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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 17 - Verse 12

17:12
Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah uses vivid imagery to convey a message of warning and judgment to the nations. The powerful imagery of roaring seas and rushing waters symbolizes the chaos and tumult that will befall those who have turned away from God. The multitude of many people represents the nations that have strayed from righteousness and have fallen into a state of moral degradation. The noise and rushing of nations reflect the unrest and instability that pervades societies when they are not aligned with God's will. The prophet's use of these metaphors serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that await those who ignore God's commandments and choose to follow their own sinful desires. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of turning back to God before it is too late.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah uses vivid imagery to warn of the impending judgment on the nations. The comparison of the noise of many people to the roaring seas and rushing nations to mighty waters suggests a tumultuous and unstoppable force coming upon them. This imagery of the seas and waters symbolizes the chaotic and overwhelming nature of the nations' actions, which ultimately lead to their downfall. The word "woe" in this context serves as a declaration of impending disaster and serves as a call to repentance for those who have strayed away from God's will. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the consequences of sin and the need for nations to turn back to God before facing His judgment. The word studies in this verse point to the idea of tumultuous noise and rushing waters as symbols of destruction and chaos, highlighting the importance of heeding the warnings and returning to a path of righteousness.

American Standard Version

Ah, the uproar of many peoples, that roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations, that rush like the rushing of mighty waters!
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