Isaiah 36:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He directs his words toward those stationed behind the walls and to those preparing to resist the invaders, consistently referring to the Assyrian king as great, while diminishing hope in the Lord, labeling Hezekiah as a liar and a deceiver for encouraging reliance on God. He asserts that if the Divine assists, there is no need to fear human threats. He promises those who submit to his authority that they will reside in their own lands for a time, for this is implied by the phrase, 'Until I come and take you away,' and they will cultivate their fields. He seeks to dismantle the dread of captivity, masking the gravity of impending disaster with deceitful assurances, suggesting, 'Until I come and take you away to a land similar to your own.' He compares the land of Assyria to that of the Jews, implying that even if you leave Judah and join us, you will discover a familiar homeland among us; for the lands of the Persians and Assyrians are rich in wheat, wine, bread, and grapes.

Alternatively, he is advising you to honor the king of Assyria, commend him, and recognize him as your sovereign, so that you may earn rewards; and until my return from Egypt or my return after the conquest of Lovnah, reside in your city and utilize your resources. Afterward, I will come back and restore you to a land similar to yours, a land flowing with wheat, wine, and olives. He does not specify the country because no land could match the promised land, but he assures them of a place that resembles it. For individuals hold a deep connection to the land of their birth. Some believe that he is referring to the land of the Midians, which shared similarities with the land of the Jews in both location and cultivation. To this, he adds: