Isaiah 29:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is recorded in the second book of Kings: David and his men advanced to Jerusalem against Jebus, whose inhabitants warned David, claiming that the blind and lame would deter him from entering. David, however, captured the stronghold of Zion, the city of David. On that day, David proclaimed that whoever struck Jebus should attack with the sword, including the blind and lame, and those who despise David's soul (2 Sam. 5:6-8). Thus, David faced opposition from the blind and lame who inhabited Jerusalem or Jebus, ultimately meeting their demise as he established the city. When Christ, the Redeemer of all, arrived, He too was resisted by the blind and lame in Jerusalem, as they failed to walk in righteous paths and did not perceive the divine light due to a lack of faith, particularly seen among the scribes and Pharisees. Therefore, David expressed, through his own lips, "The sons of foreigners have deceived me, and the sons of strangers have sworn false promises and turned away in fear" (Psalm 17:45-46). Paul likewise admonished, "Strengthen the weak hands and the feeble knees, and make straight the paths of your feet, that the lame may not be turned aside but rather be healed" (Hebrews 12:12-13). The Savior attested to their blindness, declaring, "I have come into this world for judgment, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may be made blind" (John 9:39). The Gentiles perceived the truth despite their previous blindness, while the Jews remained blind, disregarding the mystery of Christ as it was revealed through the law. Thus, He mourns over Jerusalem, exclaiming, "Woe to the city of Ariel, where David fought." The name Ariel, meaning "Lion of God," is applied due to Jerusalem's fierce conquests over nations with God’s guidance, acting as a lion that seizes and torments its foes. Therefore, woe to the sorrowful city, once a roaring lion against the nations, now fallen into devastating despair! It was conquered first by David and subsequently by Christ, who originated from his lineage. He charged, "Gather the bounty year after year to prepare for the downfall of Moab." Our Lord Jesus Christ spent two years traversing Judea, dispensing wise counsel and proclaiming the divine gospel. He indicated that a favorable moment has arrived, urging us to gather spiritual sustenance and store it within our hearts and minds; thus, we must not delay but rather, with diligence and without sloth, gather alongside Moab. The land of Moab was steeped in superstition, with no one truly seeking to worship the living God. Therefore, by referencing this idolatrous nation, He signifies all those who stray from the truth, saying, "You shall endure with Moab." The Gentiles too are invited, as the gospel message of salvation has become the common nourishment for both the descendants of Israel and those who have wandered astray.

Therefore, Ariel, indicating the altar of God, refers to Jerusalem, once fortified, or as some argue, the temple and altar that were situated in Jerusalem.

Concerning the phrase about what David triumphed over, which Symmachus translated as David’s camp, while Theodotion referred to it as David’s encircling trench, the Hebrew term used is hana, which knowledgeable Jewish authorities interpret as dwelling. When understood in the sense of ‘which David conquered,’ we can point to the moment when David captured the stronghold of Zion, facing the opposition of the blind and lame, with Joab being the first to ascend for victory (1 Chr. 11). If we consider Symmachus and Theodotion's interpretations, it may imply that David revitalized and fortified the city. The year is stated repeatedly, or omitted, as Aquila notes, since the temple’s destruction and the end of Jewish rituals led to the abolition of all their feasts.

This city was previously subdued and restored by David. Regarding its conquest, it is declared, ‘Woe to Ariel, Ariel (that is, “the lion of God”), the powerful city where David resided!’