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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 65:8–10. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
This is expounded by St. Paul, Rom 11:1-5, where, when, upon occasion of the rejection of the Jews, it is asked, Hath God then cast away his people? he answers, No; for at this time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. This prophecy has reference to that distinguished remnant. When that hypocritical nation is to be destroyed God will separate and secure to himself some from among them; some of the Jews shall be brought to embrace the Christian faith, shall be added to the church, and so be saved. And our Saviour has told us that for the sake of these elect the days of the destruction of the Jews should be shortened, and a stop put to the desolation, which otherwise would have proceeded to such a degree that no flesh should be saved, Mat 24:22. Now,
I.This is illustrated here by a comparison, Isa 65:8.
When a vine is so blasted and withered that there seems to be no sap nor life in it, and therefore the dresser of the vineyard is inclined to pluck it up or cut it down, yet, if ever so little of the juice of the grape, fit to make new wine, be found, though but in one cluster, a stander-by interposes, and says, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it; there is life in the root, and hope that yet it may become good for something. Good men are blessings to the places where they live; and sometimes God spares whole cities and nations for the sake of a few such in them. How ambitious should we be of this honor, not only to be distinguished from others, but serviceable to others!
II.Here is a description of those that shall make up this saved saving remnant.
1.They are such as serve God. It is for my servants' sake (Isa 65:8), and they are my servants that shall dwell there, Isa 65:9. God's faithful servants, however they are looked upon, are the best friends their country has; and those who serve him do therein serve their generation.
2.They are such as seek God, make it the end of their lives to glorify God and the business of their lives to call upon him. It is for my people that have sought me. Those that seek God shall find him, and shall find him their bountiful rewarder.
III.Here is an account of the mercy God has in store for them.
The remnant that shall return out of captivity shall have a happy settlement again in their own land, and that by an hereditary right, as a seed out of Jacob, in whom the family is kept up and the entail preserved, and from whom, as from the seed sown, shall spring a numerous increase; and these typify the remnant of Jacob that shall be incorporated into the gospel church by faith.
1.They shall have a good portion for themselves. They shall inherit my mountains, the holy mountains on which Jerusalem and the temple were built, or the mountains of Canaan, the land of promise, typifying the covenant of grace, which all God's servants, his elect, both inhabit and inherit; they make it their refuge, their rest and residence, so they dwell in it, are at home in it; and they have taken it to be their heritage for ever, and it shall be to them an inheritance incorruptible. God's chosen, the spiritual seed of praying Jacob, shall be the inheritors of his mountains of bliss and joy, and shall be carried safely to them through the vale of tears.
2.They shall have a green pasture for their flocks, Isa 65:10. Sharon and the valley of Achor shall again be as well replenished as ever they were with cattle. Sharon lay westward, near Joppa; Achor lay eastward, near Jordan. It is therefore intimated that they shall recover the possession of the whole land, that they shall have wherewith to stock it all, and that they shall peaceably enjoy it and there shall be none to disturb them nor make them afraid. Gospel-ordinances are the fields and valleys where the sheep of Christ shall go in and out and find pasture (Joh 10:9), and where they are made to lie down (Psa 23:2), as Israel's herds in the valley of Achor, Hos 2:15.
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Summary
Isaiah 65:10 presents a vibrant prophetic vision of future restoration and abundant blessing for God's faithful remnant. It depicts a radical transformation of the land, where regions historically associated with fertility (Sharon) will become secure and flourishing pastures for flocks, and even places of past judgment and trouble (the Valley of Achor) will be transformed into peaceful resting places for herds. This profound reversal of fortune and promise of security is explicitly extended to those who have diligently sought the Lord, underscoring the intimate connection between divine favor and the responsive faithfulness of God's people within His ultimate redemptive plan.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 65 is a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66), serving as God's direct and comprehensive response to the fervent lament and confession of sin found in Isaiah 64. This chapter starkly contrasts God's righteous judgment upon the rebellious and idolatrous with His gracious and expansive promises of a new creation and abundant blessings for a faithful remnant. Verse 10 specifically provides concrete imagery of the physical manifestation of this promised restoration, detailing the peace and prosperity that will accompany the "new heavens and new earth" introduced later in Isaiah 65:17. It stands as a powerful counterpoint to the desolation and judgment described earlier in the book, such as the pronouncements in Isaiah 6:11-12, signaling a complete and glorious reversal of fortune.
