29:17 In just a very short time 1
Lebanon will turn into an orchard,
and the orchard will be considered a forest. 2
30:11 Turn aside from the way,
stray off the path. 3
Remove from our presence the Holy One of Israel.” 4
1 tn The Hebrew text phrases this as a rhetorical question, “Is it not yet a little, a short [time]?”
2 sn The meaning of this verse is debated, but it seems to depict a reversal in fortunes. The mighty forest of Lebanon (symbolic of the proud and powerful, see 2:13; 10:34) will be changed into a common orchard, while the common orchard (symbolic of the oppressed and lowly) will grow into a great forest. See J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT), 1:538.
3 sn The imagery refers to the way or path of truth, as revealed by God to the prophet.
4 sn See the note on the phrase “the Holy One of Israel” in 1:4.