Isaiah 9:10

If the language is to be understood literally, the allusion is to the way in which the people set themselves to repair, and more than make up for, the devastation caused by invasion. But it is more likely that the prophet refers in a figure to the frequent changes of dynasty in the N. kingdom; no sooner is one dynasty overthrown than another rises up to take its place in vain self-confidence. This interpretation is suggested by the word 'we will change,' which literally signifies, 'we will make cedars to succeed.' The Arabic Caliph, meaning successor (of the prophet Mohammed), is from the same Semitic root.