ISAIAH 29-Who is Ariel? Its a key word to understand this chapter. This video explains it in detail.

Isaiah 29
The prophecies in this chapter pertain to the city of Jerusalem. It extends from the time that Jerusalem was invaded by Sennacherib to the time of the end when the Messiah returns and His feet land on the Mount of Olives.

Isa 29:1 Woe, O Ariel, Ariel the city where David once camped! Add year to year, observe your feasts on schedule.

"Ariel" is a reference to Jerusalem, the city of David. "Ariel" means "lionlike" or it could also mean "altar." Either translation fits the description of Jerusalem. The Messiah is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and Jerusalem is where He will set up His kingdom. Jerusalem is also the place of the altar, or the temple, of Elohim was located. "Add year to year, let feasts come around." Elohim is saying, "Just keep doing what you have been doing... Let time pass by... But judgment is coming."

Isa 29:2 And I will bring distress to Ariel, And she shall be a city of lamenting and mourning; And she shall be like an Ariel to me.

The translation here would seem to best mean that "Ariel" means altar just as it does in other parts of Scripture.

(Ezek 43:15).

Elohim is saying that Jerusalem will be like an altar to Him. It appears they will be sacrificed. "And it shall be to Me as Ariel." Jerusalem will be filled with heaviness and sorrow. Elohim does not take pleasure in judgment. But it is a duty that must be done.

Isa 29:8 And it will be as when a hungry man dreams-- And behold, he is eating; But when he awakens, his hunger is not satisfied, Or as when a thirsty man dreams-- And behold, he is drinking, But when he awakens, behold, he is faint, And his thirst is not quenched. Thus the multitude of all the nations shall be, Who wage war against Mount Zion.

They are going to be as if they were just dreaming of victory. It will seem so sure in their minds. But they are going to find out that victory was merely an illusion that they thought they had grasped. Instead, they will taste sudden defeat.

Isa 29:9 Be delayed and wait. Blind yourselves and be blind. They become drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with strong drink.

Isa 29:10 For the LORD has poured over you a spirit of deep sleep, He has shut your eyes, the prophets; And He has covered your heads, the seers.

Israel kept rejecting the light of Elohim's Word. Elohim kept speaking to them, but they kept rejecting Him. They are as lost as a drunkard in the streets. Elohim has put a spirit of deep sleep over them due to their disobedience. Elohim has closed their eyes (He will not allow the prophets to speak). Elohim is going to cease His communication to them.

River Valley Torah Assembly
http://rvtorah.com/