Bible Commentary

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. 20. To the law and to the testimony ] See on Isa 8:16. Apparently an exclamation of the distracted people (see on next clause). The remainder of the verse, where the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:20”

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 19. And when they (the infatuated, God-forsaken people) shall say unto you (believers in divine revelation). them that have … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:19”

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me [are] for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. 18. I and the children whom the Lord hath given me ] Like Hosea, Isaiah had been directed to embody leading ideas of his teaching in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:18”

And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. 17. that hideth his face ] A very common expression for Jehovah’s anger: Deu 31:17 f.; Mic 3:4; Jer 33:5; Psa 13:1; Psa 44:24; Job 13:24, &c. The special mark of displeasure which … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:17”

Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. 16. Cf. ch. Isa 30:8; Dan 12:4. Bind up seal ] The imperatives can only be understood as a command of Jehovah to Isaiah, as in Isa 8:1 ff. But in the next verse Isaiah himself is the speaker, and since the change of person … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:16”

And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. 15. many among them ] Not all; a “Remnant shall turn” and be saved: how, is more fully shewn in the next verses. The expressions of this verse are reproduced with little variation in ch. Isa 28:13. They … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:15”

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 14. To those who obey this admonition, Jehovah shall be for a sanctuary; to all others a stumbling-stone. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:14”

Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and [let] him [be] your fear, and [let] him [be] your dread. 13. Render: Jehovah of Hosts, Him shall ye count holy, and let Him be ( the object of) your fear and ( of) your terror. “Count holy” (Isa 29:23); recognise as the Holy One, especially by absolute … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:13”

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all [them to] whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. 12. A confederacy ] Strictly: A conspiracy (R.V.). But the word “conspiracy” does not necessarily imply (as some have thought) treason within the state. It may be used (as the verb … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:12”

For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, 11. with a strong hand ] Better: while the Hand (of Jehovah) grasped ( me), (an infinitive construction). The phrase (cf. Eze 3:14) refers to a prophetic trance, in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 8:11”