Isaiah 16
DOYLYIsaiah 16:6
- — but his lies shall not be so.] That is, the predictions of such as take upon them to foretel things shall not have events agreeable to their pride and wrath. Dr. Wells.
Isaiah 16:8
- — they are come even unto Jazer, &c.] The plants of the celebrated “vine of Sibmah” are described as propagated over all the neighbouring country: Jazer was in the north border of Moab; the wilderness of Moab lay to the east of that country. (Numb. xxi. 23,) and by “the sea” no other can well be understood but the Dead sea, which was south-west. Dr. Bloyney. Perhaps the meaning of the words, “are gone over the sea,” is, that these vines were not only in great request in the country of Moab, but had scions of them sent beyond sea, into foreign countries. Bp. Lowth.
Some interpreters suppose, that by the “vine of Sibmah” is meant the state of Moab, and its principal men by the “principal plants;” but these may better be taken literally. The vines and the pastures (chap. xv. 6,) formed the chief excellence of the country; and the Prophet accordingly foretels the destruction of those things, the loss of which would most affect the people. Vitringa.
Isaiah 16:9
- — I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer &c.] That is, with a general lamentation, such as shall be heard from the uttermost skirts of the land. Bp. Hall.
— for the shouting &c.] The word in the original signifies loud shouting, either as of men treading grapes, (ver. 10, and Jer. xxv. 30,) or of soldiers encouraging one another to battle or plunder, Jer. li. 14. And in this latter view the learned Vitringa understands the word in this place: “for upon thy summer fruits and upon thy harvest the shout (that is, of plundering and
destroying enemies) is fallen.” Compare Jer. xlviii. 32. Parkhurst. See the marginal translation. Or the sense may be, according to the translation in the text, The joy and acclamations, that were wont to be at the gathering of thy summer fruits, and for thy plentiful harvest, are now at an end, and shall be heard no more. Bp. Hall.
Isaiah 16:11
- — shall sound like an harp] Shall in their yearning, through the vehemence of my passion, make a loud noise. Bp. Hall.
Isaiah 16:12
- — when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, &c.] Finding no relief in the petty idols of his high places, he shall come to his chief sanctuary, to implore the aid of Chernosh, his god. Bp. Hall. Compare Numb. xxiii. 1. 13. 27. W. Lowth.
Isaiah 16:13
- — since that time.] Rather, a good while ago: so the same particle is rendered, chap. xlviii. 3. 5. This judgment, saith the Prophet, was denounced against Moab in former time; particularly by Amos, chap. ii. 1, &c. It is now confirmed, and the particular time specified when it shall be accomplished, ver. 14. W. Lowth.
Isaiah 16:14
- — three years, as the years of an hireling.] See Deut. xv. 18. W. Lowth.
Chap. XVII. ver. 1. — Damascus is taken away from being a city.] This prophecy was probably delivered soon after those of the seventh and eighth chapters, in the beginning of the reign of Ahaz; and was fulfilled by Tiglath-pileser’s taking Damascus, and carrying the people captives to Kir, 2 Kings xvi. 9. Bp. Lowth.