The second and third images used to describe the downfall of Israel are both related to the harvest. Once the ears of grain were harvested, only stalks remained on the land. Very little was left, and if something was left over, it was quickly gathered by the poor. The same was the case after the olive harvest. Olives were harvested by shaking the trees, after which very little would be left on the branches.
The Valley of Rephaim was located to the northwest of Jerusalem and was known for its fruitfulness. Nothing would, however, be left of it, just like the glory of Jacob after the Lord’s judgment.
5 And it shall be as when the reaper gathers standing grain and his arm harvests the ears, and as when one gleans the ears of grain in the Valley of Rephaim.