Isaiah 27 Study Notes

27:8 Rather than annihilating his people, God will scatter them. The image of a windy storm (the east wind was a particularly hot, dangerous wind coming off the desert) evokes the picture of chaff being blown away.

27:9 God’s punishment of his people will be a cleansing (will be atoned for), a renewing, not a complete destruction. In particular, their idolatrous practices will be removed. On Asherah poles see note at 17:7-8.

27:10-11 The fortified city, like the “city of chaos” (see note at 24:10) and the “inaccessible city” (see note at 26:5), represents arrogant human evil. In the aftermath of God’s judgment, this city will become grazing land.

27:12 On that day, see note at 24:21. The Euphrates River and the Wadi of Egypt were the far northern and southern boundaries of the promised land. The image of threshing grain represents refining judgment since the process separated the wheat from the chaff. But the aftermath of the punishment will bring a regathering of God’s dispersed people.

27:13 On that day, see note at 24:21. The Israelites will come back for the purpose of worship. The holy mountain refers to Zion, the location of the temple.