What does Isaiah 7:21 mean?

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;" - Isaiah 7:21

Isaiah 7:21 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;"

Isaiah 7:21 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;"

Isaiah 7:21 (KJV) says: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep."

The book of Isaiah is a powerful and prophetic book in the Old Testament, written by the prophet Isaiah during a time of great political and social upheaval in the nation of Judah. The book is divided into two main parts - chapters 1-39, which focus more on judgment and the consequences of sin, and chapters 40-66, which speak of hope, restoration, and the coming of the Messiah.

In this particular verse, Isaiah is speaking about an apocalyptic future where there will be a scarcity of food and resources. The image of a man nourishing a young cow and two sheep is quite significant. It speaks to the desperate measures people will have to resort to in order to survive in those difficult times. Cows and sheep were valuable assets in ancient agricultural societies, providing milk, wool, and meat. To be reduced to a single cow and two sheep demonstrates the extreme scarcity and poverty that will prevail in that future day.

In the context of the book of Isaiah, this verse is a part of a larger section in which the prophet is warning the people of Judah about the impending judgment of God. The king of Judah at that time, King Ahaz, was facing military threats from neighboring nations and was tempted to seek help from Assyria rather than relying on God. In response to this, Isaiah delivers a message from God, urging Ahaz to have faith and trust in God's promise of deliverance.

The verse is part of a vivid portrayal of the dire consequences of abandoning God and seeking worldly solutions. It serves as a warning to the people of Judah to turn back to God and to trust in His provision, rather than relying on their own strength or the help of foreign nations.

Symbolically, the man nourishing a young cow and two sheep also represents the care and nurturing of the remnants of God's people. Despite the scarcity and hardship, there is still a remnant that will be sustained and cared for by God. This image of the man tending to the few remaining animals serves as a symbol of God's ongoing care and provision for His faithful, even in the midst of chaos and scarcity.

The themes of trust, faith, and the consequences of sin are central to this verse. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of relying on God and His provision, rather than seeking worldly solutions or placing our trust in human strength. It also speaks to the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and turning back to God in times of trouble.

In a broader sense, this verse can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance and provision that God provides through Jesus Christ. In the face of scarcity and desperation, God promises to sustain and care for His people, ultimately bringing restoration and hope through the coming of the Messiah.

Overall, Isaiah 7:21 is a powerful and evocative verse that speaks to the themes of trust, faith, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a warning to the people of Judah to turn back to God and trust in His provision, while also offering hope and assurance of God's ongoing care and sustenance for His faithful.

Isaiah 7:21 Artwork

Isaiah 7:21 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;"

Isaiah 7:21 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;"

Isaiah 21:7 - "And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:"

Isaiah 21:7 - "And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:"

Isaiah 5:21

Isaiah 5:21

Isaiah 5:21

Isaiah 5:21

isaiah 6:7

isaiah 6:7

Isaiah 3:21 - "The rings, and nose jewels,"

Isaiah 3:21 - "The rings, and nose jewels,"

Genesis 21-7

Genesis 21-7

Isaiah 6:4-7

Isaiah 6:4-7

Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."

Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."

Isaiah 51:21 - "¶ Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:"

Isaiah 51:21 - "¶ Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:"

Isaiah 38:21 - "For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover."

Isaiah 38:21 - "For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover."

Isaiah 66:21 - "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD."

Isaiah 66:21 - "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD."

Isaiah 7:7 - "Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass."

Isaiah 7:7 - "Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass."

Isaiah 10:21 - "The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God."

Isaiah 10:21 - "The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God."

Isaiah 5:21 - "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

Isaiah 5:21 - "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

Nehemiah 7:21 - "The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight."

Nehemiah 7:21 - "The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight."

Isaiah 43:21 - "This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise."

Isaiah 43:21 - "This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise."

Isaiah 37:21 - "¶ Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:"

Isaiah 37:21 - "¶ Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:"

Isaiah 1:21 - "¶ How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers."

Isaiah 1:21 - "¶ How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers."

Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."

Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."

Isaiah 65:21 - "And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them."

Isaiah 65:21 - "And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them."

Isaiah 42:21 - "The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable."

Isaiah 42:21 - "The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable."

Isaiah 21:5 - "Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield."

Isaiah 21:5 - "Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield."

Isaiah 14:7 - "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing."

Isaiah 14:7 - "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing."

Isaiah 7:10 - "¶ Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,"

Isaiah 7:10 - "¶ Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying,"

Isaiah 21:14 - "The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled."

Isaiah 21:14 - "The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled."

Isaiah 7:12 - "But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD."

Isaiah 7:12 - "But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD."

Isaiah 21:15 - "For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war."

Isaiah 21:15 - "For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war."

Isaiah 21:12 - "The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come."

Isaiah 21:12 - "The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come."

1 Chronicles 21:7 - "And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel."

1 Chronicles 21:7 - "And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel."