For — Before they receive the end of their hopes. When — When the bud or flower is turned into a grape, which gives hopes of good vintage. He — The Lord. The branches — Instead of gathering the grapes, shall cut down the tree, and throw it into the fire.
Related Commentaries of Isaiah 18:5
Isaiah 18:5
5 For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches.