06/12/2014 CHOICES
Isaiah 1:8 The Daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of melons, like a city under siege. [New International translation.]
Summary
The prophet Isaiah was called to prophesy to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, [i.e., the daughters of Zion] about GOD's judgment of the people for their rebellion and sin against God and about God's future plan for salvation through the Messiah, JESUS CHRIST. In Isaiah 1:8, the "Daughter of Zion" refers to the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city of David, was built on a hill called Zion and is given a "feminine" reference—"daughter," probably because of its great "beauty." There were numerous "field of melons" planted around the city. Melons (and cucumbers) were in great demand in this hot region because of their cooling properties. To protect the harvest, a shelter was often erected in the field so that a watchman could guard the field from birds, animals, thieves or anything else that might damage, steal or destroy the crop. However, the prophet states the booth or shelter has been "left" or abandoned because the city of Jerusalem is "under siege" or surrounded. This is because the city fields are surrounded by the enemy. This description of abandoned fields exemplifies the hopelessness and helplessness of the situation that Jerusalem will soon find herself because of the people's sinful ways. Despite Isaiah's prophetic forewarning from GOD and fervent plea that the people "Heed the word of the LORD" and "listen," the Israelites refused. The people chose to continue down a path of self-destruction that eventually led to Babylonian captivity.