Isaiah 7:21

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that a man {H376} shall nourish {H2421} a young {H1241} cow {H5697}, and two {H8147} sheep {H6629};

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, a man will raise a young cow and two sheep.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day a man will raise a young cow and two sheep,

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall keep alive a young cow, and two sheep;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:21 vividly portrays a future scene of profound economic hardship and desolation that would befall the land of Judah. This verse, part of a larger prophetic message from God through Isaiah to King Ahaz, describes a land so depopulated and ruined that a man would find himself reduced to a mere subsistence existence, nourishing only a handful of livestock—a young cow and two sheep—a stark contrast to the former agricultural abundance and prosperity of the Promised Land. It underscores the severe consequences of national unbelief and disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 7:21 is situated within a pivotal section of Isaiah's prophecy, immediately following the famous "Immanuel" prophecy in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy"). The initial verses of [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy and Warning") describe King Ahaz's fear during the Syro-Ephraimitic War (735-734 BC), when Aram and Ephraim threatened Jerusalem. God, through Isaiah, offered Ahaz a sign of deliverance, which Ahaz faithlessly refused. Despite God's promise of immediate protection from these two kings, the latter part of the chapter, beginning around [Isaiah 7:17](/isaiah/7-17 "Isaiah 7:17 - The Lord Will Bring the King of Assyria"), shifts dramatically to a prophecy of severe judgment and desolation upon Judah itself. This future judgment is a direct consequence of Ahaz's and the nation's lack of faith and their eventual reliance on Assyria rather than Yahweh. Thus, "in that day" (7:21) refers not to the immediate war, but to a later, more devastating period of divine discipline, which would transform the land into a desolate wilderness, as further detailed in [Isaiah 7:22-25](/isaiah/7-22-25 "Isaiah 7:22-25 - Desolation and Thorns").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 8th century BC, a period dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Judah, under King Ahaz, faced the immediate threat from the northern kingdoms of Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim), who sought to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition. Ahaz, despite Isaiah's divine reassurance, chose to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for help (cf. [2 Kings 16:7-9](/2_kings/16-7-9 "2 Kings 16:7-9 - Ahaz Appeals to Assyria")). This act of faithlessness, turning from God to a foreign superpower, set the stage for future Assyrian domination and subsequent devastation of Judah. The imagery of a man nourishing a few animals speaks directly to the agricultural economy of ancient Judah, where large herds and cultivated fields were signs of prosperity and divine blessing. The reversal of this abundance signifies a profound national catastrophe, reflecting the consequences of covenant disobedience and God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Judgment for Unbelief and Disobedience**. Ahaz's refusal to trust God's word, coupled with Judah's broader spiritual apostasy, directly leads to the prophesied desolation. This serves as a stark warning that divine promises of protection are often conditional on faithfulness. Secondly, it highlights **Economic Devastation and Reversal of Fortune**. The once fertile land, promised to be a land flowing with milk and honey, would revert to a wilderness, forcing a primitive, subsistence-level existence, a stark contrast to the blessings promised for obedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and the Consequences of Human Choice**. God remains in control, even using foreign empires like Assyria as instruments of His judgment ([Isaiah 7:18](/isaiah/7-18 "Isaiah 7:18 - The Lord Will Whistle for the Fly and the Bee")), demonstrating that spiritual decisions have tangible, often severe, national consequences. The image of a man barely surviving with a few animals powerfully conveys the extent of this divine discipline.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nourish (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root (H2421) means "to live," "to revive," or causatively, "to keep alive" or "to preserve." In the context of Isaiah 7:21, it implies a basic act of sustaining life, rather than fostering growth or abundance. The man is not building a thriving herd but merely struggling to keep a few animals alive, underscoring the extreme scarcity and the shift from prosperity to mere survival. This highlights the desperate state of the land and its inhabitants.
