Isaiah 17:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Similarly, when picking ripe olives, some are knocked down with a stick, while others are plucked by hand, yet a few—maybe three, four, or five—will stay hidden on the highest branches, unseen by the harvesters. This also shall occur for the inhabitants of Samaria; they will experience the same fate as the ears of grain that fall into the hands of harvesters. There will be only a few remnants, like a stalk or a hidden olive grain, two or three, obscured from the view of those gathering, because they are concealed on high branches.

Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel: On that day, a man shall place his trust in the Creator, and his gaze shall be directed toward the Holy One of Israel; they will no longer trust in the creations of their hands or the works of their fingers, but they will rely on the Holy One of Israel, turning away from their trees and their abominations. The wise apostle Paul notes that the discipline from God is not in vain for those called into the knowledge of the truth. He writes in his epistle, "But if you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?" And he refers to the divinely inspired Scriptures, immediately citing, "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him. For whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." Since the Sustainer of all is indeed good, He desires that all are saved and come to the knowledge of truth, often admonishing the Israelites through the holy prophets, particularly those from Jerusalem who moved to Samaria. They, having given themselves to their own desires and forsaking the true God, became idolaters, worshipping demons and serving lifeless idols. Their ignorance was so profound that they refused even to acknowledge their condition, and thus God has already brought punishment upon them. For those who do not benefit from the Word, suffering often transforms them, compelling them toward what pleases God.

The blessed King David states, "With a rod and bridle You will guide them," akin to those who skillfully tame young horses, using bridles to direct the untamed towards a more stable path. Likewise, the God of all, through labor and suffering, often redirects the disobedient toward a life of righteousness. The inhabitants of Samaria, after enduring the trials of war, recognized Him who afflicts, turning away from idol worship, and lifted their eyes towards the Holy One of Israel, expecting help and release from their afflictions. They will not depend upon the works of their hands or the trees, nor upon their abominations, as it was customary for them to ascend the mountains and worship amidst the oaks and firs. However, having learned through experience how futile and harmful these practices are, they will turn away from such actions that have led to their downfall and deliverance into enemy hands.

Therefore, it is wise to take heed, to actively distance oneself from divine wrath, avoiding the necessity of suffering that might lead to calamity. It is better to diligently eliminate the causes that provoke God's anger and seek His grace with earnestness before judgment is upon them. One should honor what is good and engage wholeheartedly in virtuous living.

Following the remnant of Syria will be akin to the once glorious splendor of the children of Israel, and through their shortcomings, salvation will be extended to the Gentiles, causing the entire glory of the Jews, which once shone brightly throughout the world, to fade, as their once prosperous state dwindles due to the absence of prophets, miracles, divine assistance, and priestly duties. The entirety of their nation shall wither away to nothingness. As it is noted concerning the calling of the Gentiles, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:37), they will gather the humble remnant of the harvest salvaged by the apostles, and the exceedingly rare ears, not from high mountains, but from the valley of Raphaim, defined as the emptiness of mere letters. It is worth noting that Raphaim indicates "the giants," thus linking various figures such as Ephraim, the Pharisees, and scribes. Furthermore, the Septuagint translates the valley of Raphaim as the valley of hardness, reflecting the hard-hearted nature of the Jews. From their insignificance, the saved are selected like ears scattered in stubble, much like remnants preserved after grapes have been harvested. The upheaval of Judah rendered the olive tree, representing Israel, which had once numbered six hundred thousand warriors under Moses (Num. 26) and an innumerable host under David (2 Sam. 24), barely capable of yielding a few fruits for the Savior: two olives representing Paul and Barnabas, and three olives signifying Peter, James, and John (Acts 13), who witnessed the Lord’s transfiguration on the mountain (Matt. 17) and were honored to accompany the Lord to the daughter of the synagogue's ruler. The other nine apostles represent the four and five olives, including Matthew who took Judas the traitor's place (Acts 3), symbolizing the four Gospels and the five books of the Law, as heralds of both covenants.

In that day, the glory of Jacob shall fade, and his prosperous body will grow lean. This shall occur when Damascus is taken and loses its status as a city, mirroring the glory once held by Israel. The strength and abundance of Jacob will wither, for he shall lack allies to assault Jerusalem with vigor. Previously, we read that Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel waged war against Jerusalem, which was conveyed to King David’s house, stating that Syria and Ephraim conspired against him. The prophet assured Ahaz, “Do not fear, nor let your heart be troubled by the two tails of these smoking firebrands,” referring to the wrath of Rezin and the son of Remaliah, indicating the sinister intent formed against him by Syria, Ephraim, and Remaliah's offspring.