The bulk of Isaiah chapter 5 (from verse 8 through verse 30) consists of a blistering Sermon Isaiah preached, part of a longer Message really. This Paragraph is clearly marked by its use of a series of “Woes” announced by the Prophet. (Some Bible teachers label the whole Section “the six woes of Isaiah.”

Today, since yesterday we focused on verses 1-7 (God’s Vineyard), we’re going to notice each of those pronouncements. These six indictments (for that is exactly what they are) actually reveal WHY God is going to reap havoc on His Vineyard, on Israel … because of their “wild” sinning.

Are you ready to begin?

Some scholars think the six woes represent an intentional progression into sin, digression into sin! (One “wrong” leading to another “wrong,” each being worse than its predecessor!) Although honestly, it’s hard to distinguish “little” sins from “big” sins, even if such a dichotomy exists.

First … “WOE unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.” Isaiah 5:8-10

This presents love of money. Rich people buying house after house, no matter who they hurt in the process. Looking out for “number one.” This looks like “real estate” has become a new god for the people! Until only the rich tycoon lives on a vast expanse of his own creating!

But God says He can empty those houses, all of them! Even the mansions among them! And those pretty (likely wrongly acquired) vineyards, God can withhold the rain and warmth … and they will produce very little!

Remember that in Israel God has bequeathed to each family a plot of land. Land that has here somehow been “taken” from them. (Think of the Naboth’s Vineyard scenario of King Ahab’s day.)

Second … “WOE unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge.” King James Version, Isaiah 5:11-13a

Here is the love of “strong drink,” alcohol from morning to night! As a lifestyle! And (as is usual) they added (wild) “partying” to that mix. The (sensual)  “music” and the (gluttonous) “feasting!”

But God here directly says this is one of the reasons WHY His people have been sent into captivity! (Assyrian Captivity for the Northern Kingdom, Israel. And later, Babylonian Exile for the Southern Kingdom, for Judah.)

No “knowledge” of God … leads to sin, de facto.

Third … which I would call “serial sinning” … ” WOW unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: that say, Let him (God) make speed (hurry up), and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!” Isaiah 5:18-19, brashly confronting, challenging  Almighty God!

Sins have now piled on top of sins … to the point they have become “heavy!” Too many sins to just “carry” in one’s arms! They need an ox to pull them, they are now so ponderous!

They now have to “tow” them (their many iniquities) with cords! Even with ropes, strong ox-cart ropes! All the while “doubting” God! As in: “We have not seen him do anything lately!” Sheer Blasphemy! Irreverence to the maximum!

Wow!

Fourth … a reversal of values! “WOE unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

This sin is self-explanatory. What God once called “good,” is now considered “bad” … by these erring folks! (Sounds like contemporary society, doesn’t it?)

Then fifth … “pride!” No doubt here either. “WOE unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:21

Whereas we should be humble, lowly … fully dependent on God! An attitude like that depicted in Proverbs 3:5-6 is optimum. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” 

Last of all … one more imprecation … “WOW unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” Isaiah 5:22-23

They reward the wicked! They denigrate the righteous! They place as “heroes” the most “vile” of men and women! (America, take heed!) And it appears that their perverted judgment is tainted by strong drink, once again!

And here’s the root of this sixth injustice: “Because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” Perennially ignore God’s Word … and soon a society will no longer honor the “righteous” of the land!

What a list!

Thank you, Isaiah, for preaching the Truth!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell