◄ Isaiah 27 ►
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The LORD’s Vineyard (John 15:1–8) 1In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpenta—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. 2In that day: “Sing about a fruitful vineyard. 3I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so no one can disturb it; 4I am not angry. If only thorns and briers confronted Me, I would march and trample them, I would burn them to the ground. 5Or let them lay claim to My protection; let them make peace with Me— yes, let them make peace with Me.” 6In the days to come, Jacob will take root. Israel will bud and blossom and fill the whole world with fruit. 7Has the LORD struck Israel as He struck her oppressors? Was she killed like those who slayed her? 8By warfare and exileb You contended with her and removed her with a fierce wind, as on the day the east wind blows. 9Therefore Jacob’s guilt will be atoned for, and the full fruit of the removal of his sin will be this:c When he makes all the altar stones like crushed bits of chalk, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing. 10For the fortified city lies deserted— a homestead abandoned, a wilderness forsaken. There the calves graze, and there they lie down; they strip its branches bare. 11When its limbs are dry, they are broken off. Women come and use them for kindling; for this is a people without understanding. Therefore their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor. 12In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphratesd to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered one by one. 13And in that day a great ram’s horn will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria will come forth with those who were exiles in Egypt. And they will worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem. Footnotes: 1 a Hebrew nachash; translated in most cases as snake; twice in this verse 8 b Or By driving her away into exile or Measure by measure, by exile 9 c LXX Therefore the guilt of Jacob will be taken away, and this is his blessing when I take away his sin; cited in Romans 11:27 12 d Hebrew River Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Isaiah 27 Summary The LORD's Vineyard Verse 1 – The LORD Slays Leviathan God brandishes His “great, strong, and severe sword,” striking down Leviathan—the fleeing and twisting serpent, the dragon of the sea—signaling the end of proud, chaotic powers that oppose Him. Verses 2–6 – The Vineyard Sings Again The LORD personally tends a fruitful vineyard (Israel). He waters, guards, and protects it without anger, inviting any who oppose Him to make peace. Soon Jacob will root, bud, and blossom, filling the earth with fruit. Verses 7–11 – Discipline with Purpose Israel’s punishment is measured; her enemies received harsher blows. Warfare, exile, and a scorching east wind purge idolatry until altars crumble like chalk. Yet the senseless city that rejects understanding will be left desolate, its branches broken for firewood. Verses 12–13 – The Great Gathering From the Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, the LORD will thresh and gather every Israelite “one by one.” At the blast of a great trumpet, exiles from Assyria and Egypt will worship the LORD on His holy mountain in Jerusalem. Isaiah 27 is a prophetic chapter that speaks about God's ultimate plan of redemption for Israel. It paints a vivid picture of God's divine judgment on evil, His protection of His chosen people, and His promise of Israel's restoration. It showcases God's power over all creatures, including Leviathan, and His tenderness towards His vineyard, Israel. The chapter concludes with the promise of a second exodus, echoing the liberation from Egypt, but this time from all corners of the Earth. Historical Setting Isaiah prophesied in the eighth century BC during Assyrian expansion. Chapter 27 caps a section (chs. 24–27) sometimes called Isaiah’s “Little Apocalypse,” painting global judgment and ultimate restoration. Assyria had already taken the northern kingdom (722 BC), and Judah faced the same threat (701 BC). These verses reassure the faithful that foreign oppression will not be the last word. Leviathan and Ancient Near-Eastern Imagery • Ugaritic texts depict a sea monster, Lôtan, defeated by the storm-god Baal. Isaiah reclaims this imagery, declaring that the Lord—not mythic heroes—crushes the chaos monster. • Archaeological finds at Ras Shamra (Ugarit) confirm the cultural backdrop Isaiah’s audience knew. This polemic underscores God’s supremacy over every rival spiritual force and political empire (cf. Psalm 74:13-14; Job 41; Revelation 12:9). Israel, the LORD’s Vineyard • Isaiah previously pictured Israel as an unfruitful vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). Here the scene is reversed: God personally guards and irrigates His people. • Contrast: Before, the vineyard yielded “wild grapes” and