Isaiah 51:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These teachings distracted those they led from their love for Christ, luring them away from His grace and obstructing the path to righteousness through faith, though the law itself could not save them. Hence, he encourages them to rise up, echoing the words of Paul, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light" (Eph. 5:14). He continues with the reminder: “Lift up your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet” (Heb. 12:12-13).

Moreover, those who opposed Christ and, to the best of their ability, sought to execute the Author of Life, faced a punishment fitting for their malice. This is illustrated by the statement, “You have drunk from the cup of wrath from the Lord, the cup of staggering; you have drained it to the dregs.” The term ‘cup’ refers to condemnation. The phrase ‘you have drained it’ implies not merely a pouring out but a complete consumption, indicating that one has experienced the full measure of God’s wrath, suffering consequences equal to their transgressions. The wicked faced destruction, particularly evident when their land was ravaged, their renowned temple was burned along with Jerusalem, and they succumbed to hopelessness, being severed from the fellowship of the righteous. At that moment, when all of this transpired and Jerusalem appeared overwhelmed by the full extent of divine fury, there were no sons among you to lend support, no one to offer solace. True, there were many Levites, priests, scribes, and Pharisees, enjoying elevated status and honors. Yet, not one of them could rescue Judah from the calamity resulting from divine judgment, nor could any provide even the slightest comfort amidst the crushing sorrow that had overtaken her. Those who led them away from the love of God and instilled doubts in their faith left them helpless, plunging them into the depths of despair without any assistance.

Concerning those who remain unhealed by His grace, however, He meticulously oversees the outpouring of the final judgment, with no remnant spared, akin to the hardened heart of Pharaoh, who suffers under grievous toil and stands as a testament to God's dominion over the unrighteous.

The Prophet calls upon those who have previously denied Him, proclaiming during the Lord’s Passion, “Take him, take him, crucify him; we have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15), to rise up and repent. Those who have fallen through denial must acknowledge how they have offended their Creator amidst the trials they face.

Medical practitioners often provide a bitter remedy to those suffering from nausea to help purge harmful substances, allowing them to eventually consume nourishing food. Thus, Jerusalem, which has tasted the wrath of the Lord and consumed His chalice of judgment, is urged to awaken from its stupor after having drained it completely, as reflected in the word from the translators: εξεστράγγισας (fully decanted). This cup is referenced in the Psalms: “The cup in the hand of the Lord is full of wine, well mixed; and He pours out from it; surely all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs” (Psalms 74:9). Similarly, the Lord speaks in Jeremiah: “Take the cup of the wine of fury from My hand, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. They shall drink and be in turmoil because of the sword that I send among them” (Jeremiah 25:15-16).

In offering this cup to other nations as well as to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, the prophet continues, “Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel: Drink, and be drunk, and vomit; fall and rise no more because of the sword that I will send among you” (Jeremiah 25:27). It is crucial to recognize that this cup signifies the Lord’s anger, represented by His sword unleashed upon sinners. A question arises: how can it be that after consuming, becoming intoxicated, and experiencing the aftermath of such excess, Jeremiah claims Jerusalem cannot rise, yet Isaiah encourages, “Arise, arise, Jerusalem”? This is clarified by indicating that as long as someone continues to drink from the cup, becomes inebriated, and suffers the consequences, they will not be able to stand, for they have not yet reached the bottom of God’s cup of wrath. Thus, Jerusalem speaks of its past, stating, “He who drank of the cup of His fury from the Lord's hand,” not “he who drinks.”

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that from that time onward, there were no prophets or apostles in Judea to provide comfort and assistance to those in despair. Hence, it appears that these words refer to the period after the final captivity; otherwise, there would be accounts of Ezekiel and other prophets during and after the Babylonian exile. Regarding the statement about encountering two adversities, one may observe that instead of two, four are presented: devastation and ruin, famine and violence. This resonates with the Psalms, which declare, “God has spoken once; twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God, and to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You will render to each according to his work” (Psalms 61:12-13). Here, God emphasizes His omnipotence, alongside the prophet’s acknowledgment of His grace extended toward the repentant, while also enacting justice upon those who remain in sin.

In accordance with this understanding, Jerusalem faces two challenges, each accompanied by a corresponding reality. Destruction follows the fall; famine accompanies the sword, leading to ultimate despair. This can also reflect the deep significance of a soul laden with sin, reluctant to face the Lord’s anger, echoing what is said in the Psalm: “Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure” (Psalm 6:2). Yet, if they were to embrace the cup of the Lord’s fury, it would be beneficial for them to acknowledge their punishment, with the Lord promising, “When the fury of My anger is past, I will heal her again” (Isaiah 7:4). Additionally, the Lord states, “The food of him who falls shall not rise” (Jeremiah 8:4).

To clarify the meaning of the cup, he continues, "At the sight of the sword which I will send upon them" (Jer 25:16). He further states, "I took the cup from the hand of the Lord and served it to all the nations the Lord had sent me to, including Jerusalem, the cities of Judah, and their kings and princes, to make them desolate, a waste, a mockery, and a curse, as is currently evident" (Jer 25:17-18). Thus, here also, God, through the prophet, proclaims, "You have consumed the cup of suffering and drained it" (Isaiah 51:17), meaning you have endured a severe punishment, with no assistance available from the kings, leaders, or vast armies you relied upon for your safety.