Isaiah 29:17-18

Context

Changes are Coming

29:17 In just a very short time¹

Lebanon will turn into an orchard,

and the orchard will be considered a forest.²

29:18 At that time³ the deaf will be able to hear words read from a scroll,

and the eyes of the blind will be able to see through deep darkness.⁴

[29:17] ¹tn The Hebrew text phrases this as a rhetorical question, “Is it not yet a little, a short [time]?”

[29:17] ²sn The meaning of this verse is debated, but it seems to depict a reversal in fortunes. The mighty forest of Lebanon (symbolic of the proud and powerful, see 2:13; 10:34) will be changed into a common orchard, while the common orchard (symbolic of the oppressed and lowly) will grow into a great forest. See J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT), 1:538.

[29:18] ³tn Or “In that day” (KJV).

[29:18] ⁴tn Heb “and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.”