TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 24:13–15. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is mercy remembered in the midst of wrath. In Judah and Jerusalem, and the neighbouring countries, when they are overrun by the enemy, Sennacherib or Nebuchadnezzar, there shall be a remnant preserved from the general ruin, and it shall be a devout and pious remnant. And this method God usually observes when his judgments are abroad; he does not make a full end, Isa 6:13. Or we may take it thus: Though the greatest part of mankind have all their comfort ruined by the emptying of the earth, and the making of that desolate, yet there are some few who understand their interests better, who have laid up their treasure in heaven and not in things below, and therefore can keep up their comfort and joy in God even when the earth mourns and fades away. Observe,
I.The small number of this remnant, Isa 24:13.
When all goes to ruin there shall be as the shaking of an olive-tree, and the gleaning grapes, here and there one who shall escape the common calamity (as Noah and his family when the old world was drowned), that shall be able to sit down upon a heap of the ruins of all their creature comforts, and even then rejoice in the Lord (Hab 3:16-18), who, when all faces gather blackness, can lift up their heads with joy, Luk 21:26, Luk 21:28. These few are dispersed, and at a distance from each other, like the gleanings of the olive-tree; and they are concealed, hid under the leaves. The Lord only knows those that are his; the world does not.
II.The great devotion of this remnant, which is the greater for their having so narrowly escaped this great destruction (Isa 24:14): They shall lift up their voice; they shall sing.
1.They shall sing for joy in their deliverance. When the mirth of carnal worldlings ceases the joy of the saints is as lively as ever; when the merry-hearted do sigh because the vine languishes the upright-hearted do sing because the covenant of grace, the fountain of their comforts and the foundation of their hopes, never fails. Those that rejoice in the Lord can rejoice in tribulation, and by faith may be in triumphs when all about them are in tears.
2.They shall sing to the glory and praise of God, shall sing not only for the mercy but for the majesty of the Lord. Their songs are awful and serious, and in their spiritual joys they have a reverend regard to the greatness of God, and keep at a humble distance when they attend him with their praises. The majesty of the Lord, which is matter of terror to wicked people, furnishes the saints with songs of praise. They shall sing for the magnificence, or transcendent excellency, of the Lord, shown both in his judgments and in his mercies; for we must sing, and sing unto him, of both, Psa 101:1. Those who have made, or are making, their escape from the land (that being emptied and made desolate) to the sea and the isles of the sea, shall thence cry aloud; their dispersion shall help to spread the knowledge of God, and they shall make even remote shores to ring with his praises. It is much for the honour of God if those who fear him rejoice in him, and praise him, even in the most melancholy times.
III.Their holy zeal to excite others to the same devotion (Isa 24:15); they encourage their fellow-sufferers to do likewise.
1.Those who are in the fires, in the furnace of affliction, those fires by which the inhabitants of the earth are burned, Isa 24:6. Or in the valleys, the low, dark, dirty places.
2.Those who are in the isles of the sea, whither they are banished, or are forced to flee for shelter, and hide themselves remote from all their friends. They went through fire and water (Psa 66:12); yet in both let them glorify the Lord, and glory him as the Lord God of Israel. Those who through grace can glory in tribulation ought to glorify God in tribulation, and give him thanks for their comforts, which abound as their afflictions do abound. We must in every fire, even the hottest, in every isle, even the remotest, keep up our good thoughts of God. When, though he slay us, yet we trust in him - when, though for his sake we are killed all the day long, yet none of these things move us - then we glorify the Lord in the fires. Thus the three children, and the martyrs that sang at the stake.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verses 13-15) Just as when a few olives, which remain, are shaken from the olive tree, and the grape harvest is finished, these will lift up their voice and praise when the Lord is glorified, they will neigh from the sea: therefore, glorify the Lord in your teachings, in the islands of the sea proclaim the name of the Lord God of Israel. The following words will show how much the LXX translation differs from the Hebrew truth in this place: LXX: Just as if someone shakes an olive, they will shake them: and if the grape harvest rests, these will shout with a loud voice. But those who are left on the earth will rejoice together with the glory of the Lord, the water of the sea will be troubled, therefore the glory of the Lord will be in the islands of the sea, the name of the glorious Lord will be, the Lord God of Israel. With few men left, when the curse devours the earth, and there is solitude in the city, and all these things happen in the midst of the earth, in the midst of peoples and nations, the number of the saints will be so few, of whom the Lord speaks in the Gospel: Many are called, but few are chosen (Matt. 20:16); and the pressure on the righteous will be so great that, if possible, even the chosen of God will be tempted; and their number will be compared to the rarest berries of olives, which, when shaken and harvested, very few remain on the top of the branches; and just as after the harvest, the poor, forced by poverty, go around empty vines and gather a few grapes. Therefore, those who remain, and after the harvest of the world and the pressure, their hands trembling, will flee from the persecuting Antichrist or the impending flames of punishment, and they will raise their voices on high and praise God. When the Lord comes in the glory of his Father, with the holy Angels, and they see him reigning in majesty, then they will neigh like horses, rejoicing with great joy, and they will neigh from the sea of this age. Therefore, you who are now learned in the holy Scriptures and know that great joy and rewards are reserved for you, glorify the Lord in your teachings, hearing what is written: 'Whoever boasts, let him boast in the Lord' (2 Corinthians 10:17). Not in the land of Judea, but in the islands, that is, in the Churches of this sea and age, where the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, is blessed and praised, or, the name of the man who sees God. According to the Septuagint, everything that we understand about the saints can be referred to as the wicked, because when the vintage is finished, then those who are established in punishment will cry out. But those who have escaped the number of the wicked shall rejoice in the glory of the Lord, and the waters of this people in this age shall be troubled.
