Isaiah 5:18

"Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich."

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 5:18, the prophet envisions a desolate landscape where lambs can freely graze in undisturbed pastures, symbolizing peace and abundance. Simultaneously, the verse suggests that strangers will claim and consume the property of the wealthy, indicating the severe judgment and societal upheaval awaiting Israel. This imagery would have shocked the original audience, highlighting the stark contrast between divine promises of prosperity for those who obey and the impending destruction for those who do not.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Wo unto them ... -This is a new denunciation. It introduces another form of sin, and threatens its appropriate punishment. That draw iniquity with cords of vanity -The general idea in this verse and the next, is, doubtless, that of plunging deeper and deeper into sin. The word “sin” here, has been sometimes supposed to mean “the punishment” for sin. The word has that meaning sometimes, but it seems here to be taken in its usual sense. The word “cords” means strings of any kind, larger or smaller; and the expression “cords of vanity,” is supposed to mean “small, slender, feeble” strings, like the web of a spider.

More from Isaiah 5

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