Isaiah 27:2-6 – Be steadfast in trusting God

Here is a song concerning Israel, God’s vineyard. We remember in Isaiah 5:1-10, the prophet had already spoken about a vineyard that God had planted and cared for. The vineyard of course was Israel. God who had planted it expected to see fruits of righteousness and justice but instead what He saw was violent bloodshed. With all the grace God had showered on her, she failed to flourish. Instead of acknowledging their failure, and obstinacy of not relying on God, the people of Israel insinuated that it was all God’s fault they were not able to fulfill their purpose. So God gave up on them and left them to experience distress. The first vineyard story was a dirge, a song of lament.

In contrast, this song of the vineyard in Isaiah 27:2-6 is a positive song of God’s goodness. In this song, we see God’s mercy, loving-kindness, provision, and protection. God, the keeper, took great care of her. He watered it, protected it, and saw to it that no one came to spoil or damage it. Instead of wrath as He had previously displayed, He would only do everything to protect this vineyard. He would make it His business to protect her by removing the briars and thorns.  

 

Here, the focus of this song of the vineyard points to what God would do for His people who trust Him. When they rely on Him, He would make it His business to ensure their safety and security. Isaiah’s purpose was to bring about faith in His hearers. He deliberately directed their attention to what God would do for them when they trust in Him. This song concluded in verse 6, assuring Israel that she would still have a place in God’s plan. They would be like a tree restored and re-rooted in God and would be a fruitful blessing to the whole world.

 

We cannot get away from the fact that God is gracious. Though Israel had failed Him time and again, yet He remained faithful to the plan He had for them. It’s a great encouragement to know that just as He did for Israel, God in Christ will also do it for us. Like with Israel, Christ who had also begun a good work in us will complete it. All He expects of us is to trust Him. No matter what we may experience, know that He will not abandon us. We must stay focused on what He wants to do in and through us. Stay steadfast in Him!