Historical & Cultural Context
The prophecy in Isaiah 65 deeply resonates with the historical realities of Israel's exile and the subsequent anticipation of return. The land had indeed suffered desolation due to the people's unfaithfulness, leading to immense hardship and insecurity. Culturally, agrarian life was the bedrock of society, with flocks and herds representing not only wealth and sustenance but also stability and peace. The imagery of secure pastures and abundant livestock would have profoundly resonated with an audience whose well-being and livelihood were inextricably linked to the land's fertility and the safety of their animals. Sharon, a fertile coastal plain, was renowned for its rich pastures, while the Valley of Achor, meaning "trouble," was infamous for the severe judgment meted out to Achan in Joshua 7. The transformation of Achor into a place of rest would have been a profoundly powerful cultural and historical inversion, signifying God's redemptive power to transform even the most tainted past.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of Divine Restoration, showcasing God's sovereign power to transform barrenness, desolation, and trouble into flourishing abundance. It powerfully highlights Covenant Faithfulness, as the blessings are explicitly "for my people that have sought me," emphasizing that God's promises are contingent upon a responsive and relational commitment from His people. The Reversal of Fortune is vividly depicted through the stark contrast of Sharon and Achor, illustrating God's ability to turn curses into blessings and sorrow into joy, a theme beautifully echoed in Hosea 2:15. Furthermore, the imagery of flocks and herds lying down securely speaks to Security and Abundance, painting a vision of peace and provision that transcends mere physical comfort to encompass spiritual well-being and freedom from fear, a promise also found in Ezekiel 34:25.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word denotes a home, a dwelling place, or specifically, a pasture or sheepcote for flocks. Its use here signifies not just a temporary enclosure but a secure, established place of habitation and rest. The transformation of Sharon into a "fold of flocks" implies a return to a settled, peaceful, and productive existence, a place of safety and belonging for God's people and their sustenance. It conveys a sense of permanency and divine provision.
This proper noun means "troubled" or "disturbance." It refers to the specific valley where Achan was punished for his sin (Joshua 7), bringing trouble upon Israel. The prophecy that this valley, historically associated with judgment and sorrow, will become a place of repose for herds is a profound symbolic reversal. It underscores God's redemptive power to transform places of past pain and judgment into sites of peace, blessing, and new life, demonstrating His capacity to overcome even the deepest scars of sin.
This verb means to tread, frequent, follow, seek, or ask, and by implication, to worship. It implies a diligent, earnest, and persistent pursuit. The phrase "my people that have sought me" highlights that the promised blessings are not universal but are specifically for those who have actively and sincerely pursued a relationship with God, demonstrating faithfulness and obedience in their lives. This seeking is not passive but an active, intentional engagement with the divine, characterized by a desire for God's presence and will.
Verse Breakdown
"And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks,"
This clause describes the transformation of the Plain of Sharon, a naturally fertile region, into an even more secure and abundant pasture for sheep. It signifies not just natural prosperity but a divinely ordained state of peace and secure provision. The imagery evokes a pastoral ideal where flocks are safe and well-tended, symbolizing the security, flourishing, and peaceful dwelling of God's people under His care.
"and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in,"
In stark contrast to Sharon, the Valley of Achor, a place historically linked to trouble and divine judgment, is prophesied to become a peaceful resting place for cattle. This is a powerful symbol of God's redemptive power, turning a site of past sorrow and punishment into one of rest, fruitfulness, and tranquility. It signifies a complete reversal of fortune, where even the most desolate or troubled aspects of the past are redeemed and transformed into sources of blessing and renewed life.
"for my people that have sought me."
