Isaiah 33:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Cursed are those who cause you distress! Cursed are you, O plunderer who has not faced ruin and thief who has not been stolen from! When your devastation comes to an end, you too will experience desolation; when your pillaging ceases, you will be subjected to pillage. What do you mean? When they are ravaged, why do they not suffer harm? It may appear that way to you, but in truth, it is otherwise. The one who disavows you rejects not you, but rather himself. Circumstances change unpredictably. If you are wise, your suffering is uniquely yours (Proverbs 9:12). Though we observe many who intend to harm others, none end up injured but rather harm themselves in the process. The wicked do harm solely to themselves. It is said that a deceitful heart will not find goodness (Proverbs 17:20).

He pronounces blessings upon those who cultivate amidst every stream, where the ox and the donkey tread. We have noted that these elements symbolize both Jews and Gentiles, called through faith to recognize Christ. However, it is understandable for some to ponder and exclaim, What joy can there be for them when they are pursued by worldly wisdom, constantly encircled by insurmountable perils, and frequently faced with death? Hence, the prophet's message shifts to offer hope to believers, stating, ‘Woe to those who cause you to stumble; no one shall excel among you. It is indeed a glorious privilege for the saints to endure suffering for the sake of Christ, while it brings destruction to those who persecute them.

Alas for the one who seeks to pillage! Do not engage in plunder, for if you choose to do so, you will face plunder in return. The prophet admonishes the people of Israel to refrain from acts of looting, despite the fact that the Assyrians have attacked them. If you intend to trick others, you will ultimately find yourselves tricked. The prophet conveys that if you stray from your covenant with God, you will fall victim to those deceivers who entice you to seek refuge in Egypt.

Alas for the thief: will you not also face theft? And to those who scorn: will you not also be scorned? Upon completing your own acts of plunder, you too shall be plundered; when you grow tired and stop your disdain, others will also hold you in contempt. Regarding the apostles and ministers within the churches, it is proclaimed blessed are those who sow by every river, where the oxen and donkeys tread; now the reproach is directed at their oppressors, particularly at their leader, who controls the souls of the unrighteous, ensuring that they will receive just retribution for their actions, and that the authority they wield now will lead to future suffering.