Isaiah 27:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 27:3
3 I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 27 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, discipleship. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 27:3
3 I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
Analysis
I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. God Himself becomes the vineyard's guardian, using emphatic first-person pronouns: I the LORD (ani Yahweh notserah, אֲנִי יְהוָה נֹצְרָהּ). The verb natsar (נָצַר) means to guard, watch over, preserve—the same root used for watchman. This divine watching is comprehensive: every moment (lirega'im, לִרְגָעִים, literally "at moments" or constantly), night and day (laylah vayom, לַיְלָה וָיוֹם, continuous protection).
I will water it (ashqenah, אַשְׁקֶנָּה) shows God's active nurture, not mere passive watching. He provides what the vineyard needs for growth. Lest any hurt it (pen yifqod 'aleyha, פֶּן־יִפְקֹד עָלֶיהָ) reveals protective purpose—God intervenes to prevent harm. The contrast with chapter 5 is striking: there God removed the hedge and let the vineyard be trampled (5:5); here He personally guards it constantly. This reflects the New Covenant promise where God writes His law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) and keeps believers through His power (1 Peter 1:5). Jesus promises that no one can snatch His sheep from the Father's hand (John 10:28-29).
Historical Context
Ancient vineyards required constant care—irrigation in dry seasons, protection from wild animals, watchmen to guard against thieves. Isaiah's audience understood the intensive labor involved. God's promise to personally tend His vineyard meant Israel wouldn't depend on unfaithful shepherds/leaders but on Yahweh Himself. For the church, this assures believers of God's preserving grace—He who began the good work will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Reflection
- How does knowing that God keeps you 'every moment' and 'night and day' affect your sense of security in salvation?
- What does God's active watering (not just watching) teach about His involvement in believers' spiritual growth?
- How should God's protective care ('lest any hurt it') shape our understanding of trials and spiritual warfare?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 58:11, 60:16, Ezekiel 34:11, 34:24, 37:14
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 5:6, 46:4, 46:9, 1 Samuel 2:9, Psalms 46:5