Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition)
The ri-cdicled Caplivity ISAIAH XX. of Egypt and Ethiopia. wnich God was about to send "a saviour" (v. 20), to "de-
Khorsabad, inscriptions state tliat 27,280 Israelites were led captive by, the founder of the palace. Whilst Shalmaneser was engaged in the siege of Samaria, Sargon probably usurped the supreme power and destroyed him ; the siege began in 723 B. c, and ended In 721 B. c, the first j-ear of .Sargon's reign. Hence arises the paucity of inscriptions of the two predecessors of Sargon, Tiglathpileser and Shalmaneser; the usurper destroyed them, just as Tiglath-pileser destroyed those of Pul (Sardanapalus), the last of the old line of Ninus; the names of his fatlier and grandfather, which have been deciphered in the palace of his son Sennacherib, do not appear iu the list of Assyrian kings, wluch confirms the view that he was a satrap who usurped the throne. He was so able a general that Hezekiah made no attempt to shake oS' the tribute until the reign of Sennacherib; hence Judah was not invaded now as the land of the Philistines and Egypt were. After conquering Israel he sent his general, Tartan, to attack the Philistine cities, "Aslidod," Ac, preliminary to his invasion of Egypt and Ethiopia; for the line of march to Egypt lay along the south-west coast of Palestine. The inscriptions confirm the prophecy; they tell us he received tribute from a Pharaoh of "Egypt;" besides destroying In part the Ethiopian "No-ammon," or Thebes (Nahum 3.8); also that he warred with the kings of "Ashdod," Gaza, Ac, in harmony with Isaiah here; a memorial tablet of him is found in Cyprus also, showing that he extended his arms to that island. His reign was six or seven years in duration—722-715 B. c. [G. V. Smith.] 1. Tartan—probably the same general as was sent by Sennacherib against Hezekiah (2 Kings 18. 17). GESENIU.S takes "Tartan" as a title. AsUdod—called by the Greeks Azotus (Acts 8. 40) ; on the Mediterranean, one of the "five" cities of the Philistines. The taking of it was a necessary preliminary to the invasion of Egypt, to which it was the key in that quarter, the Philistines being allies of Egypt. So strongly did the Assyrians fortify it that it stood a twenty-nine years' siege, when it was retaken by the Egyptian Psammetichus. sent— Sargon himself remained behind engaged with the Phoenician cities, or else led the main force more directly into Egypt out of Judah. [G. V. Smith.] 3. by—lit, try the hand of (cf. Ezekiel 3. 14). sackcloth—the loose outer garment of coarse dark hair-cloth worn by mourners (2 Samuel 3. 31) and by prophets, fastened at the waist by a girdle (Matthew 3. 4 ; 2 Kings 1. 8 ; Zechariah 13. 4). naked —rather, uncovered; he merely put off the outer sackcloth, retaining still the tunic or inner vest (1 Samuel 19. liver them." 19. altar—not for sacrifice, but as the " pillar" for memorial and worship (Joshua 22. 22-26). Isaiah lines uot coatemplatea temple in Egypt: for the only legal Icniple was at Jerusalem; but, like the patriarchs, they i liall have altars in various places, pillar—such as Jacob reared (Genesis 28. 18 ; 3.5. 14); it was a common practice in K,gj-pt to raise obelisks commemorating Divine and great e>'ents. at tUe border—of Egypt and Judah, to proclaim to both countries the common faith. This passage shows how the Holy Spirit raised Isaiah abovea narrow-minded nationality to a charityanticipatory of gospel catholicity. 20. It—the altar and pillar, a sign—(of the fulfilment of prophecy) to their contemporaries, a witness—to their descendants, unto tlie Iiord—no longer, to their idols, but to Jehovah, for they sliall cry—or, " a sign, &c., that they cried, Ac and He sent to them a saviour :" probably, Alexander thb Ifreat (so "a great one"), whom the Eg:^plians welcomed as a deliverer (Greek, Soter, a title of the Ptolemies) out of the hands of the Persians, who under Cambyses had 1 een their "oppressors." At Alexandria, called from hini, the Old Testament was translated into Greek for the ' jreek-speaking Jews, who in large numbers dwelt in Kgj-pt under the Ptolemies, his successors. Messiah ip the antitype ultimately intended (cf. Acts 2.10, " Egypt"). 31. oblation—unbloody. 33. heal—as described (v. 18-20). return—for heathen sin and idolatry are an apostasy from primitive truth. 