Isaiah 7:23

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall [even] be for briers and thorns.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that every place {H4725} shall be, where there were a thousand {H505} vines {H1612} at a thousand {H505} silverlings {H3701}, it shall even be for briers {H8068} and thorns {H7898}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, wherever there once were a thousand grapevines, worth a thousand pieces of silver, there will be only briars and thorns.

Berean Standard Bible

And on that day, in every place that had a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, only briers and thorns will be found.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that every place, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, shall be for briers and thorns.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 7:23 paints a stark prophetic picture of future desolation for the land of Judah. It foretells a dramatic reversal where once highly productive and immensely valuable vineyards, symbolizing prosperity and blessing, would be utterly abandoned and overrun by wild, unproductive briers and thorns. This vivid imagery serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the severe consequences of national disobedience and a lack of trust in God during a time of crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a pivotal section of Isaiah (chapters 7-12) known as the "Book of Immanuel," which primarily addresses King Ahaz of Judah during the Syro-Ephraimitic War (c. 734 BCE). God, through Isaiah, offers Ahaz a sign of deliverance and urges him to trust in divine protection against the formidable coalition of Syria (Aram) and the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). Ahaz, however, stubbornly refuses to ask for a sign, declaring, "I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!" as recorded in [Isaiah 7:12](/isaiah/7-12 "Isaiah 7:12 - Ahaz Refuses a Sign"). His refusal is a rejection of God's invitation to faith, leading him instead to seek an alliance with the powerful Assyrian Empire. The prophecies that follow, including [Isaiah 7:23](/isaiah/7-23 "Isaiah 7:23 - Prophecy of Desolation"), detail the severe judgment that will befall Judah as a consequence of this unfaithfulness and reliance on human strategies. The "day" mentioned signifies a future period of God's punitive action, where the very land will bear the scars of their rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Syro-Ephraimitic War saw King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel besieging Jerusalem, aiming to depose Ahaz and install a puppet king. This political pressure led Ahaz to consider an alliance with Assyria, a move that Isaiah vehemently opposed, knowing it would lead to Judah's subjugation. In ancient Israel, vineyards were a symbol of prosperity, blessing, and God's favor, often associated with the covenant. The land itself was seen as a gift from God, and its fertility was tied to the people's obedience (as seen in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). A vineyard valued at "a thousand silverlings" (likely a significant sum, perhaps indicating a large, productive plot) would represent peak agricultural wealth. Its transformation into a wilderness of briers and thorns would signify a complete reversal of fortune, reflecting not only economic ruin but also a profound spiritual decline and divine abandonment.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several major theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating that rejecting God's counsel and relying on human strength or idolatry leads to severe repercussions. What was once a source of immense wealth and sustenance would become unproductive and dangerous, a direct result of Judah's spiritual decline and Ahaz's lack of faith. Secondly, it highlights the **Reversal of Prosperity**. The phrase "a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings" emphasizes the immense value and productivity of the land, indicative of great prosperity and blessing under God's favor. Its transformation into "briers and thorns" symbolizes a complete economic and societal collapse, a loss of the blessings that accompany covenant faithfulness. This stark reversal echoes the warnings of covenant curses found in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Lastly, the imagery speaks to **Desolation and Wilderness**. The land reverting to a wild, untamed state signifies neglect, abandonment, and a return to a pre-cultivated, unproductive condition. This imagery is frequently used in prophetic literature to denote a cursed state or God's profound displeasure with His people, reminiscent of the curse on the ground after the Fall in [Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "Genesis 3:18 - Thorns and Thistles from the Curse").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this term primarily refers to a literal day (from sunrise to sunset or one sunset to the next). However, as in Isaiah 7:23, it is frequently used figuratively to denote a "space of time defined by an associated term." Here, "in that day" signifies a specific, future period of divine intervention and judgment, emphasizing a distinct epoch of God's action rather than a literal 24-hour period. It points to a decisive moment in salvation history.
* **vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to bend," this word specifically refers to a vine, especially the grape vine. In biblical contexts, the vine is a potent symbol of Israel's prosperity, fruitfulness, and covenant relationship with God. Its presence signifies blessing and cultivation, making its destruction a powerful indicator of divine displeasure and the reversal of blessing.
* **briers (Hebrew, _shâmîyr'_):** From a root meaning "to prick," this term denotes a thorn or thorny plant. It is often paired with "thorns" (shayith) to describe wild, unproductive, and often dangerous vegetation. In prophetic literature, briers and thorns symbolize desolation, curse, and the reversal of cultivation, echoing the curse on the ground in [Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "Genesis 3:18 - The Curse of Thorns and Thistles"). Their presence indicates a land that has been abandoned and has reverted to a wild, untamed state, unfit for human habitation or cultivation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This introductory phrase signals a prophetic declaration concerning a future, divinely ordained event. "That day" points to a specific time of judgment and reckoning, a period when God's word will be fulfilled and His justice enacted upon the land and its inhabitants due to their unfaithfulness.
* **"that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings":** This clause vividly describes the former prosperity and immense value of the land. "A thousand vines" and "a thousand silverlings" (silver pieces, indicating monetary value) represent a highly productive and valuable vineyard, a symbol of great wealth and blessing. The phrase emphasizes the extent of the loss, contrasting the past abundance with the future desolation. It paints a picture of a flourishing agricultural economy that will be utterly transformed.
* **"it shall even be for briers and thorns":** This concluding phrase reveals the devastating outcome. The once-valuable vineyard will revert to a wild, untamed state, overgrown with unproductive and harmful vegetation. "Briers and thorns" symbolize desolation, abandonment, and the curse of the land, signifying a complete reversal of blessing and a return to a state of wilderness due to divine judgment. This imagery conveys not just economic ruin but also a spiritual barrenness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 7:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Symbolism** is central, with the "thousand vines at a thousand silverlings" symbolizing the peak of Judah's agricultural prosperity, wealth, and God's covenant blessing. This symbol is then starkly contrasted with "briers and thorns," which symbolize desolation, curse, and the reversal of that blessing. The transformation of a valuable vineyard into a thorny wilderness powerfully represents the spiritual and physical consequences of disobedience. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings," which, while possibly referring to a specific measurement, also serves to exaggerate the immense value and productivity of the land, thereby amplifying the tragedy of its future desolation. This emphasizes the magnitude of what will be lost. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Irony** in the passage. What was once a source of life, sustenance, and wealth—the very embodiment of divine favor—will become a place of danger and uselessness, a testament to the bitter fruit of human rebellion against God's protective hand.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 7:23 serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of rejecting divine counsel and the nature of God's covenant faithfulness. The desolation prophesied is not arbitrary but a direct result of Judah's unfaithfulness, particularly King Ahaz's refusal to trust Yahweh and his subsequent reliance on foreign powers. This passage underscores that true prosperity and security are rooted in obedience and dependence on God, not in human strategies or material wealth. It illustrates the principle that spiritual barrenness often manifests in tangible, physical desolation, reminding us that God holds nations accountable for their actions and choices. The reversal of blessing into curse is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the gravity of covenant infidelity.

* [Genesis 3:17-18](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-18 - The Curse on the Ground")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-20](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 12:10-11](/jeremiah/12-10 "Jeremiah 12:10-11 - Desolation of the Vineyard")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 7:23 offers a timeless warning that spiritual prosperity and material well-being are often intrinsically linked to obedience and trust in God. When individuals or communities turn away from divine wisdom and choose self-reliance, worldly alliances, or idolatry, even the most fruitful and valuable aspects of their lives can become barren and troublesome. This prophetic word challenges us to profoundly reflect on what we truly value and whether our trust is rightly placed. It reminds us that true security and lasting prosperity come from God's favor and faithfulness, not merely from earthly possessions or human strategies. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to discern God's hand even amidst societal and personal challenges, and to understand that our choices have profound consequences, both immediate and long-term, for ourselves and for the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human strategies or worldly alliances instead of trusting God's provision and guidance?**
* **How might a "thousand vines at a thousand silverlings" metaphorically represent the blessings or resources God has given me? Am I stewarding them faithfully?**
* **What "briers and thorns" might appear in my life if I neglect my spiritual walk or disregard God's commands?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's faithfulness, especially during times of uncertainty or crisis?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "a thousand silverlings" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "a thousand silverlings" (Hebrew: _kesef_) refers to a significant amount of silver, indicating a high monetary value. In the context of "a thousand vines," it emphasizes the immense productivity and economic worth of the vineyard. This detail highlights the extent of the prosperity that Judah once enjoyed and, by contrast, the profound economic and agricultural ruin that would befall the land as a result of God's judgment. It underscores the severity of the loss and the complete reversal of fortune.

