Isaiah 56:9

KJV

¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, [yea], all ye beasts in the forest.

KJV (with Strong's)

All ye beasts {H2416} of the field {H7704}, come {H857} to devour {H398}, yea, all ye beasts {H2416} in the forest {H3293}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All you wild animals, come and devour, yes, all you animals in the forest!

Berean Standard Bible

Come, all you beasts of the field; eat greedily, all you beasts of the forest.

American Standard Version

All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 56:9 serves as an abrupt and chilling prophetic summons, calling upon wild beasts of the field and forest to come and devour. This stark declaration marks a dramatic shift in tone from the preceding verses, which offer hope and inclusivity, to an ominous pronouncement of impending judgment and vulnerability. It foreshadows the consequences of unfaithful leadership and spiritual negligence within God's people, signaling a time when external or internal destructive forces will be unleashed upon a flock left unprotected.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears within the latter portion of Isaiah (chapters 56-66), often referred to as Trito-Isaiah, which primarily addresses the post-exilic community in Judah. While the preceding verses [Isaiah 56:1-8](/isaiah/56-1 "Isaiah 56:1-8 - God's Inclusive Covenant") offer a message of hope, blessing, and inclusion for foreigners and eunuchs who embrace God's covenant, [Isaiah 56:9](/isaiah/56-9 "Isaiah 56:9 - The Call to Devour") introduces a sudden and jarring contrast. It acts as a transitional verse, abruptly pivoting from themes of restoration and universal salvation to a severe indictment of Israel's corrupt leaders, specifically the "blind watchmen" and "greedy dogs" described immediately in [Isaiah 56:10-12](/isaiah/56-10 "Isaiah 56:10-12 - The Unfaithful Watchmen"). This dramatic shift underscores the prophet's deep concern for the moral and spiritual state of the nation, highlighting how internal decay can nullify God's gracious promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "beasts of the field" and "beasts in the forest" is a common prophetic motif in ancient Near Eastern and biblical literature, frequently symbolizing invading armies, foreign nations, or internal destructive elements that prey upon a vulnerable people. In the post-exilic context, the community faced ongoing threats from surrounding nations and internal struggles with idolatry, injustice, and spiritual apathy. The primary responsibility for protecting the "flock" (the people of Israel) lay with its leaders—kings, priests, and prophets—who were often metaphorically referred to as shepherds or watchmen. The failure of these leaders to fulfill their divinely appointed roles, as condemned in verses like [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel"), left the nation exposed to various forms of "devouring," whether through military defeat, economic exploitation, or moral corruption.

* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 56:9](/isaiah/56-9 "A Prophetic Warning") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is **Divine Judgment and Consequence**, where God, in His sovereign justice, allows destructive forces to act as instruments of discipline against a disobedient people, particularly when their leaders fail. This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Vulnerability Due to Unfaithful Leadership**, emphasizing that when those entrusted with spiritual and societal oversight neglect their duties, the entire community becomes exposed to peril. It also serves as a potent **Prophetic Warning**, not merely describing an event but declaring a divine decree that serves as a solemn admonition about the severe ramifications of spiritual negligence, moral decay, and the abandonment of covenant responsibilities, echoing warnings found in passages such as [Jeremiah 12:9](/jeremiah/12-9 "Jeremiah 12:9 - God's Inheritance as a Speckled Bird").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beasts (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From the root meaning "to live," this word refers to living creatures, often wild animals. In prophetic contexts, as here, it frequently symbolizes hostile nations, destructive forces, or even internal societal elements that act like predators, preying upon the vulnerable. The repetition of "beasts" emphasizes the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the threat.
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to eat," but frequently used figuratively to mean "consume," "burn up," or "destroy." The command "come to devour" signifies a complete and destructive consumption, far beyond a mere attack. It implies total subjugation, ruin, and the stripping away of all resources and protection, highlighting the severity of the impending judgment.
* **forest (Hebrew, _yaʻar'_):** Meaning "a copse of bushes" or "a forest," this term, when paired with "field," creates a comprehensive scope. "Beasts of the field" typically refers to animals in open, cultivated areas, while "beasts in the forest" refers to wilder, untamed regions. Together, they represent all forms of predatory threats, from all directions and environments, suggesting an inescapable and pervasive danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All ye beasts of the field, come to devour,"**: This is a direct, imperative summons, a prophetic oracle delivered as if God Himself is issuing the command. The "beasts of the field" represent external or internal threats, often metaphorical for hostile nations or corrupt elements within society. The command "come to devour" signifies an invitation for these destructive forces to fully consume and destroy, indicating a complete lack of protection and an impending judgment.
* **"yea, all ye beasts in the forest."**: This phrase serves as an emphatic parallelism, reinforcing and broadening the scope of the initial summons. The "beasts in the forest" further emphasize the wild, untamed, and pervasive nature of the impending danger. The repetition underscores that the threat is comprehensive, coming from all quarters, and that no part of the "flock" will be safe from the impending "devouring" due to the failure of its appointed guardians.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 56:9 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The "beasts of the field" and "beasts in the forest" are not literal animals but powerful symbols for destructive forces, typically foreign invaders or corrupt internal elements that exploit weakness. This imagery evokes a sense of primal fear and vulnerability. The verse also employs **Personification**, as these "beasts" are commanded to "come to devour," implying an active, intentional agency in their destructive work, almost as if they are sentient agents of divine judgment. Furthermore, the use of **Parallelism** ("beasts of the field" and "beasts in the forest") intensifies the message, creating a sense of comprehensive and inescapable doom. The repetition emphasizes the totality of the threat, suggesting that danger will come from every conceivable direction. This is a concise yet potent **Prophetic Oracle**, delivered with the authority of a divine decree, signaling a dramatic shift in the narrative and setting the stage for the subsequent condemnation of Israel's unfaithful leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 56:9 stands as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of spiritual negligence and unfaithful leadership within God's covenant community. Theologically, it underscores God's justice, demonstrating that His covenant faithfulness does not preclude judgment when His people, particularly their leaders, stray from righteousness and fail in their divinely appointed duties. This verse highlights the principle that when the "shepherds" abandon or betray their flock, God may allow external or internal "beasts" to bring about a necessary, albeit painful, reckoning. It connects to the broader biblical theme of divine discipline and the accountability of those in authority, serving as a powerful warning that privilege comes with responsibility, and failure to uphold that responsibility invites severe repercussions.

