Bible Commentary

Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: 18. The figure seems to express two ideas: (1) the determination with which these men set themselves to work iniquity, and (2) the inevitable connexion between sin and judgment. The idea of punishment is included in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:18”

Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat. 17. The obverse of the picture in Isa 5:14. The city, with all its tumult and gaiety, has vanished into the underworld, and now flocks are seen grazing amidst the ruins, an image of awful desolation … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:17”

But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. 16. God that is holy ] the Holy God sanctifies Himself through righteousness. God “sanctifies Himself,” i.e. compels the recognition of His divinity, by the righteous judgments in which He reveals His true nature as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:16”

And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled: 15, 16. A reminiscence of the refrain in ch. Isa 2:9; Isa 2:11; Isa 2:17; but with significant modifications. These verses seem to interrupt the connexion of Isa 5:17 with Isa … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:15”

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. 14 17. A second threatening, in a sublime image, of the sudden destruction of Jerusalem. The transition to the fate of the capital is somewhat abrupt. 14. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:14”

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because [they have] no knowledge: and their honorable men [are] famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. 13. Therefore (because its leaders are so blind) my people goeth into captivity (proph. perf.). This is the only explicit mention of exile in Isaiah. Cf. again Amo 6:7. The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:13”

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. 12. Cf. Amo 6:5-6. And the harp feasts ] better, And guitar and harp, tambourine and flute, and wine constitute their banquet; as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:12”

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, [that] they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, [till] wine inflame them! 11. rise up early ] Drinking in the morning was considered disreputable by the Jews (Ecc 10:16 f.; Act 2:15) and Romans; but not, apparently, by the Arabs (Gesenius). The word … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:11”

Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of a homer shall yield an ephah. 10. The land shall be smitten with the curse of barrenness; Jehovah’s remedy for land-grabbing. ten acres ] lit. ten yoke; a yoke of land being “As much as two stout oxen Could plough from morn … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:10”

In mine ears [said] the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, [even] great and fair, without inhabitant. 9. In mine ears said the Lord of hosts ] The verb is to be supplied as in Isa 22:14: In my ears ( hath revealed himself) Jehovah. It is a prophetic “audition”; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 5:9”