Isaiah 27:4-5

Unlike in 5:5-6, the *Lord is not angry at the *vineyard. But he will destroy any ‘*thorn-bushes or weeds’, that is, the enemies of his people. Although God will forgive even those enemies, if they sincerely turn to him.

God forgives

v7 The *Lord did not strike the people from Israel as severely as he struck their enemies. He did not kill the people from Israel as much as he killed their enemies. v8 No, the *Lord’s punishment for his people was not so severe. Instead he sent them away from their own land. He forced them to leave their country. It was as if the fierce hot wind from the east forced them to go. v9 The *Lord will completely forgive the wicked deeds of the people from Israel. But only when the people completely destroy the stones of *altars that give honour to false gods. Then those stones will become mere dust.