Some commentators wonder what relationship this verse has to the context. New American Bible, for example, places verse 17 after verse 10. However, it generally fits the context since the city of Jerusalem (or the vineyards and plantations; see the discussion below) is described now as a pasture for animals after the people have been taken away to exile. This is simply a different metaphor. There are some textual issues to consider in this verse.

Then shall the lambs graze as in their pasture: Bible en français courant begins this verse with “In the ruins of the city,” which makes it explicit that the ruins in the next line refers to Jerusalem: the city will become like an open field where sheep will graze on the grass growing in its streets and open spaces. As in their pasture suggests that in the deserted city there will be enough grass growing to feed the sheep, so it is as though they are out in the pastures feeding.

Fatlings and kids shall feed among the ruins: In Hebrew this line is literally “and the ruins of the prosperous strangers [or, flocks on the move] will eat” (de~Waard). The question is whether the Hebrew word for “prosperous” (fatlings) goes with “ruins” or with “strangers” (kids). If it is attached to “ruins,” this line means “flocks on the move will eat among the ruins of the prosperous ones.” If it goes with “strangers,” then it means “fat sheep who are moving will eat among the ruins.” Various interpretations are found in the available translations, indicating that there is wide disagreement among scholars. Even Hebrew Old Testament Text Project has changed its mind since the preliminary report was published. We suggest following de~Waard’s recommendation that New International Version offers a translation closest to the more likely sense, namely, “lambs will feed among the ruins of the rich” (compare with the contents of verses 5 and 9). For some interpreters the ruins are what is left of the guard towers and of the fences around the abandoned vineyards and fields mentioned in verses 5-6. (The Hebrew does not have “Jerusalem” or “city.”) This is a valid option for translators to take.

The age of the animals in this verse is not important. What should be clear is that animals will graze in the ruins of Jerusalem.

Translation examples for this verse are:

• Sheep will graze among their own pastures;
lambs will feed among the ruins abandoned by the rich.

• Then lambs will graze as though in open pasture;
young animals will feed among the city’s ruins.

There should also be a footnote indicating that the meaning of the Hebrew text is not clear (see Good News Translation).

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .