26 The identity of this city is uncertain. The context suggests that an Israelite city, perhaps Samaria or Jerusalem, is in view. For discussions of interpretive options see J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (), 1:, and Paul L. Redditt, “Once Again, the City in Isaiah 24–27,” 10 (1986), 332.
27 The singular form in the text is probably collective.
28 Heb “and destroy her branches.” The city is the antecedent of the third feminine singular pronominal suffix. Apparently the city is here compared to a tree. See also v. 11.

In other versions

For the fortified city is solitary,

a habitation deserted and forsaken, like the wilderness;

there the calf grazes;

there it lies down and strips its branches.

The fortified city stands desolate,

an abandoned settlement, forsaken like the wilderness;

there the calves graze,

there they lie down;

they strip its branches bare.

For the fortified city will be desolate,

pastures deserted and abandoned like a wilderness.

Calves will graze there,

and there they will spread out and strip its branches.

The fortified towns will be silent and empty,

the houses abandoned, the streets overgrown with weeds.

Calves will graze there,

chewing on twigs and branches.

For the fortified city is solitary,

a settlement deserted and forsaken, like the wilderness;

the calf grazes there,

lies down there and destroys its branches.

Yet the defenced city shall be desolate,

And the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness:

There shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down,

And consume the branches thereof.

Public Domain