Isaiah 62:9

KJV

But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.

KJV (with Strong's)

But they that have gathered {H622} it shall eat {H398} it, and praise {H1984} the LORD {H3068}; and they that have brought it together {H6908} shall drink {H8354} it in the courts {H2691} of my holiness {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but those who harvest the grain will eat it with praises to ADONAI; those who gathered the wine will drink it in the courtyards of my sanctuary."

Berean Standard Bible

For those who harvest grain will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather grapes will drink the wine in My holy courts.”

American Standard Version

but they that have garnered it shall eat it, and praise Jehovah; and they that have gathered it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 62:9 presents a powerful prophetic declaration of divine restoration and blessing for God's people, specifically Zion. Following a period where their labor's fruits were consumed by others, this verse promises a dramatic reversal: those who have toiled to gather the harvest will now personally enjoy it. This consumption is not merely physical sustenance but is intrinsically linked to an act of worship and thanksgiving to the LORD, taking place within the sacred precincts of God's holy dwelling, signifying a renewed covenant relationship, security, and the joyous experience of God's presence and provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 62 is a fervent prayer and prophetic assurance of Zion's glorious future. The chapter opens with God's unwavering commitment to Jerusalem's vindication and salvation, promising that He will not rest until her righteousness shines forth (e.g., [Isaiah 62:1](/isaiah/62-1 "Isaiah 62:1 - God's Unwavering Commitment to Zion")). It details new, honorable names for Zion, such as "Hephzibah" (My Delight Is in Her) and "Beulah" (Married), signifying a restored and intimate relationship with God (e.g., [Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - Zion's New Names and Status")). Prior to verse 9, [Isaiah 62:8](/isaiah/62-8 "Isaiah 62:8 - God's Oath to Protect Zion's Harvest") describes God's solemn oath that foreigners will no longer consume the grain and wine for which His people have labored, setting the stage for the dramatic reversal and blessing promised in verse 9. This verse, therefore, serves as the triumphant fulfillment of God's pledge to protect and bless the fruit of their labor.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic words of Isaiah were delivered during a period of significant political and spiritual upheaval for Judah, encompassing the Assyrian threat and looking forward to the Babylonian exile and subsequent return. The imagery of "gathering" and "eating" grain and "drinking" wine directly relates to the agricultural economy of ancient Israel, where harvests were critical for survival and prosperity. The historical reality for Israel often involved foreign oppression, where conquerors or invaders would seize their produce, leading to famine and destitution. The promise in [Isaiah 62:9](/isaiah/62-9 "Isaiah 62:9 - The Enjoyment of Labor's Fruit in Zion") directly contrasts this painful experience, envisioning a time of peace, security, and self-sufficiency, where the people would enjoy the fruits of their own land without fear of plunder. The "courts of my holiness" refers to the Temple courts in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and national identity, emphasizing the sacred dimension of this promised restoration.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes present throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. **Divine Restoration and Blessing** is paramount, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant people, reversing their past suffering and granting them abundance. The theme of **Enjoyment of Labor's Fruit** underscores a return to justice and prosperity, where diligent work is rewarded and not plundered, symbolizing peace and security under God's favor. Crucially, the verse links physical blessing to **Worship and Thanksgiving**, demonstrating that true prosperity leads to deeper communion with God. The setting "in the courts of my holiness" emphasizes **God's Presence** as the source and context of these blessings, signifying a renewed, unhindered relationship and access to the divine. This echoes the broader vision of a restored Zion where God dwells among His people (e.g., [Zechariah/2](/zechariah/2 "Zechariah 2 - God's Dwelling in Zion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, meaning "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify; (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine." In this context, "praise" signifies a joyful, public, and enthusiastic celebration of the LORD, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness as the source of the abundant harvest and restoration. It is a spontaneous overflow of gratitude.
* **Courts (Hebrew, _châtsêr'_):** From H2691, meaning "a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls); court, tower, village." Here, "courts" specifically refers to the outer courtyards of the Temple in Jerusalem, the sacred space where the people gathered for worship, sacrifices, and festivals. It denotes a communal, public space consecrated for divine interaction, emphasizing that the enjoyment of blessings is to occur within the sphere of God's acknowledged presence.
* **Holiness (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944, meaning "a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity; consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary." This term underscores the set-apart, consecrated nature of God's dwelling place and, by extension, the sacred character of the restored relationship between God and His people. The act of eating and drinking in the "courts of my holiness" transforms a physical act into a spiritual communion, hallowed by God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they that have gathered it shall eat it":** This clause dramatically reverses the previous state of affairs described in [Isaiah 62:8](/isaiah/62-8 "Isaiah 62:8 - God's Oath to Protect Zion's Harvest"), where foreigners consumed the produce. It promises that the rightful laborers, those who have invested their effort in cultivating and harvesting, will now personally enjoy the fruits of their toil. This signifies an end to oppression and a return to justice, security, and economic stability for God's people.
* **"and praise the LORD;":** The act of eating and drinking is immediately linked to an act of worship. The physical blessing is not an end in itself but a catalyst for spiritual devotion. This highlights that God's provision is meant to lead His people into a deeper relationship of gratitude and adoration, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider and restorer.
* **"and they that have brought it together shall drink it":** This parallels the first clause, extending the promise of direct enjoyment to the wine harvest. "Brought it together" (referring to the gathering of grapes for wine production) reinforces the idea that those who have expended effort will now reap the full benefit, contrasting sharply with past experiences of plunder and deprivation.
* **"in the courts of my holiness.":** This specifies the sacred location where this feasting and praising will occur. The "courts of my holiness" refer to the Temple courts in Jerusalem, the epicenter of Israelite worship. This detail transforms the enjoyment of the harvest into a sacred festival, implying that the blessings are experienced within God's protective, sanctifying presence, signifying a restored, unhindered relationship and access to Him. It underscores that the restoration is not merely material but deeply spiritual and communal.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 62:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of restoration and blessing. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse directly reverses the previous state of affairs where foreigners consumed the harvest (implied from [Isaiah 62:8](/isaiah/62-8 "Isaiah 62:8 - God's Oath to Protect Zion's Harvest")), now promising that the gatherers themselves will eat and drink. This creates a strong sense of divine justice and vindication. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, with "they that have gathered it shall eat it" paralleled by "they that have brought it together shall drink it," reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the blessing for both grain and wine. **Imagery** is vivid, painting a picture of joyous feasting and communal celebration within the sacred space of the Temple courts, evoking a sense of peace, abundance, and spiritual communion. Finally, **Symbolism** is present, as the act of eating and drinking the harvest symbolizes not just physical sustenance but the full enjoyment of God's covenant blessings, security, and the restoration of national dignity, all culminating in heartfelt praise within God's holy presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 62:9 is a profound statement about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate desire for His people's flourishing. It illustrates that divine blessing is holistic, encompassing both material provision and spiritual communion. The reversal of fortunes, from plunder to enjoyment, underscores God's justice and His commitment to vindicate His oppressed people. Furthermore, the explicit link between consuming the harvest and praising the LORD within the "courts of my holiness" reveals that true prosperity is not merely about abundance, but about a life lived in grateful acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and within the sphere of His sacred presence. This verse anticipates a time when God's people will not only be secure but also deeply devoted, their lives a continuous act of worship.

* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Deuteronomy 28:12 - Blessings of Obedience") - "The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow."
* [Nehemiah 12:43](/nehemiah/12-43 "Nehemiah 12:43 - Dedication of the Wall") - "Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off."
* [Psalm 100:4](/psalm/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - A Call to Worship") - "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 62:9 offers enduring hope and a powerful call to gratitude for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively working to restore what has been lost or plundered, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Just as He promised Israel the joy of eating their own harvest, He promises us the fulfillment of our labors and the enjoyment of His blessings in our lives. This verse challenges us to consider how we respond to God's provision. Do we consume His gifts selfishly, or does our enjoyment lead us to heartfelt praise and worship "in the courts of His holiness"—that is, in a posture of reverence and communion with Him? It encourages us to trust in God's ultimate vindication and restoration, even when circumstances seem bleak, knowing that He is faithful to bring about a time when we will fully enjoy the fruit of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel your efforts have been "plundered" or unrewarded, and how does this verse encourage you to trust in God's eventual restoration?**
* **How does the connection between eating/drinking and praising the LORD challenge your perspective on enjoying God's material blessings?**
* **What does it mean for you to "eat and drink in the courts of my holiness" in your daily life, beyond a physical temple?**
* **How can your enjoyment of God's provision become a more intentional act of worship and thanksgiving?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "courts of my holiness"?**

Answer: The "courts of my holiness" (Hebrew: *ḥaṣerōṯ qodšī*) refers specifically to the outer courtyards of the Temple in Jerusalem. This phrase is highly significant because it designates the sacred space where the people gathered to worship, offer sacrifices, and celebrate festivals in the presence of God. Its inclusion in [Isaiah 62:9](/isaiah/62-9 "Isaiah 62:9 - The Enjoyment of Labor's Fruit in Zion") means that the promised enjoyment of the harvest is not merely a secular, physical act but a sacred, communal celebration. It implies that the blessings are fully experienced within the sphere of God's acknowledged presence and protection, signifying a restored, intimate relationship and unhindered access to Him. It transforms a physical feast into a spiritual festival of thanksgiving.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of restoration in Isaiah?**

Answer: [Isaiah 62:9](/isaiah/62-9 "Isaiah 62:9 - The Enjoyment of Labor's Fruit in Zion") is a pivotal expression of the broader theme of restoration that permeates the book of Isaiah, particularly in its latter chapters (often called "Second Isaiah"). The prophet consistently envisions a future where God will reverse the fortunes of His exiled and suffering people, bringing them back to their land, rebuilding Jerusalem, and restoring their relationship with Him. This verse specifically addresses the economic and social restoration, promising an end to foreign oppression and the enjoyment of the land's produce by its rightful laborers. This physical restoration is always intertwined with spiritual renewal, leading to praise and worship, as seen throughout [Isaiah 62](/isaiah/62 "Isaiah 62 - Zion's Vindication and Restoration"). It foreshadows a time of peace, security, and divine favor, culminating in a glorious new era for Zion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 62:9, with its promise of enjoying the fruits of labor in God's holy presence and praising the LORD, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While it speaks to a physical restoration for Israel, its deeper spiritual reality points to the new covenant established through Christ. Believers, through faith in Jesus, are brought into the "courts of God's holiness" not through a physical temple, but through direct access to God's presence by the blood of Christ (e.g., [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ")). We "eat" and "drink" of spiritual nourishment, partaking in the Bread of Life and the Living Water (e.g., [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"); [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")), which are Christ Himself. The "labor" we now enjoy the fruit of is not primarily our own physical toil, but the finished work of Christ on the cross, which brings salvation, peace, and righteousness (e.g., [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). Our praise to the LORD is no longer merely for a harvest, but for the immeasurable gift of eternal life and reconciliation with God, made possible by the Lamb of God (e.g., [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy")). Thus, this verse foreshadows the spiritual abundance and joyous worship that characterize the life of those redeemed by Christ, who are now part of God's holy temple, the church (e.g., [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in God's Spiritual House")).

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

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Deuteronomy 12:12

And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

Deuteronomy 16:11

And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that [are] among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

Deuteronomy 14:23

And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

Deuteronomy 14:29

And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

Deuteronomy 16:14

And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that [are] within thy gates.