Isaiah 1:7

Berean Standard Bible
Your land is desolate; your cities are burned with fire. Foreigners devour your fields before you—a desolation demolished by strangers.
 
King James Bible
Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.
 
NET Bible
Your land is devastated, your cities burned with fire. Right before your eyes your crops are being destroyed by foreign invaders. They leave behind devastation and destruction.
 
Hebrew Text:

אַרְצְכֶם שְׁמָמָה, עָרֵיכֶם שְׂרֻפוֹת אֵשׁ; אַדְמַתְכֶם לְנֶגְדְּכֶם--זָרִים, אֹכְלִים אוֹתָהּ; וּשְׁמָמָה, כְּמַהְפֵּכַת זָרִים.

 
Transliteration:
Artz'chem shmamah, araychem s'rufot esh; admatchem l'neg'dechem--zarim, och'lim otah; u'shmamah, k'mahpechat zarim.
 
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Study Bible:
 
Your land
The phrase "your land" refers to the physical territory of Judah and Israel, which was given to the Israelites by God as part of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew word for "land" is "eretz," which can mean earth, land, or country. In this context, it emphasizes the divine gift and the responsibility that comes with it. The land was meant to be a place of blessing and prosperity, but due to the people's disobedience, it has become a place of desolation.
 
is desolate
The word "desolate" in Hebrew is "shamem," which means to be appalled, devastated, or laid waste. This term conveys a sense of utter ruin and abandonment. Historically, this desolation can be linked to the invasions and destruction brought by foreign powers as a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The desolation serves as a physical manifestation of the spiritual barrenness that has taken hold of the people.
 
your cities
"Your cities" refers to the urban centers of Judah and Israel, which were once bustling with life and activity. Cities in ancient times were centers of culture, commerce, and governance. The mention of cities highlights the widespread impact of the judgment, affecting not just rural areas but also the heart of societal life.
 
are burned with fire
The phrase "are burned with fire" indicates complete destruction and purification through judgment. Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's judgment and cleansing power. Historically, this could refer to the burning of cities by invading armies, a common practice in ancient warfare. This imagery underscores the severity of the consequences of turning away from God.
 
your fields
"Your fields" refers to the agricultural lands that were vital for the sustenance and economy of the nation. The Hebrew word "sadeh" denotes open fields or countryside. Agriculture was the backbone of ancient Israelite society, and the devastation of the fields would lead to famine and economic collapse, further illustrating the dire state of the nation.
 
are being stripped by foreigners
The phrase "are being stripped by foreigners" suggests ongoing plundering and exploitation by invading forces. The Hebrew word "zarim" for "foreigners" implies those who are outside the covenant community, often seen as instruments of God's judgment. This reflects the loss of sovereignty and the humiliation of being subject to foreign powers.
 
right before you
"Right before you" emphasizes the immediacy and visibility of the devastation. The people are witnesses to their own downfall, unable to escape the consequences of their actions. This phrase serves as a call to awareness and repentance, urging the people to recognize the reality of their situation and turn back to God.
 
laid waste as when overthrown by strangers
The phrase "laid waste as when overthrown by strangers" paints a picture of complete and utter destruction, akin to what happens when a land is conquered by foreign invaders. The Hebrew word "mahpekah" for "overthrown" suggests a turning upside down or a complete reversal of fortune. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of forsaking God's covenant, urging the people to return to Him for restoration and healing.
 
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Commentary:
 
Historical Context: Isaiah was a prophet in the 8th century BCE, during the reigns of several kings of Judah, including Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This period was marked by political turmoil, social injustice, and threats from powerful empires like Assyria.
 
Imagery of Desolation: The vivid imagery of a desolate country and burned cities highlights the severe consequences of the people's actions. The use of fire symbolizes not only physical destruction but also the purifying judgment of God. The land being consumed by strangers points to the invasion and occupation by foreign powers, a common consequence of disobedience to God in the Old Testament narrative.
 
Spiritual and Moral Decline: The desolation described is not just physical but also spiritual. The verse is part of a broader critique of the moral and spiritual decline of Judah. The people had turned away from God, embracing idolatry and injustice. The destruction of the land serves as a metaphor for the internal corruption and the loss of divine protection.
 
Call to Repentance: Isaiah's message, while harsh, is ultimately a call to repentance. The prophet urges the people to recognize their sins, turn back to God, and seek righteousness. The desolation is both a consequence and a wake-up call, emphasizing that restoration is possible if the people return to their covenant relationship with God.
 
Prophetic Warning: This verse also serves as a prophetic warning to future generations. It underscores the principle that turning away from divine commandments leads to ruin, while faithfulness brings blessing and protection. The destruction witnessed is a foreshadowing of what could come if the warnings are not heeded.
 
In summary, Isaiah 1:7 is a powerful verse that encapsulates the themes of judgment, destruction, and the urgent need for repentance. It reflects the historical realities of Isaiah's time and offers timeless lessons about the consequences of moral and spiritual decay.