THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
After stating that the Assyrian would return to his homeland and leave the territory of Judah, the Lord specifies the timing of this event, declaring, ‘I will reap this summer, which thou hast fulfilled.’ The intended recipient of this sign remains uncertain; it could be directed toward Sennacherib or Hezekiah and his entourage. However, we will clarify the significance of the text and identify its true audience. If we interpret the sign as directed to Hezekiah, it can be understood in this manner. Jerusalem was under siege, and as a formidable Assyrian army prepared to burn it and take it by force, an abundant supply of food and fruit emerged for those who were able to find refuge in the city.
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Thus, Hezekiah and all the people were encouraged to consume what they had gathered this summer; in the subsequent summer, they would continue to reap, and in the third summer, they would sow and plant vineyards. For during the two years that the Assyrian ravaged the land of the Samaritans, he destroyed everything. As the third year approached, he fled after the troops led by Rapsacus, who had laid siege to Jerusalem and faced significant losses. In the third year, there would be freedom, and the farmers and vine growers would reap bountiful harvests, as long as they had the courage to plant grapes, for peace would also grant them safety. The promise that those who survived the conflict would find joy and security is symbolically expressed in the image of trees taking root deeply and bearing fruit abundantly. The assurance of their safety and prosperity is portrayed through the idea that they would thrive without fear. The ultimate flourishing of their situation is indicated by the phrase: they shall produce fruit above. The text emphasizes that this promise will come to pass through the zeal of the Lord of hosts. In contrast, while the Assyrian blasphemed God and compared Him to false idols, arrogantly claiming that Jerusalem would not be rescued from his grasp, it is affirmed that these events will indeed manifest because the Lord’s zeal for His glory has been stirred. As for the statement, ‘I will eat this summer, which thou hast allotted, and in the second summer I shall confront Sennacherib,’ it can be noted that those accustomed to engaging in battles or besieging cities often turn to agriculture during a prolonged siege in order to secure their sustenance. This interpretation is equally applicable to him.