Dissonance in the Song of Vineyard: Socio-Literary Exposition of Isaiah 5:1-7

The Song of Vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7 well reflects the socio-economic situation of 8th century Judah. The prophet Isaiah seriously accuses unlawful landlords of their misappropriation of estates and violation of the tenant’s rights. The upper class of Jerusalem and Judah monopolized the economic goods and even deprived the property of the powerless. In this process, peasants are at the losing end with maximum risk and minimum security of tenure. The consequence of latifundialization is the steady deprivation and impoverishment of the peasantry. Yahweh, however, is at the side of the powerless. He works on behalf of the oppressed. He intervenes to defend the weak and the defenseless and to restore the order and familial solidarity of the covenant community. He breaks through the walls and hedges surrounding the vineyard that alienated the peasants from the landlord.