What does Isaiah 7:23 mean?
Isaiah continues to describe the terrible days coming for Judah after Assyria invades the land (Isaiah 7:18–22). This judgment from the Lord will wipe out the population in two ways. Many people will simply be killed. Many others will be carried away into exile. The land will be severely depopulated. The prophet described that devastation in an unsettling, almost positive way (Isaiah 7:21–22). Those left behind will have plenty of milk, curds, and honey, since there are so few mouths to feed. Now he describes the obvious downside. Not enough people will remain to work the vineyards.He describes vineyards that once held a thousand productive grape vines. Their value was likely that which was created by their annual produce. In those dark days, these rich and productive vineyards will be overgrown with thorns. Not enough workers will remain to keep the soil fertile and productive.