The Revival of God’s Vineyard

Text: Isaiah 27

The Punishment of the Leviathan - Isaiah 27:1

The nation that causes Israel and the other nations to be destroyed will, in turn, be punished by God. Even though it is a strong and mighty nation, God will kill it. God compares the nation to a Leviathan, which is also described in Job 41 and several other passages. The description matches what we would call a dinosaur today. This is evidence that such creatures were still to be found in Isaiah's time.

The Leviathan may not represent a single nation or empire. It could be a generalization of all the world forces arrayed against God.

God's Care for His Vineyard - Isaiah 27:2-6

God describes the care He gives to His vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). He watered it, protected it, and removed the briars and thorns from it. The vineyard is completely dependent on its caretaker and, thus, should be at peace with its caretaker.

Israel was God's vineyard, and it had the potential to flourish to fill the whole earth. What started as the nation of Israel is replaced by Jesus' church, which will accomplish the mission Israel failed to do.

God's Discipline for Israel's Sins - Isaiah 27:7-11

However, we know from the Scriptures that Israel sinned and rebelled against God. God strikes them down like lighting. The people are slain. Those who survive are sent off into exile. This is the price God demands before forgiving them of their sin. He does this to remove the idolatry among the people.

As a result, what remains is desolated and broken. Israel did not show the ability to decide between good and evil properly. Therefore, God will not show them compassion when He punishes them.