Isaiah 27:10

For the fortified city lies deserted--a homestead abandoned, a wilderness forsaken. There the calves graze, and there they lie down; they strip its branches bare.

Study Bible

For the fortified city lies deserted—
This phrase suggests a city that was once strong and secure, now left empty and abandoned. In the context of Isaiah, this could refer to cities in Israel or Judah that faced judgment due to their disobedience to God. Historically, cities like Samaria and Jerusalem were fortified and faced destruction or desolation as a result of invasions by Assyrian and Babylonian forces. The imagery of a deserted city serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

a homestead abandoned,
The term "homestead" implies a place of dwelling and livelihood, now left without inhabitants. This reflects the broader theme of exile and displacement found throughout the prophetic books. The abandonment signifies not only physical desolation but also spiritual and communal loss. It echoes the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to desolation and scattering.

a wilderness forsaken.
The transformation from a thriving city to a forsaken wilderness underscores the severity of divine judgment. In biblical symbolism, the wilderness often represents chaos, danger, and a place of testing. This phrase may also allude to the reversal of the Promised Land's blessings, turning a land flowing with milk and honey into a barren wasteland, as seen in the curses for covenant unfaithfulness.

There the calves graze,
The presence of calves grazing in what was once a fortified city indicates a complete reversal of its former status. Calves, representing domesticated animals, suggest that the area has become so desolate that it is now suitable only for pasture. This imagery is reminiscent of other prophetic passages where desolation leads to wild animals inhabiting once-populated areas, such as in Isaiah 13:21-22.

and there they lie down;
The act of lying down implies a sense of peace and rest, but in this context, it is ironic. The peace is not for the people but for the animals, highlighting the total abandonment by humans. This can be seen as a fulfillment of prophetic warnings where the land, once vibrant with human activity, becomes a place of rest for animals due to human absence.

they strip its branches bare.
The stripping of branches by the calves suggests a complete consumption of what remains, leaving nothing behind. This can symbolize the thoroughness of judgment and the stripping away of prosperity and security. It also reflects the idea of a land being laid waste, as seen in other prophetic writings, where the land mourns and languishes due to the people's sins, such as in Joel 1:10-12.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Fortified City
Represents a place of strength and security that has been abandoned. In the context of Isaiah, it often symbolizes human pride and self-reliance that ultimately fails.

2. Wilderness
A place of desolation and abandonment, often used in the Bible to signify judgment or a lack of divine presence.

3. Calf
An animal that symbolizes innocence and simplicity, grazing in the abandoned city, indicating a reversal of fortunes and the futility of human efforts without God.

4. Isaiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, warning them of judgment and offering hope for restoration.

5. Judgment and Restoration
Themes throughout Isaiah, where God judges the unfaithfulness of His people but also promises eventual restoration and peace.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Human Pride
Human efforts and pride, symbolized by the fortified city, are ultimately futile without reliance on God. We must place our trust in Him rather than in our own strength.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is sovereign and just in His judgments. The desolation of the city serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from Him.

Hope in Restoration
Even in judgment, there is hope for restoration. God's ultimate plan includes redemption and renewal for those who turn back to Him.

Simplicity and Innocence
The image of the calf grazing in the abandoned city suggests a return to simplicity and innocence. We are called to live lives of humility and trust in God.

Reflecting on Our Spiritual State
Just as the city was once fortified but became desolate, we must examine our spiritual lives to ensure we are not relying on false securities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the image of the fortified city becoming deserted teach us about the dangers of relying on human strength and pride?

2. How can we see God's justice and mercy in the themes of judgment and restoration in Isaiah 27:10?

3. In what ways does the desolation of the city serve as a warning for us today in our personal and communal lives?

4. How can the image of the calf grazing in the abandoned city inspire us to seek simplicity and innocence in our walk with God?

5. What other biblical examples can you find where God uses desolation as a means to bring about repentance and restoration? How do these examples apply to our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 5:5-6
This passage also speaks of desolation as a result of judgment, where God removes His protection from a vineyard, symbolizing Israel.

Jeremiah 4:26
Describes cities laid waste due to God's anger, similar to the deserted city in Isaiah 27:10.

Revelation 18:2
Speaks of the fall of Babylon, a great city, becoming a dwelling place for animals, echoing the theme of desolation and judgment.