Isaiah 62:8

KJV

The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} hath sworn {H7650} by his right hand {H3225}, and by the arm {H2220} of his strength {H5797}, Surely I will {H518} no more give {H5414} thy corn {H1715} to be meat {H3978} for thine enemies {H341}; and the sons {H1121} of the stranger {H5236} shall not drink {H8354} thy wine {H8492}, for the which thou hast laboured {H3021}:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: "Never again will I give your grain to your enemies as food; nor will strangers drink your wine, for which you worked so hard;

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain to your enemies for food, nor will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled.

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy grain to be food for thine enemies; and foreigners shall not drink thy new wine, for which thou hast labored:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 62:8 presents a profound divine oath, where the LORD unequivocally pledges His omnipotent strength and unwavering commitment to His people, Zion (Judah). This powerful declaration assures an end to the long-suffered exploitation and humiliation, promising that the fruit of their labor—represented by their corn and wine—will no longer be plundered by enemies or foreigners. Instead, the rightful inhabitants will enjoy the blessings of their toil, marking a definitive reversal of their fortunes and ushering in an era of divinely secured peace, prosperity, and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 62 is situated within the latter portion of the book, often referred to as "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66), which focuses on the restoration and glorification of Jerusalem (Zion) after the Babylonian exile. This chapter immediately follows Isaiah 61, which speaks of the Spirit of the Lord anointing the prophet to bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to captives. Chapter 62 builds upon this by emphasizing God's active commitment to Zion's vindication and exaltation. Verses 1-7 depict God's relentless pursuit of Jerusalem's salvation and righteousness, likening Him to watchmen on the walls who will give Him no rest until Jerusalem becomes a praise in the earth. Verse 8, therefore, serves as the divine guarantee, the solemn oath that undergirds all the preceding promises, ensuring the certainty of Zion's future security and prosperity, particularly in enjoying the fruits of their land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecies includes periods of significant turmoil for ancient Israel, marked by foreign invasions, conquest, and exile. The Assyrian Empire had devastated the northern kingdom of Israel, and the Babylonian Empire later conquered Judah, destroying Jerusalem and its temple, and carrying its people into captivity. Throughout these periods, the land and its produce were frequently plundered by conquering armies, leaving the Israelites to labor for the benefit of their oppressors. For an agrarian society, the loss of "corn" (grain) and "wine" (grape harvest) represented not only economic ruin but also a profound spiritual and social humiliation, as these were symbols of God's blessing and the joy of life. God's oath in Isaiah 62:8 directly addresses this deep-seated pain, promising an end to this cycle of exploitation and a return to a secure existence where the people would enjoy the fruit of their own hands, a stark contrast to the curses of the covenant found in [Deuteronomy 28:33](/deuteronomy/28-33 "Deuteronomy 28:33 - Enemies Devour Produce").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Oath and Unwavering Commitment**. The LORD's swearing "by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength" signifies an unbreakable, irreversible promise, binding God by His own omnipotence and authority. This highlights the absolute reliability of God's covenant promises, echoing similar divine guarantees throughout scripture, such as those made to Abraham in [Genesis 22:16-18](/genesis/22-16 "Genesis 22:16-18 - God's Oath to Abraham"). Secondly, it speaks to the **End of Exploitation and Restoration of Prosperity**. The core of the promise is that their agricultural produce will no longer be consumed by "enemies" or "sons of the stranger," symbolizing economic security, the enjoyment of their hard work, and a complete reversal from plunder to abundance. This anticipates a time of peace and plenty, where the people will truly inherit the blessings of the land. Lastly, the verse affirms **God's Justice and Faithfulness**. It portrays God as a righteous judge who sees the affliction of His people and acts decisively to rectify wrongs. His faithfulness to His covenant ensures that the labor of His people will not be in vain but will yield blessings for them, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people's well-being and their ultimate vindication, a theme central to [Isaiah's vision of Zion's future glory](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60 - The Glory of Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to seven oneself," implying to bind oneself by an oath, as if by repeating a declaration seven times for emphasis and certainty. It signifies a solemn, unbreakable vow, emphasizing the absolute reliability and immutability of the promise made by the LORD. When God swears, it underscores the certainty of His word and His commitment to fulfill it.
* **right hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** In ancient Near Eastern culture and biblical symbolism, the right hand was universally associated with power, authority, strength, skill, and blessing. For the LORD to swear by His "right hand" means He is invoking His very essence of power and sovereign authority as the guarantee of His promise. It is an oath sealed by His omnipotence, signifying an irreversible and unchallengeable commitment.
* **arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This term refers to the arm, specifically as stretched out, and figuratively denotes force, power, or strength. When combined with "strength" (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_), it creates a powerful parallelism with "right hand," reinforcing the idea of God's irresistible might and His active ability to execute His will. It is not merely a promise, but a declaration of the divine power that will bring the promise to fruition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine speaker and the absolute certainty of the promise. The LORD (Yahweh), the self-existent and covenant-keeping God, binds Himself with the most solemn oath possible. By invoking His "right hand" and "arm of his strength," He pledges His omnipotent power, sovereign authority, and active might as the guarantee of His word. This is not a casual statement but a profound, unchangeable declaration of His will and ability to perform it.
* **"Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies;"**: This is the first part of the specific promise. "Corn" (grain) represents the staple food, the fruit of the land's labor, and a symbol of sustenance and prosperity. The LORD promises that this vital produce will no longer be plundered or consumed by "enemies," referring to foreign invaders and oppressors who historically exploited Israel's resources. The phrase "no more give" indicates a definitive end to this cycle of exploitation, signifying God's intervention to protect His people's livelihood and dignity.
* **"and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:"**: This second part of the promise parallels the first, using "wine" as a symbol of joy, celebration, and the rich bounty of the land, which also results from arduous "labour." "Sons of the stranger" refers to foreigners or aliens, specifically those who are hostile and have no rightful claim to Israel's blessings. The promise ensures that the people will enjoy the full fruit of their strenuous efforts, reversing the curse of working in vain for others' benefit. It speaks to a future where their labor yields personal blessing and joy, secured by divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 62:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Anthropomorphism** is prominent in "by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength," attributing human body parts and actions to God to make His power and commitment comprehensible. This device emphasizes God's active involvement and the tangible nature of His power. **Metaphor** is used with "corn" and "wine," which stand not merely for agricultural products but for the totality of sustenance, prosperity, joy, and the blessings derived from hard work. Their consumption by "enemies" and "sons of the stranger" is a metaphor for national humiliation, exploitation, and the denial of rightful inheritance. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Oath** or **Solemn Vow**, a formal and binding declaration made by God Himself, which serves as a powerful rhetorical device to assure the absolute certainty and irreversibility of the promised restoration. The repetition of the negative "no more" and "shall not" creates a strong sense of **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the definitive end of past suffering and the certainty of future security.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 62:8 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to the ultimate restoration of His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to the suffering of His chosen ones but actively intervenes with His omnipotent strength to rectify injustice and fulfill His covenant promises. The divine oath highlights the immutability of God's character and word, assuring believers that His plans for their well-being and security are as certain as His own existence. This promise of enjoying the fruit of one's labor, free from exploitation, speaks to God's desire for His people's flourishing and their experience of true shalom—peace, wholeness, and prosperity—in His presence. It underscores that divine justice will prevail, and those who have suffered unjustly will ultimately be vindicated and blessed by God's mighty hand.

