Isaiah 10

A combination or threatening against the unrighteous Judges, and perverters of judgement, vers.1, etc. As also against the Assyrians, 5,12,15,16,17,18. Who have another aim in destroying the Jews, then the Lord had, 7. Their pride is described, 8. And the Lord promiseth that he will deliver the remnant of his Church, 21. And that speedily 25. The expedition of Sanherib marching toward Jerusalem, 28. Etc. Gods threatening against him, 33.

1. Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and to the writers, that prescribe trouble. [That is, wo unto the unrighteous Judges and Law givers. (that decree) Or, ordain, prescribe. (and to the writers) Those that make and prescribe Laws, are the Rulers and Governors of the Land, against whom a two is here denounced. (that prescribe trouble) Or, labour; that is, such Laws and Ordinances, that cause trouble and grief unto the subjects]

2. To turn aside the poor from Judgement, and to take away the judgement of the afflicted ones of my people, [That is, that they may hinder poor people, that their cause (though never so just) be not heard, nor admitted, nor dispatched in judgement] that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless. [Clean contrary to the Law of God, Exod.22.22.]

3. But what will ye do in the day of visitation, [That is, when I come to visit you in my wrath. Here the LORD speaketh unto the unrighteous Law-givers and Rulers] and of desolation, [To wit, of the desolation of your land. See 2 Kings 18:13.] (which) shall come from far? [To wit, from the King of Assyria. See above chap.9. vers.11,12.] to whom will ye flee for help? [As if he should say, there shall be no men in the world, that shall be able to help you] and where will ye leave your glory? [That is, your riches, your honours, and officers, which make you to be great and honourable in the sight of the world. Whither will ye bring them, that they may continue still to be yours, and be never taken away from you?]

4. That every one should not bow (down) under the prisoners, and fall under the slain? [Oth. Without me they shall bow (down) &c. Being bereaved of my help. Here the Lord speaketh still to all unrighteous Judges. Oth. Excepting him, or, besides him, that shall bow (down) lower then the prisoners, (some) shall also fall among the slain. That is, they shall not onely be carried away captive, but besides that, some shall also be slain and killed] For all this his anger turneth not away, but his hand is stretched out still.

5. Wo to the Assyrian, [Hebr. Assur. Which word signifieth sometimes the posterity of Assur; sometimes the land of Assyria: Here it, signifieth the King of Assyria with his army] (who) is the rod of mine anger, [That is, whom in mine anger I will use as a rod to correct and chastise my people. See Job 9:34.] and mine indignation is a stick in their hand. [As if the Lord had said, Though in mine anger I give the Assyrians leave to punish and smite my people; yet notwithstanding I will also punish them. Oth. O Assur, the rod of mine anger, and in whose hand mine indignation is a stick, (or staff.)

6. I will send him [To with, the King of Assyria with his army] against an hypocritical people, [To wit, against the ten tribes of Israel, and against the people of Juda, who make a shew as if they were my people, and do in some measure practise the outward worship of God, but are in deed and in truth, meer hypocrites and scorners. See the annotate. Job 8:13.] and I will give him a charge [that is, I will (in my just judgement) so guide and direct him by a secret inward motion. See the annot. 2 Sam.16.vers.10.] against the people of my wrath: [That is, against the people, with whom I am exceeding angry and wroth: or, against the people upon whom I will pour out my fury and indignation] that he may spoil the spoil, and plunder the plundering, [Or, may prey a prey, and spoil a spoil] and make it [to wit, the hypocritical people] for a treading down, like the mire of the streets. [See above chap.5.vers.25.]

7. Howbeit he meaneth not so, [Heb. Doth not imagine so] neither doth his heart think so, [To wit, that I do send him to punish an hypocritical people: He hath a far other aim in this war, which he maketh against the Jews, then I have: but I will order and dispose all according to mine holy will and secret counsel] but he shall purpose in his heart to destroy, [Heb. But destroying is in his heart] and to cut off not a few nations.

8. For he saith, Are not my Princes altogether Kings? [As if he said, Am not I that great and mighty Potentate, unto whom even Kings must be subject, and be fain to wait upon? So that I am a King of Kings. See the like boasting, 2 Kings 18:24,33, etc. And chap.19.10, etc.]

