Yahweh's Cherished Vineyard. Here another song is inserted. The text and meaning are alike most uncertain, but apparently the general thought is that Israel is Yahweh's pleasant vineyard (mg.), tended and protected by Him with the most assiduous care. He is not angry with it, but with its enemies, whom He is longing to destroy, but whom He is willing to spare if they will surrender their hostility. Israel will become a vine that will fill the world with fruit. On this interpretation the song forms a striking contrast to Isaiah's song of the ungrateful vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). There Israel is threatened with judgment, here Israel's foes.
Isaiah 27:3. lest any hurt it: read lest its leafage be missing.
Isaiah 27:4. Fury: i.e. against Israel. briers and thorns: Israel's enemies.
Isaiah 27:6. At the end of the song the identity of the vineyard is disclosed, as in Isaiah 5:7.