Isaiah 61:5

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien [shall be] your plowmen and your vinedressers.

And strangers {H2114} shall stand {H5975} and feed {H7462} your flocks {H6629}, and the sons {H1121} of the alien {H5236} shall be your plowmen {H406} and your vinedressers {H3755}.

Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, foreigners plow your land and tend your vines;

Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers.

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers.

Commentary

Isaiah 61:5 is part of a prophetic passage that speaks of the glorious restoration and exaltation of God's people, particularly after a period of desolation and captivity. This verse paints a picture of divine blessing and a reversal of fortunes, where those who were formerly downtrodden or scattered are now served and prospered.

Context

Chapter 61 opens with the declaration of the Messiah's mission, famously quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, to "preach good tidings unto the meek." Following this, the prophecy transitions into detailing the blessings and transformation that will come upon Zion (God's chosen people). Verses 4 through 7 describe the rebuilding of ancient ruins, the receiving of double honor, and immense joy. Verse 5 specifically addresses the practical aspects of this restoration, highlighting the abundance and ease that will characterize this new era for Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration and Exaltation: The verse signifies a complete turnaround from hardship to prosperity. God's people, once perhaps laborers for others, are now recipients of service and abundance. This aligns with the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to restore and bless His people.
  • Abundance and Provision: The imagery of "strangers" and "sons of the alien" working the land ("plowmen" and "vinedressers") and tending flocks speaks to a future of overflowing agricultural and pastoral wealth. It implies that the necessities of life, and indeed luxuries, will be provided without the strenuous toil previously experienced.
  • Universal Recognition of God's Favor: The service rendered by foreigners indicates that the nations will recognize God's unique favor upon Israel. This concept is echoed elsewhere in Isaiah, such as in Isaiah 60:10, where "the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "strangers" (nakriy) and "alien" (nekhar, from which ben-nekhar, "sons of the alien," derives) consistently refer to foreigners or non-Israelites. The significance here is not that these foreigners are enslaved, but that they willingly and actively contribute to the prosperity of God's people. This points to a time of harmony and blessing where different peoples play their part in God's grand design, contributing to the well-being of His chosen nation in a unique and blessed way.

Practical Application and Significance

This verse offers a powerful message of hope and assurance. For believers today, it speaks to God's ultimate plan of restoration and blessing, not just for ancient Israel, but for His spiritual Israel—the Church. It reminds us that God is able to reverse circumstances, bringing abundance out of desolation and honor out of humiliation. It points forward to the future kingdom of God, where peace, prosperity, and divine order will prevail, and even unexpected sources ("strangers") can be used by God to fulfill His purposes and provide for His people. It encourages trust in God's sovereign plan for ultimate triumph and provision.

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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 60:10

    And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

  • Isaiah 60:14

    The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

  • Isaiah 14:1

    ¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

  • Isaiah 14:2

    And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

  • Ephesians 2:12

    That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

  • Ephesians 2:20

    And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];