Pentecost Season · Proper 15 · Year C
Isaiah 5:1-7
The Song of the Vineyard
August 20, 2028
Overview & Insights
“The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel… he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed.” (Isaiah 5:7)
Judgment Missed and Demonstrated: In length and theme chapter 5 pairs with chapter 1 and closes a bracket around 2:2–4:6. Chapter 5 comprises a mock love song; a series of woes that will be completed in 10:1–4; and a warning about Yahweh’s outstretched hand that will continue in chapter 9. In contrast to 1:1–2:1 and 2:2–4:6, no positive note is struck at the beginning or the end. Chapters 1–5 come to a close as bleak as their opening. Rebellion and darkness ultimately bracket them.
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Commentary
Commentary on Isaiah 5:1-7 Working Preacher
Reads the song as a strategic trap that gets the audience to judge themselves.
Isaiah 5:1-7 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Connects the vineyard's failed justice to the prophetic call to advocate for the powerless.
Isaiah 5 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse treatment of the vineyard song and its indictment.
Isaiah 5:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries on the opening love song for the vineyard.
Isaiah 5 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse study notes on the vineyard song and its judgment oracle.
Background & Word Study
Questions preachers ask
What is the Song of the Vineyard?
Isaiah sings a love song about a carefully tended vineyard that yields only wild grapes, then reveals it is Israel: God looked for justice but saw bloodshed. It stands directly behind Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants.
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