“Standeth to Judge the People”

Brant Gardner

Verse 13 continues to declare Yahweh’s judgment. The previous descriptions had resulted from that judgment and Isaiah now discusses the events and causes. Gileadi translates verse 14 as: “He will bring to trial the elders of his people and their rulers, and say to them, it is you who have devoured the vineyard; you fill your houses by depriving the needy.”

The judgment is aimed at those who have created a society that denies Yahweh’s precepts. The elders have neglected their responsibilities in favor of enriching themselves, oppressing the poor to do so. Devouring the vineyard refers not only to the symbolic consumption of Judah’s products but also to a coming famine. Thus, the “devouring” of the elders will lead to the predicted famine.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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