Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.

ISAIAH 10:31KJV
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Isaiah 10:31 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 10:31 mean?

Isaiah 10:31 describes two towns, Madmenah and Gebim, reacting to an approaching threat: Madmenah is abandoned or moved, and the people living in Gebim are gathering together to flee. The verse highlights the panic and disruption caused by an invading army moving closer.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah about the advance of the Assyrian army. This verse lists specific locations north of Jerusalem, showing how fear spreads as the enemy approaches. The mention of these towns paints a vivid picture of the chaos and urgency as people realize they must escape before it is too late.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 10:31

  • "Madmenah" (מַדְמֵנָה, Madmenah) is the name of a small town north of Jerusalem. Its mention shows the specific route of the invasion and how even outlying villages are affected.
  • "Removed" (נָסוּ, nasu) means to be moved away or to flee. The word here suggests a hurried abandonment, not just a calm relocation.
  • "Inhabitants" (יֹשְׁבֵי, yoshevei) refers to the people living in Gebim. The focus is on the community as a whole, not just individuals.
  • "Gebim" (גֵּבִים, Gebim) is another small settlement. Its inclusion, like Madmenah, marks the path of destruction and the spread of fear.
  • "Flee" (נָסָה, nasah) means to escape quickly. The word choice emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the people as they try to avoid the advancing army.

Why Isaiah 10:31 matters

  • Isaiah 10:31 helps readers visualize the real fear and disruption caused by the Assyrian invasion, making the threat more immediate and personal.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage by showing the step-by-step advance of the enemy toward Jerusalem, building suspense and highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
  • By naming specific towns, Isaiah grounds his prophecy in real geography and history, reminding readers that these events affected actual communities and families.

Where else these words appear

“flee” Hebrew H5756 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 9:19 Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.
  • Jeremiah 4:6 Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.
  • Jeremiah 6:1 O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

“removed” Hebrew H5074 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 31:40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
  • Psalms 64:8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
  • Isaiah 22:3 All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far.