**What was the Syro-Ephraimitic War and how does it relate to Isaiah 7:23?**

Answer: The Syro-Ephraimitic War (c. 734 BCE) was a conflict in which King Rezin of Syria (Aram) and King Pekah of Israel (Ephraim) formed an alliance to attack the southern kingdom of Judah, aiming to depose King Ahaz and install a pro-Syrian ruler. In response, God, through the prophet Isaiah, urged Ahaz to trust in divine protection and offered him a sign of deliverance (as seen in [Isaiah 7:1-9](/isaiah/7-1 "Isaiah 7:1-9 - God's Promise to Ahaz")). However, Ahaz refused to trust God and instead sought an alliance with the powerful Assyrian Empire. Isaiah 7:23 is part of the subsequent prophecies of judgment delivered by Isaiah, indicating the devastating consequences that would befall Judah, not primarily from the Syro-Ephraimitic coalition, but from the very Assyrian power Ahaz sought as an ally, due to his lack of faith and disobedience. The desolation described in the verse is a direct outcome of Judah's unfaithfulness during this critical period.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 7:23 prophesies a specific judgment upon Judah for its unfaithfulness, its imagery of a once-fruitful land becoming desolate with briers and thorns finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative of redemption. The curse of thorns and thistles, first pronounced upon the ground after humanity's fall in [Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "Genesis 3:18 - The Curse on the Ground"), symbolizes the brokenness and futility of a world alienated from God. Jesus Christ, the ultimate "true vine" (as He declares in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), enters this cursed world to reverse its effects. His wearing of a crown of thorns (recorded in [Matthew 27:29](/matthew/27-29 "Matthew 27:29 - The Crown of Thorns") and [John 19:2](/john/19-2 "John 19:2 - Jesus Crowned with Thorns")) is a powerful symbolic act, signifying His bearing the full weight of the curse of sin, including the desolation and barrenness it brings. Through His sacrifice, Christ redeems not only humanity but also creation itself from the bondage of decay (as articulated in [Romans 8:19-21](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-21 - Creation Groans for Redemption")). The judgment of a land returning to briers and thorns foreshadows the ultimate judgment on sin, which Christ fully absorbed on the cross. His resurrection inaugurates a new creation where the curse is ultimately undone, leading to a future where there will be no more curse, and the tree of life will flourish (as promised in [Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - No More Curse")). Thus, the desolation of Isaiah 7:23 points forward to the comprehensive redemption and restoration accomplished by Christ, who transforms barrenness into abundant 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

Isaiah 5:6

And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

Matthew 21:33

¶ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

Song Of Solomon 8:11

Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand [pieces] of silver.

Song Of Solomon 8:12

My vineyard, which [is] mine, [is] before me: thou, O Solomon, [must have] a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.

Jeremiah 4:26

I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place [was] a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, [and] by his fierce anger.

Hebrews 6:8

But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

Isaiah 32:12

They shall lament for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.