It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.
It will be like when a hungry person dreams they are eating, but then wakes up and their stomach is still empty. Or like when a thirsty person dreams they are drinking, but then wakes up and is still weak and craving water. That's how it will be for all the nations that fight against Mount Zion—their victory will be just an empty dream.
God is saying that nations who attack His people will find their expected victory is just an illusion—like waking up from a good dream only to find you're still hungry and thirsty.
📚 Historical Context
This prophecy was given during a time when Assyria and other foreign powers were threatening Jerusalem (Mount Zion). Isaiah was reassuring God's people that despite overwhelming odds, their enemies' apparent victories would prove to be temporary and unsatisfying. The image of Mount Zion represents not just the physical city of Jerusalem, but God's dwelling place and His chosen people.
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