Isaiah 65:8

¶ Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, As the new wine {H8492} is found {H4672} in the cluster {H811}, and one saith {H559}, Destroy {H7843} it not; for a blessing {H1293} is in it: so will I do {H6213} for my servants {H5650}' sakes, that I may not destroy {H7843} them all.

Here is what ADONAI says: "As when juice is found in a cluster of grapes, and people say, 'Don't destroy it, there is still some good in it,' so I will do likewise for the sake of my servants, and not destroy them all.

This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all.

Thus saith Jehovah, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all.

Isaiah 65:8 (KJV) offers a vivid and hopeful analogy, revealing God's profound mercy and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the midst of deserved judgment.

Context

This verse is situated within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 65-66) that contrasts God's impending judgment on the rebellious and unfaithful with His glorious promises of restoration and blessing for the righteous remnant. The verses immediately preceding detail the specific sins of those who provoke the Lord—idolatry, improper worship, and disobedience. Isaiah 65:8 serves as a pivotal explanation for why God will not utterly destroy His entire people, even when their actions warrant severe divine correction. It introduces the theme of preservation that leads into the description of the new heavens and new earth promised to God's true servants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Preservation and Mercy: The central message is God's enduring commitment to preserve a portion of His people. The analogy of the "new wine in the cluster" signifies that even if the whole cluster (representing the nation or community) contains elements that might warrant destruction, God discerns and protects the valuable part—the "blessing" or spiritual potential within it. This underscores God's immense mercy and His long-suffering nature towards His chosen ones.
  • The Principle of the Remnant: This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical doctrine of the remnant. Throughout salvation history, God consistently preserves a faithful few, even when the majority fall into apostasy or disobedience. This preserved group is spared because God's purposes, promises, and the future of His redemptive plan are intrinsically linked to them. The idea of a preserved remnant is crucial for understanding God's dealings with Israel and, by extension, His Church.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Promises: Despite human unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast in His covenant. His decision not to "destroy them all" is expressly "for my servants' sakes," indicating His commitment to those who genuinely serve Him and to the ancient promises made to His patriarchs. This demonstrates God's unchanging character and covenant faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "new wine" (Hebrew: tirosh) refers to the fresh, unfermented juice that represents the firstfruits and promise of a future harvest. It symbolizes potential, blessing, and newness. The "cluster" represents the larger group or nation, while the "new wine" within it signifies the precious, valuable element—the righteous remnant or the divine potential—that God sees and chooses to preserve. The phrase "Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it" (Hebrew: 'al tashchit ki verakhah bo) highlights the intrinsic value God places on this remnant, emphasizing His desire to nurture and bring forth its full potential rather than allowing complete destruction.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 65:8 offers profound comfort and hope. It reminds us that even when humanity collectively fails or when judgment seems imminent, God always preserves a people for Himself. This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Discernment and Mercy: Even amidst widespread spiritual decline, God distinguishes between the rebellious and the genuinely faithful, extending His mercy to those who are truly His.
  • Value the "Blessing Within": We are called to recognize the spiritual value and potential in individuals and communities, even when surrounded by imperfection, and to pray for their preservation and growth.
  • Strive to Be Part of the Remnant: This passage challenges us to live as faithful, obedient servants, understanding that our dedication can be a reason for God's continued grace upon a broader community or nation.

Ultimately, this verse points to God's overarching redemptive plan, assuring that His ultimate purposes of establishing a new creation and dwelling with His people will not be thwarted. His promise of a future without utter destruction for His chosen ones is a foundational element of biblical hope.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 9:27

    Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

  • Romans 9:29

    And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

  • Amos 9:8

    Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD [are] upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.

  • Amos 9:9

    For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as [corn] is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.

  • Romans 11:5

    Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

  • Romans 11:6

    And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

  • Jeremiah 30:11

    For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

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