Isaiah 48:19

as the sand A common comparison; see ch. Isaiah 10:22; Genesis 22:17; Hosea 1:10 &c.

like the gravel thereof Lit. the grains thereof. The word used resembles a fem. plur. of that which immediately precedes ("bowels"); hence some commentators translate "the entrails thereof" (i.e. the fishes), taking as antecedent of the pronoun the word "sea" in the previous verse (see R.V. marg.). It would be better to explain it at once of the "entrails" of the sand (i.e. worms), for which indeed there is said to be a Syriac parallel (see Payne Smith, Thesaurus, col. 2185). But both comparisons alike are prosaic and unnatural. The word is no doubt identical with the Aramaic mâ-âh, "kernel" (generally used of a small coin).

his name &c. its name (that of the "seed") should not be cut off &c.

20, 21 (cf. ch. Isaiah 52:11-12) form the lyrical conclusion of this division of the prophecy. In anticipation of this second exodus of Israel, the prophet puts a song of praise in the mouth of the redeemed exiles.

flee ye from the Chaldeans or "from Chaldæa" (see on Isaiah 47:1). The verb fleeprobably means no more than "hasten" (see ch. Isaiah 52:12).

with a voice of singing … tell this The exiles" shout of joy is a revelation to the world of the greatness of the God of Israel.

utter it Lit. "send it forth," as in ch. Isaiah 42:1.