Isaiah 51:20 - Your sons have fainted. They lie at the head of all the streets, like an antelope in a net. They are full of the Yahweh’s wrath, the rebuke of your God.

Generated Verse: Isaiah 51:20

What does "Isaiah 51:20" mean?


This verse from Isaiah 51:20 paints a vivid and tragic picture of the suffering of the people of Jerusalem, likely during a time of siege or exile. Let's break it down:

"Your sons have fainted." This refers to the people of Jerusalem, specifically the men, who are weak and exhausted due to hardship, likely caused by famine, war, or captivity. Fainting suggests a loss of strength and hope.

"They lie at the head of all the streets, like an antelope in a net." This is a powerful simile.
"At the head of all the streets" suggests they are collapsed in public places, exposed and vulnerable. It emphasizes the widespread nature of their suffering.
"Like an antelope in a net" illustrates their helplessness and entrapment. An antelope caught in a net is completely at the mercy of its captor. They are ensnared and unable to escape their predicament. The image suggests a loss of freedom and dignity.

"They are full of the Yahweh’s wrath, the rebuke of your God." This connects their suffering to divine judgment. The verse suggests that their current situation is a consequence of their sins and disobedience to God. "Wrath" and "rebuke" indicate divine anger and correction. It implies that God is punishing them for their unfaithfulness.

Overall Meaning:

The verse describes a scene of utter despair and devastation. The "sons" (people of Jerusalem) are utterly defeated, weakened, and trapped, their suffering attributed to God's judgment upon them. The antelope image emphasizes their helplessness and vulnerability. The verse is a lament over the dire situation of the people, acknowledging their suffering as a consequence of their relationship with God.

Context in Isaiah 51:

It's important to consider the context of Isaiah 51. The chapter as a whole offers comfort and hope to the exiled Israelites. While this verse highlights their present suffering as a result of God's wrath, the chapter also promises future deliverance and restoration. God reminds them of His power and faithfulness, assuring them that He will ultimately redeem them from their captivity. This verse then serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience, but also as a foil to the message of hope and redemption that follows.