* **young cow (Hebrew, _ʻeglâh'_):** This feminine noun (H5697) specifically refers to a "female calf," especially one nearly grown, a "heifer." The choice of a "young cow" rather than a mature bull or a large herd emphasizes the meager nature of the possession. It's a single, relatively small animal, indicating a drastic reduction in livestock and agricultural wealth, a sign of severe economic decline and the reversal of the land's former abundance.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This term (H3117) refers to a "day" in both literal and figurative senses, often denoting a "space of time defined by an associated term." The phrase "in that day" is a common prophetic idiom in Isaiah, pointing to a specific, future period of divine intervention, judgment, or salvation. Here, it signals a definite, impending era of desolation and hardship for Judah, distinct from the immediate crisis but a consequence of the nation's spiritual trajectory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This introductory phrase serves as a solemn prophetic marker, signaling a future, divinely ordained period of significant change and severe judgment. It points to a specific, inevitable time when the consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness and King Ahaz's lack of trust will fully manifest in the land.
* **"that a man shall nourish":** This clause starkly highlights the individual's struggle for mere existence. The verb "nourish" (Hebrew, _châyâh'_) implies a basic, survival-level effort to keep living beings alive, rather than a prosperous act of animal husbandry or a thriving agricultural enterprise. It underscores the profound shift from a communal, thriving agricultural society to one where individuals are barely scraping by, focused solely on subsistence.
* **"a young cow, and two sheep;":** This precise enumeration of meager livestock is central to the verse's meaning and impact. The small number of animals—a single young cow (heifer) and only two sheep—vividly depicts extreme scarcity, widespread depopulation, and the collapse of the agricultural economy. It paints a picture of a land so devastated that these few animals represent a significant, yet insufficient, possession for survival, forcing a return to a primitive, subsistence lifestyle, far removed from the covenant blessings of abundance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:21 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its prophetic message of impending desolation. **Symbolism** is prominently featured, with the "young cow and two sheep" serving as potent symbols of the complete economic collapse and the return to a primitive, struggling existence in a land once renowned for its agricultural abundance. This meager count signifies a drastic reduction from the expected prosperity. The phrase "in that day" functions as a **Prophetic Marker**, a common idiom in prophetic literature that signals a future, divinely appointed time of judgment or salvation, emphasizing the certainty and divine origin of the coming events. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast**, setting the bleak future of subsistence farming against the historical and expected prosperity of the Promised Land, thereby amplifying the severity of the impending judgment. The vivid imagery itself is a form of **Figurative Language**, painting a stark and memorable picture of desolation that would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:21 stands as a stark reminder of the principle that spiritual choices have tangible, often severe, consequences. The economic desolation described is a direct result of Judah's unfaithfulness and King Ahaz's refusal to trust God, opting instead for worldly alliances. This passage underscores God's sovereignty over nations and His willingness to use hardship as a means of discipline and purification for His people. It reveals that covenant blessings are conditional upon obedience, and turning away from God inevitably leads to a reversal of fortune, transforming abundance into scarcity and prosperity into mere survival. The physical barrenness of the land reflects the spiritual barrenness of the people, demonstrating the holistic impact of sin and unbelief on every facet of life.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-19](/deuteronomy/28-15-19 "Deuteronomy 28:15-19 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:20](/leviticus/26-20 "Leviticus 26:20 - Land Yielding No Produce")
* [Isaiah 7:22-25](/isaiah/7-22-25 "Isaiah 7:22-25 - Desolation and Thorns")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:21 serves as a profound call to examine our own trust and obedience to God. Just as Ahaz's lack of faith led to long-term national desolation, our individual and corporate spiritual choices have far-reaching consequences. This verse challenges us to consider where our ultimate security lies—in worldly resources, human alliances, or our own strength, or in the unfailing provision and promises of God. It reminds us that true abundance is not merely material but spiritual, found in a vibrant, trusting relationship with the Lord. When we drift from God, we risk experiencing forms of "desolation" in our lives—spiritual barrenness, relational breakdown, emotional scarcity, or a sense of unfulfilled purpose—even if our physical circumstances remain outwardly comfortable. The passage encourages us to cultivate a deep reliance on God, recognizing His sovereignty over all circumstances and His capacity to sustain us even in the leanest times, or to use hardship to draw us back to Him for true life and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on worldly solutions or my own efforts rather than trusting in God's provision and guidance?**
* **How does my response to fear, uncertainty, or perceived threats reflect my level of faith in God's promises and His ultimate control?**
* **What forms of "desolation" or barrenness (spiritual, emotional, relational) might be present in my life as a consequence of unfaithfulness or a neglected relationship with God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, even when circumstances seem stable and abundant, recognizing that true security is found in Him alone?**

