Isaiah son of Amoz
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Isaiah 27
Leviathan Judged, the Vineyard Guarded, Jacob’s Guilt Atoned, and the Scattered Gathered to Worship
Isaiah 27 declares that the Lord will defeat the serpent enemy, guard and restore His vineyard, atone for Jacob’s guilt by removing idolatry, judge spiritual ignorance, and gather His scattered people one by one to worship Him on the holy mountain.
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Chapter Summary
Isaiah 27 declares that the Lord will defeat the serpent enemy, guard and restore His vineyard, atone for Jacob’s guilt by removing idolatry, judge spiritual ignorance, and gather His scattered people one by one to worship Him on the holy mountain.
Overview
The Lord’s salvation is comprehensive: He conquers cosmic evil, protects and waters His people, transforms Jacob into a fruitful vineyard, purges guilt through the removal of idolatry, judges spiritual ignorance, and gathers exiles for worship.
Context
Judah and Jerusalem, with Jacob/Israel, the nations, exiles in Assyria and Egypt, and cosmic hostile powers in view
Isaiah 27 concludes the Isaiah 24–27 unit. After universal judgment, the mountain feast, death swallowed forever, the strong city song, resurrection hope, and hidden refuge until indignation passes, Isaiah 27 brings the section to its closing resolution. The Lord punishes Leviathan, sings over His vineyard, purges Jacob’s guilt, judges the fortified city, threshes out His people, and gathers the exiles one by one to worship Him on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 27 declares that the Lord will defeat the serpent enemy, guard and restore His vineyard, atone for Jacob’s guilt by removing idolatry, judge spiritual ignorance, and gather His scattered people one by one to worship Him on the holy mountain.
Isaiah son of Amoz
Judah and Jerusalem, with Jacob/Israel, the nations, exiles in Assyria and Egypt, and cosmic hostile powers in view
Isaiah 27 concludes the Isaiah 24–27 unit. After universal judgment, the mountain feast, death swallowed forever, the strong city song, resurrection hope, and hidden refuge until indignation passes, Isaiah 27 brings the section to its closing resolution. The Lord punishes Leviathan, sings over His vineyard, purges Jacob’s guilt, judges the fortified city, threshes out His people, and gathers the exiles one by one to worship Him on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.
Social Pressure
- God’s people live under threat from enemy powers, exile, idolatry, unfruitfulness, discipline, and scattering. Isaiah 27 teaches that the Lord will judge the ancient serpent-like enemy, personally guard His vineyard, deal with Jacob’s sin, remove idolatrous altars, and gather His scattered people for worship.
The chapter uses images of the Lord’s sword, Leviathan the fleeing/twisting serpent, the monster of the sea, a fruitful vineyard, constant watering, day-and-night guarding, briers and thorns burned in battle, peace-making with God, Israel blossoming and filling the world with fruit, measured striking and exile, scorching east wind, crushed altar stones, Asherah poles and incense altars removed, deserted fortified cities, calves grazing among abandoned branches, a people without understanding, threshing from Euphrates to Egypt, a great trumpet, and worship on the holy mountain.
Isaiah 27 gathers many of Isaiah’s major themes: judgment on cosmic evil, reversal of vineyard failure, guarded fruitfulness, atonement for Jacob, removal of idolatry, measured discipline rather than annihilation, defeat of hostile powers, remnant gathering, trumpet summons, and worship on Mount Zion. It functions as the closing movement of Isaiah 24–27, moving from cosmic judgment to covenant restoration.
Chapter Movement
The chapter moves from the Lord punishing Leviathan with His fierce sword, to the Lord singing of a fruitful vineyard He guards and waters, to the call for briers and thorns either to make peace or be burned, to the future fruitfulness of Jacob filling the world, to the measured nature of the Lord’s discipline, to the atonement of Jacob’s guilt through the crushing of idolatry, to the deserted fortified city, to the people without understanding receiving no compassion, and finally to the Lord threshing out His people and gathering them one by one with a great trumpet to worship in Jerusalem.
Discourse Insight
Theological exposition and fulfillment
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Structural Flow
The Lord punishes Leviathan, the serpent and sea monster, with His powerful sword.
The Lord waters and guards His vineyard, offers peace, and causes Jacob/Israel to fill the world with fruit.
The Lord’s discipline is measured and aims at the removal of Jacob’s guilt and idolatry.
The fortified city becomes desolate, and a people without understanding receive no compassion.
The Lord gathers Israelites one by one from Assyria and Egypt to worship on the holy mountain.
Chapter Outline
- 27:1: The Lord punishes the fleeing and twisting serpent, the monster of the sea, with His fierce and powerful sword.
- 27:2-3: The Lord sings over a fruitful vineyard, watches over it, waters it continually, and guards it day and night.
- 27:4-5: The Lord is not angry with the vineyard, but briers and thorns must make peace or be burned.
- 27:6: Israel will bud, blossom, and fill the whole world with fruit.
- 27:7-8: The Lord’s striking of Jacob is not the same as His judgment on Jacob’s enemies · exile and judgment are measured discipline.
- 27:9: Jacob’s guilt is atoned for, and the full fruit is the destruction of altar stones, Asherah poles, and incense altars.
- 27:10-11: The city is abandoned, grazed by calves, stripped, and burned because the people lack understanding.
- 27:12-13: The Lord threshes out His people from Euphrates to Egypt, sounds the great trumpet, and gathers those perishing and exiled to worship in Jerusalem.
Theological Argument
The Lord’s salvation is comprehensive: He conquers cosmic evil, protects and waters His people, transforms Jacob into a fruitful vineyard, purges guilt through the removal of idolatry, judges spiritual ignorance, and gathers exiles for worship.
Leviathan is punished; the vineyard is guarded; enemies must make peace or burn; Jacob takes root and fills the world with fruit; Jacob’s discipline is measured; guilt is atoned; idolatry is crushed; the city is desolated; the people without understanding are judged; scattered exiles are gathered to worship.
- 1.The LORD will defeat serpent-like cosmic evil.
- 2.The LORD’s vineyard will be guarded and watered by him personally.
- 3.The LORD’s anger is not against his restored vineyard.
- 4.Opposition must either make peace with the LORD or be burned.
- 5.Jacob’s future is rooted fruitfulness.
- 6.The LORD’s discipline of Jacob is measured and purposeful.
- 7.Jacob’s guilt will be atoned for through sin’s removal.
- 8.Fortified cities without understanding become desolate.
- 9.The Maker and Creator may withhold compassion from a people without understanding.
- 10.The LORD will gather his people individually and completely.
- 11.The scattered exiles will return to worship.
Theological Focus
- Victory Over Leviathan
- The Lord’s Guarded Vineyard
- Peace with God
- Israel’s Fruitfulness
- Measured Discipline
- Atonement of Jacob’s Guilt
- Idolatry Removed
- Desolation of the Fortified City
- Lack of Understanding
- One-by-One Gathering
- Great Trumpet
- Worship on the Holy Mountain
- Divine Victory Over Evil
- Vineyard Restoration
- Covenant Fruitfulness
- Atonement for Guilt
- Removal of Idolatry
- Judgment on Spiritual Ignorance
- Remnant Gathering
- Trumpet Summons
- Restored Worship
Theological Themes
The Lord punishes and slays the serpent-like monster of the sea.
The Lord watches, waters, and guards His fruitful vineyard day and night.
Briers and thorns must either make peace with the Lord or be burned.
Jacob takes root, Israel blossoms, and the world is filled with fruit.
The Lord’s discipline of Jacob is not the same as His destruction of Jacob’s enemies.
Jacob’s guilt is atoned for through the removal of sin and idolatry.
Altar stones are crushed, and Asherah poles and incense altars are removed.
The fortified city becomes abandoned and stripped.
A people without understanding receive no compassion or favor.
The Lord gathers the Israelites one by one.
A great trumpet summons the perishing and exiled.
The gathered exiles worship the Lord on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.
Covenant Significance
Isaiah 27 presents covenant restoration through judgment. The failed vineyard becomes fruitful because the Lord guards it. Jacob’s guilt is atoned for through the removal of idolatry. Exile becomes a disciplinary means rather than the final word. The scattered are gathered one by one to worship the Lord in Jerusalem.
Old Testament Connections
- The Lord defeats hostile cosmic power that threatens His creation and people.
- The Lord reverses vineyard failure into guarded fruitfulness.
- Opposition is invited to take hold of the Lord’s strength and make peace.
- Jacob takes root and fills the world with fruit, echoing covenant blessing.
- The Lord’s striking of Jacob differs from His judgment of Jacob’s enemies.
- Jacob’s guilt is atoned for, and sin’s removal bears fruit in destroyed idolatry.
- Altars, Asherah poles, and incense altars are removed from covenant life.
- The Lord gathers His scattered people one by one from Assyria and Egypt.
- The goal of gathering is worship on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.
Canonical Connections
Isaiah 27 declares that the Lord will defeat the serpent enemy, guard and restore His vineyard, atone for Jacob’s guilt by removing idolatry, judge spiritual ignorance, and gather His scattered people one by one to worship Him on the holy mountain.
Cross References
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of...
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.
Clarifies how the passage points to the gospel of Christ.
The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”
Assyrian exile supplies the historical backdrop for the imagery of banishment and scattering.
In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
It shall happen, when all these things have come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations where Yahweh your God has driven you, and return to Yahweh your God and...
The regathering of scattered Israelites after covenant judgment echoes the promise that the LORD will gather His people from the nations and renew them.
It shall happen, when all these things have come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations where Yahweh your God has driven you, and return to Yahweh your God and...
The crushing of idolatrous objects parallels the total destruction of altars and Asherah poles as evidence of real repentance.
He took the calf which they had made, and burned it with fire, ground it to powder, and scattered it on the water, and made the children of Israel drink it.
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your filthiness, and from all your idols. I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out...
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? I answer, and will take care of him. I am like a green cypress tree; from me your fruit is found.”
Shows Old Testament grounding that frames or supports this passage.
For I am with you, says Yahweh, to save you; for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not make a full end of you; but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.”
The trumpet motif resonates with holy proclamation and covenant assembly, now used to depict a great eschatological summons to worship.
Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land.
Gospel Clarity
Isaiah 27 announces the gospel-shaped hope of victory, peace, atonement, fruitfulness, and gathering. Humanity needs more than improvement. Serpent-like evil must be judged, guilt must be atoned for, idols must be removed, and scattered sinners must be gathered to worship.
Gospel Guardrails
- Do not treat Leviathan as merely decorative imagery.
- Do not separate vineyard fruitfulness from the Lord’s continual guarding and watering.
- Do not preach peace with God without repentance and surrender.
- Do not treat atonement as compatible with ongoing idolatry.
- Do not confuse God’s discipline of His people with His destroying judgment on enemies.
- Do not reduce gathering to geography only · the goal is worship.
- Do not miss the one-by-one pastoral tenderness of verse 12.
- Do not detach Isaiah 27 from Isaiah 5 · the vineyard reversal is crucial.
Gospel Cross References
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of...
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.
The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”
Primary Emphasis
Isaiah 27 contributes to Christ-centered biblical theology through the defeat of serpent-like evil, the guarded fruitful vineyard, the making of peace with God, atonement for guilt, removal of idolatry, the gathering of scattered people, and worship on the holy mountain. These themes are fulfilled in Christ, who defeats the serpent, becomes the true vine, makes peace by His blood, atones for sin, gathers the scattered children of God, and brings His people into worship.
Chapter Contribution
The Lord’s salvation is comprehensive: He conquers cosmic evil, protects and waters His people, transforms Jacob into a fruitful vineyard, purges guilt through the removal of idolatry, judges spiritual ignorance, and gathers exiles for worship.
Doctrines in This Chapter
Removal of sin and idolatry is central to covenant restoration.
God’s correction of His people is purposeful and restrained.
The Lord will gather scattered believers for unified worship.
God’s ultimate goal is restored worship on His holy mountain.
Doctrinal Weight
The Lord punishes Leviathan and slays the monster of the sea.
The Lord watches, waters, and guards His fruitful vineyard.
Opposition is invited to take hold of the Lord’s strength and make peace.
Jacob takes root, Israel blossoms, and the world is filled with fruit.
The Lord’s discipline of Jacob differs from His judgment of Jacob’s enemies.
Jacob’s guilt is atoned for.
The full fruit of sin’s removal is the crushing of idolatrous altar stones and removal of false worship objects.
A people without understanding receive no compassion or favor from Maker and Creator.
The Lord gathers Israelites one by one.
A great trumpet sounds, summoning the scattered and perishing.
Those perishing in Assyria and exiled in Egypt come to worship the Lord on the holy mountain.
Reading Lenses
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Key Hebrew Terms
Sense in that day
Definition A prophetic time marker pointing to the LORD’s decisive intervention.
References Isaiah 27:1, 27:2, 27:12, 27:13
Lexicon in that day
Why it matters The chapter is structured around the Lord’s decisive day of judgment and restoration.
Sense the covenant name of God
Definition The personal covenant name of the God of Israel.
References Isaiah 27:1, 27:3, 27:12-13
Lexicon the covenant name of God
Why it matters The Lord is the actor who judges, guards, gathers, and receives worship.
Form in passage Qal · Imperfect · 3rd Person · Masculine · Singular What is this?
Sense to visit, attend to, punish
Definition To visit, attend to, reckon with, or punish.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon to visit, attend to, punish
Why it matters The Lord personally reckons with Leviathan.
Sense sword
Definition Sword, blade, or instrument of judgment.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon sword
Why it matters The Lord’s sword is fierce, great, and powerful against Leviathan.
Sense hard, severe, fierce
Definition Hard, severe, strong, or fierce.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon hard, severe, fierce
Why it matters The Lord’s judgment weapon is severe enough for Leviathan.
Sense great, large, mighty
Definition Great, large, mighty, or important.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon great, large, mighty
Why it matters The Lord’s sword is great because the enemy is formidable.
Sense strong, powerful, firm
Definition Strong, powerful, firm, or mighty.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon strong, powerful, firm
Why it matters The Lord’s sword is strong enough to slay the sea monster.
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense Leviathan, serpent-like sea monster
Definition A great serpent-like sea creature or chaos monster under God’s power.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon Leviathan, serpent-like sea monster
Why it matters Leviathan represents terrifying hostile evil judged by the Lord.
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense fleeing serpent
Definition A serpent described as fleeing or swift.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon fleeing serpent
Why it matters The serpent imagery connects the enemy to cosmic rebellion and chaos.
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense twisting serpent
Definition A crooked, coiling, or twisting serpent.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon twisting serpent
Why it matters The enemy is evasive and crooked, yet cannot escape the Lord.
Sense dragon, sea monster, serpent
Definition A dragon, serpent, or sea monster.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon dragon, sea monster, serpent
Why it matters The Lord slays the monster of the sea, showing mastery over chaos.
Sense sea
Definition Sea or large body of water, often associated with chaos imagery.
References Isaiah 27:1
Lexicon sea
Why it matters The sea monster is not beyond the Lord’s dominion.
Form in passage Both · Singular · Construct What is this?
Sense vineyard
Definition A vineyard or cultivated vine-field.
References Isaiah 27:2
Lexicon vineyard
Why it matters The vineyard image recalls and reverses Isaiah 5.
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense pleasant, delightful, desirable
Definition Pleasant, delightful, precious, or desirable.
References Isaiah 27:2
Lexicon pleasant, delightful, desirable
Why it matters The vineyard is now desirable and fruitful under the Lord’s care.
Form in passage Piel · Sequential imperfect · 2nd Person · Masculine · Plural What is this?
Sense to answer, sing antiphonally
Definition To answer, respond, or sing.
References Isaiah 27:2
Lexicon to answer, sing antiphonally
Why it matters The restored vineyard becomes the subject of song.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense to keep, guard, watch
Definition To guard, keep, preserve, or watch over.
References Isaiah 27:3
Lexicon to keep, guard, watch
Why it matters The Lord personally watches over His vineyard.
Sense to water, give drink
Definition To water, give drink, or irrigate.
References Isaiah 27:3
Lexicon to water, give drink
Why it matters The Lord continually waters His vineyard, producing life and fruit.
Sense night and day
Definition Continually, day and night.
References Isaiah 27:3
Lexicon night and day
Why it matters The Lord’s guarding care is constant.
Form in passage Feminine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense wrath, fury, anger
Definition Wrath, fury, heat, or anger.
References Isaiah 27:4
Lexicon wrath, fury, anger
Why it matters The Lord says He is not angry with the restored vineyard.
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense briers and thorns
Definition Thorny, useless, harmful growth.
References Isaiah 27:4
Lexicon briers and thorns
Why it matters Briers and thorns represent opposition that must make peace or be burned.
Sense battle, war
Definition Battle, war, or conflict.
References Isaiah 27:4
Lexicon battle, war
Why it matters The Lord will march against briers and thorns in battle.
Sense to burn, set on fire
Definition To burn or set ablaze.
References Isaiah 27:4
Lexicon to burn, set on fire
Why it matters Opposition to the Lord is burned up.
Form in passage Hiphil · Imperfect · 3rd Person · Masculine · Singular What is this?
Sense to grasp, take hold, strengthen
Definition To grasp, seize, take hold, or strengthen.
References Isaiah 27:5
Lexicon to grasp, take hold, strengthen
Why it matters The alternative to being burned is to take hold of the Lord’s strength.
Sense stronghold, refuge, strength
Definition A stronghold, refuge, or place of strength.
References Isaiah 27:5
Lexicon stronghold, refuge, strength
Why it matters Peace comes by taking hold of the Lord’s strength.
Sense peace, wholeness, reconciliation
Definition Peace, wholeness, welfare, or reconciliation.
References Isaiah 27:5
Lexicon peace, wholeness, reconciliation
Why it matters The repeated phrase emphasizes the urgency and reality of peace with God.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense Jacob
Definition Jacob, patriarchal name used for Israel.
References Isaiah 27:6, 27:9
Lexicon Jacob
Why it matters Jacob’s future fruitfulness and guilt are central to the chapter.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Hiphil · Imperfect · 3rd Person · Masculine · Singular What is this?
Sense to take root
Definition To take root or become rooted.
References Isaiah 27:6
Lexicon to take root
Why it matters Rootedness precedes blossoming and fruitfulness.
Sense Israel
Definition Israel, covenant people descended from Jacob.
References Isaiah 27:6
Lexicon Israel
Why it matters Israel will bud, blossom, and fill the world with fruit.
Cross-language bridge 2 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Hiphil · Imperfect · 3rd Person · Masculine · Singular What is this?
Sense to bud, blossom, flourish
Definition To blossom, sprout, flourish, or bloom.
References Isaiah 27:6
Lexicon to bud, blossom, flourish
Why it matters Israel’s restored life is described as flourishing growth.
Form in passage Feminine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense produce, fruit, yield
Definition Produce, fruit, yield, or increase.
References Isaiah 27:6
Lexicon produce, fruit, yield
Why it matters Israel’s fruitfulness fills the world.
Sense to strike, smite
Definition To strike, smite, or wound.
References Isaiah 27:7
Lexicon to strike, smite
Why it matters The Lord’s striking of Jacob is contrasted with His striking of enemies.
Form in passage Pual · Perfect · 3rd Person · Masculine · Singular What is this?
Sense to kill, slay
Definition To kill or slay.
References Isaiah 27:7
Lexicon to kill, slay
Why it matters Jacob is not slain as Jacob’s enemies were slain.
Sense measure, measured dealing
Definition A difficult term likely conveying measured dealing or measure.
References Isaiah 27:8
Lexicon measure, measured dealing
Why it matters The Lord’s contention with Jacob is measured and purposeful.
Sense to contend / send away
Definition To contend legally or relationally; to send away or exile.
References Isaiah 27:8
Lexicon to contend / send away
Why it matters The Lord contends with Jacob through exile.
Sense east wind
Definition A hot, destructive wind from the east.
References Isaiah 27:8
Lexicon east wind
Why it matters Exile and judgment are pictured as a fierce east wind.
Sense iniquity, guilt, sin
Definition Iniquity, guilt, sin, or punishment for guilt.
References Isaiah 27:9
Lexicon iniquity, guilt, sin
Why it matters Jacob’s guilt is the issue that must be atoned for.
Form in passage Pual · Imperfect · 3rd Person · Masculine · Singular What is this?
Sense to atone, cover, purge
Definition To atone, cover, purge, or make expiation.
References Isaiah 27:9
Lexicon to atone, cover, purge
Why it matters The chapter explicitly speaks of Jacob’s guilt being atoned for.
Form in passage Hiphil · Infinitive construct What is this?
Sense to turn aside, remove, take away
Definition To remove, turn away, depart, or take away.
References Isaiah 27:9
Lexicon to turn aside, remove, take away
Why it matters The fruit of atonement is the removal of sin.
Sense altar stones
Definition Stones composing an altar.
References Isaiah 27:9
Lexicon altar stones
Why it matters Idolatrous worship structures must be crushed.
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense chalk stones, limestone
Definition Chalk or lime stones that can be crushed.
References Isaiah 27:9
Lexicon chalk stones, limestone
Why it matters The altar stones are crushed like chalk, signaling total removal.
Sense Asherah poles, cultic wooden symbols
Definition Cultic objects associated with false worship.
References Isaiah 27:9
Lexicon Asherah poles, cultic wooden symbols
Why it matters Atonement’s fruit includes removing false worship.
Sense incense altars, sun pillars
Definition Cultic objects associated with idolatrous worship.
References Isaiah 27:9
Lexicon incense altars, sun pillars
Why it matters False worship sites must not remain.
Sense fortified city
Definition A fortified or defended city.
References Isaiah 27:10
Lexicon fortified city
Why it matters The fortified city becomes desolate under judgment.
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense alone, desolate, solitary
Definition Alone, isolated, desolate, or solitary.
References Isaiah 27:10
Lexicon alone, desolate, solitary
Why it matters The city’s abandonment shows the futility of fortified pride.
Sense wilderness, desert
Definition Wilderness, desert, or uninhabited land.
References Isaiah 27:10
Lexicon wilderness, desert
Why it matters The abandoned city becomes like wilderness.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense calf
Definition A calf or young bull.
References Isaiah 27:10
Lexicon calf
Why it matters Calves graze in the abandoned city, showing desolation.
Sense branches, boughs
Definition Branches or boughs.
References Isaiah 27:10-11
Lexicon branches, boughs
Why it matters The city’s vegetation is stripped and burned, intensifying ruin.
Form in passage Feminine · Plural · Absolute What is this?
Sense understanding, discernment
Definition Understanding, discernment, insight.
References Isaiah 27:11
Lexicon understanding, discernment
Why it matters The people are judged as a people without understanding.
Sense maker, one who made
Definition The one who made or fashioned.
References Isaiah 27:11
Lexicon maker, one who made
Why it matters The Maker may show no compassion to a people without understanding.
Sense former, creator, fashioner
Definition The one who forms, fashions, or creates.
References Isaiah 27:11
Lexicon former, creator, fashioner
Why it matters Being created by God does not exempt a people from judgment.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense to have compassion, mercy
Definition To have compassion, mercy, or tender concern.
References Isaiah 27:11
Lexicon to have compassion, mercy
Why it matters The Maker withholds compassion from a people without understanding.
Sense to show favor, be gracious
Definition To show favor, grace, or mercy.
References Isaiah 27:11
Lexicon to show favor, be gracious
Why it matters The Creator shows no favor to the people without understanding.
Form in passage Qal · Imperfect · 3rd Person · Masculine · Singular What is this?
Sense to beat out, thresh
Definition To beat out grain or fruit, thresh, or gather by beating.
References Isaiah 27:12
Lexicon to beat out, thresh
Why it matters The Lord threshes out His people for gathering.
Sense river, the River
Definition River, often the Euphrates when used as 'the River.'
References Isaiah 27:12
Lexicon river, the River
Why it matters The gathering stretches from the Euphrates boundary.
Individual words נַחַל אַרְנֹן nachal Arnon · אַל־נָא תִקְבְּרֵנִי בְּמִצְרָיִם al-na tikbereni be-Mitsrayim
Sense Wadi/Brook of Egypt
Definition A southern boundary marker associated with Egypt.
References Isaiah 27:12
Lexicon Wadi/Brook of Egypt
Why it matters The Lord’s gathering spans the land’s boundary imagery.
Form in passage Pual · Imperfect · 2nd Person · Masculine · Plural What is this?
Sense to gather, pick up, collect
Definition To gather, collect, or pick up.
References Isaiah 27:12
Lexicon to gather, pick up, collect
Why it matters The Israelites are gathered one by one.
Sense one by one
Definition Individually, one by one.
References Isaiah 27:12
Lexicon one by one
Why it matters The Lord’s gathering is personal and deliberate.
Sense sons of Israel, Israelites
Definition The covenant people descended from Israel/Jacob.
References Isaiah 27:12
Lexicon sons of Israel, Israelites
Why it matters The gathered people are the scattered covenant people.
Individual words שׁוֹפָר גָּדוֹל šôphār gādôl · שִׂמְּחָם הָאֱלֹהִים שִׂמְחָה גְדוֹלָה simmecham ha-Elohim simchah gedolah
Sense great trumpet, ram’s horn
Definition A great trumpet or shofar used for summons.
References Isaiah 27:13
Lexicon great trumpet, ram’s horn
Why it matters The great trumpet summons scattered exiles to return and worship.
Sense perishing, lost, destroyed
Definition Lost, perishing, wandering, or destroyed.
References Isaiah 27:13
Lexicon perishing, lost, destroyed
Why it matters The Lord summons those who were perishing in Assyria.
Sense Assyria
Definition Assyria, major imperial power northeast of Israel/Judah.
References Isaiah 27:13
Lexicon Assyria
Why it matters The perishing in Assyria are gathered to worship.
Sense banished, driven away, exiled
Definition Driven away, banished, scattered, or exiled.
References Isaiah 27:13
Lexicon banished, driven away, exiled
Why it matters The banished in Egypt are gathered back.
Sense Egypt
Definition Egypt, southern imperial power and place of exile/scattering.
References Isaiah 27:13
Lexicon Egypt
Why it matters Those exiled in Egypt return to worship.
Sense to bow down, worship
Definition To bow down, prostrate oneself, or worship.
References Isaiah 27:13
Lexicon to bow down, worship
Why it matters The final goal of gathering is worship of the Lord.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense holy mountain
Definition The sacred mountain associated with the LORD’s presence.
References Isaiah 27:13
Lexicon holy mountain
Why it matters Restoration culminates in worship on the Lord’s holy mountain.
Sense Jerusalem
Definition Jerusalem, the city of Zion and temple worship.
References Isaiah 27:13
Lexicon Jerusalem
Why it matters The scattered return to worship the Lord in Jerusalem.
Cross-language bridge 2 links · View in lexicon
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Commentary (Keil & Delitzsch)
C.F. Keil & F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament (1861–91) — public domain
Formation Focus
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Warnings and Misreadings
- Isaiah 27 warns that the Lord will punish serpent-like evil, burn briers and thorns that refuse peace, purge idolatry, desolate fortified cities, and withhold compassion from a people without understanding.
- Leviathan, however ancient or terrifying, will be punished by the Lord.
- Briers and thorns that oppose the Lord will be burned.
- Peace with God is necessary · opposition cannot survive.
- The removal of sin requires the destruction of idols.
- Fortified cities can become abandoned wilderness.
- A people without understanding may receive no compassion from their Maker.
- Created status does not cancel judgment when understanding and repentance are absent.
- Leviathan is only poetic decoration. - Leviathan is central to the chapter’s opening judgment. The Lord’s salvation includes triumph over serpent-like hostile evil.
- The vineyard is just the same failed vineyard as Isaiah 5 with no change. - Isaiah 27 reverses Isaiah 5. Here the Lord guards, waters, and protects the vineyard, and Israel fills the world with fruit.
- The phrase 'I am not angry' means sin no longer matters. - The chapter immediately addresses briers and thorns, peace with God, Jacob’s guilt, and idolatry’s removal. Restoration does not trivialize sin.
- Atonement in verse 9 is merely external restoration. - The text links atonement with the removal of sin and destruction of idolatrous worship objects.
- Exile is purely punitive with no restorative purpose. - Verses 7-9 show measured discipline that aims at atonement and purification.
- The fortified city is safe because it is fortified. - The city becomes desolate because spiritual ignorance and judgment undo human defenses.
- The gathering is only political return. - The gathering climaxes in worship of the Lord on the holy mountain.
- The Israelites are gathered generically or impersonally. - Verse 12 says they are gathered one by one, emphasizing the Lord’s personal and deliberate restoration.
Discipleship Questions
- What Leviathan-like power feels too threatening for me to believe the Lord can defeat?
- Do I believe the Lord waters and guards His vineyard continually, or do I live as though I must preserve myself alone?
- Am I making peace with the Lord, or am I standing before Him like briers and thorns?
- Where do I need to take root before I expect to blossom and bear fruit?
- Do I understand the difference between God’s purifying discipline and destroying wrath?
- What altar stones, Asherah poles, or incense altars must be crushed in my life?
- Am I seeking understanding from my Maker, or living as one without understanding?
- Do I believe the Lord gathers His people one by one, even when they are scattered and perishing?
- Is worship the goal of my restoration, or merely relief from exile?
Pastoral Applications
- Preach Isaiah 27 as the closing resolution of Isaiah 24–27: cosmic evil judged, vineyard restored, guilt atoned, idols removed, exiles gathered, worship restored.
- Leviathan reminds the church that evil is larger than human politics, yet never beyond the Lord’s sword.
- Use the vineyard imagery to teach dependence. The Lord’s people bear fruit because He waters and guards them continually.
- Isaiah 27:5 provides a gospel-shaped appeal: take hold of God’s strength and make peace with Him.
- Verses 7-9 help distinguish discipline from abandonment. God may contend with His people in order to purge sin, not destroy them.
- Do not let people speak of healing while keeping their altars. The fruit of atonement includes the removal of idols.
- A people without understanding become spiritually desolate. Churches must cultivate biblical understanding, not merely activity.
- The Lord gathers one by one. This is pastoral gold for scattered, discouraged, or isolated believers.
- The end of restoration is worship on the holy mountain. Rescue is not complete until people return to the Lord in worship.
Pastoral Trajectories
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
Isaiah 27 forms people who do not fear Leviathan, who rest in the Lord’s vineyard care, who make peace with God, who bear fruit, who receive discipline, who destroy idols, who seek understanding, and who live for gathered worship.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
The chapter moves from the Lord punishing Leviathan with His fierce sword, to the Lord singing of a fruitful vineyard He guards and waters, to the call for briers and thorns either to make peace or be burned, to the future fruitfulness of Jacob filling the world, to the measured nature of the Lord’s discipline, to the atonement of Jacob’s guilt through the crushing of idolatry, to the deserted fortified city, to the people without understanding receiving no compassion, and finally to the Lord threshing out His people and gathering them one by one with a great trumpet to worship in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 27 presents covenant restoration through judgment. The failed vineyard becomes fruitful because the Lord guards it. Jacob’s guilt is atoned for through the removal of idolatry. Exile becomes a disciplinary means rather than the final word. The scattered are gathered one by one to worship the Lord in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 27 announces the gospel-shaped hope of victory, peace, atonement, fruitfulness, and gathering. Humanity needs more than improvement. Serpent-like evil must be judged, guilt must be atoned for, idols must be removed, and scattered sinners must be gathered to worship.
Focus Points
- Victory Over Leviathan
- The Lord’s Guarded Vineyard
- Peace with God
- Israel’s Fruitfulness
- Measured Discipline
- Atonement of Jacob’s Guilt
- Idolatry Removed
- Desolation of the Fortified City
- Lack of Understanding
- One-by-One Gathering
- Great Trumpet
- Worship on the Holy Mountain
- Divine Victory Over Evil
- Vineyard Restoration
- Covenant Fruitfulness
- Atonement for Guilt
- Removal of Idolatry
- Judgment on Spiritual Ignorance
- Remnant Gathering
- Trumpet Summons
- Restored Worship
Passages
Chapter opening: Isaiah 27:7-13
Isa 27:12-13
Isa 27:12-13
These chapters carry us to the earliest years of Hezekiah’s reign, probably to the second and third; as Samaria has not yet been destroyed. They run parallel to the book of Micah, which also takes its start from the destruction of Samaria, and are as faithful a mirror of the condition of the people under Hezekiah, as chapters 7-12 were of their condition under Ahaz.
