Isaiah 5:17
Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.
Original Language Analysis
וְרָע֥וּ
feed
H7462
וְרָע֥וּ
feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
1 of 7
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
כְּדָבְרָ֑ם
after their manner
H1699
כְּדָבְרָ֑ם
after their manner
Strong's:
H1699
Word #:
3 of 7
a pasture (from its arrangement of the flock)
וְחָרְב֥וֹת
and the waste places
H2723
וְחָרְב֥וֹת
and the waste places
Strong's:
H2723
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
Cross References
Isaiah 7:25And on all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.Zephaniah 2:6And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.Zephaniah 2:14And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.
Historical Context
Foreign settlers (Samaritans, Edomites) occupied depopulated Judean territory during exile. Post-exilic return faced resistance from these 'strangers' who had claimed the land.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeing covenant blessings transferred to 'strangers' warn against presuming on inherited spiritual privileges?
- What hope exists even in images of judgment for God's restorative purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of lambs feeding in former waste places and strangers eating ruins of the fat depicts complete reversal: covenant people displaced, their inheritance consumed by foreigners. This fulfills covenant curse that others would enjoy their labor (Deuteronomy 28:33). Yet the pastoral scene also hints at eventual restoration when judgment runs its course. The paradox of desolate places becoming pastures suggests God's ability to bring life from death.