Isaiah 17:6

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 17:6 vividly portrays the severe, yet not absolute, judgment decreed by the LORD God of Israel upon Damascus and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). Through striking agricultural metaphors, the prophet illustrates a thorough desolation akin to the meager yield left after a diligent grape gleaning or the few olives remaining on a tree after it has been vigorously shaken, emphasizing the scarcity of survivors and resources while hinting at a divine preservation of a small remnant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 17 stands as a distinct prophetic oracle, primarily directed against Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria), and Ephraim, the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This chapter is part of a larger section of "oracles against the nations" (Isaiah 13-23), where the prophet pronounces divine judgment on various surrounding peoples. Immediately preceding this verse, Isaiah 17:1-5 details the complete destruction of Damascus and the severe weakening of Ephraim, describing their cities as desolate ruins and their glory fading like a harvested field. Verse 6, therefore, serves as a powerful continuation and intensification of this imagery, providing a specific, tangible illustration of the extent of the impending desolation. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 17:7-11) shift focus to the spiritual reasons for this judgment—idolatry and a failure to trust in God—and the ultimate hope that a remnant will turn back to their Maker.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 17 likely dates to the late 8th century BCE, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval in the Ancient Near East. Syria (Damascus) and Israel (Ephraim) had formed an alliance, often referred to as the Syro-Ephraimite coalition, to resist the rising power of Assyria. They even attempted to coerce Judah into joining their alliance, leading to the events described in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimite War"). This alliance, however, was ultimately futile and displeasing to the LORD, as it represented a reliance on human strength rather than divine protection. The agricultural imagery in the verse—gleaning grapes and shaking olive trees—would have been immediately understandable to an agrarian society. Gleaning was a common practice, and by Mosaic Law, a portion of the harvest was to be left for the poor and the sojourner ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws of Gleaning")). The imagery thus evokes a scene of extreme scarcity, even beyond what was legally left for the needy, underscoring the severity of the judgment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's sovereign authority over nations and His righteous response to their sin, particularly idolatry and political apostasy. The thoroughness of the desolation, though not total, highlights the severity of God's wrath against unfaithfulness. Secondly, the verse introduces or reinforces the crucial theme of the **Remnant**. Despite the widespread destruction, the mention of "two or three berries" or "four or five" indicates that judgment is not absolute annihilation; a small portion will survive. This concept of a remnant—a faithful few preserved by God's grace—is central to Isaiah's message, offering a glimmer of hope amidst pronouncements of doom, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel"). Finally, the use of **Agricultural Metaphors** is a pervasive literary and theological device in prophetic books, effectively communicating the nature of God's actions. Here, the harvest imagery serves to convey the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment, much like a farmer meticulously gathers his crops, leaving only the most difficult or insignificant behind, as also depicted in [Amos 9:9](/amos/9-9 "Amos 9:9 - God's Sifting of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gleaning grapes (Hebrew, _ʻôlêlâh'_):** From H5955, this term refers to the few grapes left behind after the main harvest. It specifically denotes the very sparse remainder, often reserved for the poor according to Israelite law. In this context, it vividly illustrates the extreme scarcity of survivors or resources after God's judgment, emphasizing a thorough, almost complete, desolation.
* **shaking (Hebrew, _nôqeph'_):** From H5363, this word describes the act of beating or shaking an olive tree to dislodge its fruit. This action is typically thorough to maximize the yield. Here, it underscores the comprehensive and decisive nature of the divine judgment, implying that every effort will be made to remove the "fruit" (people, prosperity) from the land, leaving only a negligible amount.
* **saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** From H5002, this term is an oracle or divine utterance, often used to introduce a direct declaration from God. Its inclusion here, followed by "the LORD God of Israel" (H3068, H430, H3478), powerfully asserts the divine authority and certainty behind the prophecy. It signifies that this is not merely a human prediction but a binding decree from the sovereign God who governs all nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it":** This clause immediately sets the scene of severe scarcity. "Gleaning grapes" (Heb. `ʻôlêlâh`) are the few, often overlooked, grapes remaining after the primary harvest has been meticulously gathered. The phrase implies that the land, or the people, will be so thoroughly stripped that only a minimal, almost negligible, portion will remain, akin to what is left for gleaners.
* **"as the shaking of an olive tree":** This introduces a simile, comparing the desolation to the process of harvesting olives. Olive trees were typically harvested by beating or shaking their branches to dislodge the fruit. This method, especially when done thoroughly, leaves very few olives behind, reinforcing the image of a comprehensive and devastating judgment.
* **"two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough":** This specific quantification further emphasizes the extreme scarcity. The "uppermost bough" (Heb. `ʼâmîyr`) refers to the highest, most difficult-to-reach branches. The "two or three berries" (Heb. `gargar`) are the last, most inaccessible fruits, signifying that only a tiny, insignificant number of people or resources will survive the judgment, representing a mere fraction of the original abundance.
* **"four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof":** This parallel phrase continues the imagery of extreme scarcity, using slightly different numbers and location ("outmost fruitful branches" - Heb. `çâʻîyph` from `pârâh`, indicating productive but still remote parts of the tree). The slight variation in numbers (two/three vs. four/five) might suggest a slightly larger, but still minuscule, number in other difficult-to-reach areas, collectively painting a picture of overwhelming loss and depletion.
* **"saith the LORD God of Israel":** This concluding declaration serves as a divine imprimatur, authenticating the prophecy. It underscores that this severe judgment is not a random event or a human prediction, but a certain and deliberate decree from the sovereign God of the covenant, the one who is faithful to His promises, both of blessing and of judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:6 is rich in **Imagery** and employs a powerful **Simile** to convey its message. The entire verse functions as an extended simile, comparing the impending judgment and desolation of Damascus and Ephraim to the meticulous and thorough process of harvesting grapes and olives. The phrases "as the shaking of an olive tree" explicitly marks this comparison. The specific numbers, "two or three berries" and "four or five," use **Merism** or **Synecdoche** to represent an extremely small, almost negligible, quantity, emphasizing the severity of the reduction. This numerical precision, while not literal, serves as a form of **Understatement** or **Hyperbole** (depending on interpretation) to stress the extreme scarcity. The vivid agricultural scene creates a strong sensory experience, allowing the audience to viscerally grasp the extent of the devastation, yet also subtly introducing the theme of a preserved **Remnant**, however small.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 17:6 profoundly articulates God's unwavering justice and sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. It reveals that divine judgment, while severe and comprehensive, is often not absolute annihilation, but rather a sifting process that leaves a remnant. This concept highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst widespread apostasy, as He preserves a core group through whom His redemptive purposes will continue. The agricultural metaphors underscore the thoroughness of God's work, whether in judgment or in restoration, demonstrating His meticulous control over history and His determination to purify His people. This verse thus serves as a stark warning against idolatry and self-reliance, while simultaneously offering a glimmer of hope in God's preserving grace.

* [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "The Remnant of Israel")
* [Amos 9:8-9](/amos/9-8 "God's Sifting of Israel")
* [Zechariah 13:8-9](/zechariah/13-8 "Refining the Remnant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 17:6 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and relying on human strength or idolatrous practices. It calls us to examine our own lives and societies, asking where our trust truly lies. Are we building our security on fleeting alliances, material possessions, or cultural trends, or are we rooted in the unchanging truth and sovereignty of God? The imagery of a severe harvest, leaving only a sparse remnant, should instill a healthy fear of the Lord and a deep respect for His righteous judgment. Yet, even in this somber prophecy, there is a profound message of hope: God, in His mercy, always preserves a remnant. This reminds us that even in times of widespread spiritual decline, economic hardship, or societal upheaval, God's faithful few will endure. It encourages us to strive to be part of that faithful remnant, living lives of dependence on Him, knowing that His ultimate purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human strength or worldly alliances instead of trusting fully in God?**
* **How does the concept of a "remnant" encourage me in times when it feels like faith is scarce or society is in decline?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my life is rooted in God's truth, so that I might be found among His faithful remnant?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the agricultural imagery in Isaiah 17:6?**

Answer: The agricultural imagery of "gleaning grapes" and "shaking of an olive tree" is highly significant. It serves as a vivid **simile** to describe the thoroughness and severity of God's judgment. In ancient Israel, gleaning was the practice of gathering the few grapes or olives left after the main harvest, often reserved for the poor ([Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws of Gleaning")). By stating that only "gleaning grapes" or "two or three berries" remain, the prophet emphasizes that the desolation will be so complete that very few people or resources will survive, far less than even what was typically left for the needy. It underscores that the judgment is comprehensive, leaving behind only a sparse, almost negligible, remnant. This imagery would have been immediately understood by an agrarian society, powerfully conveying the extent of the impending destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 17:6 directly describes a historical judgment on ancient nations, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The concept of a "remnant" preserved through judgment points forward to God's ultimate redemptive plan in Christ. Just as a few berries remained on the bough, so too, out of a world under the judgment of sin, God preserves a spiritual remnant—those chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")). Jesus Himself spoke of a "narrow gate" and a "hard way" that leads to life, with "few who find it" ([Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate")), echoing the scarcity implied in Isaiah's prophecy. Furthermore, the thoroughness of the judgment foreshadows the ultimate and decisive judgment that will be executed by Christ at His second coming, when He will separate the righteous from the wicked ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Yet, it is through Christ's atoning sacrifice that this remnant is saved from the fullness of divine wrath, demonstrating God's mercy triumphing over judgment ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Thus, Isaiah 17:6, though a prophecy of ancient doom, subtly prefigures the divine sifting and the gracious preservation of God's people in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true "Lamb of God" who bears away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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: