Isaiah 27:10

Commentary on Isaiah 27:10 (KJV)

Isaiah 27:10 from the King James Version reads: "Yet the defenced city [shall be] desolate, [and] the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof." This powerful prophetic verse speaks to the inevitable consequences of rebellion against God, painting a vivid picture of desolation.

Context

This verse is part of what scholars often refer to as Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), a section rich in prophetic imagery concerning God's judgment on the whole earth and the eventual restoration of His people, Israel. Following prophecies of global devastation and the triumph of God's kingdom, Isaiah 27 details both judgment and future blessing. Verse 10 specifically describes the judgment that falls upon the "defenced city," which symbolizes any stronghold or nation that has resisted God and relied on its own strength rather than divine protection. While it could refer to Jerusalem due to its unfaithfulness, it more broadly signifies any center of human pride and sin. The imagery of a calf feeding and lying down in a once-fortified city underscores the complete abandonment and reversion of the area to a wild, untamed state, signifying utter ruin.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Desolation: The primary theme is God's just and severe judgment against unrighteousness. The "defenced city," once a symbol of strength and security, becomes utterly desolate, a stark warning of the consequences of rejecting God's ways.
• Consequences of Rebellion: The verse vividly illustrates the natural and spiritual decay that results when a people or nation forsakes their covenant with God. The once-thriving habitation becomes a wilderness, emphasizing the ruin brought about by sin and spiritual neglect.
• Reversion to Wilderness: The image of livestock grazing where houses once stood is a powerful metaphor for complete abandonment and the reversal of human civilization. It signifies that human endeavors, apart from God, are ultimately transient and vulnerable to divine justice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "defenced city" translates from the Hebrew word mivtsar (מִבְצָר), which means a fortress or stronghold. This emphasizes that even the most seemingly impregnable human constructions or systems are no match for God's judgment. The term "desolate" (from Hebrew badad, בָּדָד) conveys a sense of utter isolation and abandonment, while "wilderness" (midbar, מִדְבָּר) highlights the complete reversal of cultivated land into an untamed, uninhabited state, a stark contrast to a place of human dwelling.

Related Scriptures

• This prophecy of desolation due to unfaithfulness echoes similar warnings found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 2:19, which speaks of the bitter consequences of forsaking the Lord.
• The imagery of a land being consumed by wild beasts as a sign of judgment is also found in the Mosaic Law, for example, in Leviticus 26:22, where God warns of sending wild animals among His people if they rebel.
• Despite this severe judgment, the broader context of Isaiah 27 also offers hope, pointing to a future restoration and the gathering of God's scattered people, as hinted in Isaiah 27:13.

Practical Application

Isaiah 27:10 serves as a timeless reminder that no human strength, security, or worldly achievement can ultimately stand against the will and judgment of God. It encourages self-reflection on where we place our trust. Are we building our lives on a "defenced city" of our own making, or on the solid foundation of God's truth and grace? The verse calls us to consider the spiritual consequences of turning away from God, warning that spiritual apathy and rebellion inevitably lead to a desolate inner life and a forsaken relationship with the Creator. It underscores the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking God's enduring protection rather than fleeting human security, reminding us that building on the rock is essential for true stability.