9. Is not Calno [Oth. Calno, Genes.10.10. and Amos 6:2. Some conceive that this is Seleucia] like Carchemis? [A City lying at, or by the river Euphrates, 2 Chron.35.20. Jerem.46.2.] is not Hamath, [See Genes.10. vers.18.] like Arphad? [See 2 Kings 18:34.] is not Samaria like Damascus? [As if he said, Have not I, and my father Salmanassar, and other of my predecessors, subdued and brought under out power and dominion all these mighty Cities, both the one and the other? See 2 Kings 18:34.]

10. Like as mine hand hath found [That is, subdued, conquered, taken; as Job 31. See there the annotate. On vers.25.] the Kingdoms of the Idols, [that is, of those that worship Idols. See of the Hebrew word Elilim, Lev.19.on vers.4.] although [Or, and yet, or, whereas seeing] their carved images are [Or, were,] better, [that is, more excellent] then (those) [to wit, Idols. See v.11.] of Jerusalem, and then (those) of Samaria.

11. Like as I have done to Samaria, and to her Idols, should I not be able to do so to Jerusalem, [As if he had said, yea, I shall be able to do it much better and easier to Jerusalem] and to her Idols? [See 1 Sam.31.on vers.9. The King of Assyria speaketh here like an heathen, as if the case were all one in the matter of worship performed at Jerusalem, as in the matter of heathenish Idolatry, or heathenish Idols]

12. For it shall come to pass, when the LORD shall have made an end of fall his work upon mount Zion: and at Jerusalem: then will I visit the fruit of the stoutness of the heart of the King of Assyria, and the pride of the haughtiness of his eyes. [This suiteth with the two denounced (vers.5.) against the Assyrians. For from v.6. unto this place, the prophet relateth the proud and lofty words of the King of Assyria, and his invasion into the Land of the Israelites. (When the LORD shall have made an end, &c.) That is, when the LORD shall have sufficiently corrected his people by the Assyrians. (then will I) to wit, the Lord. (visit) That is, punish. See the annotate. Genes.21.1. (the fruit of the stoutness of the heart of the King of Assyria,) that is, his blasphemous and presumptuous boasting and bragging, which as an evil fruit, sprang forth out of his proud and haughty mind. (of the King of Assyria) To wit, Sanherib. (and the pride of the haughtiness of his eyes.) That is, of his proud or haughty looks]

13. Because he said, by the strength of mine hand I have it, and by my wisdom; for I am understanding (or, prudent:) [Or, because I have used prudence, or, wisdom] and I have taken away the borders of the nations, [As if he said, the Kingdoms, which heretofore had everyone their distinct borders and limits, them I confounded together, and made them subject unto me] and have robbed their store, [Or, their ready treasures; that is, their precious treasures] and have like a valiant man caused the inhabitants [Or, the possessors] to come down. [That is, I have deposed Kings and other great Lords from their places and dignities, and have brought them down]

14. And mine hand hath found the power [Or, the strength; that is, the riches] of the nations, as a nest, [that is, as birds sitting upon eggs in their nest] and I have scrapped all the earth together, as men do scrape eggs together, that are left: [As if he had said, I have brought all their goods and riches into my coffers and treasuries] and there was none, that moved a wing. [To wit, to flee away, or to oppose me: as if he had said, they were so afraid of me, that they durst not stir, nor move against me] or opened the bill [Or, mouth] or piped. [Or, muttered, chattered, whispered; to wit, to go any where to seek for help, or to make complaint to any one against me.]

15. Shall an axe boast it self against him that heweth therewith? Shall a saw vaunt against him that pullet it? [Hitherto are described the words of the King of Assyria: now the Prophet speaketh again; and it is as much as if he had said: Is it meet that an axe should boast it self against, etc. As if he should say, in no wise. Understand withal, so neither hath the King of Assyria cause to boast against the LORD, who useth him as an axe saw, etc. (Shall an axe, &c. Shall a saw, &c.) So the Assyrians are called, because God useth them as instruments to chastise and correct the Jews. Likewise the Lord here upbraideth the Assyrian with his presumption, and with his proud and lofty language , mentioned, vers.13,14. (shall a saw vaunt) Or, lift up it self. Hebr. magnify it self. (against him that pulleth, or, draweth it?) Or, that moveth it?] as if a staff moved them, that lift it up? [Understand withal, so absurd would it be if such a thing should happen] when a stick is lifted up, is it not wood? [As if the LORD should say, should a stick or a staff boast it self, because some body doth lift it up? Whereas it is, and still continueth but a piece of wood]

