Isaiah 17:6

¶ Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two [or] three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four [or] five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.

Yet gleaning grapes {H5955} shall be left {H7604} in it, as the shaking {H5363} of an olive tree {H2132}, two {H8147} or three {H7969} berries {H1620} in the top {H7218} of the uppermost bough {H534}, four {H702} or five {H2568} in the outmost fruitful {H6509} branches {H5585} thereof, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

Yet gleanings will be left, as when beating an olive tree - two or three olives at the very top, four or five on its fruitful branches," says ADONAI, the God of Isra'el.

Yet gleanings will remain, like an olive tree that has been beaten— two or three berries atop the tree, four or five on its fruitful branches,” declares the LORD, the God of Israel.

Yet there shall be left therein gleanings, as the shaking of an olive-tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost branches of a fruitful tree, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel.

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Commentary

Isaiah 17:6 uses vivid agricultural imagery to describe the extent of God's judgment upon the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Damascus (Syria). It speaks of a thorough desolation, yet not complete annihilation, leaving only a sparse remnant.

Context

Chapter 17 of Isaiah is a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Damascus, the capital of Syria, and Ephraim, the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Both kingdoms were allied against Judah and had turned away from God. The chapter foretells their impending judgment and desolation due to their idolatry, unfaithfulness, and reliance on human alliances rather than the Lord. Verse 6 specifically illustrates the severity of this judgment, using metaphors of a harvest to convey the widespread destruction that would leave very few survivors or resources, akin to what is left after a thorough gleaning.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse vividly portrays the consequences of turning away from God. The scarcity of remaining produce symbolizes a severe reduction in population and power, a direct result of divine wrath against sin.
  • The Remnant: Despite the widespread destruction, the imagery of "gleaning grapes" and a few berries left on an olive tree indicates that the judgment is not absolute annihilation. There will be a small survival, a "remnant" – a significant theme throughout Isaiah's prophecies. This hints at God's mercy even amidst judgment, preserving a faithful few or a small portion of the population.
  • Agricultural Metaphors: The comparison to "gleaning grapes" and "shaking of an olive tree" highlights the thoroughness of the judgment, like a harvest where only the most difficult-to-reach fruit remains. This illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "gleaning" (`‘olelah`, עֹלֵלָה) refers to the few grapes left behind after the main harvest, which by law were often reserved for the poor and the stranger (see Leviticus 19:10). Similarly, the "shaking of an olive tree" (`noqesh`, נֹקֵשׁ) describes the process of beating or shaking branches to dislodge olives. The phrase "two or three berries" and "four or five" emphatically highlights the extreme scarcity, underscoring the severity of the desolation, yet confirming that it is not complete emptiness. This detailed imagery draws on familiar agricultural practices to make the prophecy's impact clear.

Practical Application

Isaiah 17:6 serves as a sober reminder of the consequences of disobedience and turning away from God. It highlights God's unwavering justice, but also His underlying mercy, as a small remnant is preserved even in severe judgment. For believers today, it reinforces the truth that God is sovereign over nations and history, and His warnings are to be taken seriously. It also offers a glimmer of hope: even in times of widespread spiritual decline or great tribulation, God always preserves a faithful few, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness and plan of redemption.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 24:13

    ¶ When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, [there shall be] as the shaking of an olive tree, [and] as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.

  • Deuteronomy 4:27

    And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

  • Obadiah 1:5

    If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave [some] grapes?

  • Romans 11:4

    But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal.

  • Romans 11:6

    And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

  • Judges 8:2

    And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? [Is] not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

  • Romans 9:27

    Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
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