Isaiah 18:5

New International Reader's Version

A farmer cuts off new growth with pruning knives. He cuts down spreading branches and takes them away. He does it before the grapes are harvested. That’s when the blooms are gone and the grapes are ripe. In the same way, the Lord will cut off the nations that are gathered against his people.

Cross References

Song of Solomon 2:13

The fig trees are producing their early fruit. The flowers on the vines are giving off their sweet smell. Rise up and come, my love. Come with me, my beautiful one.’ ”

Song of Solomon 2:15

Catch the foxes for us. Catch the little foxes. They destroy our vineyards. The vineyards are in bloom.”

Isaiah 10:33

The Assyrian soldiers are like trees in a forest. The Lord who rules over all will chop them down. The Lord will cut off their branches with his great power. He will chop the tall trees down. He will cut down even the highest ones.

Isaiah 27:11

When their twigs are dry, they will be broken off. Then women will come and make fires with them. The people of Jacob don’t understand the Lord. So the God who made them won’t be concerned about them. Their Creator won’t be kind to them.