16. Therefore shall the LORD Lord of Hosts send among his [To wit, the King of Assyria’s] Fat ones [Understand here by fat ones, the Princes and chiefest Commanders of the King of Assyria, of whom he bragged so much[ leanness: [That is, a wasting or consuming sickness. See Ps.106. the annot. On v.15. Or, he implyeth that the Lord shall destroy them, & bring them to nothing. See 2 Kings 19:25.] and his glory [So is the army of the King of Assyria here called, because he boasted exceedingly of it] he shall cause a burning to burn, like a burning of a fire. [Oth. Instead of his glory he shall, &c. (he shall cause a burning to burn, &c.) To wit, when by an Angel they shall be smitten with the pestilence. Compare herewith 2 Sam.24.16. See below chap.24.6.]

17. For the light off Israel [That is, the Lord, who enlighteneth his people by his word and spirit, when they are fallen into dark miseries, and likewise into spiritual errors. See Psal.36.on vers.10. and 84.12.] shall be for a fire, [That is, the Lord shall devour and consume the Assyrians, as the fire and flame devour wood or straw] and his holy one [To wit, the people of Israel’s holy one. By Holy one, is meant God, whom the people of Israel halloweth and honoureth, and who doth testify himself to be holy. See above chap.1.on vers.4.] for a flame, [To wit, to burn and consume the Assyrians] which shall set on fire and consume his [To wit, the King of Assyrias] thorns, and his briers [That is, his souldiers, both great and small, Lord and servant, that like thorns and briers; have pricked, scratched, and plagued the Jews. See above chap.9.17. and below chap.37.36.] in one day. [That is, in a short time. Under the day, is here also meant the night, for that which is here threatened, came to pass, or was performed in the night, 2 Kings 19:35. and Isai.37.36.]

18. Also he [To wit, the Lord] shall consume, the glory of his [To wit, Sanheribs the King of Assyrias] forest, [That is, camp, which seemeth to be a dry and withered forest, by reason of the multitude of spears and lances of his souldiers. Others understand here by the forest, the Princes and Peers of the King of Assyrian, who were esteemed as strong trees] and of his fruitful field, [That is, of his fat, rich, and mighty Princes. Oth. Of his Carmel; that is, of his land, which is as fair and fruitful as Carmel. See 2 Kings 19:23.] from the soul to the flesh: [That is, he shall also destroy their bodies. Or, understand hereby soul, men; by flesh, cattle] and he [To wit, the King of Assyria] shall be [That is, it shall go with him] like as when a standard-bearer melteth. [Or, swooneth, is daunted, amazed, or fainteth; that is, when his heart melteth in his body, through anguish and fear. See the accomplishment hereof, 2 Kings 19,36, etc. Oth. When a fleeing person melteth]

19. And the rest of the trees of his forest, [That is, the residue of the souldiers of his camp or army, as v.18.especially the Commanders that shall escape of Sanheribs camp. See below vers.33.] shall be few in number, [See the annotate. Genes.34.on vers.30.] yea, a youth might write them down. [As if he said, there shall be no need of an able man, that is a good accompany, to number them, a very child will be able to do it easily; for they shall be so few in number.

20. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and the escaped ones of the house of Jacob, shall lean no more upon him that smote them: but shall lean upon the LORD the Holy one of Israel, uprightly. [In this verse the prophet sheweth unto the remnant, the fruit and benefit that did arise from the above-mentioned chastening of the people of Juda by Sanherib, as also the fruit and benefit of their deliverance from his hand and power. (And it shall come to pass, &c. That the remnant of Israel) To wit, those that shall not be slain by the Assyrians. (and the escaped ones of the house of Jacob) Hebr. The escaping of the house of Jacob. (shall lean no more upon him that smote them) That is, shall henceforth rely no more upon the King of Assyria; forasmuch as he deceived them. See above chap.7.20. and 2 Kings 16:7. and 2 Chr.28.20. (but they shall rely upon the LORD, the Holy one of Israel) See of this title, the Holy one of Israel, above vers.17. and chap.1.4. and 5.19,24, etc. (uprightly.) Hebr. In truth; that is, without hypocrisy]

