Isaiah 27:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 27:2
2 In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 27 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, faith. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 27:2
2 In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine.
Analysis
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 2:21