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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 29 - Verse 8

29:8
It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.

Meaning

The verse describes a vivid analogy to convey the futility and disappointment that will befall those who fight against Mount Zion. Just as a hungry man dreams of eating, only to wake up with his soul still empty, or a thirsty man dreams of drinking, only to wake up faint with an appetite still lingering, so too will the multitude of nations who oppose Mount Zion find themselves unsatisfied and ultimately defeated. This powerful imagery serves as a warning to those who seek to go against the will of God and His chosen people. It highlights the fleeting nature of worldly desires and the ultimate emptiness that comes from turning away from God’s truth. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion and the inevitable defeat of those who oppose the plans of the Almighty.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Isaiah, the prophet uses vivid imagery to convey a powerful message about the futility of opposing God's purposes. The analogy of a hungry or thirsty man dreaming of satisfying his appetite, only to wake up and find himself empty or faint, captures the idea of longing for fulfillment but being ultimately disappointed. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the consequences of going against God's plans, as seen in those who fight against Mount Zion, which represents God's chosen people. Just as a hungry or thirsty man's dreams cannot truly satisfy his physical needs, the nations who oppose Zion will find themselves unfulfilled and lacking in their attempts to challenge God's divine will. This imagery serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of going against the purposes of God and the ultimate futility of trying to resist His sovereign plan for redemption and salvation.

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