faced judgment; now, following purging, it will flourish and bless the whole world (cf. Romans 11:12). • The invitation “let them make peace with Me” showcases God’s mercy even toward those once counted as thorns and briers. Measured Discipline, Not Ultimate Destruction • Verse 7 poses two rhetorical questions: Has God struck Israel as severely as He struck her attackers? No. Discipline is proportionate and redemptive. • Verse 9 teaches that the goal is atonement and removal of sin. The smashing of altars pictures sincere repentance (cf. 2 Kings 23:12-15 under Josiah). • Hebrews 12:6 echoes the same principle: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” From Desolation to Restoration • The deserted city (v. 10) resembles the ruins archaeologists find at Samaria and Lachish—silent witnesses of siege and exile. • Yet verse 12 promises a “threshing” that separates grain from chaff. Even distant dispersion cannot drown out God’s census: He gathers “one by one.” The Great Trumpet and Prophetic Echoes • The trumpet (shofar) recalls Exodus 19:16 and announces Jubilee freedom (Leviticus 25:9-10). • Jesus evokes the same image: “He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect” (Matthew 24:31). • Paul echoes it in 1 Corinthians 15:52 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16, tying bodily resurrection and final gathering to this motif. Archaeological Notes • Assyrian annals of Sennacherib describe deporting captives “like birds in cages,” paralleling Isaiah’s context of exile. • Bullae (seal impressions) bearing names of Judean officials discovered in the City of David confirm administrative life continuing after Assyrian siege, hinting at God’s protective hand over a remnant. • Egyptian records from Taharqa (whom Isaiah mentions in ch. 37) show cross-regional movement, lending realism to exiles returning from Egypt. Links to the New Testament • Vineyard imagery surfaces in John 15:1-5 where Jesus, the true vine, ensures fruitfulness for all who remain in Him. • Revelation 21:4 completes Isaiah’s hope: chaos gone, God’s people secure, and the nations healed by the tree of life—fruit filling the world. • Romans 11:26-27 cites Isaiah to affirm that Israel’s hardening is temporary, culminating in salvation. Practical Takeaways • God fights cosmic and earthly foes; believers need not fear unseen chaos (Ephesians 6:12-13). • Divine discipline is corrective, not merely punitive; welcome His pruning (John 15:2). • Every person matters in God’s census—He gathers “one by one.” • Peace with God is always available; accept the invitation before the trumpet sounds. Connections to Additional Scriptures Revelation 20:1-3 This passage describes the ultimate defeat of Satan, paralleling the imagery of Leviathan's defeat in Isaiah 27. John 15:1-5 Jesus speaks of Himself as the true vine, and His followers as branches, echoing the vineyard imagery in Isaiah 27. Hebrews 12:5-11 This passage discusses God's discipline as a sign of His love, similar to the themes in Isaiah 27. Teaching Points God's Victory Over Evil Isaiah 27:1 declares, In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan, the fleeing serpent—Leviathan, the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. This verse symbolizes God's ultimate triumph over chaos and evil, represented by Leviathan. God's Care for His Vineyard Verses 2-3 describe God's people as a fruitful vineyard: In that day: 'Sing about a fruitful vineyard. I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so no one can disturb it.' This imagery highlights God's protective and nurturing role over His people. Judgment and Redemption Verses 7-9 discuss God's discipline and the purpose behind it: Has the LORD struck Israel as He struck her oppressors? Has she been killed like those who slayed her? By warfare and exile You contended with her, and removed her with a fierce wind, as on the day the east wind blows. God's discipline is meant to purify and restore His people. The Gathering of God's People Verses 12-13 speak of a future gathering: In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered one by one. And in that day a great trumpet will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiles in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem. This points to God's promise to gather His people from all corners of the earth. Practical Applications Trust in God's Sovereignty Just as God has power over Leviathan, we can trust Him to overcome the chaos and evil in our lives. Embrace God's Discipline Recognize that God's discipline is an act of love intended to refine and restore us. Be Part of God's Vineyard As part of God's vineyard, we are called to bear fruit and remain under His care and protection. Look Forward to God's Gathering Anticipate the day when God will gather His people, and live in a way that reflects this hope. People 1. Leviathan Described as a "fleeing serpent" and a "twisting serpent," Leviathan is a symbolic representation of chaos and evil. In Isaiah 27:1, it is said that the LORD will punish Leviathan with His "fierce, great, and mighty sword." The Hebrew term "לִוְיָתָן" (Leviathan) is often associated with a sea monster or dragon, symbolizing forces opposed to God. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The central divine figure in the chapter, the LORD is depicted as the one who will defeat Leviathan and care for His vineyard, Israel. The Hebrew name "יהוה" (YHWH) is used to denote the covenantal God of Israel, emphasizing His sovereignty and protective role. 3. Israel Referred to metaphorically as a vineyard, Israel is the nation that the LORD tends to and protects. In Isaiah 27:2-6, the LORD promises to watch over it and make it flourish. The Hebrew term "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el) signifies the people chosen by God, highlighting their special relationship with Him. Places 1. Leviathan While not a physical place, Leviathan is mentioned in Isaiah 27:1 as a "twisting serpent" and "dragon of the sea." In a conservative Christian perspective, Leviathan is often interpreted as a symbol of chaos or evil that God will ultimately defeat. The Hebrew word "לִוְיָתָן" (Livyatan) is used here, which is often associated with a mythological sea creature. 2. Vineyard In Isaiah 27:2-3, the vineyard is a metaphorical place representing Israel. The vineyard is described as a place that the Lord watches over and cares for, symbolizing His protection and nurturing of His people. The Hebrew word "כֶּרֶם" (kerem) is used for vineyard. 3. Jacob While Jacob is a person, in Isaiah 27:6, it is used to represent the nation of Israel. The verse speaks of Jacob taking root and Israel blossoming and filling the world with fruit, indicating a place of growth and blessing. Events 1. The Defeat of Leviathan Isaiah 27:1 describes the LORD's punishment of Leviathan, the fleeing serpent, and the dragon of the sea. This event symbolizes God's victory over chaos and evil. The Hebrew word "Leviathan" (לִוְיָתָן) is often associated with a mythological sea creature representing chaos. 2. The Protection and Care of God's Vineyard In verses 2-3, God speaks of a vineyard that He watches over and waters continually. This vineyard represents Israel, and the imagery emphasizes God's protective and nurturing role. The Hebrew term for vineyard, "kerem" (כֶּרֶם), is often used metaphorically for Israel. 3. God's Wrath and Mercy Verses 4-5 discuss God's lack of wrath against the vineyard and His invitation for those who oppose Him to make peace. This reflects the balance between God's justice and mercy, highlighting His desire for reconciliation. 4. The Future Prosperity of Jacob Verse 6 prophesies that in the days to come, Jacob will take root, Israel will blossom and sprout, and fill the whole world with fruit. This event signifies the future flourishing and global influence of Israel. 5. The Punishment and Atonement of Israel Verses 7-9 describe God's measured punishment of Israel and the eventual atonement for their sin. The Hebrew word for atonement, "kaphar" (כָּפַר), implies covering or reconciliation, indicating a future restoration. 6. The Desolation of Fortified Cities In verses 10-11, the fortified city is left desolate, a habitation forsaken and abandoned. This event symbolizes the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting desolation. 7. The Gathering of the Exiles Verses 12-13 conclude with the promise of gathering the exiles of Israel from the Euphrates to the Brook of Egypt. The great trumpet will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria and Egypt will come to worship the LORD in Jerusalem. This event signifies the ultimate regathering and restoration of God's people. Lessons from Isaiah 27 1. The Lord's Victory Over Evil Isaiah 27 opens with a powerful image of the Lord defeating Leviathan, the serpent. This symbolizes God's ultimate victory over evil. "In that day the LORD will punish with His sword—His fierce, great, and mighty sword—Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; He will slay the dragon of the sea" (Isaiah 27:1). This reminds us that no matter how daunting the challenges we face, God is in control and will triumph over all forms of wickedness. 2. God's Care for His Vineyard The chapter beautifully portrays God's people as His cherished vineyard. "In that day: 'Sing about a fruitful vineyard. I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so that no one may harm it'" (Isaiah 27:2-3). This imagery reassures us of God's constant care and protection, encouraging us to trust in His provision and guidance in our lives. 3. The Call to Peace God desires peace with His people, offering reconciliation and restoration. "Or let them lay claim to My protection; let them make peace with Me—yes, let them make peace with Me" (Isaiah 27:5). This is a call to seek peace with God through repentance and faith, reminding us of the peace that surpasses all understanding through Christ. 