And it shall be as when the reaper gathers standing grain and his arm harvests the ears, and as when one gleans the ears of grain in the Valley of Rephaim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse paints a picture of complete devastation, not just by describing the harvestman gathering crops, but by adding the image of someone gleaning in the Valley of Rephaim. This latter image signifies that even the overlooked remnants, the "leftovers" of the harvest, will be taken, leaving absolutely nothing behind. The mention of the "valley of giants" highlights the thoroughness of the destruction in a place known for its abundant fertility.
And it shall be as when the reaper gathers standing grain and his arm harvests the ears, and as when one gleans the ears of grain in the Valley of Rephaim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Damascus and Syria, which extends into a judgment on Israel (Ephraim). Isaiah vividly depicts the devastating plunder and exile that will befall Israel, likening their fate to the methodical reaping and gleaning of a bountiful harvest in the fertile Valley of Rephaim. This imagery underscores the completeness of their destruction, suggesting that even the last remnants will be swept away by their enemies, specifically the Assyrians.
Imagine a field stripped clean, not a single ear left on the stalk. This verse paints a stark picture of what's coming.
Isaiah uses the imagery of a harvest to describe the coming judgment on Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel). Just as a farmer diligently gathers every stalk and ear of grain, the enemies of Israel will sweep through the land, taking the people and their wealth. The act of 'gathering with his arm' and 'harvesting the ears' emphasizes the thoroughness of this destruction. It signifies that nearly everyone and everything valuable will be taken away, leaving the land devastated.
Why mention a specific valley? This fertile land holds a significant clue to the depth of the coming loss.
The 'Valley of Rephaim,' meaning 'Valley of Giants,' was known for its exceptional fertility and abundant harvests. Mentioning this specific, highly productive region underscores just how much will be taken. It wasn't just any field; it was a prime example of Israel's bounty. The enemies will come like gleaners to this rich valley, taking even the scattered remnants after the main harvest. This image highlights the complete desolation – even the leftover grains will be seized, leaving nothing behind. It serves as a poignant reminder of what was lost.
Understand the original words
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qatsir · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the process of gathering the harvest, often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent divine judgment or the final ingathering of the righteous.
The imagery of harvest and gleaning in this verse powerfully depicts the complete devastation and depopulation of the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrian Empire, highlighting God's judgment against their unfaithfulness.
c. 734 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Israel
Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria invades the northern kingdom of Israel, conquering several cities and deporting a portion of the population. This marks the beginning of the end for the northern kingdom.
c. 724-722 BC— this verse
Siege and Fall of Samaria
Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, is besieged and eventually falls to the Assyrians under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II. The remaining population is deported.
c. 722 BC
Dispersion of the Northern Tribes
Following the fall of Samaria, the Assyrians scatter the Israelites throughout their empire, leading to the loss of the ten northern tribes. This event fulfills prophecies of judgment against Israel for its idolatry and disobedience.
This passage describes Ruth gleaning in the fields, directly referencing the practice described in Isaiah 17:5 and highlighting the idea of gathering what is left behind.
2 Samuel 5:18This verse mentions the Valley of Rephaim, the same fertile location referenced in Isaiah, and connects it to David's battles, suggesting the valley was known for both its bounty and conflict.
Jeremiah 50:11This passage uses similar harvest imagery to describe judgment, stating that God's enemies 'rejoice and exult' and 'tread you down like a threshing sledge,' echoing the idea of a thorough gathering or destruction.
2 Kings 17:6This verse records the historical fulfillment of judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel, showing how they were carried away by the Assyrians, a powerful historical parallel to the imagery of being harvested and taken away.
Matthew 13:30Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds speaks of letting both grow until the harvest, at which time the weeds are gathered first, illustrating a divine separation and gathering, akin to the imagery of reaping and gleaning.
cambridgeIsaiah 17:5: "And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim."
5 . The succeeding pictures are exceedingly graphic,—an evidence of Isaiah’s intense interest in rural life. The reaper gathers the stalks of wheat with one hand and with the other cuts off the ears close to the head. and it shall be … Rephaim ] Render as R.V. and it shall be as when one gleaneth ears , &c. See Ruth 2:2…
clarkeIsaiah 17:5: "And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim."
As when the harvestman gathereth "As when one gathereth" - That is, the king of Assyria shall sweep away the whole body of the people, as the reaper strippeth off the whole crop of corn; and the remnant shall be no more in proportion than the scattered ears left to the gleaner. The valley of Rephaim near Jerusalem was ce…
This verse paints a picture of complete devastation, not just by describing the harvestman gathering crops, but by adding the image of someone gleaning in the Valley of Rephaim. This latter image signifies that even the overlooked remnants, the "leftovers" of the harvest, will be taken, leaving absolutely nothing behind. The mention of the "valley of giants" highlights the thoroughness of the destruction in a place known for its abundant fertility.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Damascus and Syria, which extends into a judgment on Israel (Ephraim). Isaiah vividly depicts the devastating plunder and exile that will befall Israel, likening their fate to the methodical reaping and gleaning of a bountiful harvest in the fertile Valley of Rephaim. This imagery underscores the completeness of their destruction, suggesting that even the last remnants will be swept away by their enemies, specifically the Assyrians.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Damascus and Syria, which extends into a judgment on Israel (Ephraim). Isaiah vividly depicts the devastating plunder and exile that will befall Israel, likening their fate to the methodical reaping and gleaning of a bountiful harvest in the fertile Valley of Rephaim. This imagery underscores the completeness of their destruction, suggesting that even the last remnants will be swept away by their enemies, specifically the Assyrians.
"And it shall be as when the reaper gathers standing grain and his arm harvests the ears, and as when one gleans the ears of grain in the Valley of Rephaim." — This verse paints a picture of complete devastation, not just by describing the harvestman gathering crops, but by adding the image of someone gleaning in the Valley of Rephaim. This latter image sig…
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Last reviewed October 2026