Let's dive into the meaning and commentary of Isaiah 5:17 in the King James Version of the Bible.

"The lambs shall feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat."

This verse comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, which is a prophetic book written by the prophet Isaiah around 700 BC. The book of Isaiah contains a mix of prophecies of judgment and restoration for the nation of Israel, as well as prophecies regarding the coming Messiah. In chapter 5, Isaiah delivers a prophecy of judgment against the people of Judah for their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God. The imagery in this verse speaks to the consequences of their actions and the resulting desolation.

The verse begins with the phrase "The lambs shall feed after their manner," which can be seen as a reference to the restoration that will come after the judgment. In the biblical context, lambs are often associated with innocence and purity, and they are also symbols of sacrifice. Here, the image of lambs feeding suggests a time of peace and provision that will come after the period of hardship and desolation.

The second part of the verse says, "and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat." This is a stark contrast to the image of the lambs feeding, as it speaks to the desolation and loss that will be experienced by those who have been prosperous. The "waste places" are the once fertile and abundant lands that will be left barren and unproductive, and the "fat ones" are the wealthy and influential members of society who will suffer the consequences of their sins. The mention of strangers eating from these waste places emphasizes the complete reversal of fortune for the people of Judah.

One possible interpretation of this verse is that it serves as a warning to the people of Judah, reminding them of the consequences of their sinful actions. The prophet Isaiah is highlighting the contrast between the future restoration promised by God and the current desolation that will result from the people's disobedience. The image of the lambs feeding and the strangers eating from the waste places serves as a powerful visual representation of this message.

Another key theme in this verse is the idea of divine judgment and restoration. The prophecy in Isaiah 5:17 suggests that the desolation and suffering experienced by the people of Judah will ultimately lead to a time of renewal and abundance. This reflects a consistent biblical theme of God's judgment for sin and his mercy and restoration for those who repent and turn back to him.

Additionally, the verse can be seen as a reflection of the broader biblical theme of the consequences of disobedience. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of God's people facing the consequences of their actions, both individually and collectively. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God, as well as the potential consequences of straying from his will.

In terms of symbolism, the imagery of the lambs feeding and the strangers eating from the waste places can be seen as symbolic of the contrasts between abundance and scarcity, blessing and judgment. The lambs represent innocence and provision, while the waste places symbolize desolation and loss. The strangers eating from the waste places symbolize the reversal of fortune and the humbling of the wealthy and powerful.

In conclusion, Isaiah 5:17 in the King James Version of the Bible serves as a powerful and evocative prophecy of judgment and restoration. The verse carries themes of obedience and disobedience, divine judgment and restoration, and contrasts between abundance and scarcity. The imagery and symbolism in the verse serve to convey a poignant message to the people of Judah and to all readers of the Bible about the consequences of sin and the hope for renewal through God's mercy.