4. The Power of God's Discipline Isaiah 27 highlights the purpose of God's discipline, which is to purify and refine His people. "By this, then, will Jacob’s guilt be atoned for, and this will be the full fruit of the removal of his sin" (Isaiah 27:9). God's discipline is not punitive but redemptive, aimed at drawing us closer to Him and molding us into His likeness. 5. The Futility of Idolatry The chapter warns against the futility of idolatry, emphasizing that idols will be destroyed. "When He makes all the altar stones like crushed bits of chalk, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing" (Isaiah 27:9). This serves as a reminder to keep our focus on God, the only true source of hope and salvation. 6. The Gathering of God's People Isaiah 27 speaks of a time when God will gather His people from all corners of the earth. "In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered one by one" (Isaiah 27:12). This foreshadows the ultimate gathering of believers in Christ, uniting us as one body in Him. 7. The Sound of the Trumpet The chapter concludes with the sound of a great trumpet, signaling the gathering of the exiles. "And in that day a great trumpet will sound. Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem" (Isaiah 27:13). This points to the hope of resurrection and the final gathering of God's people, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective. 8. The Assurance of God's Promises Throughout Isaiah 27, we see the assurance of God's promises. His word is steadfast and true, providing a firm foundation for our faith. As we read, we are reminded that God's promises are reliable, and we can trust Him to fulfill them in His perfect timing. 9. The Joy of Redemption The chapter is filled with the joy of redemption, as God restores and renews His people. This joy is a foretaste of the ultimate redemption we have in Christ, who has redeemed us from sin and death. Let this joy fill our hearts as we live in the light of His salvation. 10. The Call to Worship Finally, Isaiah 27 calls us to worship the Lord, who is worthy of all praise. As we reflect on His mighty works and His unfailing love, let us respond with hearts full of gratitude and worship, lifting His name high in all that we do. Topics 1. The Destruction of Leviathan Isaiah 27:1 speaks of the LORD's punishment of Leviathan, the "fleeing serpent" and "twisting serpent," using His "fierce and great and mighty sword." This imagery represents God's ultimate victory over chaos and evil, often interpreted as a symbol of oppressive nations or spiritual adversaries. The Hebrew word "Leviathan" (לִוְיָתָן) is used here, which is associated with a sea monster or dragon, symbolizing formidable opposition to God's order. 2. The Vineyard of the LORD Verses 2-6 describe Israel as a vineyard that the LORD tends and protects. The LORD promises to watch over it, water it continually, and guard it day and night. This metaphor highlights God's care and provision for His people, contrasting with earlier depictions of Israel as a neglected vineyard (Isaiah 5). The Hebrew term "kerem" (כֶּרֶם) for vineyard emphasizes the idea of cultivation and care. 3. God’s Wrath and Mercy In verses 7-11, the text discusses God's measured judgment upon Israel, contrasting it with His wrath against their enemies. The passage suggests that God's discipline is intended to lead to repentance and purification. The Hebrew word "ka'as" (כַּעַס) for wrath indicates a righteous anger that aims to correct and restore. 4. The Gathering of Israel Verses 12-13 prophesy the regathering of the Israelites from Assyria and Egypt, symbolizing a future restoration. The LORD will "thresh" from the Euphrates to the Brook of Egypt, gathering His people one by one. This reflects the theme of redemption and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The Hebrew verb "laqach" (לָקַח) meaning "to gather" or "to take" underscores the intentional and personal nature of this restoration. Themes 1. Divine Judgment and Deliverance Isaiah 27 opens with a depiction of God's judgment against Leviathan, symbolizing chaos and evil: "In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent, and He will slay the dragon of the sea" (Isaiah 27:1). The imagery of the sword and the serpent draws from ancient Near Eastern mythology, representing God's ultimate victory over evil. 2. The Fruitful Vineyard The chapter continues with a metaphor of Israel as a vineyard: "In that day: 'Sing about a fruitful vineyard. I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so that no one can disturb it'" (Isaiah 27:2-3). This theme highlights God's protective care and the promise of restoration and fruitfulness for His people. The Hebrew word for "vineyard" (כֶּרֶם, kerem) emphasizes the idea of cultivation and divine nurturing. 