One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.
One thousand of you will run away when just one enemy threatens you. When five enemies come against you, all of you will flee, until you are left alone like a signal pole on a mountaintop or like a banner standing by itself on a hill.
This verse warns that when God's people turn away from Him, they will become so weak that even small threats will cause them to scatter and flee in fear.
📚 Historical Context
In the 8th century BC, the prophet Isaiah was warning the people of Judah about the dangers of seeking military alliances with Egypt instead of trusting in God for protection against the Assyrian empire. This verse uses vivid imagery to describe the devastating consequences of their rebellion, showing how their disobedience would leave them utterly vulnerable and scattered by even a few enemies. The reference to being left like a beacon or ensign highlights their isolation and exposure as a result of turning away from God's guidance.
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