2-4. occur also with a few slight variations in Micah 4:1. The passage appears to be borrowed in Isaiah, because (_a_) it suits its context better in Micah, and (_b_) it is more complete in Micah, Micah 4:4 being a part of it. If Isaiah is quoting from Micah, the latter prophet must have spoken the... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE LAST DAYS] RV 'in the latter days.' The phrase has the general meaning of 'future time' (Genesis 49:1; Deuteronomy 4:30; Jeremiah 23:20). Its use in the prophetic books makes the expression practically equivalent to 'Messianic times,' and the Apostles in NT. use the corresponding Gk. in the s... [ Continue Reading ]
PEOPLE] RV 'peoples.' THE LAW] RM 'teaching' or 'instruction,' such as was given by prophets and priests: see Isaiah 8:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
AMONG] RV 'between.' The nations will submit their disputes to the arbitration of Israel's God. The conviction of the universality of the religion of Israel is here plainly shown.... [ Continue Reading ]
The prophet urges the people to repent, that they may fulfil their destiny.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE] RV 'For.' REPLENISHED FROM THE EAST] alluding to the influx of settlers and foreign customs from that quarter. SOOTHSAYERS, etc.] Soothsayers are forbidden amongst the Israelites in Deuteronomy 18:10. We find an Israelite king sending to consult at the Philistine town of Ekron (2 Kings 1:... [ Continue Reading ]
The increase of wealth and military organisation here referred to were features of Uzziah's reign (2 Chronicles 26:1).... [ Continue Reading ]
BOWETH DOWN.. HUMBLETH HIMSELF] i.e. before the idols.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE DAY OF THE LORD OF HOSTS _shall be_] RM 'the Lord of hosts hath a day.' 'Day' might mean (_a_) day of battle or victory, cp. Amos 5:18, the earliest mention of the Day of the Lord, or (_b_) day of judgment. This became the usual meaning; so regularly in NT. Cp. 1 Corinthians 4:3. The proud will... [ Continue Reading ]
Alluding to the works and fortifications of Uzziah and Jotham (2 Chronicles 26:9; 2 Chronicles 27:3).... [ Continue Reading ]
SHIPS OF TARSHISH] i.e. deep-sea ships used for foreign trade. Tarshish is supposed to have been in S. Spain, at the furthest limit of Phœnician commerce. Judah at this time possessed a mercantile fleet, the station of which was at Elath, on the Red Sea (2 Kings 16:6). PLEASANT PICTURES] The word re... [ Continue Reading ]
CAST HIS IDOLS] in disgust at their inability to help.... [ Continue Reading ]
Men will try to hide from God in terror.... [ Continue Reading ]
Wanting in LXX, and perhaps a gloss. ISAIAH'S PREACHING EARLY IN THE REIGN OF AHAZ Isaiah 2-4 are closely connected, and Isaiah 5 is generally thought to belong to the same period, though it probably represents discourses delivered rather later. There are two points which serve as indications of da... [ Continue Reading ]