Isaiah 65:10

KJV

And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Sharon {H8289} shall be a fold {H5116} of flocks {H6629}, and the valley {H6010} of Achor {H5911} a place for the herds {H1241} to lie down in {H7258}, for my people {H5971} that have sought {H1875} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Sharon will be a pasture for flocks, the Akhor Valley a place for cattle to rest, for my people who have sought me.

Berean Standard Bible

Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for My people who seek Me.

American Standard Version

And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 65:10 paints a vivid prophetic picture of future restoration and abundant blessing for God's faithful remnant. It describes a radical transformation of the land, where regions historically associated with fertility (Sharon) will be secure pastures for flocks, and even places of past judgment and trouble (the Valley of Achor) will become peaceful resting places for herds. This profound reversal of fortune is explicitly promised to those who have diligently sought the Lord, underscoring the conditional nature of divine favor and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 65 is a pivotal chapter within the larger prophetic book, particularly within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66). It immediately follows chapter 64, which is a fervent prayer of lament and confession by the people, acknowledging their sin and pleading for God's intervention. Chapter 65 serves as God's direct response, contrasting His righteous judgment on the rebellious and idolatrous with His gracious promises of a new creation and abundant blessings for a faithful remnant. Verse 10 specifically details the physical manifestation of this promised restoration, providing concrete imagery of peace and prosperity that will accompany the "new heavens and new earth" introduced in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth"). It stands as a counterpoint to the desolation described earlier in the book, such as in [Isaiah 6:11-12](/isaiah/6-11 "Isaiah 6:11-12 - Desolation of the Land"), signaling a complete reversal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 65 reflects the historical reality of Israel's exile and the subsequent return. The land had suffered desolation due to unfaithfulness, and the people had experienced immense hardship. Culturally, agrarian life was central, with flocks and herds representing wealth, stability, and sustenance. The imagery of secure pastures and abundant livestock would have resonated deeply with an audience whose livelihood and well-being were intrinsically linked to the land's fertility and the safety of their animals. Sharon, a fertile coastal plain, was known for its rich pastures, while the Valley of Achor, meaning "trouble," was infamous for the judgment meted out to Achan in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Punishment"). The transformation of Achor into a place of rest would have been a powerful cultural and historical inversion, signifying God's ability to redeem even the most tainted past.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration**, showcasing God's power to transform barrenness and trouble into flourishing abundance. It 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 relationship. The **Reversal of Fortune** is powerfully depicted through the contrast of Sharon and Achor, illustrating how God turns curses into blessings and sorrow into joy, a theme echoed in [Hosea 2:15](/hosea/2-15 "Hosea 2:15 - Valley of Achor as a Door of Hope"). Furthermore, the imagery of flocks and herds lying down securely speaks to **Security and Abundance**, 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](/ezekiel/34-25 "Ezekiel 34:25 - Covenant of Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fold (Hebrew, _nâveh'_):** From H5116, 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.
* **Achor (Hebrew, _ʻÂkôwr'_):** From H5911, 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.
* **sought (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** From H1875, 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.

#### 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 and flourishing of God's people.
* **"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.
* **"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 and earnestly 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 restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 65:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of restoration. **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. **Symbolism** is rich, with Sharon representing natural abundance and Achor representing past judgment and sorrow. 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. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling a future state of ideal peace and prosperity for God's faithful. Furthermore, the imagery of "fold of flocks" and "place for the herds to lie down in" serves as a **Metaphor** for the secure and abundant life God provides for His people, extending beyond mere physical provision to encompass spiritual rest and well-being.

### 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 effects of sin and judgment are undone, and peace and abundance reign. This restoration is not arbitrary but is a direct consequence of God's covenant faithfulness to His people, specifically those who actively seek Him. The transformation of the Valley of Achor, a place of historical trouble, 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 symbols of grace and new beginnings. This promise foreshadows the ultimate peace and security found in God's eternal kingdom, where all sorrow and trouble will be no more.

* [Hosea 2:15](/hosea/2-15 "Hosea 2:15 - The Valley of Achor as a Door of Hope")
* [Isaiah 35:1-2](/isaiah/35-1 "Isaiah 35:1-2 - The Desert Blooms")
* [Ezekiel 34:25-28](/ezekiel/34-25 "Ezekiel 34:25-28 - Covenant of Peace and Security")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 65:10 offers profound encouragement and a call to faithful living for believers today. It reminds us that no valley of trouble, no past failure, and no desolate circumstance is beyond God's redemptive power. Just as He transformed the Valley of Achor, He is 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 prayer, obedience, and trust, positions us to experience His transformative grace. 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 and abundance will characterize the lives of those who belong to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Valley of Achor" in your life (past or present) do you need to surrender to God for transformation into a place of rest and hope?**
* **In what practical ways can you more diligently "seek the Lord" in your daily life?**
* **How does the promise of future peace and abundance in this verse encourage you in your current challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Sharon and the Valley of Achor in this verse?**

Answer: Sharon (H8289, _Shârôwn_) was a fertile coastal plain in ancient Israel, renowned for its rich pastures and natural beauty. It symbolizes natural abundance and prosperity. 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](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin")). The deliberate pairing of these two 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, while 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 for His faithful people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 65:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise of a transformed landscape, where places of trouble become havens of peace, points to the spiritual reality of the New Covenant established through Christ. 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 ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Through His atoning sacrifice, 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 means of reconciliation and peace with God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). 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 souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "new heavens and new earth" (as mentioned in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth")) are inaugurated in Him, and believers are already a "new creation" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), experiencing the down payment of that future peace and abundance now, and looking forward to its glorious consummation in His return ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

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 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

Isaiah 33:9

The earth mourneth [and] languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed [and] hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off [their fruits].

Hosea 2:15

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 51:1

¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock [whence] ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit [whence] ye are digged.

Joshua 7:24

And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Ezekiel 34:13

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.