Ah, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts run their round.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just calling Jerusalem "Ariel" but also "the city where David encamped," highlighting how their present security is rooted in a past invasion and establishment by David, ironically setting the stage for God's own "encampment" against them. The invitation to "add year to year" and "let the feasts run their round" is a sharp, ironic jab, suggesting their religious observances are so hollow they can continue them indefinitely, as God's judgment is imminent and will interrupt them.
Ah, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts run their round.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah delivers a solemn warning, starting with a mournful "Woe" directed at "Ariel," a symbolic name for Jerusalem, the very city where King David established his reign. This judgment comes because the people are going through the motions of their religious festivals and sacrifices year after year, seemingly secure in their traditions and David's legacy, but with hearts far from God. The prophecy is intended to shock them out of their complacency, revealing that this superficial worship will not protect them from the impending divine punishment.
Why would Isaiah call Jerusalem 'Ariel'? This mysterious name holds a dual meaning, pointing to both the city's perceived strength and its sacred purpose.
The name 'Ariel' is central to this passage, and its meaning is debated among scholars.
The Lion of God
The most common understanding of Ariel comes from its Hebrew roots, suggesting 'Lion of God.' This name evokes images of strength, power, and fierce protection. It could have been applied to Jerusalem because of its formidable defenses and its history as a city that resisted enemies, much like a lion defending its territory. Some scholars connect this to David's own prowess and the heroic figures in his court.
The Altar of God
Another significant interpretation, supported by Ezekiel's use of the name for the altar in the Temple, is 'Hearth of God' or 'Altar of God.' In this view, Ariel refers to the central place of worship, where sacrifices were continually offered. The fire on the altar, like a devouring lion, consumed the offerings, symbolizing God's presence and acceptance. This interpretation highlights Jerusalem's role as the sacred center of Israel's devotion.
Isaiah uses this multifaceted name to set the stage for a powerful message about judgment and restoration.
Isaiah tells the people to 'add year to year' and 'let the feasts run their round.' Is this an encouragement, or something far more cutting?
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The prophet's words here are laden with irony. He's not genuinely telling Jerusalem to continue their religious observances indefinitely. Instead, he's highlighting their hollow religiosity.
A Cycle of Empty Ritual
'Add year to year; let the feasts run their round' implies a continuation of their established patterns. However, the context reveals this is a judgment, not an endorsement. The people were going through the motions of worship – attending feasts, killing sacrifices – but their hearts were far from God. Their piety was superficial, a mere performance.
The Illusion of Security
By emphasizing their long-standing traditions and their connection to David, the city felt secure. They believed that their status as God's chosen people, evidenced by their vibrant worship, guaranteed protection. Isaiah's ironic command underscores the futility of this reliance. Their rituals, devoid of genuine faith and obedience, offered no real defense against the coming judgment.
Understand the original words
Ariel · Hebrew Noun
A symbolic name for Jerusalem, meaning "Lion of God" or "Hearth/Altar of God." It implies the city's role as the place of God's presence and sacrifices, or alternatively, a place of fierce judgment.
The prophecy addresses Jerusalem, a city deeply tied to King David's legacy and its role as the center of worship. However, the prophet highlights that its deep religious formalism and political reliance on Egypt are leading it to disaster, ironically calling for continued empty rituals even as judgment looms.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it the capital of his united kingdom, calling it the 'City of David'. This solidifies Jerusalem's central importance.
c. 705 BC
Sennacherib Becomes Assyrian King
Sennacherib ascends to the throne of the Assyrian Empire, initiating a period of aggressive expansion and consolidation of power in the region.
c. 703 BC
Assyrian Troubles and Egyptian Alliance
Following Sargon II's death, Assyria faces internal revolts. This creates an opportunity for smaller states like Judah to seek independence, often by allying with Egypt, a move Isaiah warns against.
c. 703 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophecy to Jerusalem
Isaiah delivers a prophecy of judgment and future restoration to Jerusalem, addressing it by the enigmatic name 'Ariel,' warning of a coming siege and divine intervention.
701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion and Siege
Sennacherib leads his Assyrian army into Judah, conquering many cities. He lays siege to Jerusalem, bringing the city to the brink of disaster.
701 BC
Sudden Deliverance of Jerusalem
The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem is miraculously lifted overnight. Historical accounts vary, but the result is the salvation of the city and a testament to divine intervention.
This passage also uses the name 'Ariel' for the altar of burnt offering, connecting the city of Jerusalem to its role as the central place of worship and sacrifice.
Jeremiah 7:4This verse highlights the people's misplaced trust in the Temple and sacrifices as a guarantee of security, mirroring Isaiah's critique of their hollow worship.
2 Samuel 5:6-9This passage describes David's capture and establishment of Jerusalem as his capital, directly linking to Isaiah's reference of 'the city where David encamped'.
Isaiah 29:13This verse directly follows the passage and explains the 'why' behind the 'woe' by detailing the people's hypocrisy and heartless worship, which the prophet mocks in verse 1.
Lamentations 4:12This verse speaks of the enemy's astonishment at Jerusalem's vulnerability, echoing the idea that its perceived strength ('Ariel' as a strong lion) was not impenetrable.
barnesIsaiah 29:1: "Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices."
Wo - (compare the note at Isaiah 18:1 ). To Ariel - There can be no doubt that Jerusalem is here intended. The declaration that it was the city where David dwelt, as well as the entire scope of the prophecy, proves this. But still, it is not quiet clear why the city is here called "Ariel." The margin reads, 'O Ariel, that is, the lion of God.' The word (אריאל 'ărı̂y'ēl) is compou…
bensonIsaiah 29:1: "Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices."
Isaiah 29:1 . Wo to Ariel — This word signifies a strong lion, or the lion of God, and is used concerning lion-like men, as it is rendered 1 Chronicles 11:22 ; and of God’s altar, as it is translated Ezekiel 43:15-16 ; which seems to be thus called, because it devoured and consumed the sacrifices put upon it, as greedily and as irresistibly as the lion doth his prey. “That Jerusalem…
The verse isn't just calling Jerusalem "Ariel" but also "the city where David encamped," highlighting how their present security is rooted in a past invasion and establishment by David, ironically setting the stage for God's own "encampment" against them. The invitation to "add year to year" and "let the feasts run their round" is a sharp, ironic jab, suggesting their religious observances are so hollow they can continue them indefinitely, as God's judgment is imminent and will interrupt them.
The prophet Isaiah delivers a solemn warning, starting with a mournful "Woe" directed at "Ariel," a symbolic name for Jerusalem, the very city where King David established his reign. This judgment comes because the people are going through the motions of their religious festivals and sacrifices year after year, seemingly secure in their traditions and David's legacy, but with hearts far from God. The prophecy is intended to shock them out of their complacency, revealing that this superficial worship will not protect them from the impending divine punishment.
The prophet Isaiah delivers a solemn warning, starting with a mournful "Woe" directed at "Ariel," a symbolic name for Jerusalem, the very city where King David established his reign. This judgment comes because the people are going through the motions of their religious festivals and sacrifices year after year, seemingly secure in their traditions and David's legacy, but with hearts far from God. The prophecy is intended to shock them out of their complacency, revealing that this superficial worship will not protect them from the impending divine punishment.
"Ah, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts run their round." — The verse isn't just calling Jerusalem "Ariel" but also "the city where David encamped," highlighting how their present security is rooted in a past invasion and establishment by David, ironically se…
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Last reviewed October 2026