Isaiah 5

I think this chapter is rather self-explanatory: the Lord’s people have rejected him, and so they lose His protection. In the end, however, those who truly love the Lord will come to him quickly.

Verses 1-5
These verses make the point that Israel, which is all of God’s children, has rejected Him, despite His efforts to care for them.

Verse 6
This mentions that the Lord will “rain no rain” upon His vineyard. I believe this relates to revelation. When we do not listen, and do not strive to obey, we cannot receive revelation (or “rain”), that life-giving water, from Heaven.

Verses 8-10
This speaks of those who are materialistic and seek to expand their wealth, property, and land. Ultimately, they will be left desolate.

Verses 11-12
These verses speak to those who are “light minded,” seeking party and pleasure. “Woe unto them” because their focus is on the self and indulgence. They “regard not the work of the Lord,” leaving themselves without His protection.

Verse 13
Ultimately, the people go into captivity because they do not have knowledge. I doubt this refers to any sort of worldly knowledge – there’s certainly plenty of that to be had in this day and age. Instead, they lack spiritual, saving knowledge. They are thirsty because they haven’t drunk from the well of life. Without that knowledge and living water within us, we will “dry up.”

Verses 14-25
These verses describe the end result for those who trust in worldly knowledge. Their “glory,” “pomp,” and “lofty eyes” will be brought down. They think they are wise, but call evil good and good evil. Ultimately, they will be left without “root or blossom” (v. 24). 

This is another reference to the tree of life. Without wisdom (remember Wisdom’s relation to the tree of life), we cannot have that life-source within us and will spiritually wither and die. Through faith and obedience, we advance to the tree of life and are invited to partake of its fruit. That fruit gives us everlasting life. Also note the similarity to partaking of the sacrament. The sacrament means more than just taking bread and water and “remembering.” It should direct us to the true source of life, the Light and the Life.

Verses 26-30
At the end of times, the Lord will signal that it is time for gathering. Those who will gather will:

1. Be listening. The Lord says he will “hiss.” This doesn’t seem to be a loud, overpowering signal, but one we must be listening for and be willing to hear.

2. Come quickly. There can’t be any hesitation. Those who gather will have faith to act immediately.

If we do those things, then we will be safely gathered in.