Isaiah 17:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The olive pickers, in their work, may knock fruit down with a stick or gather it by hand, but likely leave behind two, three, or five olives that remain hidden in the high branches, unseen by those collecting the harvest. Likewise, those in Samaria will find their plight mirrors that of the grain in the hands of those harvesting it—they will suffer similar fates. Yet, according to the prophecy, only a mere stalk will remain, signifying the few innocent ones, or the grains of olive oil hidden from the harvesters' sight, as they cling to the topmost branches.

Thus, declares the Lord God of Israel, on that day a man will put his trust in his Creator, and his gaze will be toward the Holy One of Israel; they will not rely on the works of their hands or their own creations, nor will they look upon their trees or their abominations. The wise Apostle Paul recognized that the discipline inflicted on those called to the truth by God is not a sign of futility, as seen in his letter: “But if you endure chastening, God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” (Heb. 12:7). He refers to the Scriptures to emphasize this point, quoting, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked by Him. For whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Heb. 12:5-6; cf. Prov. 3:11-12). Since the Sustainer of all is good, desiring salvation for everyone and urging all to realize the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), He frequently admonished the Israelites through the holy prophets, particularly those from Jerusalem who had settled in Samaria. They had surrendered unchecked to their desires and abandoned Him, the true God, opting instead to worship demons and serve lifeless idols. Their profound ignorance led them to refuse any acknowledgment of their error, and thus God had already begun to punish them. For those who do not benefit from the Word often turn to suffering, as if compelled to seek what pleases God. This sentiment is echoed by blessed David, who stated, “With a bit and bridle you shall lead them; otherwise, they will not come near you” (Ps. 31:9). Just as those skilled in taming young horses use bridles to guide them toward gentler paths, so too does God often redirect the disobedient to righteous living through necessary hardships.

And those residing in Samaria, after weathering the tribulations of war, recognized the one who punishes and afflicts them, turning away from idol worship and fixing their gaze upon the Holy One of Israel, from whom they anticipated help and deliverance from their hardships. They will not depend on the works of their hands or the products of their fingers, nor will they gaze upon their trees or their detestable practices. It was their custom to ascend the mountains, worshiping at the oaks and fir trees as recorded (Hos. 4:13), but now they will abandon these futile practices, realizing their emptiness and realizing that such actions brought upon them their ruin and led to their subjection by enemies. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution, proactively withdrawing from divine wrath rather than learning from the painful consequences of calamity. It is more prudent to zealously eliminate those sources that might incite God's anger and to seek reconciliation with Him before suffering strikes, choosing the virtuous path and honoring what is good in every way.

After the downfall of Damascus and the exile of the ten tribes to Assyria, the remnant of Israel responded to King Hezekiah’s message by redirecting their worship toward God and coming to the temple in Jerusalem, as illustrated in the account found in the book of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 30). Thus, after the destruction of Damascus, people will turn back to their Creator, the One who fashioned them, and their focus will shift from the idols they have created at Bethel and Dan, toward God, rejecting the altars and groves made by their own hands.

On that day, mankind will bow to its Maker, and their eyes will be set on the Holy One of Israel. They will not prostrate themselves before the altars of their own creation, nor will they gaze upon the groves and shrines they have erected. In the period when the Lord addressed Israel, declaring them to be His fruitful olive tree (Jeremiah 11:16), and referred to in the Psalms as thriving like new olive shoots surrounding a table (Psalms 127:4), the hungry Lord sought out a few faithful olive trees amidst a drought of spiritual abundance. The fullness of the Gentiles will enter, not turning to the idols fashioned by men but to their God. As they turn towards the Holy One of Israel, they will look down upon the altars, groves, and shrines, holding firmly to the truth that every plant not cultivated by the Father in heaven will be uprooted (Matthew 15:13).