What is the meaning of Isaiah 5:10? ten acres of vineyard • The picture opens with an impressively large plot—“ten acres,” enough to promise a bumper crop (Isaiah 5:1-2). • In Scripture, vineyards often symbolize the life and blessing God intends for His people (Psalm 80:8-11; John 15:1-2). • Here the size underscores how generously God had provided; His covenant people were not short on opportunity (Deuteronomy 8:7-10). will yield but a bath of wine • A “bath” is only a few gallons, a shockingly small return from so vast a vineyard—clear evidence of God’s judgment (Leviticus 26:20; Haggai 1:6). • The verse exposes the futility that follows unrepentant sin: great effort, minimal reward (Amos 5:11). • The warning is practical and spiritual—when hearts turn from the Lord, even abundant resources dry up. a homer of seed • A “homer” represents a substantial amount of grain for sowing, suggesting hopeful beginnings (Genesis 26:12). • The people invested heavily, confident their own strength and systems would guarantee success (Jeremiah 17:5). • God allows the investment to proceed, yet He alone controls the outcome (Proverbs 16:9). only an ephah of grain • An “ephah” is a mere tenth of a homer. Ninety percent loss vividly portrays divine discipline (Deuteronomy 28:38-40; Micah 6:15). • The drastic shortfall confronts the nation with its spiritual bankruptcy: outward religion remained, but true obedience was missing (Isaiah 1:11-17). • The pattern echoes through history—whenever God’s people ignore His Word, He lovingly but firmly removes the illusion of self-sufficiency (Hebrews 12:5-11). summary Isaiah 5:10 uses everyday farm math to reveal a sobering truth: when a richly blessed people persist in sin, God reduces their staggering resources to a trickle. Ten acres shrink to a single bath; a homer dwindles to an ephah. The message is clear and literal—prosperity comes from the Lord, and it evaporates when fellowship with Him is forfeited. Repentance and renewed trust restore the harvest He longs to give (2 Chronicles 7:14). |
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