Isaiah 33:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This city, once exalted and renowned for its divine favor and formidable strength over adversaries, has been trampled by enemies, left in ruins, and bereft of God's mercy.

Saron, a region in Judea characterized by agricultural plains suitable for farming, has been reduced to desolation. The once-fertile land is now overrun with thorns, representing Israel's spiritual barrenness, as if the once-nourishing home of fruits has been transformed into a thorn-filled wasteland. Isaiah's words resonate: "For wait, saith he, let him make a bunch, and let him make thorns" (Isaiah 5:2). This downfall is a consequence of the Jews’ rebellion against Christ. However, Galilee and Carmel shall be revealed in glory, shining brightly. Galilee, associated with the Gentiles, may also symbolize the Gentile Church, elevated by the comparison to Carmel. Carmel, a mountain dense with forest, symbolizes the Church of Christ, where a multitude of faithful souls flourish, filled with goodness and spiritually elevated, apart from worldly concerns. For it is stated, "As God's hosts of the earth are greatly exalted" (Psalm 46:10). It is a common theme in the inspired Scriptures to liken the Church to mountains.

They believe that, following the proclamation of the Gentiles and the abundance of the church, a foretelling of the temple's destruction appears, a lament that the angels, not residing within, but going forth, will express. Those once heralds of peace will weep deeply. Alternatively, it may refer to the apostles themselves, sent to declare peace to Jerusalem, to whom the Lord said, “If thou wouldest understand thine own peace” (Lk. 19:42). The Lord appeared to them to bolster their spirits and they will mourn for Jerusalem, as it did not heed their message, with empty streets and no one walking in righteousness, reflecting the words from the Lamentations of Jeremiah: “the ways of Zion weep, for there is no one who walks by them in the feast” (Lamentations 1:4). The covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was also violated. The Lord laid waste to the cities of the Jews, disregarding those who desired to be accepted as human. The land is troubled and fatigued—its inhabitants lost. Lebanon bears its shame and succumbs to silence, likely referring to the temple, as described in Zechariah: “open, O Lebanon, thy doors, and let the fire girdle thy cedars” (Zech. 11:1), or to Jerusalem, which Ezekiel calls Lebanon, evidenced by the prophet's words: “the eagle is a great eagle” commanding entry into Lebanon (Ezek. 17:3), later clarifying that this eagle represents the king of Babylon, while Lebanon signifies Jerusalem. Saron has become a barren land, and Bashan and Carmel are troubled. Instead of Bashan, the Seventy translated it as Galilee, referring to the region as a whole rather than a singular locality. Saron encompasses the land around Jonah and Lydda, known for its vast and fertile fields. Bashan is the territory beyond the Jordan, held by two and a half tribes, recognized for its richness and abundance, while Carmel has been previously mentioned. Thus, once flourishing Judea is now rendered desolate, symbolizing that the prosperity of the Jews will turn into lack and destitution. Consequently, Lebanon feels shame for rejecting the apostles’ teachings, and Saron becomes desolate as Bashan and Carmel are disturbed. Therefore, the Lord asserts that He will rise, either from profound patience or from the depths, and will be exalted among the nations, lifted high on the cross. He speaks directly to the Jews, saying, “You shall conceive fire, and give birth to straw, and your breath shall ignite among you, leading to the consumption of what you have conceived and birthed.” The fate of the Jews will resemble the remnants of ashes after a fire, illustrating the extent of their calamity. Their gathered thorns, representing the multitude of their sins, shall be consumed by fire; this being mostly attributed to the impending captivity and destruction of Jerusalem. Others suggest that this will be realized in its fullness during the time of judgment.