29:17 In just a very short time 1
Lebanon will turn into an orchard,
and the orchard will be considered a forest. 2
29:18 At that time 3 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
29:19 The downtrodden will again rejoice in the Lord;
the poor among humankind will take delight 5 in the Holy One of Israel. 6
1 tn The Hebrew text phrases this as a rhetorical question, “Is it not yet a little, a short [time]?”
2 sn 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.
3 tn Or “In that day” (KJV).
4 tn Heb “and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.”
sn Perhaps this depicts the spiritual transformation of the once spiritually insensitive nation (see vv. 10-12, cf. also 6:9-10).
5 tn Or “will rejoice” (NIV, NCV, NLT).
6 sn See the note on the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” in 1:4.