Isaiah 30:17

French Bible (BBB) Bible Bovet Bonnet (1900)

Mille fuiront à la menace d'un seul, et à la menace de cinq vous fuirez, jusqu'à ce que vous ne soyez plus qu'un reste semblable à un pin sur le sommet de la montagne, à un signal sur la hauteur.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Isaiah says that a large number of people will flee from a small number of attackers, showing how the Lord will make the Israelites seem weak and insignificant. The imagery of a beacon and ensign suggests they will be left standing alone, like a solitary signal on a hill.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friends are playing a game where you have to run away from a small group. Even though you have more people, you will run away quickly because you are scared. This verse is like that game, but it's about God showing that his people will be scared and run away, leaving only a few behind.

Historical Background

The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah around 700 BC. This verse is part of a prophetic message to the people of Judah, warning them of the consequences of relying on foreign alliances instead of trusting in God.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be applied to situations where a smaller group of people, perhaps with strong principles or courage, can inspire a larger group to change their behavior. For example, a small group of activists can influence a large community to adopt greener practices.

Topics

• prophets
• judgment
• trust
• fear
• isolation
• signs

Related Verses

• Jeremiah 30:11
• Ezekiel 37:26
• Matthew 24:30
• Luke 4:18
• Romans 9:27

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be left as a beacon?

Being left as a beacon means standing out alone, much like a lighthouse that stands alone on a hill, signaling and guiding others.

Why does Isaiah use the imagery of a beacon and an ensign?

Isaiah uses this imagery to convey the idea of isolation and to highlight how the Israelites will be seen as alone and vulnerable, much like a solitary signal on a hill.

How does this verse relate to trust in God?

This verse shows the consequences of not trusting in God, as it predicts that the people of Judah will flee and be left isolated if they rely on human alliances instead of God.

What can we learn from Isaiah 30:17 about leadership?

We can learn that true leadership is not about numbers, but about the strength and trust in one's principles or guidance, much like how a small group can inspire or lead a larger one.