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Isaiah 28:25

When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?

Isaiah 28:25 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of Isaiah 28:25, uses agricultural imagery to convey a deeper spiritual message. The act of "making plain the face thereof" refers to the process of preparing the land for planting. The farmer first scatters the fitches and cummin, which were small seeds that were not as valuable as the main crops of wheat, barley, and rye. This symbolizes the idea that God's blessings are abundant and available to all, not just reserved for the most important or prestigious individuals. The inclusion of the principal wheat and appointed barley signifies the importance of prioritizing what is valuable and essential in our lives, much like a farmer carefully plants his main crops. The rye being cast in their place suggests that there is a divine order and purpose to the way in which blessings are distributed. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder that God provides for all of our needs, big and small, and that we should be grateful for the abundance of blessings that he bestows upon us.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse in Isaiah, one can see a metaphorical illustration of God’s divine knowledge and meticulous care for his creation. The act of “making plain the face thereof” can be understood as God’s careful preparation of the land, similar to how he intricately forms each individual's destiny and purpose. The subsequent scattering of fitches, cummin, wheat, barley, and rie represents God’s abundant provision and diversity in providing for the needs of his people. In a broader theological context, this verse highlights the idea of God’s sovereignty and his nurturing relationship with his creation. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in providing for his people and the importance of trusting in his divine plan.

Isaiah 28:25 in other translations

American Standard Version

When he hath levelled the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and put in the wheat in rows, and the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in the border thereof?

World English Bible

When he has leveled its surface, doesn’t he plant the dill, and scatter the cumin seed, and put in the wheat in rows, the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in its place?

Douay-Rheims

Will he not, when he hath made plain the surface thereof, sow gith, and scatter cummin, and put wheat in order, and barley, and millet, and vetches in their bounds?

Geneva Bible (1599)

When he hath made it plaine, wil he not then sowe the fitches, and sowe cummin, and cast in wheat by measure, and the appointed barly and rye in their place?