The time of Ahaz was characterized by a spiritless submission to the Assyrian yoke; that of Hezekiah by a casual striving after liberty. The people tried to throw off the yoke of Assyria; not with confidence in Jehovah, however, but in reliance upon the help of Egypt. This Egypticizing policy is traced step by step by Isaiah, in chapters 28-32. The gradual rise of these addresses may be seen from the fact, that they follow the gradual growth of the alliance with Egypt through all its stages, until it is fully concluded.
By the side of this casual ground of trust, which Jehovah will sweep away, the prophet exhibits the precious corner-stone in Zion as the true, firm ground of confidence. We might therefore call these chapters (Isaiah 28-33) “the book of the precious corner-stone,” just as we called chapters 7-12 “the book of Immanuel. ” But the prophecy in Isa 28:16 does not determine and mould the whole of this section, in the same manner in which the other section is moulded and governed by the prophecy of the Son of the Virgin.
We therefore prefer to call this cycle of prophecy “the book of woes;” for censure and threatening are uttered here in repeated utterances of “ woe ,” not against Israel only, but more especially against Judah and Jerusalem, until at last, in chapter 33, the “ hoi concerning Jerusalem” is changed into a “ hoi concerning Asshur. ” All the independent and self-contained addresses in this cycle of prophecy commence with hoi (“ woe: ” chapters 28, 29, 30, 31-32, 33).
The section which does not begin with hoi (viz. , Isa 32:9-20) is the last and dependent part of the long address commencing with Isa 31:1. On the other hand, Isa 29:15-24 also commences with hoi , though it does not form a distinct address in itself, since chapter 29 forms a complete whole. The subdivisions of the sections, therefore, have not a uniform commencement throughout; but the separate and independent addresses all commence with hoi .
The climax of these prophecies of woe is chapter 30. Up to this point the exclamation of woe gradually ascends, but in chapters 31-32 it begins to fall; and in chapter 33 (which contains an epilogue that was only added in the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign) it has changed into the very opposite. The prophet begins with hoi , but it is a woe concerning the devastator.
This utmost woe, however, was not fulfilled at the point of time when the fulfilment of “the utmost” predicted in chapters 28-32 was apparently close at hand; but Jerusalem, though threatened with destruction, was miraculously saved. Yet the prophet had not merely to look on, as Jonah had. He himself predicted this change in the purpose of God, inasmuch as the direction of the “woe” in his mouth is altered, like that of the wrath of God, which turns from Jerusalem to Asshur, and destroys it.
Isa 28:1 Isaiah, like Micah, commences with the fall of the proud and intoxicated Samaria. “Woe to the proud crown of the drunken of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of its splendid ornament, which is upon the head of the luxuriant valley of those slain with wine. ” The allusion is to Samaria, which is called (1.) “the pride-crown of the drunken of Ephraim,” i.
e. , the crown of which the intoxicated and blinded Ephraimites were proud (Isa 29:9; Isa 19:14), and (2.) “the fading flower” (on the expression itself, compare Isa 1:30; Isa 40:7-8) “of the ornament of his splendour,” i. e. , the flower now fading, which had once been the ornament with which they made a show. This flower stood “upon the head of the valley of fatnesses of those slain with wine” (cf.
, Isa 16:8), i. e. , of the valley so exuberant with fruitfulness, belonging to the Ephraimites, who were thoroughly enslaved by wine. Samaria stood upon a beautiful swelling hill, which commanded the whole country round in a most regal way (Amo 4:1; Amo 6:1), in the centre of a large basin, of about two hours’ journey in diameter, shut in by a gigantic circle of still loftier mountains (Amo 3:9).
The situation was commanding; the hill terraced up to the very top; and the surrounding country splendid and fruitful (Ritter, Erdkunde , xvi. 660, 661). The expression used by the prophet is intentionally bombastic. He heaps genitives upon genitives, as in Isa 10:12; Isa 21:17. The words are linked together in pairs. Shemânı̄m (fatnesses) has the absolute form, although it is annexed to the following word, the logical relation overruling the syntactical usage (compare Isa 32:13; 1Ch 9:13).
The sesquipedalia verba are intended to produce the impression of excessive worldly luxuriance and pleasure, upon which the woe is pronounced. The epithet nōbhēl (fading: possibly a genitive, as in Isa 28:4), which is introduced here into the midst of this picture of splendour, indicates that all this splendour is not only destined to fade, but is beginning to fade already.
Isa 28:2-4 In the next three vv. the hoi is expanded. “Behold, the Lord holds a strong and mighty thing like a hailstorm, a pestilent tempest; like a storm of mighty overflowing waters, He casts down to the earth with almighty hand. With feet they tread down the proud crown of the drunken of Ephraim. And it happens to the fading flower of its splendid ornament, which is upon the head of the luxuriant valley, as to an early fig before it is harvest, which whoever sees it looks at, and it is no sooner in his hand than he swallows it.
” “A strong and mighty thing:” ואמּי חזק we have rendered in the neuter (with the lxx and Targum) rather than in the masculine, as Luther does, although the strong and mighty thing which the Lord holds in readiness is no doubt the Assyrian. He is simply the medium of punishment in the hand of the Lord, which is called yâd absolutely, because it is absolute in power - as it were, the hand of all hands.
This hand hurls Samaria to the ground (on the expression itself, compare Isa 25:12; Isa 26:5), so that they tread the proud crown to pieces with their feet ( tērâmasnâh , the more pathetic plural form, instead of the singular tērâmēs ; Ges. 47, Anm. 3, and Caspari on Oba 1:13). The noun sa‛ar , which is used elsewhere in the sense of shuddering, signifies here, like סערה, an awful tempest; and when connected with קטב, a tempest accompanied with a pestilential blast, spreading miasma.
Such destructive power is held by the absolute hand. It is soon all over then with the splendid flower that has already begun to fade נבל ציצת, like הקּטן כּלי in Isa 22:24). It happens to it as to a bikkūrâh (according to the Masora, written with mappik here, as distinguished from Hos 9:10, equivalent to kebhikkūrâthâh ; see Job 11:9, “like an early fig of this valley;” according to others, it is simply euphonic).
The gathering of figs takes place about August. Now, if any one sees a fig as early as June, he fixes his eyes upon it, and hardly touches it with his hand before he swallows it, and that without waiting to masticate it long. Like such a dainty bit will the luxuriant Samaria vanish. The fact that Shalmanassar, or his successor Sargon, did not conquer Samaria till after the lapse of three years (2Ki 18:10), does not detract from the truth of the prophecy; it is enough that both the thirst of the conqueror and the utter destruction of Samaria answered to it.
Isa 28:2-4 In the next three vv. the hoi is expanded. “Behold, the Lord holds a strong and mighty thing like a hailstorm, a pestilent tempest; like a storm of mighty overflowing waters, He casts down to the earth with almighty hand. With feet they tread down the proud crown of the drunken of Ephraim. And it happens to the fading flower of its splendid ornament, which is upon the head of the luxuriant valley, as to an early fig before it is harvest, which whoever sees it looks at, and it is no sooner in his hand than he swallows it.
” “A strong and mighty thing:” ואמּי חזק we have rendered in the neuter (with the lxx and Targum) rather than in the masculine, as Luther does, although the strong and mighty thing which the Lord holds in readiness is no doubt the Assyrian. He is simply the medium of punishment in the hand of the Lord, which is called yâd absolutely, because it is absolute in power - as it were, the hand of all hands.
This hand hurls Samaria to the ground (on the expression itself, compare Isa 25:12; Isa 26:5), so that they tread the proud crown to pieces with their feet ( tērâmasnâh , the more pathetic plural form, instead of the singular tērâmēs ; Ges. 47, Anm. 3, and Caspari on Oba 1:13). The noun sa‛ar , which is used elsewhere in the sense of shuddering, signifies here, like סערה, an awful tempest; and when connected with קטב, a tempest accompanied with a pestilential blast, spreading miasma.
Such destructive power is held by the absolute hand. It is soon all over then with the splendid flower that has already begun to fade נבל ציצת, like הקּטן כּלי in Isa 22:24). It happens to it as to a bikkūrâh (according to the Masora, written with mappik here, as distinguished from Hos 9:10, equivalent to kebhikkūrâthâh ; see Job 11:9, “like an early fig of this valley;” according to others, it is simply euphonic).
The gathering of figs takes place about August. Now, if any one sees a fig as early as June, he fixes his eyes upon it, and hardly touches it with his hand before he swallows it, and that without waiting to masticate it long. Like such a dainty bit will the luxuriant Samaria vanish. The fact that Shalmanassar, or his successor Sargon, did not conquer Samaria till after the lapse of three years (2Ki 18:10), does not detract from the truth of the prophecy; it is enough that both the thirst of the conqueror and the utter destruction of Samaria answered to it.
Isa 28:2-4 In the next three vv. the hoi is expanded. “Behold, the Lord holds a strong and mighty thing like a hailstorm, a pestilent tempest; like a storm of mighty overflowing waters, He casts down to the earth with almighty hand. With feet they tread down the proud crown of the drunken of Ephraim. And it happens to the fading flower of its splendid ornament, which is upon the head of the luxuriant valley, as to an early fig before it is harvest, which whoever sees it looks at, and it is no sooner in his hand than he swallows it.
” “A strong and mighty thing:” ואמּי חזק we have rendered in the neuter (with the lxx and Targum) rather than in the masculine, as Luther does, although the strong and mighty thing which the Lord holds in readiness is no doubt the Assyrian. He is simply the medium of punishment in the hand of the Lord, which is called yâd absolutely, because it is absolute in power - as it were, the hand of all hands.
This hand hurls Samaria to the ground (on the expression itself, compare Isa 25:12; Isa 26:5), so that they tread the proud crown to pieces with their feet ( tērâmasnâh , the more pathetic plural form, instead of the singular tērâmēs ; Ges. 47, Anm. 3, and Caspari on Oba 1:13). The noun sa‛ar , which is used elsewhere in the sense of shuddering, signifies here, like סערה, an awful tempest; and when connected with קטב, a tempest accompanied with a pestilential blast, spreading miasma.
Such destructive power is held by the absolute hand. It is soon all over then with the splendid flower that has already begun to fade נבל ציצת, like הקּטן כּלי in Isa 22:24). It happens to it as to a bikkūrâh (according to the Masora, written with mappik here, as distinguished from Hos 9:10, equivalent to kebhikkūrâthâh ; see Job 11:9, “like an early fig of this valley;” according to others, it is simply euphonic).
The gathering of figs takes place about August. Now, if any one sees a fig as early as June, he fixes his eyes upon it, and hardly touches it with his hand before he swallows it, and that without waiting to masticate it long. Like such a dainty bit will the luxuriant Samaria vanish. The fact that Shalmanassar, or his successor Sargon, did not conquer Samaria till after the lapse of three years (2Ki 18:10), does not detract from the truth of the prophecy; it is enough that both the thirst of the conqueror and the utter destruction of Samaria answered to it.