The verse uses a dual image of harvesting to emphasize the thoroughness of the coming devastation: first, the main harvest is gathered, and then, crucially, gleaning occurs, highlighting that even the smallest remnants will be taken. This isn't just about reaping the crop; it's about leaving virtually nothing behind, as seen in the reference to the fertile Valley of Rephaim, a place known for abundance.
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. Gleanings will be left in it, as when an olive tree is beaten— two or three berries in the top of the highest bough, four or five on the branches of a fruit tree, declares the LORD God of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah is warning the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and its ally, Damascus, of impending destruction. Following the prophecy of Damascus's fall, the text shifts to the consequences for Israel, stating their glory will diminish and their strength fade. This verse uses the imagery of a harvest to describe how Israel will be thoroughly stripped and removed, much like grain cut and gathered, leaving only scraps behind.
Imagine the scene: a vast field, ripe for harvest. But this harvest isn't for sustenance; it's a picture of impending doom. What does this imagery reveal about the nature of God's judgment?
Isaiah uses the vivid imagery of a harvest to describe the impending judgment on Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel).
A Complete Sweep
The verse paints a picture of the reaper gathering grain into his arm and harvesting the ears. This signifies a thorough and complete removal. Just as a farmer seeks to harvest every stalk and ear, so too will the conquering enemy sweep through the land, taking its people and their wealth.
The Gleaning Remnant
The second part of the verse compares the remnant to gleaners in the Valley of Rephaim. This fertile valley, known for its abundance, would still only yield a few scattered ears left behind after the main harvest. This illustrates that while the majority would be taken, a very small, almost insignificant, portion might be left behind – not enough to sustain a nation, but a mere residue.
The Valley of Rephaim is not just any field; it carries a significant name and history. Why would Isaiah choose this specific location to illustrate God's judgment?
The mention of the Valley of Rephaim adds layers of meaning to Isaiah's prophecy.
Name of Giants
'Rephaim' means 'giants' or 'shades' in Hebrew. This valley was historically associated with powerful, perhaps even fearsome, figures. By naming it, Isaiah might be hinting at the immense power of the conquering enemy or the terrifying nature of the judgment itself.
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A Place of Harvest and Conflict
This valley was also known for its exceptional fertility and bountiful harvests. It was a place where abundance was reaped, but it was also a site of significant battles for Israel, notably against the Philistines. Using this valley connects the idea of a fruitful land being devastated and highlights the ironic contrast: a place of plenty becoming a place where remnants are barely found.
Understand the original words
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.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God, revealing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people, particularly in the context of covenant relationship.
Elohei Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun Phrase
The title for God emphasizing His covenant relationship with the nation of Israel and His role as their protector and sovereign ruler.
The imagery of a harvest and gleaning in the fertile Valley of Rephaim vividly portrays the complete devastation and depopulation that befell the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the Assyrian conquests.
c. 734 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Israel
Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria invades Israel, capturing many cities and deporting a significant portion of the population, particularly from the northern tribes.
c. 722 BC— this verse
Fall of Samaria and Exile of Northern Tribes
Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, falls to the Assyrian army under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II. The remaining inhabitants are exiled to various parts of the Assyrian Empire, effectively ending the existence of the Northern Kingdom.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades the Southern Kingdom of Judah, besieging Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem is not captured, many Judean cities are destroyed, and significant tribute is exacted.
This passage describes gleaning in a field, paralleling the imagery of leaving behind leftover grain after a harvest, which is mentioned in Isaiah 17:5 as part of the devastation.
2 Samuel 5:18The Valley of Rephaim is mentioned here as a place where David fought the Philistines, and Isaiah uses this known fertile valley as a vivid backdrop for the agricultural imagery of destruction.
2 Kings 17:6This historical account details the Assyrian captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel, which directly fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 17 concerning the sweeping away of the people and their wealth.
Jeremiah 5:17Jeremiah uses similar agricultural imagery to describe the devastation of Judah by enemies, reinforcing the theme of a land being completely reaped and stripped bare.
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…
The verse uses a dual image of harvesting to emphasize the thoroughness of the coming devastation: first, the main harvest is gathered, and then, crucially, gleaning occurs, highlighting that even the smallest remnants will be taken. This isn't just about reaping the crop; it's about leaving virtually nothing behind, as seen in the reference to the fertile Valley of Rephaim, a place known for abundance.
Isaiah is warning the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and its ally, Damascus, of impending destruction. Following the prophecy of Damascus's fall, the text shifts to the consequences for Israel, stating their glory will diminish and their strength fade. This verse uses the imagery of a harvest to describe how Israel will be thoroughly stripped and removed, much like grain cut and gathered, leaving only scraps behind.
Isaiah is warning the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and its ally, Damascus, of impending destruction. Following the prophecy of Damascus's fall, the text shifts to the consequences for Israel, stating their glory will diminish and their strength fade. This verse uses the imagery of a harvest to describe how Israel will be thoroughly stripped and removed, much like grain cut and gathered, leaving only scraps behind.
"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. Gleanings will be left in it, as when an olive tree is…" — The verse uses a dual image of harvesting to emphasize the thoroughness of the coming devastation: first, the main harvest is gathered, and then, crucially, gleaning occurs, highlighting that even…
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Last reviewed October 2026
