Isaiah 17:6
Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.
Isaiah 17:6 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah is a metaphorical depiction of the judgment that will come upon the nation of Israel. The imagery of gleaning grapes and shaking an olive tree symbolizes the thoroughness of the destruction that will befall the people of Israel. Just as only a few grapes are left after the vineyard has been gleaned, and a few olives remain after the tree has been shaken, only a remnant of the people will survive the impending judgment. Despite the severity of the punishment, God assures that there will still be a small number of people who will be spared, emphasizing His mercy and faithfulness even in the midst of judgment. The mention of "two or three berries" and "four or five in the outmost fruitful branches" suggests that the remnant will be a small and humble group, yet still cherished by God. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's justice, but also His grace towards those who remain faithful to Him.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Isaiah showcases the concept of preservation even in times of destruction and judgment. The imagery used, such as gleaning grapes and shaking olive trees, emphasizes the idea that even when the land is devastated, there will still be remnants left behind by the hand of God. This can be interpreted theologically as a sign of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people. The mention of specific numbers of berries in the olive tree highlights the precision and intentionality of God's preservation. The reference to the LORD God of Israel further underscores the divine origin and authority behind this promise of preservation. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's ability to bring about restoration and hope even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Isaiah 17:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
Yet there shall be left therein gleanings, as the shaking of an olive-tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost branches of a fruitful tree, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel.
World English Bible
Yet gleanings will be left there, like the shaking of an olive tree, two or three olives in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outermost branches of a fruitful tree,” says Yahweh, the God of Israel.
Douay-Rheims
And the fruit thereof that shall be left upon it, shall be as one cluster of grapes, and as the shaking of the olive tree, two or three berries in the top of a bough, or four or five upon the top of the tree, saith the Lord the God of Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Yet a gathering of grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an oliue tree, two or three beries are in the top of the vpmost boughes, and foure or fiue in the hie branches of the fruite thereof, sayeth the Lord God of Israel.