Isaiah 5:10

For ten acres of vineyard will yield but a bath of wine, and a homer of seed only an ephah of grain."

Study Bible

For ten acres of vineyard
The Hebrew term for "ten acres" is "ten yokes," referring to the amount of land that a pair of oxen could plow in a day. This phrase sets the stage for understanding the vastness of the land being cultivated. In ancient Israel, vineyards were a symbol of prosperity and blessing. The imagery here is stark, as it contrasts the expectation of abundance with the reality of scarcity. Historically, vineyards were central to the economy and culture, representing not just wealth but also the joy and celebration associated with wine.

will yield but a bath of wine
A "bath" is a Hebrew unit of liquid measure, approximately 6 gallons or 22 liters. The expectation of a large yield from such a significant area of vineyard is dashed by the meager production of only a bath of wine. This highlights the theme of divine judgment and the futility of human efforts without God's blessing. The scarcity of wine, a staple in ancient Israelite society, would have been a sign of divine displeasure and a call to repentance.

and a homer of seed
A "homer" is a large unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to 220 liters or 6 bushels. The use of "homer" here emphasizes the initial investment and expectation of a bountiful harvest. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, sowing seed was an act of faith and hope for the future. The mention of a homer underscores the disappointment and loss when the expected return is not realized.

will yield but an ephah of grain
An "ephah" is a much smaller unit of dry measure, about 22 liters or 0.6 bushels. The stark contrast between the homer of seed and the ephah of grain serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences of disobedience and the withdrawal of God's favor. This imagery would resonate deeply with the original audience, who understood the implications of such a poor harvest. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness and the need for the people to return to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He warned them of the consequences of their disobedience and called them to repentance.

2. Judah and Jerusalem
The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies. They were experiencing moral and spiritual decline, which Isaiah addressed through his messages.

3. Vineyard
Symbolic of Israel, often used in the Bible to represent God's people and their spiritual state. In this context, it represents the fruitlessness of their efforts due to disobedience.

4. Bath and Homer
Ancient units of measurement. A "bath" is a small measure of liquid, and a "homer" is a larger measure of dry goods. Their use here emphasizes the disparity between effort and yield.

5. Ephah
Another unit of dry measure, smaller than a homer, highlighting the meager return on what should have been a plentiful harvest.

Teaching Points

Consequences of Disobedience
Isaiah 5:10 serves as a stark reminder that turning away from God's commands leads to fruitlessness and frustration. Our efforts without God's blessing are in vain.

Spiritual Fruitfulness
Just as a vineyard is expected to produce wine, our lives should produce spiritual fruit. This requires abiding in Christ and living according to His Word.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just and allows consequences for disobedience, His warnings through prophets like Isaiah are acts of mercy, calling us back to Him.

Evaluating Our Efforts
Reflect on whether our efforts are aligned with God's will. Are we investing in things that yield eternal value, or are we laboring in vain?

Dependence on God
True success and fruitfulness come from reliance on God. We must seek His guidance and blessing in all our endeavors.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Isaiah 5:10 illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping found in other parts of Scripture?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are spiritually fruitful, avoiding the unfruitfulness described in Isaiah 5:10?

3. Reflect on a time when your efforts seemed fruitless. How might this passage provide insight into that experience?

4. How does the imagery of the vineyard in Isaiah 5:10 connect to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

5. What steps can we take to align our efforts with God's will, ensuring that we are not laboring in vain?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Isaiah 5:10 reflects the curses, where efforts yield little due to turning away from God.

Matthew 21:33-46
Jesus' parable of the tenants in the vineyard echoes the theme of Israel as a vineyard and the consequences of failing to produce fruit for God.

Galatians 6:7-8
The principle of sowing and reaping is evident here, where sowing to the flesh results in corruption, similar to the unfruitfulness described in Isaiah.