* [Deuteronomy 28:33](/deuteronomy/28-33 "Deuteronomy 28:33 - Enemies Devour Your Produce")
* [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Rise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come")
* [Hebrews 6:13](/hebrews/6-13 "Hebrews 6:13 - God's Oath to Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 62:8 offers profound encouragement and a powerful anchor for faith in every generation. While its immediate context was the physical restoration of Israel after exile, its underlying principles resonate deeply with the spiritual journey of believers today. It reminds us that God is not passive in the face of injustice or suffering; rather, He actively intervenes with His sovereign power to bring about His purposes. In times when we feel our efforts are in vain, our resources exploited, or our hopes deferred, this verse assures us that God sees our labor, our tears, and our struggles. He is faithful to His promises, and He will ultimately bring about a time of peace, abundance, and the secure enjoyment of our blessings, whether in this life or in the life to come. It calls us to trust in His unwavering commitment, to persevere in faith, and to anticipate the full realization of His kingdom, where true justice and lasting joy will prevail for all who are His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God swearing by His "right hand" and "arm of strength" deepen your understanding of His commitment to you?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel your "labor" is being consumed by "enemies" or "strangers" (e.g., anxiety, worldly pressures, unfulfilled efforts)? How does this verse speak to those feelings?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in greater confidence and peace, knowing that God has sworn to secure your blessings and bring about justice?**

### FAQ
**Why does God "swear" by Himself?**

Answer: When God "swears" by His right hand and the arm of His strength, it signifies the highest possible form of divine assurance. Unlike humans who swear by something greater than themselves, God, being the ultimate authority, swears by His own immutable character, omnipotent power, and sovereign will. This act is not because God needs to prove Himself, but to provide an undeniable guarantee to His people, reinforcing the certainty and irreversibility of His promise. It underscores His faithfulness and the absolute reliability of His word, making it impossible for His promises to fail, as highlighted in [Hebrews 6:17-18](/hebrews/6-17 "Hebrews 6:17-18 - God's Unchangeable Purpose"). It is an act of condescension and grace, designed to build the confidence and hope of those to whom the promise is given.

**What do "corn" and "wine" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, "corn" (grain) and "wine" (from grapes) were not just commodities but fundamental symbols of sustenance, prosperity, and joy. They represented the basic necessities of life, the fruit of diligent labor, and the blessings of the land. When God promises that these will no longer be consumed by "enemies" or "sons of the stranger," it symbolizes a complete reversal of their fortunes. It signifies an end to exploitation, economic security, national dignity, and the ability of the people to enjoy the full benefits of their own hard work and God's provision. It points to a time of peace, abundance, and the restoration of their rightful inheritance, where their labor yields blessing for themselves, rather than for oppressors, a stark contrast to the curses described in [Deuteronomy 28:30](/deuteronomy/28-30 "Deuteronomy 28:30 - You Will Not Enjoy Your Harvest").

**Who are the "enemies" and "sons of the stranger" mentioned here?**

Answer: Historically, the "enemies" and "sons of the stranger" refer to the various foreign nations and empires—such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, and others—who invaded, conquered, and exploited the land and people of Israel. These were literal adversaries who plundered their harvests, enslaved their people, and denied them the enjoyment of their own labor. Theologically, they represent any opposing force or power that seeks to oppress God's people, deny them their inheritance, or prevent them from experiencing the full blessings of God's covenant. In a broader sense, they can represent the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to steal, kill, and destroy the fruit of our lives, contrasting with the ultimate freedom and abundance found in Christ, as promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 62:8, with its powerful divine oath of ultimate security and the enjoyment of one's labor, finds its most profound and comprehensive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks to the physical restoration of Israel, the spiritual realities it foreshadows are fully realized in the new covenant established through Christ. He is the ultimate "arm of God's strength" through whom God's promises are secured and executed. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ has delivered His people from the dominion of spiritual "enemies" and the "stranger" of sin and death, transferring them from the kingdom of darkness into His glorious kingdom, as [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness") declares. The "corn" and "wine" that were once plundered now represent the spiritual sustenance and joy that believers receive in Christ—His body and blood, the true bread of life and the new wine of the covenant. We no longer labor in vain under the curse of sin, but our work in the Lord is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain")). Through Him, we are granted an eternal inheritance that can never be plundered or corrupted ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - An Inheritance That Can Never Perish")). The ultimate fulfillment of God's oath is seen in the new heavens and new earth, where God's people will dwell securely with Him, free from all sorrow, suffering, and the oppression of any enemy, forever enjoying the fruit of their redeemed lives in His presence ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

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 65:21

And they shall build houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

Isaiah 65:23

They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.

Judges 6:3

And [so] it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;

Judges 6:6

And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.

Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

Deuteronomy 28:31

Thine ox [shall be] slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass [shall be] violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep [shall be] given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue [them].

Ezekiel 20:5

¶ And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I [am] the LORD your God;