Isaiah 30:17 Meaning and Explanation
“One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah's army will scatter at the enemy's word, until only a small remnant remains, visible and alone.
The Context of Isaiah 30:17
Judah's army will flee in panic, leaving only a tiny, exposed remnant.
What Does Isaiah 30:17 Mean?
This verse describes a catastrophic military collapse. The disproportion is extreme: one enemy's rebuke sends a thousand Judeans fleeing; five put to flight the remaining multitude. This is not honorable defeat but shameful rout. The effectiveness of the enemy's word (likely his command or threat) replaces the need for weapons, showing God's judgment working through the enemy's actions.
The final image—'left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill'—portrays the remnant as isolated and exposed. A beacon and ensign (flag) are visible from a distance, standing alone and isolated on high ground. Judah, once a populous nation, will be reduced to a small, visible, defenseless group, stripped of power and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 30:17
What does Isaiah 30:17 mean?
Judah's army will scatter at the enemy's word, until only a small remnant remains, visible and alone.
What is the context of Isaiah 30:17?
Judah's army will flee in panic, leaving only a tiny, exposed remnant.