages fight against God's altar and worship, shall fall. Speedily will sinners awake from their soothing dreams in the pains of hell.

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commentaryThe Punishment of Ariel. (b. c. 725.)THE PUNISHMENT OF ARIEL. (B. C. 725.) That it is Jerusalem which is here called Ariel is agreed, for that was the city where David dwelt; that part of it which was called Zion was in a particular manner the city of Davi…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 29:1-8The city of God. "The city where David dwelt" was undoubtedly Jerusalem, the "city of God." It is here called Ariel; i.e; according to some, the hearth or altar of God. This fact, taken with the prophecy itself, may rem…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 29:1-4Woe to Ariel! The lesson of this section seems to be that even those nearest and dearest to God, who bear his name, who are in a certain sense his, are not exempt from suffering at his hands. Even Jerusalem, "the city w…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 29:1-12Concerning Ariel. I. VICISSITUDES OF ARIEL. The name is symbolic, perhaps signifying "God's lion." It was the city where David dwelt. The prophet bids the city enter upon the new year, and run the round of the feasts. T…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 29:1-24EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 29:1-4A WARNING TO JERUSALEM. Expostulation is followed by threats. The prophet is aware that all his preaching to the authorities in Jerusalem (Isaiah 28:14-22) will be of no avail, and that their adoption of measures direct…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 29:1Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! "Ariel' is clearly a mystic name for Jerusalem, parallel to "Sheshach" as a name for Babylon (Jeremiah 25:26) and "'Ir-ha-heres" as a name for Heliopolis (Isaiah 19:18…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 29:2Divine corrections through temporal distresses. This subject may be treated in the larger spheres of nations, classes of society, or Churches, and applications may be made to individual experience. God's ways in the wor…Joseph S. Exell and contributors