Isaiah 6:12
and the LORD removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about a future destruction; it highlights a profound theological concept: God's judgment is an active removal. He doesn't just let things fall apart; He "removes men far away," implying a deliberate, sovereign act that leads to the desolate "forsaking" of the land.
This verse concludes God's commission to Isaiah to prophesy judgment upon a people who refuse to listen. It describes the consequence of their persistent spiritual blindness: they will be exiled far from their homeland, leaving their homes and cities desolate. This future devastation is a direct result of their rejection of God's truth, as foretold in the preceding verses.
The prophet's vision culminates in a stark image of a depopulated land. What does this final picture reveal about the consequences of turning away from God?
Isaiah's prophecy reaches its climax with a description of utter desolation.
The Great Exodus of God's People
The Lord declares, 'and the LORD removes people far away.' This isn't just a natural migration; it's a divine judgment. Historical context suggests this refers to the forced deportations practiced by conquering empires like Assyria and Babylon, where entire populations were uprooted and taken captive to distant lands.
Emptiness and Abandonment
The verse continues, 'and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.' This paints a picture of cities, homes, and fields left empty, abandoned by their inhabitants. It signifies a profound loss – not just of people, but of livelihoods, communities, and the very fabric of society. This emptiness is a direct consequence of rebellion against God's covenant, a stripping away of the blessings He had promised.
Is this widespread emptiness simply a punishment, or is there a deeper purpose to God's judgment as revealed in Isaiah's vision?
The judgment described in Isaiah 6:12 is not arbitrary. It serves a specific, albeit severe, purpose within God's dealings with His people.
A Judgment for Stubbornness
Isaiah's commission in chapter 6 is to preach a message that, by divine design, will deafen and blind the people because of their persistent rebellion. This verse, 'and the LORD removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land,' is the stark fulfillment of that commission. It's the ultimate consequence of refusing to hear and understand God's word.
A Call to Humility and Dependence
This devastation is meant to bring people to the end of themselves. When communities are stripped of their people and their familiar places are left forsaken, it forces a confrontation with their own helplessness and their need for divine intervention. It's a harsh lesson in humility, aiming to break the pride that led to rebellion in the first place. Even in this judgment, however, the broader context of Isaiah's prophecy holds out hope for a future restoration and the preservation of a remnant.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenant-keeping name of God (YHWH), revealed to Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness, self-existence, and His active role in human history and redemption.
azab · Hebrew Verb
To be left behind or abandoned, often used in the context of divine judgment where God withdraws His presence or protection due to covenant unfaithfulness.
This verse reflects the devastating impact of the Assyrian and Babylonian deportations, where the land of Judah was depopulated as its people were taken captive or fled, leaving behind 'forsaken places'.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophetic Call
The prophet Isaiah receives a vision of God's glory in the temple, signifying his call to ministry during the reign of King Uzziah. This chapter sets the stage for his prophetic pronouncements.
c. 739-734 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the Region
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III, expands its influence, leading to the deportation of populations from conquered territories. This military pressure significantly impacts the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
c. 732 BC
Fall of Damascus and Deportation of Israel
Tiglath-Pileser III conquers the Aramean capital of Damascus and deports populations from the northern Kingdom of Israel. This event heightens the sense of impending doom for Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian king Sargon II captures Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and deports its inhabitants. This marks the end of the northern kingdom, leaving Judah isolated and vulnerable.
This passage echoes the theme of God removing people far away by describing the exile of the people of Judah to Babylon, directly fulfilling the prophetic pronouncements.
Ezekiel 12:15-16Similar to Isaiah's prophecy, this passage speaks of scattering the people among the nations and leaving a remnant in the land, highlighting the consequence of disobedience.
Deuteronomy 28:64-65This passage provides the foundational warning of exile and desolation as a consequence of breaking the covenant, which Isaiah's prophecy elaborates on.
2 Kings 25:21This historical account describes the fulfillment of the prophecy by detailing the deportation of the remaining people of Judah to Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem, illustrating the 'great forsaking'.
barnesIsaiah 6:12: "And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land."
And the Lord have removed ... - The land shall be given up to desolation. The men - the strength of the nation - shall be taken to a distant land. And there be a great forsaking - A great desolation; the cities and dwellings shall be abandoned by the inhabitants; compare Isaiah 17:2; Jeremiah 4:29; Zephaniah 2:4.
pooleIsaiah 6:12: "And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land."
Have removed men far away; have caused this people to be carried away captive into far countries. And there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land; till houses and lands be generally forsaken of their owners, either because fled away from the sword into strange lands, or because they went into captivity.
This verse isn't just about a future destruction; it highlights a profound theological concept: God's judgment is an active removal. He doesn't just let things fall apart; He "removes men far away," implying a deliberate, sovereign act that leads to the desolate "forsaking" of the land.
This verse concludes God's commission to Isaiah to prophesy judgment upon a people who refuse to listen. It describes the consequence of their persistent spiritual blindness: they will be exiled far from their homeland, leaving their homes and cities desolate. This future devastation is a direct result of their rejection of God's truth, as foretold in the preceding verses.
This verse concludes God's commission to Isaiah to prophesy judgment upon a people who refuse to listen. It describes the consequence of their persistent spiritual blindness: they will be exiled far from their homeland, leaving their homes and cities desolate. This future devastation is a direct result of their rejection of God's truth, as foretold in the preceding verses.
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c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many fortified cities. Jerusalem is besieged but ultimately spared, though tribute is paid.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Jerusalem and deports King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of the Judean elite to Babylon. This begins a period of Babylonian dominance.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This event represents the complete desolation of the land and the fulfillment of much of Isaiah's prophecy.
"and the LORD removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land." — This verse isn't just about a future destruction; it highlights a profound theological concept: God's judgment is an active removal. He doesn't just let things fall apart; He "removes men far away,"…