* [Ezekiel 34:7-10](/ezekiel/34-7 "Ezekiel 34:7-10 - God's Judgment on Unfaithful Shepherds")
* [Jeremiah 12:9](/jeremiah/12-9 "Jeremiah 12:9 - God's Heritage as a Prey")
* [Zechariah 11:16-17](/zechariah/11-16 "Zechariah 11:16-17 - The Worthless Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 56:9, though rooted in ancient Israel's context, offers enduring lessons for individuals and communities today. It serves as a potent call to vigilance, reminding us that spiritual complacency and moral compromise, especially among those in leadership, can create dangerous vulnerabilities. Whether in the church, family, or society, when watchmen are "blind" or "greedy," the flock becomes susceptible to destructive forces—be they spiritual attacks, societal decay, or internal corruption. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and the institutions we are part of: Are we faithfully fulfilling our responsibilities? Are we guarding against spiritual apathy and moral compromise? The "devouring" can manifest as division, loss of truth, or a decline in genuine faith. Therefore, the passage compels us to pray for and hold accountable those in leadership, and to personally cultivate a spirit of watchfulness, righteousness, and dependence on God's true Shepherd.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "beasts of the field" or "beasts in the forest" manifest as threats to the church or society today?**
* **How does the failure of leadership, spiritual or otherwise, make a community vulnerable to these "devouring" forces?**
* **What are my personal responsibilities as a "watchman" in my sphere of influence (family, church, community), and how can I faithfully fulfill them?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a community of faith, guard against spiritual complacency that might invite "devouring" forces?**

### FAQ

**What does "beasts of the field" and "beasts in the forest" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In prophetic literature, these terms are almost always symbolic. They do not refer to literal wild animals but represent destructive forces that prey upon a vulnerable people. These can include invading foreign armies, oppressive political powers, or even internal elements like corrupt leaders, social injustice, or spiritual decay that weaken and "devour" the nation from within. The imagery emphasizes the wild, untamed, and relentless nature of the threat.

**Why would God "call" these beasts to devour His own people?**

Answer: This "call" is a prophetic declaration of divine judgment, not an arbitrary act of malice. It signifies that God, in His sovereign justice, will allow the natural consequences of His people's disobedience and their leaders' negligence to unfold. When the covenant is broken and those appointed to protect the flock fail in their duties (as elaborated in [Isaiah 56:10-12](/isaiah/56-10 "Isaiah 56:10-12 - The Blind Watchmen")), God withdraws His protection, allowing the "beasts" (i.e., the consequences of sin and unfaithfulness) to bring about a necessary period of discipline and purification. It's a testament to God's holiness and His commitment to justice, even for His own people.

**How does this verse relate to the hopeful tone of the preceding verses in Isaiah 56?**

Answer: The abrupt shift in tone from the inclusivity and blessings promised in [Isaiah 56:1-8](/isaiah/56-1 "Isaiah 56:1-8 - God's Welcome to All") to the judgment declared in [Isaiah 56:9](/isaiah/56-9 "Isaiah 56:9 - The Call to Devour") highlights a crucial prophetic tension. It emphasizes that while God's grace and covenant promises are expansive, they are not unconditional for those within the covenant community. The blessings are for those who "keep justice and do righteousness" ([Isaiah 56:1](/isaiah/56-1 "Isaiah 56:1 - Keep Justice and Do Righteousness")). The judgment in verse 9, directed at the unfaithful leaders and the vulnerable people they fail to protect, serves as a stark warning that even within the context of God's redemptive plan, there are severe consequences for disobedience and spiritual negligence. It underscores that God's justice operates alongside His mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 56:9, with its chilling summons for "beasts" to devour a vulnerable flock due to unfaithful shepherds, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the **Good Shepherd**. The Old Testament prophets often lamented the failure of Israel's human leaders to truly care for God's people, leaving them exposed to spiritual and physical dangers, much like sheep without a shepherd. This lament finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). Unlike the "blind watchmen" and "greedy dogs" of Isaiah 56:10-12, Jesus actively protects His flock from the "thief" who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal")). He is the true and faithful Shepherd who not only guards His sheep but also gathers them, including the "other sheep that are not of this fold" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Other Sheep")), fulfilling the inclusive vision of Isaiah 56:1-8 that precedes the judgment. Furthermore, the ultimate "devouring" that humanity deserved for its sin was borne by Christ on the cross, as He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby delivering His people from the condemnation and destructive forces that sin invites. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, believers are no longer a vulnerable flock but are eternally secure in the care of the one true, unfailing Shepherd, who promises that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")).

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

Jeremiah 12:9

Mine heritage [is] unto me [as] a speckled bird, the birds round about [are] against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.

Ezekiel 39:17

And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

Revelation 19:17

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

Revelation 19:18

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great.

Isaiah 18:6

They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.

Deuteronomy 28:26

And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray [them] away.

Ezekiel 29:5

And I will leave thee [thrown] into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven.