Isaiah 27:5

"Wrath is not in me, but if I should find briers and thorns, I would do battle! I would march on them and I would burn them together."

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 27:5, God's statement that "wrath is not in me" underscores His unwavering love and mercy, indicating He prefers to heal rather than punish. However, the imagery of "briers and thorns" represents his willingness to confront and destroy evil, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Or let him -The Hebrew word rendered here or (או'ô) means “unless;” and the sense is, the enemies of the Jewish people shall be completely destroyed as briers are by fire, “unless” they flee to God for a refuge. Take hold of my strength -That is, let the enemy take hold of me to become reconciled to me. The figure here is taken probably from the act of fleeing to take hold of the horns of the altar for refuge when one was pursued (compare1 Kings 1:50;1 Kings 2:28). That he may make peace with me -With me as the guardian of the vineyard. If this were done they would be safe.

More from Isaiah 27

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