### FAQ
**What does "in that day" refer to in Isaiah 7:21?**

Answer: The phrase "in that day" (H3117, _yôwm_) is a common prophetic idiom in Isaiah, pointing to a specific, future period of divine intervention and judgment. In the context of [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy and Warning"), it refers to a time distinct from the immediate Syro-Ephraimitic threat. It signifies the period when God would use the Assyrian Empire (and later Babylon) to discipline Judah for its unbelief and King Ahaz's decision to rely on foreign powers rather than on God. This judgment would lead to widespread desolation, depopulation, and a drastic reduction in agricultural output, forcing the inhabitants into a subsistence lifestyle, as vividly described in [Isaiah 7:17-25](/isaiah/7-17-25 "Isaiah 7:17-25 - Prophecy of Desolation").

**Is this prophecy of desolation literal or symbolic?**

Answer: While prophetic language often employs rich symbolism, the description of economic hardship and a return to subsistence living in [Isaiah 7:21](/isaiah/7-21 "Isaiah 7:21 - A Man Shall Nourish a Young Cow and Two Sheep") is largely literal in its implications, though it also carries profound symbolic weight. The Assyrian invasions of Judah (e.g., under Sennacherib) and the subsequent Babylonian exile did indeed devastate the land, leading to widespread depopulation, destruction of infrastructure, and a significant decline in agricultural productivity. The imagery of a few animals and reliance on wild produce (as seen in [Isaiah 7:22](/isaiah/7-22 "Isaiah 7:22 - Eating Curds and Honey")) vividly portrays the harsh, tangible reality that would befall the inhabitants. It's a literal consequence of spiritual unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in history, while also symbolizing the spiritual barrenness resulting from a lack of trust in God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 7:21 paints a bleak picture of earthly judgment and desolation, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The physical barrenness and economic scarcity prophesied for Judah serve as a powerful foreshadowing of the spiritual barrenness and destitution that sin brings to humanity. Humanity, apart from God, is in a state of spiritual desolation, unable to truly "nourish" itself unto eternal life, much like the man in the prophecy barely sustaining his meager livestock. Christ, however, is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to reverse such desolation. He is the true "Immanuel" ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Immanuel Prophecy")), God with us, whose presence transforms spiritual wilderness into a garden of abundance. Unlike the meager sustenance of a "young cow and two sheep" for physical survival, Jesus offers Himself as the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), providing eternal spiritual nourishment and abundant life that far surpasses mere subsistence ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes Only to Steal and Kill and Destroy; I Have Come That They May Have Life, and Have It to the Full")). The judgment on the land in Isaiah points to the ultimate judgment on sin that Christ bore on the cross, thereby offering redemption from spiritual barrenness and the promise of a new creation, where all desolation is reversed and God dwells fully with His people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). He is the Good Shepherd who provides for His flock, ensuring not just survival, but flourishing and eternal life.

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

Jeremiah 39:10

But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

Isaiah 5:17

Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.

Isaiah 17:2

The cities of Aroer [are] forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.

Isaiah 37:30

And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat [this] year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.

Isaiah 7:25

And [on] all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.