Religion & Spirituality
Here we hear Isaiah asking God how long he has to carry out the difficult task of bringing unpleasant news to people. And God answers, “this is going to be tough.” He paints a picture of mass destruction and empty lands. His reference to “a tenth remain” while interpreted in various ways, universally refers to God’s portion, either sacrificially or as a people group set aside and purposed by God. The image of a tree and stump gives hope to Isaiah that this sacrifice, these people, will have purpose, and that the fertile seed will eventually produce new fruit.