This concluding phrase is crucial, establishing the condition and beneficiaries of these magnificent promises. The blessings of peace, security, and abundance are not indiscriminately given but are specifically reserved for those who have diligently, earnestly, and consistently pursued a relationship with God. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and a sincere desire for God's presence as prerequisites for experiencing His full and wondrous restoration.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of restoration and divine favor. Contrast is paramount, juxtaposing the naturally fertile Plain of Sharon with the historically troubled Valley of Achor. This stark comparison amplifies the miraculous nature of God's redemptive work, showing His ability to enhance natural blessings and utterly transform places of judgment and sorrow. Symbolism is rich, with Sharon representing natural abundance and Achor representing past judgment, trouble, and the consequences of sin. The transformation of Achor into a "place for the herds to lie down in" is a potent symbol of the reversal of curses into blessings, and despair into peace, signifying God's power to redeem even the most painful histories. The entire verse functions as a Prophecy, foretelling a future state of ideal peace, security, and prosperity for God's faithful people. Furthermore, the imagery of "fold of flocks" and "place for the herds to lie down in" serves as a Metaphor for the secure, abundant, and peaceful life God provides for His people, extending beyond mere physical provision to encompass spiritual rest, well-being, and freedom from fear.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 65:10 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign power to bring about radical transformation and restoration. It speaks to the eschatological hope of a renewed creation where the devastating effects of sin and judgment are undone, and peace and abundance reign supreme. This restoration is not arbitrary but is a direct consequence of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to His people, specifically those who actively seek Him. The transformation of the Valley of Achor, a place of historical trouble and divine judgment, into a peaceful pasture, serves as a powerful theological statement: God can redeem and repurpose even the most painful or shameful aspects of history and personal experience, turning them into profound symbols of grace, healing, and new beginnings. This promise foreshadows the ultimate peace and security found in God's eternal kingdom, where all sorrow, trouble, and the consequences of sin will be no more.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 65:10 offers profound encouragement and a compelling call to faithful living for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that no valley of trouble, no past failure, and no desolate circumstance is beyond God's magnificent redemptive power. Just as He transformed the Valley of Achor, a place steeped in judgment, He is supremely capable of turning our personal places of sorrow, shame, or despair into havens of rest, hope, and fruitfulness. This verse challenges us to diligently and consistently seek the Lord, for the promise of peace and prosperity is explicitly for "my people that have sought me." Our active pursuit of God, through sincere prayer, obedient living, and unwavering trust, positions us to experience His transformative grace in our lives. It invites us to live with an eschatological hope, knowing that God's ultimate plan is one of complete restoration, where all things will be made new, and security, abundance, and profound peace will characterize the lives of all who belong to Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Sharon and the Valley of Achor in this verse?
Sharon (H8289, Shârôwn) was a fertile coastal plain in ancient Israel, renowned for its rich pastures and natural beauty. It symbolizes natural abundance, prosperity, and a place of desired dwelling. The Valley of Achor (H5911, ʻÂkôwr), meaning "trouble" or "disturbance," was infamous as the place where Achan and his family were punished for their sin, bringing trouble upon Israel (as recorded in Joshua 7). The deliberate pairing of these two distinct locations highlights a profound contrast and a miraculous reversal. Sharon becoming an even more secure "fold of flocks" (H5116, nâveh) signifies enhanced blessing and security, a state of divinely provided peace. In contrast, Achor becoming a peaceful "place for the herds to lie down in" (H7258, rêbets) symbolizes God's power to redeem and transform places of judgment and sorrow into havens of rest and fruitfulness. This transformation underscores God's ability to turn curses into blessings and despair into hope for His faithful people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 65:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise of a transformed landscape, where places of trouble become havens of peace and abundance, points directly to the spiritual reality of the New Covenant established through Christ's redemptive work. He is the ultimate "fold of flocks," the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, leading them to green pastures and still waters, offering true rest for their souls (John 10:11). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus transformed the "valley of Achor"—the place of humanity's sin, judgment, and curse—into a "door of hope" and a "place for the herds to lie down in." The cross, once a symbol of shame and death, became the very means of reconciliation and peace with God for all who believe (Colossians 1:20). The phrase "for my people that have sought me" finds its fulfillment in those who, by faith, seek and find salvation in Christ, for He is the one who takes away the sin of the world and offers true rest for our weary souls (Matthew 11:28). The "new heavens and new earth" (as mentioned in Isaiah 65:17) are inaugurated in Him, and believers are already a "new creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), experiencing the down payment of that future peace and abundance now, and eagerly looking forward to its glorious consummation in His victorious return (Revelation 21:4).