33. highway free communication, resting on the highest basis, the common faith of both (v. 18; ch. 11. 16). Assyria and Egypt were joined under Alexander as parts of his empire: Jews and proselytes from both met at the feasts of Jerusalem. A type of gospel times to come, serve with—serve Jehovah with the Assyrians. So "serve" is used absolutely (Job 36. 11). 34r. third—the three shall be joined as one nation, blessing—the source of blessings toother nations, and the object of their benedictions. In the midst of the land—rather, earth (Micah 5. 7). Judah Is designed to be the grand centre of the whole earth (Jeremiah 3. 17). 35. Whom—rather. Which, viz., "the land," or" earth," t. e., the people of it. [Maurer.] my people— the peculiar designation of Israel the elect people, here applied to Egypt to express its entire admission to religious privileges (Romans 9. 24-26; 1 Peter 2. 9, 10). work of my hands —spiritually (Hosea 2. 23; Ephesians 2. 10).
CHAPTER XX.
Ver. 1-6. Continuation of the Subject of Chap. 19., BUT at a later date. Captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia. In the reign of Sargon (722-715 e. c), the successor of Shalmaneser, an Assyrian invasion of Egypt took place. Its success is here foretold, and hence a party among the Jews are warned of the folly of their " expectation" of aid from Egypt or Ethiopia. At a later period
24; Amos 2. 16; John 21. 7); an emblem to show that Egypt should be stripped of its possessions; the very dress of Isaiah was a silent exhortation to repentance. 3. three years—"Isaiah's symbolical action did not continue all this time, but at intervals, to keep it before the people's mind during that period. [Rosenmuller.] Rather, join "three years" with "sign," a three years' sign, i. e., a sign that a three years' calamity would come on Egypt and Ethiopia [Barnes], (ch. 8. 18). This is the only instance of a strictly symbolical act performed by Isaiah. With later prophets, as Jeremiah and Ezekiel, such acts weie common. In some cases they were performed, not literally, but only in prophetic vision, wonder—rather, o?nm; conveying a threat as to the future. [G. V. Smith.] upon —in reference to, against. 4. buttocks uncovered BelzoNi says that captives are found represented thus on Egyptian monuments (ch. 47. 2, 3; Nahum 3. 5, 8, 9), where as here, Egypt and PIthiopia arc mentioned as in al Uance. 5. they—the Philistine allies of Egypt who trusted in it (ch. 18.), when Tirhakah of Ethiopia was their ally, the Ethiopians are treated ds friends, to whom God announces the overthrow of the common Assyrian foe, Sennacherib. Egypt and Ethiopia in this chapter {v. 3, 4) are represented as allied together, the result no doubt of fear of the common foe; previously they had been at strife, and the Ethiopian king had. Just before Sethos' usurpation, withdrawn from occupation of part of Lower Egypt. Hence, " Egypt" is mentioned alone in ch. 19., which refers to a somewh.at earlier stage of the same event; a delicate mark of truth. Sargon seems to have been the king who fitvished the capture of Samsyia which Shalmaneser began; the alliance of Hoshea with So or Sabacho II. of Ethiopia, and his refusal to pay the usual tribute, provoked Shalmaneser to the invasion. On clay cylindrical seals found in Sennacherib's palace at Koyunjik, the name of Sabaciio is deciphered ; the two seals are thought, «rorn the inscriptions, to have been attached to the treaty of peace between Egypt and Assyria, which resulted from the invasion of Egypt by Sargon, described In this chapter; 2 Kings 18. 10 curiously confirms the view derived from Assyrian inscriptions, that though Shalmaneser began, .Sargon finished the conquest of Samaria; "Jf/ifytook it for help against Assyria. A warning to the party among the Jews, who though Judah was then the subordinate ally of Assyria, were looking to Egypt as a preferable ally (ch. 30. 7). Ethiopia was tlieir " expectation ;" for Palestine had not yet obtained, but hoped for alliance with it. Egypt was their "glory," i.e., boast (ch. 13.19); for the alliance with it was completed. 0. isle—i. e., coast on the Mediterranean—Philistia, perhaps Phronicia (cf. ch. 23. 2;
11. U; 13. 22; Psalm 72. m. we—emphatical ; if Egypt, In which we trusted, was overcome, how shall we, a small weak state, escape ?
" (ff 2 Kings 17 4-6). In Sargou's palace at 452
The Fall of Babylon. ISAIAH XXI. Prophecy as to Idumea.
[Maurer.] Horsley translates, "One drawn in a car, with a pair of riders, di-awn bj' an ass, drawn by a camel Cyrus is the man ; the car drawn by a camel and ass yoked togtlier and driven by two postilions, one on each, is the joint array of Medes and Persians under their respective leaders. He thinks the more ancient military cars were driven by men riding on the beasts tliat drew them; v. 9 favours this. 8. A Hon—rather "(Tlie watchman) cried, I am as a lion;" so as is understood (ch. 62. 5; Psalm 11. 1). The point of comparison to "a lion" is in Revelation 10. 3, the loudness of the cry. But here it is rather his vigilanee. The lion's eyelids are short, so that, even when asleep, he seems to be on the viratch, awake; hence he was painted on doors of temples as the symbol of watchfulness, guarding the place. Hor. Apollo. [Horsley.] 9. chariot of men—chariots with men in them; or rather, the same body of riders, horsemen two abreast, as in V. 7. [Maurer.] But Horsley, " The man drawn in a car with a pair of riders." The first half of this verse describes what the watchman sees; the second half, what the watchman says, in consequence of what he sees. In the interval between v. 7 and 9, the overtlirow of Babylon by the horsemen, or man in the car, is accomplished. The overthrow needed to be announced to the prophet by the watchman, owing to the great extent of the city. Herodotus (1. 131) says, that one part of the city was captured some time before the other received the tidings of it. answered—not to something said previously, but in reference to the subject in the mind of the writer, to be collected from the preceding discourse; proclaimeth (Job
CHAPTER XXI.
Ver. I-IO. Repetition of the Assurance given in Chap. 13. and 14. to the Jews about to be Captives in Babylon, that theik Enemy should be Destroyed AND they be Delivered. He does not narrate the event, but graphically supposes himself a watchman in Babylon, beholding the events as they pass. 1. desci-1>-the champaign between Babylon and Persia; it was once a desert, and it was to become so again, of the sea—the plain was covered with the water of the Euphrates like a "sea" (Jeremiah 51. 13,30; so ch. 11.15, the Nile), until Semiramis raised great dams against it. Cyrus removed these dykes, and so converted tlie whole country again Into a vast desert-marsh. wl Urlwlnds lii the south— (Job 37. 9; Zechariah 9. 14.) The south wind comes upon Babylon from the deserts of Arabia, and its violence is the greater from Its course being unbroken along the plain (.lob 1. 19). desert—the plain between Babylon and Persia, terx-ible land—Media; to guard against which was the object of Nitocris' great works (Herodotus, 1.
185). Cf. as to "terrible" applied to a wilderness, as being full of unknown dangers, Deuteronomy 1. 19. 3. dealeth treacherously—referring to the military stratagem employed by Cyrus in taking Babylon. It may be translated, is repaid with treachery ; tlien the subject of the verb is Babylon. She is repaid in her own coin; ch. 33.
1; Habakkuk 2. 8, favour this. Go tip—Isaiah abruptly recites the order which he hears God giving to the Persians, the instruments of His vengeance (ch. 13. 3, 17). Elam—a province of Persia, the original place of their settlement (Genesis 10.22), east of the Euphrates. The name Persia was not in use unt' the captivity; it means a horseman; Cyrus first traintrd the Persians in horsemanship. It is a mark of autlienticlty that the name isnot found before Daniel and Ezekiel. |Bochart.] thereof—the "sighing" caused by Babylon (ch. 1-1. 7, 8). 3. Isaiah imagines himself among the exiles in Babylon, and cannot help feeling moved by the calamities wliich come on it. So for Moab (ch. 15. 5; 16. 11). pain—(Cf. ch.
