Isaiah 7:22
And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מֵרֹ֛ב
And it shall come to pass for the abundance
H7230
מֵרֹ֛ב
And it shall come to pass for the abundance
Strong's:
H7230
Word #:
2 of 14
abundance (in any respect)
עֲשׂ֥וֹת
that they shall give
H6213
עֲשׂ֥וֹת
that they shall give
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַנּוֹתָ֖ר
that is left
H3498
הַנּוֹתָ֖ר
that is left
Strong's:
H3498
Word #:
12 of 14
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
Historical Context
This prophecy concerns the Assyrian invasion of Judah (701 BC). The once-cultivated land would revert to pasture, with so few people remaining that dairy products would be plentiful. Archaeological evidence confirms the devastation Sennacherib's armies brought to Judah's countryside, with 46 fortified cities destroyed. The survivors would live on the most basic foods available in a pastoral economy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment sometimes strip away our comforts to teach us dependence on Him alone?
- What does the preservation of a remnant teach us about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
- In what ways might simplicity and reduction be blessings in disguise during seasons of trial?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes the desolation following judgment, where the remnant survives on simple pastoral provisions. The 'abundance of milk' suggests a return to pastoral simplicity after destruction, not prosperity. Butter (curds) and honey represent basic sustenance in a depopulated land where agriculture has ceased. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the principle that God's judgment purifies His people, reducing them to dependence on His basic provision. The remnant theme recurs throughout Isaiah—God always preserves a faithful few.