Isaiah 27:2

Analysis & Commentary

In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. This verse opens the Song of the Vineyard (vv.2-6), echoing but reversing Isaiah's earlier vineyard song (5:1-7) where Israel was an unproductive vineyard destined for judgment. Here in that day points to restoration after judgment. The Hebrew kerem chemer (כֶּרֶם חֶמֶר) literally means "vineyard of wine" or "pleasant vineyard"—some translations render chemer as "red wine" or "choice wine," emphasizing quality and fruitfulness.

The command sing ye unto her (annu lah, עֱנוּ־לָהּ) means "answer her" or "sing responsively to her," suggesting joyful celebration of the vineyard's restored productivity. Unlike chapter 5 where God expected grapes but got wild fruit (be'ushim), now the vineyard produces abundantly. This reversal from judgment (ch.5) to blessing (ch.27) illustrates God's redemptive purposes—discipline is not abandonment but preparation for restoration. Jesus later identifies Himself as the true vine (John 15:1-8), with His people as fruitful branches in God's vineyard.

Historical Context

Isaiah's original audience had heard the vineyard song of chapter 5, pronouncing doom on unfruitful Israel. Chapter 27's restoration song, likely written later, promised that beyond Assyrian/Babylonian judgment lay future blessing. For post-exilic Jews returning from Babylon, this encouraged hope that God had not finally rejected His people. New Testament writers saw the church as God's vineyard (Matthew 21:33-44, 1 Corinthians 3:9), bearing fruit through Christ the true vine.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the contrast between Isaiah 5's judgment-vineyard and chapter 27's restored vineyard illustrate God's redemptive purposes?
• What does it mean for believers to be fruitful branches in God's vineyard today?
• How does this restoration song encourage those experiencing God's discipline or feeling spiritually unproductive?