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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 16 - Verse 8

16:8
For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the desolation and destruction that has befallen the once flourishing fields of Heshbon and the vine of Sibmah. The lords of the heathen have ravaged the land, breaking down its principal plants and leaving devastation in their wake. The invading forces have advanced even unto Jazer, wandering through the wilderness and leaving nothing untouched. The imagery of the stretched out branches and the passage over the sea symbolize the far-reaching and thorough nature of the destruction brought upon these lands. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the devastation that can result from turning away from God.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet mourns the destruction of the fields of Heshbon and the vine of Sibmah. The desolation is attributed to the actions of the lords of the heathen who have broken down the principal plants, symbolizing the devastation and ruin brought upon the land. The mention of Jazer and the wilderness signifies the extent of the destruction, spreading far and wide. The imagery of her branches stretched out and gone over the sea paints a vivid picture of the widespread impact of the devastation. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the ultimate judgment that follows. The theological interpretation of this passage emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands to avoid the devastating consequences that can befall those who stray from His path.

American Standard Version

For the fields of Heshbon languish, [and] the vine of Sibmah; the lords of the nations have broken down the choice branches thereof, which reached even unto Jazer, which wandered into the wilderness; its shoots were spread abroad, they passed over the sea.
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