Isaiah 18

This short and difficult chapter is a call to Ethiopia and to Egypt to observe the Divine dealings with Assyria. Egypt was at the time under the dominion of Tirhakah, a powerful Cushite or Ethiopian king.

1 the land shadowing with wings. Rather, “the land of the rustling (or whirring) of wings”; Nubia and Ethiopia. The buzzing of innumerable flies is the great feature of this whole region, and may be employed as an emblem of the motley and swarming population.

2 bulrushes. Rather, “of papyrus” (R.V.); of which the Egyptians appear to have made light boats (as the modern Abyssinians still do), resembling the coracles of the ancient Britons.

scattered and peeled. Rather, as R.V., “tall and smooth”; a characteristic description of the Ethiopians. So ver. 7.

A nation, etc. R.V., “A nation that meteth out and treadeth down.” Delitzsch renders, “the nation of command on command and treading down.”

4. I will take my rest. Jehovah will not at first interfere with the Assyrians, but will even favour their success to a certain point, as dew and sunshine promote the growth of plants; but before their plans are executed He will interpose and destroy them: ep. Psa. l. 21.

5 when the bud is perfect, etc. God will suddenly frustrate the invader’s plan when ripening for execution.

6 the fowls shall summer, etc. Indicating the whole year.

7 the present. This may refer to offerings sent from Ethiopia and Egypt to Jehovah: see 2 Chron. xxxii. 23.