Isaiah 33:12 meaning

In the context of Isaiah's prophetic message, the chaos and fear gripping Jerusalem stem from the Assyrian siege, bringing with it a profound sense of dread among the people. The invaders had shown no mercy, breaking treaties and displaying utter disdain for their foes. This verse starkly illustrates the consequences of turning away from God and relying on human strength, emphasizing that all efforts to produce security and stability had amounted to nothing substantial— likened to "chaff and stubble." Those in Judah, including their leaders, faced despair as they realized that external help would not come; their pleas for peace had been met with bitterness and rejection.