June 30, 2025 - Isaiah 5

“Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard” (5:1).  The “vineyard chapter” of Isaiah 5 begins thusly and displays God’s love and concern for his people.  Though, in likening the people to a disappointing and unproductive vineyard, still, it is God’s vineyard, it is his people.  And he is concerned that they be a good people.  For the planting of the vineyard, he had cleared the field of stones and had built a watchtower to guard it.  He eagerly awaited a good harvest but there was none.  The vineyard was unfruitful.

      For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts

is the house of Israel,

       and the men of Judah

are his pleasant planting;

        and he looked for justice,

but behold, bloodshed;

        for righteousness,

but behold, an outcry!  (5:7)

It was a terrible situation as the people turned away from God.  How disappointed was God!  And discipline was necessary.  But, oh my, the chapters that follow!  They tell of the redemption of a remnant and of a Redeemer, a child!  Our God deals with Israel, and with us, righteously and oh, oh so patiently!

Begin, my soul, some heavenly theme,

awake, my voice, and sing

the mighty works, or mightier name,

Of our eternal King.

Tell of his wondrous faithfulness,

And sound his power abroad;

sing the sweet promise of his grace,

the quickening word of God.   –Isaac Watts (1707)