21. The remnant shall return, [That is, those that are left, or, the remaining shall return. Hebr. Schear Jaschub, alluding to the name which the Prophet gave to his son, at Gods appointment, above chap.7.3. See the annotate. There. And understand here by those that were left, or remained, the elect of God among the Jews, whom God had delivered or redeemed from the universal ruine and destruction, and who relied upon God by true and lively faith, and continued stedfast and constant; (shall return) Or, be converted; namely to the strong God, as immediately followeth] the remnant of Jacob, unto the strong God.

22. For though thy people, O Israel be as the sand of the sea, [To wit, in multitude, or in great number] (yet but) a remnant of them [Or, of it] shall return: [As if he had said, though the people of Israel be many, yet they shall not all be converted: But onely some, whom God hath chosen in Christ. See Rom.9.27. Even as it fell out at that time, when the Assyrians fell upon the Israelites, and smote, them, the greatest part by far were taken captive and slain] the destruction [Or, the precise destruction. So vers.23. (the destruction) To wit, of the disobedient Jews, as well outward and temporal, as inward and spiritual, as well outward and temporal, as inward and spiritual, as may be gathered from the meaning of the Apostle Pauls words, Rom.9.27,28. Where the Apostle alledgeth these words of the Prophet] is firmly decreed, [That is, the destruction is surely appointed and determined in the secret counsel of God, wherein he hath decreed how many of the Israelites should be destroyed, and which of them] overflowing with righteousness.

23. For the Lord LORD of Hosts, shall make a destruction, which is firmly decreed, in the midst of all this land, [Compare below chap.28.22.]

24. Therefore thus saith the Lord LORD of hosts, Thou my people, that dwelleth in Zion, be not afraid of Assur, when he shall smite thee with the rod, and (when) he shall lift up his staff for thee; that is, for thy defence] after the manner of the Egyptians: [If by he in the former clause be meant the King of Assyria, then this is the meaning, As the Egyptians in former time did: But if by he be meant God, then this is the meaning, As God heretofore plagued the Egyptians. So likewise below vers.26.]

25. For yet a very little while, [That is, in a very short time, presently after that the King of Assyria with his army shall become into the land of Juda] then the wrath shall be fulfilled, and mine anger for their [To wit, the Assyrians] destruction. [Or, consumption, cutting off, or, ruine. Oth. But yet a little while, then shall the indignation be (upon thee) fulfilled, or have an end, but my wrath shall (kindle) for their destruction]

26. For the LORD of Hosts shall raise up a scourge [To wit, first of all the destroying Angel: and presently after the King of Assyrian’s own sons. See 2 Kings 19:35,37.] against him, [To wit, against the King of Assyria] as the slaughter of Median was [That is, as the Gibeonites were formerly set upon, and discomfited by Gideon, Judg.7.23, &c. Above chap.9.vers.3,4.] at the rock of Oreb: [lying near Benjamin by the river Jordan; which is called the rock of Oreb, because Oreb one of the Princes of the Midianites, was smitten there by Gideon. See Judg.7.24,25.] and (as) his staff was upon the Sea, which he shall lift up after the manner of the Egyptians. [The meaning is, As Pharaoh and his host perished in the red sea, when Moses did lift up his rod or staff: so shall the Assyrians likewise fall into destruction, and perish. See Exod.chap.14. (after the manner of the Egyptians) See the annotate. Above v.24.]

27. And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall depart from thy shoulder, [To wit, that burden which the King of Assyria hath laid upon you] and his yoke from thy neck: and the yoke shall be destroyed, [Or, be cut, or, torn in pieces; that is, be confounded, or, brought to nought] for the Anointed’s sake. [Hebr. For, or, because of the oil: to wit, wherewith the Lords Anointed should be anointed. That is, for Christ’s sake, whom God anointed and made King over his people. Compare above chap.6. vers.3,5.]

28. He [To wit, Sanherib King of Assyria with his army or camp] cometh to Ajath, [Or, At. See of this city, Jos.7.on vers.2. and chap.8.] he marcheth through Migron: [Of Migron, see 1 Sam.14.2.] at Michmas [See of this place, 1 Sam.13.2. and 14.5.] he layeth away his furniture. [Hebr. To Michmas he committeth his vessels, or, baggage. Oth. At Michmas, he mustereth his furniture; to wit, his train of Artillery. Here the Prophet doth further describe the expedition of Sanherib, when he was to march, for to go and besiege Jerusalem: as also what Cities he should take and plunder by the way.]

29. They march through the passage, they keep their over nighting (or, lodging) at Geba: [They march through the passage, &c. That is, the straits of the mountains by Michmas, through which they were to pass, when they travelled from Ephraim to the tribe of Benjamin . See 1 Sam.13.23. Oth. They overnighted (or lodged) in the resting-place, or, in the June at Geba. Of Geba, see 1 Sam.14.5.] Rama trembleth, [That is, the citizens of Rama tremble; to wit, because of the coming of the Assyrians. See of Rama, Jos.18.25.] Gibea of Saul [That is, the citizens of Gibea of Saul. Of this city is Saul was born there. See 1 Sam.10.26.] fleeth.

30. Cry aloud with thy voice, [Heb. Properly neigh, as horses are wont to do: That is, lift up thy voice, and cry aloud] thou Daughter Gallim, [Jerusalem was the metropolis, or mother city, the small cities were called Daughters. Here mention is made of the inhabitants of Gallim, a city that lay in the tribe of Benjamin, as did also the Cities, whereof mention is made, vers.31.] cause it to be heard unto Lais, [A city lying in the uttermost part of the Land of Juda, See Judg.18.vers.14,27,28.] O miserable Anathoth. [A city in Benjamin, where the Prophet Jeremiah was born, lying three miles off from Jerusalem. See Jos.21.2. and Jerem.1.1. Oth. O thou poor Anathoth, cause thy self to be heard unto Lais. Or, thus: Consider, O Lais]

31. Madmena [That is, the citizens of Madmena] fleeth away, [To wit, for fear of the enemies, that come marching] the inhabitants of Gebim flee in heaps. [Or, gather themselves (to flee.) See Jerem.4.on vers.6.]

32. He [To wit, Sanherib with his camp, or army] stayeth yet one day at Nob: [Hebr. Standing at Nob; to wit, before he cometh against Jerusalem. Nob was a city in Benjamin belonging to the Priests, hard by Jerusalem, 1 Sam.21. and 22.] he shall shake his hand (against) the mount of the Daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem. [By sending Rabsake before with a great army, from Lachis toward Jerusalem, who insulted over Hizkia, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Isai.36.2. (he shall shake, or, move) Oth. Lift up his hand; as it were threatening, or in a threatening way, (against the mount of the Daughter of Zion) That is, against the city of Jerusalem, which lay upon and at the mount of Zion, as above cha.1.v.8. (of the mount of Zion) Oth. Of the house of Zion. (the hill of Jerusalem) To wit, upon which Jerusalem was built]

33. (But) behold, the Lord LORD of hosts shall chop off the boughs, [The Hebrew word signifieth as much as to break off the boughs. Oth. Back off. Compare above vers.19. (the boughs;) That is, the strong and mighty Souldiers, or men of war in the army of the King of Assyria] with violence, [Or, violently. The meaning is, he shall destroy his army, not leasurely, or by degrees, by little and little, but suddenly, Speedily, and with great force, or might, as men do cut down the great boughs of trees with violence, and great force: and this he shall do, to wit, by an Angel. See 2 Kings 19:35.] and those that are high of stature, [That is, the Princes and Commanders in the camp or army of the King of Assyria] shall be hewen down, and [Oth. That is] the exalted shall be humbled.

34. And he [To wit, the LORD] shall cut down the confused (or bushes) of the forest [As above chap.9.17.] with iron; [That is, with the sword of the Angel] and Libanon [That is, the souldiers, or men of war of King Sanherib, who are to be compared to the trees that grow in Libanon, both for greatness, and for number] shall fall by the Glorious one. [Understand here by the Glorious one, God himself, or his destroying Angel. See the History, Isai.37.36. Or, by the Mighty one, or, Powerful one. See Psal.28.on v.2.]