In that day, each man will keep alive a young cow and two goats—the reduction of Judah's population and resources is illustrated through the image of survival on minimum subsistence; what was once an agricultural people will be reduced to keeping a few animals for milk and cheese. The shift from the devastation of verses 18-20 to the survival of verses 21-22 suggests that some will remain, but living in poverty and reduced circumstances. The irony is that these few animals will produce more than enough for the survivors; nature's bounty exceeds human need even in deprivation. This verse suggests that judgment is not total annihilation but reduction and humiliation; the people survive but in diminished circumstances.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse