Isaiah 7:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When this transformation occurs, peace and security, confidence and boldness will also return, reminiscent of earlier times. “Thou shalt not go, fearing thorns and thorny bushes: there the oxen shall be driven out, and the small cattle shall trample upon them.” This indicates that in that place, fear will not exist; instead, thorns will be for the sheep and for the trampling of oxen. Through this imagery, he again highlights abundance, as he continues, "Blessed is he that soweth in all waters, and sendeth therein ox and ass." Here, in all waters where ox and donkey tread (Isaiah 32:20), he illustrates the contrast: when depicting desolation, he references wild creatures, while to depict serenity and security, he consistently portrays gentle and domesticated animals that assist in agriculture, symbolizing the cultivation of the land and their beneficial contributions.

Consequently, the most beautiful places will transform into barren wastelands, overgrown with thorns, instilling such fear in those who remain that they will not dare to enter these areas but will rather seek safety in the mountains where they will labor with heavy hearts. Every mountain and hill will lament, for those who have taken refuge there will abandon the pursuits of wealth and pleasure, focusing instead on what is necessary for survival and meager sustenance. Thus, one might wonder why they choose to live amidst the mountains and cultivate them while neglecting the fertile lands. It is said that fear will not dwell there, leading them to conclude that such fear is absent for those who reside in these elevated places. The prophet then illustrates the utter devastation awaiting them. For it will be, as he states, that the land from the grazing sheep to the thorns and to the pasture for the sheep will be transformed into a prosperous land, richly producing grapes and olives, adorned with fruitful trees and flowing with honey, as recorded (Ex. 33:3; Ex. 3:8, 17; Ex. 13:5; Lev. 20:24, among others). Therefore, by pleasing God through our obedience in all matters, we shall dwell securely as in a true homeland, flourishing in virtue, overcoming our adversaries without fear. Rather, we will be fervent in love and good deeds, bearing fruit that is pleasing to God, liberated from spiritual thorns, inhabiting a land greatly desired, as prophesied (Mal. 3:12), and indeed a field of the Lord's work (1 Cor. 3:9).

These once bountiful vineyards transformed into fields overrun with thorns and brambles when an enemy force arrived with countless arrows and bows, bringing destruction in their wake. The mountains of Oremia symbolize the faithful who have embraced Christ. Prior to His arrival, they were barren and untended, wild and thorny until Christ appeared. As Christ came to bring both the downfall and the restoration of many (Luke 2:34), calling forth what was dry to be made fruitful (1 Cor. 1:28), those of the circumcision, having lost their vitality and productivity, became a desolate expanse; while the gathering of the Gentiles, identified as the mountain of Orem, has been cultivated and is liberated from fear and trepidation of adversaries. This mountain represents the soul uplifted by the teachings of Christ. With the coming of the Lord, Israel was severed, and the Gentiles were brought in, ensuring that through their disobedience, salvation has been made available to all (cf. Rom. 11:17, 11). On these mountains, the sheep and oxen graze without trepidation, reaping abundant rewards. It is clear that sheep embody virtue, while oxen exemplify diligence in fulfilling their tasks.