Movatterモバイル変換

Isaiah 7:25
Andon all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.

Isaiah 5:17
Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.

Isaiah 17:2
The cities of Aroerare forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall makethem afraid.

a man will raise
The act of raising livestock indicates a return to basic, subsistence living. This suggests a time of scarcity or simplicity, where people are reduced to maintaining only what is necessary for survival. It reflects a shift from wealth and abundance to a more humble existence, possibly due to the devastation of war or divine judgment.

a young cow
The young cow, or heifer, symbolizes a modest source of sustenance. In ancient agrarian societies, cattle were valuable for their milk, meat, and as beasts of burden. The mention of a young cow implies limited resources, as a single cow would not provide the abundance that a larger herd might. This imagery may also connect to the idea of purity and innocence, as young animals are often seen as unblemished.

and two sheep
Sheep were common livestock in ancient Israel, valued for their wool, milk, and meat. The number "two" suggests minimal provision, emphasizing the theme of scarcity. Sheep are also significant in biblical symbolism, often representing the people of God or sacrificial offerings. This could hint at a remnant theme, where only a small, faithful group remains after a period of judgment.

This passage, within the broader context ofIsaiah 7, serves as a prophetic sign to King Ahaz and the people of Judah. It underscores the consequences of their lack of faith and reliance on foreign alliances instead of trusting in God. The imagery of limited livestock points to a future where the land is desolate, yet there remains a glimmer of hope and provision, aligning with the prophetic message of both judgment and eventual restoration.

Isaiah frames the prophecy with a specific moment: “On that day.” This phrase signals a real, identifiable point when God’s word will come to pass—just as earlier in the chapter the Lord promised a sign to Ahaz (Isaiah 7:14).

• Isaiah repeatedly uses “in that day” to mark God’s interventions (Isaiah 2:11; 10:20).

• Here it points to the Assyrian invasion that would devastate Judah’s farmland (2 Kings 15:29;2 Chronicles 28:20).

• The certainty of the timing underscores the reliability of God’s warnings and comforts alike.

Instead of many herdsmen, Isaiah pictures just one “man.” The population loss from war and exile would leave the land sparsely inhabited (Isaiah 6:11-13; 7:23).

• What was once cultivated by multitudes would be tended by a few survivors (Isaiah 24:6; 37:31-32).

• The text stresses personal responsibility: each remaining household must rely directly on God’s provision (Genesis 45:6-7).

The remnant keeps “a young cow,” not a full team of oxen. Diminished resources mirror the humbling of the nation (Deuteronomy 28:31).

• Yet even a single heifer can produce ample milk, foreshadowing the next verse: “from the abundance of the milk they give he will eat curds” (Isaiah 7:22).

• God strips away excess but still supplies what is necessary (Psalm 37:19;Matthew 6:31-33).

Only “two sheep” round out the meager flock. The image highlights both scarcity and sufficiency.

• Desolation turns vineyards into pasture (Isaiah 5:17), making small livestock practical.

• A pair of sheep, like the cow, will yield enough for daily needs—“curds and honey” (Isaiah 7:22)—repeating God’s pattern of caring for a faithful remnant (Exodus 16:12-18;Ezekiel 34:13-15).

• The literal number underlines God’s intent: He disciplines Judah yet preserves life, offering hope alongside judgment (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

Isaiah 7:21 paints a vivid, literal picture of post-invasion Judah: few people, minimal livestock, and simple fare. God’s judgment would reduce abundance, but His mercy would ensure survival. Even a lone man with one calf and two sheep could thrive by God’s provision. The verse calls believers to trust that the Lord both chastens and sustains, keeping His word in every detail.