Isaiah 65:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The divine David also prophesies regarding Christ's imminent appearance: "Then shall all the oak trees rejoice at the face of the Lord, because He is coming, because He is coming to judge the earth" (Psalm 95:12-13). Therefore, he speaks of the oak tree, which symbolizes the multitude of the Gentiles, or their settlements, where there shall be signs of downfall. This is illustrated in the case of Achan, one of the Israelites, who, during the destruction of Jericho, disobeyed God's command to destroy all that was in the city and took what was cursed for himself. When his sin was revealed by God, he faced severe consequences and perished along with his entire household, thus the place associated with Achan became known as a cursed site. Such may be the fate of the Gentile communities; they are considered cursed and loathed by God, for the truth of God is not known among them. Yet, He declares that the former place of cursing will transform into a haven for the Gentiles, signifying the resting place for spiritual sheep under Christ, the Chief Shepherd of all. He, addressing the people of Judea regarding the Gentiles said: “I have other sheep also, which are not of this fold; it is fitting for me to bring them, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Those who once wandered have come to Him through faith, and upon finding Him, have become His companions, fellow heirs with the saints (Ephesians 2:19), co-heirs with Him to the promised blessings (Ephesians 6:6).

The lineage referred to here may be understood as Christ, who is associated with the lineage of Judah, concerning whom it is stated in Genesis, "Judah, your brothers shall praise you" (Genesis 49:8). Indeed, our Savior descended from the tribe of Judah. Others interpret this lineage as referring to the Apostles, as noted in the Scriptures, where it says, "The remnant shall be saved" (Romans 9:27) and, "If the Lord of hosts had not left us a remnant, we would have been like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah" (Isaiah 1:9). They have taken possession of the Lord's mountain and proclaiming, according to the presence of Christ within them: "Come to the mountain of Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" (Hebrews 12:22). The Psalms proclaim, "The mountains surround Him, and the Lord is around His people" (Psalms 124:2), and "His foundations are on the holy mountains" (Psalms 86:1).

Thus, the chosen of the Lord will possess Zion, and His servants will inhabit it. It is written that Abraham's seed are His servants, the sons of Jacob are His chosen ones (Psalms 104:6). Therefore, anyone who is still regarded as a seed, yet has not yet attained the status of a son, remains a servant of the Lord, to whom He asserts in the Gospel (John 8): "I know you are Abraham's offspring, but you are not yet sons. For if you were truly Abraham's offspring, you would act according to the works of Abraham." But it is said of a son that he is also among the Lord's chosen. Thus, the elect possess Jerusalem, while the servants dwell within its walls. The distinction between sons and servants is articulated: "You have not received the spirit of fear, but the Spirit of adoption" (Romans 8:15).

He speaks of plains or oaks as pastures for livestock. The term for plains in Hebrew refers to Saron. The whole region surrounding Lydda, Joppa, and Jamnia is suitable for grazing. It is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, "The forests shall be transformed into sheepfolds," in alignment with what is sung in the Psalm: "The voice of the Lord makes the trees tremble, and uncovers the oaks" (Psalms 28:9). The forests overgrown with thorns, which harbored thieves and wild beasts, will cease to conceal them, and the areas previously marked by wrongdoing and bloodshed will become the Lord’s churches, where the flock of the One who laid down His life for them can graze. Concerning Him, it is written, "He will shepherd us forever" (Ezekiel 34).

This voice of the Lord that shakes the fir trees and clears the forests is heralded by John in the wilderness: "The ax is already at the root of the tree. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matthew 3:10). He declares again, "Every valley shall be filled" (Luke 3:5). Accordingly, it is stated even now: "The valley of Achor shall be a resting place for cattle, and a resting place for My people who have sought Me." It is also recorded in the book of Joshua's son that Achan was put to death for taking from the accursed items and spoils of Jericho, resulting in the calamity of his household, and thus, the location of his demise was named Achor, meaning "trouble and alarm" (Num. 7). Therefore, what was once a site of cursing and punishment in the valley of Achor will become a place of rest for the cattle.

Paul clarifies this point (1 Corinthians 9), asking, "Does God care about oxen? Is He not speaking for our sake? For whoever plows should plow in hope, and whoever threshes should do so with the anticipation of receiving a share." It is mysteriously noted in Hosea regarding this valley: "I will speak to her heart"—surely, Jerusalem—and "I will give her her inheritance from there, and the meadow of Achor; I will open her understanding" (Hosea 2:14-15). Consequently, the valley of Achor is granted for the cattle of God's people, and the valleys are converted into pastures, revealing meaning and disclosing the truth of the Lord.