Context and Overview

Isaiah 5 is a significant chapter focusing on the impending judgment of God upon His people due to their sins. This verse specifically illustrates the consequences of judgment where the prosperous, represented here as "lambs" and “fat ones,” will be reduced to wasteland, and the “strangers” or those who are not of the covenant will partake of what remains.

Meaning and Interpretation

Theological scholars like Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke, and Albert Barnes provide insights into this verse that deepen our understanding:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the transition from abundance to desolation as a result of sin. The metaphor of lambs represents innocence and provision, contrasting starkly with the judgment reflected in the desolate lands. He sees this as a warning that those who turn away from God will ultimately face His judgment, leading to loss.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke points out that the “waste places” symbolize areas that were once thriving but are now neglected due to God’s anger. He considers the mention of “strangers” as an indication that even those outside of Israel would consume what was once reserved for the chosen. This interprets the completeness of God’s judgment; it does not just affect the Israelites but extends to the surrounding nations.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that the feeding of lambs signifies a restoration post-judgment when the people may again find nourishment and peace. The “strangers” imply that God’s blessings might be bestowed upon those outside of the covenant due to the apostasy of His own people. This serves as a lesson that God's grace is not limited to Israel but available to all.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

Isaiah 5:17 can be cross-referenced with several Bible verses that help elucidate its meaning:

• Ezekiel 34:14: This verse discusses how God will seek the lost sheep and feed them, paralleling the imagery of lambs in Isaiah.
• Matthew 15:14: Jesus refers to blind guides; this aligns with the theme of judgment for the people misled away from God.
• John 10:14: Here, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd which connects to the nurturing aspect of the lambs feeding.
• Jeremiah 12:10: It speaks of shepherds destroying God’s vineyard, drawing a direct connection to desolation and judgment.
• Psalm 107:34: This verse offers insight into how God can turn fruitful land into barrenness due to disobedience.
• Lamentations 1:11: This speaks of the people seeking bread from outside, indicating abandonment and loss at the hand of enemies.
• Romans 11:17-24: Discusses how Gentiles are grafted into the faith, reflecting on the theme of strangers receiving inheritance.
• Isaiah 56:6-7: Imagines foreigners being accepted into God’s covenant, a theme suggested by the word “strangers” in 5:17.
• Luke 19:44: Relates to Jerusalem’s destruction, drawing parallels to God’s judgment as understood in Isaiah.
• Revelation 7:9: The multitude from every nation shows that God's blessings transcend Israel, connecting to the mention of strangers eating the fat ones.

Conclusions and Applications

The insights from public domain commentaries accentuate that the message in Isaiah 5:17 is both a warning and a testament to God's sovereignty and grace. The transformative journey from prosperity to desolation reflects the dangers of disobedience, while the inclusion of strangers hints at the broader narrative of redemption available through Christ.

When engaging in Bible cross-reference studies, tools such as a Bible concordance or a cross-reference Bible study guide can be instrumental in identifying these connections. Understanding these thematic links between scriptures enhances the reader’s comprehension of God’s overarching story of judgment and grace.

Further Study

For deeper understanding and reflection, one might explore:

• Comparative study of related Old Testament and New Testament verses.
• Identifying connections between Isaiah's prophecies and their New Testament fulfillments.
• Researching the idea of 'The Good Shepherd' and its implications in both the Old and New Covenants.