Isaiah 14
DOYLY—a fiery flying serpent.] See notes on chap. xxx. 6; Numb. xxi. 6.
Ver. 1.—Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because &c.] We should rather translate,
“Because in the night Ar is destroyed, Moab is undone!” Bp. Lowth.
Isaiah 14:27
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For the Lord of hosts &c.] I believe it may with truth be affirmed, that there is no poem of its kind, extant in any language, in which the subject is so well laid out, and so happily conducted, with such a richness of invention, with such variety of images, persons, and distinct actions, with such rapidity and ease of transition, in so small a compass, as in this ode of Isaiah. For beauty of disposition, strength of colouring, greatness of sentiment, brevity, perspicuity, and force of expression, it stands among all the monuments of antiquity unrivalled. Bp. Lowth.
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This verse our translators refer to the former part of the chapter: many commentators suppose it to belong to the burden against Philistia that follows. Editor.
Isaiah 14:29
29.—whole Palestina.] All the tribes or clans of the Philistines, who had five lords or heads over them. See Josh. xiii. 3; 1 Sam. vi. 4. 16. W. Lowth.
—the rod of him that smote thee is broken.] Or rather, The rod that smote thee is broken. It would be most natural and obvious to suppose Ahaz meant here, whose death seems to have given rise to the rejoicing of the Philistines. But as we learn from 2 Chron. xxviii. 18, that during his reign the Philistines rather gained ground upon the Jews, than were smitten by them, we may conclude that Uzziah, who had warred successfully against the Philistines, is meant by the “rod that smote them,” and “the serpent,” from whom should spring the “fiery flying serpent.” This last must mean Hezekiah, who was great grandson to Uzziah, and is thus described as a more terrible enemy than he had been. See 2 Kings xviii. 8. Vitrigna, Bp. Lowth. Hezekiah not only regained all the cities of Judah which the Philistines had seized during the time when Pekah and Rezin distressed the land, but also dispossessed them of almost all their own country. Dean Prideaux.
Isaiah 14:30
30.—the firstborn of the poor shall feed, &c.] That is, the poorest. This speaks of the plenty and security that should ensue under the government of Hezekiah. Dr. Wells.
Isaiah 14:31
31.—there shall come from the north a smoke.] Smoke and fire are emblems of God’s wrath, and of great calamities. See Gen. xv. 17; Ps. xviii. 8. W. Lowth.