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Summary
Isaiah 24:13, a pivotal verse within the prophetic "Little Apocalypse," vividly illustrates the profound and pervasive judgment God will unleash upon the earth. Through powerful agricultural metaphors, it depicts a world drastically reduced in population and left in a state of desolation, akin to the meager remnants after a thorough and exhaustive harvest. This imagery underscores the completeness of divine judgment while subtly hinting at a preserved, albeit small, surviving remnant.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 24 introduces a sweeping prophecy of global judgment, often termed the "Little Apocalypse" due to its cosmic scope and eschatological implications, anticipating themes found in later apocalyptic literature like Revelation. The preceding verses (Isaiah 24:1-12) detail the emptying and laying waste of the earth, describing widespread mourning, the silencing of joy, and the breaking of the everlasting covenant by its inhabitants. This sets the stage for the desolation described in verse 13, which serves as a stark illustration of the outcome: the earth's population will be severely diminished, leaving only a fraction, much like the sparse leftovers after an intense harvest. The subsequent verses (Isaiah 24:14-16) then pivot to describe a remnant that will praise the Lord from the ends of the earth, highlighting a contrast between widespread destruction and a preserved few.
Historical & Cultural Context
Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period for Judah (8th century BCE), facing threats from Assyria and internal moral decay. While the immediate context often addresses specific national judgments, chapter 24 expands to a universal, eschatological judgment, transcending a single historical event. The agricultural metaphors—olive harvesting and grape gleaning—were deeply familiar to an agrarian society like ancient Israel. Olive trees were a staple crop, providing oil for food, light, and anointing, while vineyards were central to their economy and cultural life. The practice of "gleaning" (leaving some produce for the poor, as commanded in Deuteronomy 24:19-21) was a well-understood concept, making the imagery of scarcity after gleaning particularly potent. The "land" (H776 'erets) in this context refers not just to Israel but to the entire earth, emphasizing the global scale of the impending divine intervention.
Key Themes
Isaiah 24:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Judgment and Desolation, portraying God's righteous wrath against sin on a global scale, leading to widespread emptiness and sorrow (Isaiah 13:9-13). Secondly, it introduces, or at least strongly implies, the theme of The Remnant. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the agricultural imagery of "shaking" and "gleaning" suggests that a small portion will remain, a concept central to Isaiah's message of God's faithfulness to a chosen few even amidst judgment (e.g., Isaiah 1:9 and Isaiah 10:21-22). Thirdly, the verse underscores God's Sovereignty and Control, as the judgment is not random but a deliberate and thorough process orchestrated by God, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all creation and its inhabitants. Finally, it highlights the severe Consequences of Transgression, linking humanity's rebellion against God's laws to the cataclysmic events described (Isaiah 24:5).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root nâqaph, meaning to strike or beat. In this context, nôqeph (H5363) specifically refers to the "threshing of olives" or the vigorous shaking of an olive tree to dislodge its fruit. This is not a gentle tremor but a forceful, deliberate action designed to extract nearly everything, leaving only a minimal amount behind. It conveys the thoroughness of the judgment.
The zayith (H2132) is the olive tree, a symbol of prosperity, fruitfulness, and often, of Israel itself. The imagery of shaking an olive tree after the main harvest implies that the vast majority of its valuable produce has already been removed, and only the most stubborn or overlooked olives remain. This powerfully illustrates a drastic reduction, a near-total depletion of the population.
The term ʻôlêlâh (H5955) refers to the "gleanings" – the few grapes left behind after the primary vintage has been completed. This was a practice where the poor were allowed to collect what remained. The imagery emphasizes extreme scarcity and the meager survival of a very small, often overlooked, portion of the population. It reinforces the idea of a comprehensive judgment that leaves little untouched.
Verse Breakdown
"When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people,"
This opening clause establishes the setting and scope of the prophecy. "In the midst of the land" (H7130 qereb and H776 'erets) and "among the people" (H5971 'am) clearly indicate a widespread, pervasive event affecting the entire inhabited world, not just a specific nation or region. It signals that the conditions described are universal and will impact humanity broadly.
