The phrase "go to" in this verse isn't a dismissive command, but an invitation to pay close attention, highlighting that God is about to reveal a serious consequence for the people's unfaithfulness. The detailed description of removing both the hedge and the wall emphasizes that God will withdraw all layers of protection, leaving the vineyard utterly exposed and vulnerable.
And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Lord, having described his meticulous care for Israel (likened to a vineyard) through song and parable, now pivots to pronounce judgment. He reveals what he will do to this ungrateful "vineyard" after it yielded only "wild grapes" instead of the expected fruit. This declaration of judgment sets the stage for the devastating consequences that will befall them due to their sin.
Imagine your most precious garden. You'd build fences, right? God did the same for His people, not just one, but two layers of defense. What happens when those defenses are removed?
In Isaiah 5:5, God describes the destruction of His 'vineyard' – Israel. He says, 'I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down.' This wasn't just a casual fence; ancient vineyards often had a thick thorn hedge and a stone wall for protection. These represented God's active protection and special care for His people.
God's Protective Presence
When God says He will remove these, it’s a declaration that He is withdrawing His safeguarding presence and allowing external forces—enemies, devastation—to overrun them. This wasn't a passive abandonment, but an active judgment for their unfaithfulness.
God's judgment often isn't about Him disappearing, but about Him stepping back. What's the crucial difference, and why does it matter so much?
The phrase 'go to' (or 'attend to me') in verse 5 signals a shift. God isn't just describing His vineyard; He's about to act. Crucially, His judgment here is framed as a of His protection and favor, rather than a complete abandonment.
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Active Withdrawal
This isn't God ceasing to exist or care, but rather Him responding justly to sin by allowing the natural, devastating consequences of separation from Him to take hold. It's a sober reminder that His active favor is a gift that can be grieved and, in judgment, withdrawn.
Understand the original words
mĕśûkâ · Hebrew Noun
A protective enclosure around the vineyard, representing the covenantal boundary and the hedge of divine protection that God places around His people.
gādēr · Hebrew Noun
A physical barrier representing security and separation; in a theological sense, it symbolizes the divine defense that shields God's people from enemies when they are faithful.
shiyth/shamir · Hebrew Noun
A state of being laid waste, deserted, or ruined. In a biblical context, it often signifies divine judgment resulting in the removal of God's blessing or presence.
The prophecy in Isaiah 5:5 directly foreshadows the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, a devastating consequence of Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and rejection of God's care. The removal of the 'hedge' and the breaking of the 'wall' symbolize God withdrawing His protection, leaving His people vulnerable to the enemies He would raise up.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Israel
The northern kingdom of Israel falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of its people. This event serves as a stark warning of God's judgment on unfaithfulness.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army under Sennacherib invades Judah and besieces Jerusalem. Though the city is miraculously spared, the surrounding territories are devastated, highlighting Judah's vulnerability.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports some of Judah's nobility, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's subjugation to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Judah's elite, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and exiling the majority of the remaining population. This is the ultimate consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem
The Second Temple is completed in Jerusalem, signifying the return of Jewish worship and a new phase of national existence.
This psalm uses the vineyard metaphor and describes its destruction, mirroring the consequences of God's protection being removed as depicted in Isaiah 5:5.
Jeremiah 1:17-19This passage shows God's prophetic warnings of judgment against His people for their unfaithfulness, paralleling Isaiah's message of impending destruction due to the vineyard's unfruitfulness.
Matthew 21:33-41Jesus retells a similar parable of a vineyard owner and his tenants, directly alluding to the judgment described in Isaiah where the vineyard is taken away and given to others who will produce its fruit.
Luke 13:6-9This parable of the barren fig tree, like Isaiah's vineyard, speaks of a period of grace followed by judgment when the expected fruit is not produced, illustrating the consequence of unfruitfulness.
Ezekiel 34:18-19This passage describes judgment on shepherds who exploit their flock, leading to the flock being trampled and devoured, which echoes the destructive fate of the vineyard when its protective 'hedge' and 'wall' are removed.
barnesIsaiah 5:5: "And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:"
Go to - The Hebrew word here is one that is commonly rendered, 'I pray you,' and is used "to call the attention to" what is said. It is the word from which we have derived the adverb "now," נא nā'. I will take away the hedge - A "hedge" is a fence of thorns, made by suffering thorn-bushes to gro…
jfbIsaiah 5:5: "And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:"
- go to—that is, attend to me.hedge … wall—It had both; a proof of the care of the owner. But now it shall be trodden down by wild beasts (enemies) (Ps 80:12, 13).
The phrase "go to" in this verse isn't a dismissive command, but an invitation to pay close attention, highlighting that God is about to reveal a serious consequence for the people's unfaithfulness. The detailed description of removing both the hedge and the wall emphasizes that God will withdraw all layers of protection, leaving the vineyard utterly exposed and vulnerable.
The Lord, having described his meticulous care for Israel (likened to a vineyard) through song and parable, now pivots to pronounce judgment. He reveals what he will do to this ungrateful "vineyard" after it yielded only "wild grapes" instead of the expected fruit. This declaration of judgment sets the stage for the devastating consequences that will befall them due to their sin.
The Lord, having described his meticulous care for Israel (likened to a vineyard) through song and parable, now pivots to pronounce judgment. He reveals what he will do to this ungrateful "vineyard" after it yielded only "wild grapes" instead of the expected fruit. This declaration of judgment sets the stage for the devastating consequences that will befall them due to their sin.
"And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall n…" — The phrase "go to" in this verse isn't a dismissive command, but an invitation to pay close attention, highlighting that God is about to reveal a serious consequence for the people's unfaithfulness.…
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Last reviewed October 2026
