Isaiah 5:17

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

Then shall the lambs {H3532} feed {H7462} after their manner {H1699}, and the waste places {H2723} of the fat ones {H4220} shall strangers {H1481} eat {H398}.

Then lambs will be able to feed as if they were in their own pasture, and those wandering through will eat from the ruined fields of the overfed.

Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy.

Then shall the lambs feed as in their pasture, and the waste places of the fat ones shall wanderers eat.

Commentary

Isaiah 5:17 is a vivid prophetic declaration describing the consequences of divine judgment upon the unfaithful and oppressive society of Judah in Isaiah's time. This verse paints a picture of a dramatic reversal of fortunes, where the established order is overturned by God’s hand.

Context of Judgment

This verse is situated within a chapter often called the "Song of the Vineyard" (see Isaiah 5:1-7), where God laments Israel’s failure to produce justice and righteousness, despite His careful cultivation. Following this lament, Isaiah pronounces a series of "woes" against various sins prevalent in society, including greed, drunkenness, and spiritual blindness. The "fat ones" mentioned in verse 17 refer to the wealthy and powerful elite who had accumulated vast estates and oppressed the poor, as described in Isaiah 5:8: "Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place." The judgment in this chapter, including verse 17, is God's response to this systemic injustice and moral decay.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Reversal: The primary message is God's unwavering commitment to justice. Those who abused their power and wealth ("the fat ones") will see their possessions become desolate, while the humble ("lambs") or even strangers benefit from their downfall. This signifies a profound reversal of fortunes brought about by divine intervention.
  • Desolation and Reclaiming of Land: "Waste places" indicates the desolation of formerly rich and cultivated lands, a direct consequence of God's judgment and the subsequent invasion or exile. This reflects the land's spiritual state mirroring its physical state.
  • Nature's Return and New Order: "Then shall the lambs feed after their manner" suggests a return to a more natural, perhaps even wild, state for the land, implying the absence of its former oppressive owners. It also hints at a new order where the innocent or vulnerable, previously marginalized, find peace or sustenance.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "fat ones" (Hebrew: sh'menim) literally means "fat ones" or "prosperous ones," often used to denote the rich and powerful. In this context, it carries a strong connotation of those who have grown wealthy through exploitation and injustice, contrasting sharply with the vulnerable "lambs" (Hebrew: kĕvāśîm), symbolizing the weak or oppressed.

Practical Application

Isaiah 5:17 serves as a timeless warning against social injustice, greed, and spiritual complacency. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity and that He holds societies accountable for their treatment of the vulnerable. The verse encourages reflection on:

  • Accountability: Those who gain wealth or power through unrighteous means will face divine judgment.
  • Care for the Poor: A righteous society is one that cares for the marginalized and ensures justice for all, reflecting the heart of God (see Proverbs 14:31).
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, God is in control, and He can bring about radical change and reversal of power dynamics to fulfill His righteous purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Zephaniah 2:6 (4 votes)

    And the sea coast shall be dwellings [and] cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.

  • Isaiah 7:25 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Zephaniah 2:14 (3 votes)

    And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; [their] voice shall sing in the windows; desolation [shall be] in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.

  • Psalms 17:10 (2 votes)

    They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

  • Hosea 8:7 (2 votes)

    For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

  • Isaiah 7:21 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 7:22 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk [that] they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land.