"[there shall be] as the shaking of an olive tree,"
This introduces the first powerful agricultural metaphor. The "shaking of an olive tree" (H5363 nôqeph of H2132 zayith) refers to the practice of beating or shaking an olive tree after the main harvest to dislodge the remaining few olives. This action is thorough and leaves very little behind, signifying a drastic reduction in the population, a near-total removal of its inhabitants.
"[and] as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done."
This second metaphor reinforces and amplifies the first. "Gleaning grapes" (H5955 'ôlêlâh) refers to the sparse clusters or individual grapes left in the vineyard after the primary "vintage" (H1210 bâtsîyr) has been completed (H3615 kâlâh). Just as only a few, often inferior, grapes remain after the main harvest, so too will only a tiny fraction of humanity survive the coming judgment. Both images convey extreme scarcity and desolation.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:13 is rich in Imagery and Metaphor. The prophet employs two distinct agricultural metaphors—the shaking of an olive tree and the gleaning of grapes—to vividly portray the severity and completeness of God's judgment. These images, drawn from the common experience of an agrarian society, immediately convey the idea of scarcity and reduction. The Simile "as the shaking of an olive tree" and "as the gleaning grapes" directly compares the state of the earth's population to these post-harvest scenes. The cumulative effect of these metaphors is one of profound desolation and near-total depopulation, emphasizing that only a tiny Remnant will survive the divine purging. The use of such familiar, concrete images makes the abstract concept of widespread judgment tangible and impactful for the audience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 24:13 serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous judgment against a rebellious world. While the verse primarily emphasizes the devastating scope of divine wrath, the very imagery of "gleaning" implicitly suggests that not all will perish. This points to the enduring biblical theme of a faithful remnant, preserved by God's grace even amidst widespread destruction. The severity of the judgment underscores the gravity of human sin and the necessity of divine intervention to restore cosmic order, yet God's character also includes a redemptive purpose for a chosen few.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 24:13 compels us to confront the reality of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. In a world often dismissive of divine authority, this verse serves as a sobering warning that rebellion against God's established order has profound and devastating consequences. It calls for a deep introspection into our own lives and societies, urging us to recognize the gravity of sin and the necessity of repentance. Yet, even in this somber portrayal of judgment, there is a glimmer of hope embodied in the "gleanings"—the idea that God, in His mercy, preserves a remnant. This encourages believers to cling to God's faithfulness, trusting that even through trials and tribulations, He will sustain those who remain true to Him. It challenges us to live lives of genuine faith and obedience, aligning ourselves with God's will rather than the fleeting pleasures and rebellious ways of the world, knowing that our ultimate hope lies in His preserving grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Isaiah 24:13 refer to a specific historical event or a future, global judgment?
While Isaiah's prophecies often had immediate historical fulfillments (e.g., the fall of Jerusalem or the Assyrian invasion), chapter 24, including verse 13, is widely interpreted as referring to a future, global, eschatological judgment. Its cosmic scope, the description of the earth being "emptied" and "laid waste" (Isaiah 24:1), and the universal nature of the "people" and "land" suggest a judgment far beyond any single historical event in ancient Israel's past. Many scholars refer to this chapter as the "Little Apocalypse" because it foreshadows the themes of universal judgment and the end times found in later apocalyptic literature, like the book of Revelation.
What is the significance of the agricultural metaphors used in this verse?
The metaphors of "the shaking of an olive tree" and "the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done" are highly significant because they convey extreme scarcity and thoroughness. In ancient Israel, both olive and grape harvests were vital for sustenance. After the main harvest, only a very small, often overlooked, quantity of produce would remain, collected through laborious "gleaning." By comparing the earth's population to these meager leftovers, the prophet vividly illustrates that God's judgment will be so comprehensive and devastating that only a tiny fraction of humanity will survive. This imagery emphasizes the severity of the judgment and the drastic reduction of the world's inhabitants, leaving little untouched.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Isaiah 24:13 primarily speaks of judgment and desolation, its underlying theme of a preserved remnant finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "shaking" and "gleaning" represent God's righteous judgment against sin, a judgment ultimately borne by Christ on the cross. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, became the ultimate sacrifice, taking upon Himself the wrath due to humanity, thereby offering a path for a remnant to be saved from utter destruction. The concept of the "gleanings" or survivors points forward to the church, the spiritual Israel, gathered from all nations, who are preserved not by their own merit but by God's grace through faith in Christ. Just as a few olives and grapes remained, so too does God preserve a people for Himself, a new humanity reconciled through the blood of the new covenant. This remnant, the body of Christ, is the fruit of His redemptive work, a people who will ultimately inherit the new heavens and new earth, fulfilling God's promise of a restored creation where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Thus, the severe judgment foreshadowed in Isaiah 24:13 ultimately highlights the magnitude of Christ's salvation, which delivers His chosen ones from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).