Isaiah 5 - Introduction

A.M. 3244. B.C. 760.

This chapter, containing the prophet's third discourse, appears to stand single and alone, unconnected with the preceding and following. Its subject is nearly the same with that of the first chapter, namely, a general reproof of the Jews for their wickedness; “but it exceeds that chapter,” says Bishop Lowth, “in force, in severity, in variety, and elegance; and it adds a more express declaration of vengeance, by the Babylonian invasion. It naturally divides itself into two principal parts, being partly parabolical and partly proper. The first contains the parable, setting forth, under the allegory of a vineyard, God's mercies to Israel, and Israel's unfruitfulness, Isaiah 5:1. The other, the explanation and application of the parable, manifesting some of the more notorious sins of the Jewish people, and foretelling the judgments which God was about to bring upon them, as the punishment of those sins, Isaiah 5:7.