Isaiah 29:17, commentary and pictures

In a very little while a reversal takes place in which Lebanon, a land associated with forest, is turned into a fruitful field, while the fruitful field is esteemed as a forest. The change from forest to fruitful land and from fruitful land to what is like a forest is sudden, with what was barren becoming fruitful and what was fruitful becoming like a forest. This reversal portrays surprising growth of spiritual life among those who respond to God.

The change accompanies a time of renewal when the deaf hear God's words, the blind gain understanding and sight, the meek and poor rejoice, those who went astray come to understanding, and oppressors come to an end. The verse stands in rebuke of men in responsible positions who were supposed to be trustworthy but violated the principles of the ten commandments, showing neither supreme love to God nor love to fellow men as themselves. They heartily disliked and despised anyone who questioned the course they thought wise, treated with disrespect the men entrusted with a message for the people, and cherished bitter feelings against the message and the messengers, ready to reject both messengers and message if they had the power. Its principles warn teachers who claim to have light but remain blind to it in practice, weakening the work and dishonoring the truth, joining a warning of spiritual blindness with the promise that faithful guidance will be restored.

Even when leaders oppose, the message will still be proclaimed, with others raised up if their mouths are stopped and a tongue given to stones if no human voice can be heard. The reversal was fulfilled when people outside the religious rulers' control heard Christ, were converted, and acknowledged him. Despised sinners such as publicans and harlots repented under John's preaching and accepted Christ, while those regarded as wise and righteous rejected the message. The fruitful field becoming a forest also describes people once guided by the truth who have lost their bearings, rejected what they once treasured, and accepted deceptive ideas that suit their own desires, so that their judgment is no longer reliable.