Isaiah 29:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Then he continues by proclaiming, I will bring distress upon Ariel. These statements relate to the initial proclamation of woe to Ariel; he declared woe at the outset, and then, after inserting an exhortation, he revisits the earlier sentiment by stating, I declared woe upon Ariel, I will incite his fury, and his might and wealth will belong to me. This means I will claim all his treasures and all his strength. This should be understood both in a physical and a spiritual context. Their material wealth had dwindled as the invaders ravaged it; their formerly mighty and revered strength was shattered, for they suffered defeat at the hands of the Romans. Furthermore, they were stripped of the adornments of virtue, enduring a lack of every good. Along with other losses, they forfeited the treasures of legal wisdom. Additionally, the phrase, ‘I will encircle you with a fortress, and siege towers,’ refers to the siege of Jerusalem that occurred following the crucifixion of the Savior.