3. God’s Wrath and Mercy The text juxtaposes God's wrath with His mercy: "Fury is not in Me; if only there were briers and thorns confronting Me, I would march in and trample them; I would burn them to the ground" (Isaiah 27:4). This reflects the dual nature of God's character, where His righteous anger is tempered by His desire for reconciliation and peace. 4. Atonement and Forgiveness The theme of atonement is evident as God promises to remove the guilt of Jacob: "By this, then, will Jacob’s guilt be atoned for, and the full fruit of the removal of his sin will be this: when he makes all the altar stones to be like chalk stones crushed to pieces, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing" (Isaiah 27:9). The Hebrew term for "atoned" (כָּפַר, kaphar) signifies covering or purging of sin, pointing to the transformative power of divine forgiveness. 5. The Gathering of the Exiles Isaiah 27 concludes with a promise of regathering: "In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered up one by one" (Isaiah 27:12). This theme underscores the hope of restoration and unity for the scattered people of Israel, reflecting God's covenant faithfulness. 6. Worship and Restoration The final verse speaks of worship and restoration: "And in that day a great trumpet will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiles in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem" (Isaiah 27:13). The blowing of the trumpet (שׁוֹפָר, shofar) symbolizes a call to worship and the fulfillment of God's promises, highlighting the eschatological hope of redemption and renewal. Prayer Points Praise God for His Sovereignty Thank God for His ultimate control over all things, including the forces of chaos and evil. Seek God's Guidance in Discipline Ask God to help you understand and grow through His discipline. Pray for Fruitfulness Request that God would help you bear fruit as part of His vineyard. Hope for the Future Gathering Pray for the fulfillment of God's promise to gather His people and for strength to live in anticipation of that day. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Isaiah 27:1 be reconciled with scientific knowledge in describing Leviathan as a literal sea monster? 2. If Isaiah 27:2–3 depicts God personally tending a vineyard, why is there no archeological evidence or historical record of such a divine vineyard? 3. In Isaiah 27:6, the promise of Israel filling the world with fruit seems exaggerated—can historical produce records support such a claim? 4. Isaiah 27:7–9 describes collective punishment or forgiveness—does this conflict with other Old Testament texts emphasizing individual responsibility (e.g., Ezekiel 18)? 5. If Isaiah 27:13 predicts a grand return of exiles, why are there no extra-biblical accounts confirming a major regathering at that specific time? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the Leviathan represent in your life, and how can you trust God's mighty power in dealing with it? 2. How does God's portrayal as a nurturing vineyard keeper demonstrate His care for His people? 3. What parallels can you draw between God's punishment of Israel and His chastening in your life? 4. How does the promise of Israel's restoration give you hope in your current situation? 5. How can the concept of the "second exodus" be applied to modern-day situations of oppression and injustice? 6. What does it mean to "make peace" with God as mentioned in verse 5? 7. How does God's treatment of Israel inform your understanding of His character? 8. What does this chapter teach about God's sovereignty over all creation, including powerful entities? 9. How can you seek to "blossom and fill the world with fruit" in your own life? 10. What lessons can modern societies learn from God's judgment on Israel's fortresses? 11. In what ways does the promise of God gathering His people and bringing them back to Jerusalem resonate with you? 12. How does the promise of restoration in Isaiah 27 reflect God's faithfulness? 13. How can you apply the promise of God's protection and nurturing (as with His vineyard) in your personal life? 14. How can understanding God as a protector help you navigate present challenges? 15. What steps can you take to reconcile and make peace with God in light of His promise to heal those who do so? 16. How can the depiction of God's wrath and mercy in Isaiah 27 guide your perspective on divine justice? 17. How can the promise of redemption and restoration in Isaiah 27 inspire you to maintain hope during difficult times? 18. What role does repentance play in the process of restoration as portrayed in Isaiah 27? 19. How can the faithfulness of God as illustrated in Isaiah 27 affect your trust in Him during times of trials and challenges? 20. How does the final verse (27:13) encourage you in your faith journey and your longing for final redemption? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions