1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.
2 In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine.
3 I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest [any] hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
4 Fury [is] not in me: who would set the briers [and] thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together.
5 Or let him take hold of my strength, [that] he may make peace with me; [and] he shall make peace with me.
6 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.
7 Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? [or] is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him?
8 In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.
9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this [is] all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.
10 Yet the defenced city [shall be] desolate, [and] the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.
11 When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.
12 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 27
Isaiah Chapter 27 presents a vision of hope and restoration for Israel, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the eventual redemption of His people. The chapter is rich in metaphorical language and imagery, reflecting themes of judgment, grace, and the ultimate triumph of God’s plan.
Key Themes
- The Leviathan: The chapter begins with a vivid image of the Leviathan, a symbol of chaos and evil, which God will punish and defeat.
- God’s Protection: The imagery suggests that God will protect His people from their enemies and restore them to a place of safety.
- Restoration of Israel: The chapter emphasizes the future restoration of Israel, highlighting the importance of repentance and returning to God.
- The Role of Worship: The chapter concludes with a call to worship and the acknowledgment of God’s grace in the lives of His people.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verse 1: The depiction of the Leviathan as a “fleeing serpent” illustrates God’s power over chaos and evil. This metaphor signifies the ultimate defeat of wickedness.
- Verse 2: The mention of a vineyard symbolizes Israel, which God tends and protects. The vineyard imagery emphasizes care, cultivation, and the expectation of fruitfulness.
- Verse 3: God’s commitment to protect the vineyard indicates His enduring love and faithfulness towards Israel, ensuring its survival amidst challenges.
- Verse 4: The reference to “fury” suggests that God’s anger is directed towards those who oppose His people, reinforcing His role as a defender.
- Verse 5: The call for reconciliation and peace indicates that God desires His people to turn back to Him, highlighting the importance of relationship over mere ritual.
- Verse 6: The future flourishing of Israel is assured, as it will grow and blossom, symbolizing revival and spiritual growth among the people.
- Verses 7-9: These verses reflect on God’s discipline of Israel, contrasting His judgment with the promise of eventual restoration through repentance and atonement.
- Verses 10-11: The desolation of the fortified city symbolizes the downfall of Israel’s enemies, while the mention of the people’s lack of understanding highlights the need for spiritual awakening.
- Verses 12-13: The imagery of gathering the people back to their land signifies a return from exile and a restoration of their identity as God’s chosen people.
Imagery and Symbolism
The chapter employs rich imagery and symbolism to convey its messages:
- Leviathan: Represents chaos and evil; God’s control over such forces signifies His ultimate sovereignty.
- Vineyard: A metaphor for Israel, illustrating God’s nurturing and protective nature, as well as the expectation of spiritual fruitfulness.
- Desolation and Restoration: The contrast between destruction and renewal serves to highlight God’s redemptive plan for His people.
Theological Implications
Isaiah 27 presents significant theological implications regarding God’s character and His relationship with humanity:
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter affirms that God is in control of all creation and has the power to defeat evil.
- Divine Discipline: It illustrates that God’s judgment is not arbitrary but serves a purpose in leading His people to repentance.
- Hope for Restoration: The promise of restoration emphasizes God’s grace and the possibility of renewal for those who turn back to Him.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 27 encapsulates a profound message of hope, emphasizing God’s power over chaos, His protective nature, and the promise of restoration for Israel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and the grace that follows, encouraging believers to trust in God’s sovereign plan for their lives.
