Isaiah 24:13
When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Olive and grape harvesting were major economic activities in ancient Israel. Olive beating involved striking branches with poles to dislodge fruit; grape harvesting involved cutting clusters, with gleaners following to collect missed grapes. Both processes left small amounts of fruit—intentionally (for the poor) and accidentally (inaccessible locations). This agricultural imagery would have been immediately comprehensible to Isaiah's audience. The remnant concept appears throughout Isaiah and the prophets—judgment purges the wicked majority but preserves a faithful minority for redemptive purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the imagery of olive beating and grape gleaning help you understand both the severity of judgment and the mercy of preservation?
- What does Paul's use of Isaiah's remnant theology in Romans 9:27-29 and 11:5 teach about God's faithful preservation of His people?
- Are you part of the 'gleanings'—the remnant preserved by grace? What evidences of genuine faith mark your life?
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Analysis & Commentary
When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people—the phrase ki koh yihyeh (כִּי כֹה יִהְיֶה, "for thus it shall be") introduces a simile explaining judgment's scope. Be-qerev ha'aretz (בְּקֶרֶב הָאָרֶץ, "in the midst of the earth") and be-tok ha'ammim (בְּתוֹךְ הָעַמִּים, "among the peoples") indicate universal extent—the coming devastation affects all nations and lands.
There shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done—two agricultural images depict the remnant principle. Noqeph zayit (נֹקֶף זַיִת, "beating/shaking of olive") describes harvesting olives by striking branches—most fruit falls, but a few remain. Olelot (עֹלֵלֹת, "gleanings") after kala batsir (כָּלָה בָצִיר, "vintage is finished") refers to scattered grapes missed by harvesters. Deuteronomy 24:20 required leaving olive gleanings for the poor—here judgment leaves only gleanings of humanity. Isaiah repeatedly uses remnant theology (1:9, 6:13, 10:20-22, 37:31-32), culminating in the preserved remnant that becomes the church (Rom 9:27-29, 11:5).