3. 2; Margin, Daniel 2. 26; Acts 5. 8). fallen . . . fallen— The repetition expresses emphasis and certainty (Psalm
92. 9; 93. 3; cf. Jeremiah 51. 8; Revelation 18. 2). images Bel, Merodach, &c. (Jeremiah 50.2; 51.44,52). The Persians had no images, temples, or altars, and charged the makers of such with madness (Herodotus 1. 131); therefore they dashed the Babylonian "images broken unto the ground." 10. my threshing-i. e., my people (the Jews) trodden down by Babylon, com of my floor Hebrew, my son of the floor, i. e., my people, treated as corn laid on the floor for threshing; implying, too, that by affliction, a remnant (grain) would be separated from the ungodly (chaff'). [Maurer.] Horsley translates, "O tliou object of my unremitting prophetic pains." See ch.
13. 8; Ezekiel 30. 4, 19; Nahum 2. 10.) at the hearing—The Hebrew may mean, " I was so bowed down that I could not hear; I was so dismayed that I could not see" (Genesis 16.
2; Psalm 69. 23). [Mauker.] 4. panted—" is bewildered." [Barnes.] night of my pleasure—the prophet supposes himself one of the banqueters at Belshazzar's feast, on the night that Babylon was about to be taken by surprise; hence his expression, "my pleasure" (ch. 14. 11; Jeremiah
2S. 27, 28. Some, from Jeremiah 51. 33, make Babylon the object of the threshing; but Isaiah is plainly addressing his countrymen, as the next words show, not the Babylonians.
11, 12. A Prophecy to the Idumeans WHO Taunted THE Afflicted Jews in the Babylonish Captivity. One out of Seir asks, Wliat of the night? Is there a hope of the dawn of deliverance? Isaiah replies, The morning is beginning to dawn (tous); but night is also coming (to you). Cf. Psalm 137. 7. The Hebrew captives would be delivered, and taunting Edom punished. If the Idumean wish to ask again, he may do so; if he wishes an answer of peace for his country, then let him "return (repent), come." [Barnes.] 11. Dumah—A tribe and region of Ishmael in Arabia (Genesis 25. 14 ; I Chronicles 1. 30) ; now called Dumah the Stony, situated on the confines of Arabia and the Syrian desert; a part put for the whole of Edom. Vitringa thinks "Dumah," Hebrew, "silence," is heie used for Idumea, to imply that it was soon to be reducc>l to silence or destruction. Seir—The principal mountain in Idumea, south of the Dead Sea, In Arabia Petrea. " Ho calleth" ought to be rather, " The^-e is a call from Seir." to me—Isaiah. So the heathen Balak and Ahaziah received oracles from a Hebrew prophet, watchman—the prophet (ch. 62. 6; Jeremiah 6. 17), so called, because, like a watchman on the look-out from a tower, he announcen future events which he sees in prophetic vision (Habakkuk 2. 1, 2). what of the night—What tidings have you to give as to the state of the night? Rather, "What remain* of tlie night?" How much of it is past? [Maurer.) "Night" means calamity (Job .35. 10; Micah 3. 6), which, then, in the wars between Egypt and Assyria, pres.sed sore on Edom; or on Jtidahdf, as Barnes thinks, the question IS asked in mockery of the sufl Tering Jews in Baby-
51. 39; Daniel 5.). 5. Prepare the table viz., the feast in Bal)ylon ; during which Cj'rus opened the dykes made by Semiramis to confine the Euphrates to one channel, and Buflfered them to overflow the country, so that he could enter Babylon by the channel of the river. Isaiah first represents the king ordering the feast to be got ready. The suddenness of the irruption of the foe is graphically expressed by the rapid turn in the language to an alarm addressed to the Babylonian princes, "Arise," &c. (cf. ch.
22. 13). Maurer translates, " They prepare the table," &c. But see ch. 8. 9. watch In . . . -watch-tower—rather, set the xratch. Tliis done, they thouglit they might feast in entire security. Bal)ylon had many watch-towers on its walls, anoint . . . shield—this was done to prevent the leather of the shield becoming hard and liable to crack. "Make ready for defence;" tlie mention of tlie "shield" alone implies that it is the Babylonian revellers who are called on to prepare for instant self-defence. Horsley translates, " Gripe tlie oiled shield." G. God's direction to Isaiah to sot a watchmAn to " declare" what he sees. But as in V. 10, Isaiah himself is represented as the one who "declared." Horsley makes him the " watchman," and translates, "Come, let him who standeth on the watchtower report what he seeth." 7. chariot, &c.—rather, a body of riders (namely), some riding in pairs on horses {lit., pairs of horsemen, i. e., two abreast), others on asses, others on camels (cf. i;. 9; ch. 22. 6). "Chariot" is not appropriate to be joined, as EnglUih Version translates, viMh "asses;" the Hebrew means plainly In v. 7, as in v. 9, "a body of men riding." The Persians used asses and camels for war.
Prophecy as to an ISAIAH XXII. Attatk (ni Jemsalen, supposing that the Jews in the city .'juft'ered such extrem-
Ion). The rtiictition oi t..e question marks, in the former view, the anxiety of tlie Idumeans. 1!4. Reply of the prophet, JVie OTW)i!)i(7 (prosperity) comelh, and (soon after follows) the ni(/fU (adversity). Though you, Idumeans, may have a gleam of prosperity, it will soon be followed by adversity again. Otherwise, as Barnes, "Prosperity conieth (to the Jews) to be quickly followed by adversity ities of plague at that lime, when God destroyed their foes. Barnes refers it to those slain in flight, not in open honourable " battle ;" v. 3 favours thi.s. 3. rulers—rather, generals (Joshua 10.21; .Judges 11.6,11). bound—rather, " are taken." by the archers lit., by the bmv : so ch. 21. 17. Bowmen were the light troops, whose province it was to skirmish in front and (2 Kings 6. 22) pursue fugitives (to you, Idumeans, who exult in the fall of Jerusalem, have seized on the southern part of their land in tlieir absence during the captivity, and now deride them by your question") (ch. S4. 5-7). Tliis view is favoured by Obadiah 10-21. if ye will inquire. Inquire—If ye choose to consult lue again, do so (similar phrases occur Genesis 43. U; 2 Kings 7.4; Esther 4. Ifi). return, come—"Be converted to God (and then), come" [Ge«enius]; you will then receive a more favourable answer.
(2 Kings 25.5); this verse applies better to the attack of Nebuchadnezzar than that of Sennacherib, all . . . lo tliee—all found in the city (ch. 13. 1-5), not merely the "rulers" or generaLs. fled from far—Those who had fled from distant parts to Jeru.salem as a place of safety ; rather. fled afar. 4. LooU . . . from me—Deep grief seeks to be alone; whilst others feast joyously, Isaiah mourns in prospect of the disaster coming on Jerusalem (Micah 1. 8, 13-17. Pkophecy that Arabia would be Overrun BY a Foreign Foe within a Year. Probably in the wars between Assyria and Egypt; Idumea and Arabia
9). daughter, &c.—(iVo<e, ch. 1. 8; Lamentations 2. 11.) 5. trouiile . . . by the Lord i. e., sent by or fro/n the Tjord (JS'ole, ch. 19. 15; Luke 21. 2'i-24). valley of vision—(Aw/e
V. 1.) Some think a valley near Ophel is meant as about to be the .scene of devastation (cf. ch. .32. 13, 14, jS'ote). breaking . . . walls—!, e., "a day of breaking the walls" of the city, crying to the mountains—the mournful cry of the townsmen reaches to (Maurer translate,; t(iward.<i) the mountains, and is echoed back by them. Joseph ua describes in the very same language the scene at the assault of Jeru.salem under Titus. To this tlie prophecy, probably, refers ultimately. If, as some think, the "cry" lay somewhat on the intermediate line of march. 13. upon i. e., respecting, forest—not a grove of trees, but a region of thick underwood, rugged and inaecessib e : for Arabia has no forest of trees, travelling companies caravans: ye shall be driven through fear of the foe to unfrequented routes (ch. 33. 8; Judges 5. 6; Jeremiah 49. 8 is parallel to this passage). Dedanlm—In North Arabia (Genesis 2.5. 3; Jeremiah 25.23; Ezekiel 2-5. 13; 27.20; a different " Dedan" occurs Genesis 10. 7). 14:. Tema—a kindred tribe: an oasis in that region (Jeremiah 25. 23). The Temeans give water to the faint and thirsting Dedanites; is that of those escaping to the mountains, cf. Matthew 13.
14; 21. 16, with this. 6. Elam—the country stretching east from the Lower Tigris, answering to what was alterwards called Persia (Note, ch. 21.2). Later, Elam was a province of Persia (Ezra 4. 9). In Sennacherib's time, Elam was subject to Assyria (2 Kings IS. 11), and so furnished a contingent to its invading armies. Famed for the bow (ch. 13. IS; Jeremiah 49. 35), ii. which the Pthiopians alone excelled tlieiii. with cha Wots of men and horsemen i. e., they use the bow both in chariots and on horseback. "Chariots of men," i.e., chariots in which men are borne, war-chariots (cf. Note, ch. 21. 7, 9). Kir another people subject to As.syria (2 Kings 16. 9) ; the region about the river Kur, between the Caspian and Black .Seas, uncovered—took olf for the battle the leather covering of the shield, intended to protect the embossed figures on the greatest act of hospitality in the burning lands of the East, where water is so scarce, prevented—i. e., anticipated the wants of the fugitive Dedanites by supplying bread (Genesis 14. 18). their breatl—rather, "his (the fugitive s) bread:" the bread due to him, necessary for his support; so "thy grave" (ch. 14. 19). [Maorer.j 15. they— t!ie fugitive Dedanites and other Arabs. 16. years of . . . hireling—{iYo<c, ch. IG. 14.) Kedar-A wandering tribe tl\salia 120. 5). North of Arabia Petrea, and south of Arabia Deserta; put for Arabia in general. 17. residue . . . diminished—the remnant of Arab warriors, famous in tlie bow, left alter the invasion, shall be small.
CHAPTER XXII. it from dust or injury during the march. "The quiver" and "the shield" express two classes— light and heavy armed troops. 7. valleys—East, north, and south of Jerusalem : Hinnom on tlie .south side was the riciicst val-
Ver. 1-14. Prophecy as to an Attack on Jeru.salem: that by Sennacherib, in the 14th year of Hezekiah ; V. 8-11, the preparations for defence and securing of ivater ley. In array at the gate—Habshakeh stood at the upper pool close to the city (ch. .36. 11-1.3). 8. he discovered tlie covering—rather, the veil of Jadah shall be taken o^[IIOR- .SLey]: fig. for exposing to shame as a captive (qVi. 47. 3; Nahum 3. 5). Sennacherib dismantled all "the defenced exactly answer to those in 2 Chronicles 32. 4, 5, 30. " Shebna," too(y. 15), was scribe at this time (ch. 36. 3). [Maurer.]
Tlie language of v. 12, 13, and 14, as to the intidelity and consequent utter ruin of the Jews, seems rather to foreshadow the destruction by Nebuchadnezzar in Zedekiah's cities of Judah" (ch. 36. 1). thou didst look—rather, thou Shalt look, house of . . . forest—The house of armoury built of cedar from the forest of Lebanon by Solomon, on a slope of Zion called Ophel (lKings7.2; 10.17; Nehemiah reign, and cannot be restricted to Hezekiah's time. rLoWTH.] 1. of . . . valley of vision—rather, respecting tlie valley of visions: viz., Jerusalem, the seat of Divine revelations and visions, "the nur.sery of prophets" [Je-
3.19). Isaiah says (w. 8-13) his countrymen will look to their own strength to defend themselves, whilst others of them will drown their sorrows as to their country in feasting, but none will look to Jehovah. 9. \'e have seen rather. Ye shall see. city of David—the upper city, on Zion, the south side of Jerusalem (2 Samuel .5. 7, 9; 1 Kings
KO.MEJ, (ch. 2.3; 29.1; Ezekiel 23.4, Margin; Lulce 13.33).
It lay ill a "valley" surrounded by hills higher than Zion and MorhUi (Fsalni 125.2; Jeremiah 21. 13). tliee—the people of Jerusalem personified, house-tops—Panic-struck, tliey went up on the flat balustraded roofs to look fortli and see whether the enemy is near, and partly to defend themselves from the roofs (Judges 9. 51, &c.). 3. art—
8. 1); surrounded by a wall of its own ; but even in it there shall be " breaches." Hezekiah's preparations for defence accord with this (2 Chronicles ,32. 5). ye gathered-rather ye shall gather, lower pool—(iVo, v. 11.) Ye shall bring together into the city by subterranean passages cut in the rock of Zion, the fountain from which the lower pool (only mentioned here) Is supplied. Note, eh. 7. 3; 2 Kings 20. 20; rather, wert; for it could not 'now be said to be "a joyous rity" (ch. 32.13). The cause of t\\e\v joy (v. 13) may have been because Sennacherib had accepted Hezekiah's oiler to renew the payment of tribute, and they were glad to nave peace on any terms however huniiliatiug (2 Kings
IS. 14-16), or on account of the alliance with Egypt. If the 2 Chronicles .32..3-.5, represent Hezekiah as having stopped the fountains to prevent the Assyrians get ting water. But reference be to Zedekiah's time, the joy and feasting are not inapplicable, for this recklessness was a general chathis Is consistent with the passage here. The superlluoaa waters of the lower pool usually flov.ed Into Hinnom valracteristic of the unbelieving Jews (ch. 56. 12). not slain with t.lic sword—but with the famine and pestilence about to be caused by the coming siege (Lamentations 4. ley, and so through that of Jehoshaphat to the brook Kedron. Hezekiah built a wall round it, stopped the out. (lowing of its waters to deliar the foe Irom the use of them, and turned them into the city 10. numbered— 8^. Mai rkr refers this to the plague by which he thinks Sennaclierib's army was destroyed, and Hezekiah was mttde sick (ch. 37. 36; ,38. 1). But there is no authority for 454
ANCIENT MILITARY WEAPONS.
EGYPTIAN PRINCES IN THKIR CHARIOT.
From Wilkinson. Ex. xiv. 7.
EGYPTIAN STANDARD.". From Wilkinson. Numb. ii. '1.
Deposition of Shebna, ISAIAH XXIII. Prophecy respecting Tyn. rather, yt Jhall number, viz., in order to see which of them may be pulled down with the least loss to the city, and with uio.st advantage for the repair of the walls and rearing of towers (2 Chronicles 32. 5). Uave ye broken down — rather, ye shall break down. UU Ye made . . . a ditclx—rather. Ye shall make a reservoir for receiving the water of, <ic. Hezekiah surrounded Siloah, from which the old (or Icing's, or upper) pool took its rise, with a wall Joined to the wall of Zion on both sides; between these two walls he nxade a new pool, into which he directed the waters of the former, thus cutting off the foe from his supply of water also. The opening from which the upper pool received its water was nearer Zion tlian the other from which the lower pool took its rise, so that the water which flowed from the former could easily be shut in by a niflceut chariots." It is not meant that he would have these in a distant land, as he had in Jerusalem, but that he would be borne thither in ignominy instead of in his magnificent chariots. The Jews say tliat he was tied to the tails of horses by the enemy, to whom he had designed to betray Jerusalem, as they thought he was inoclcing them; and so he died. 19. state— office, lie— Gotl. A similar cliauge of persons occurs (ch. 34. 16). 20. sou of Ililkiah-Supposed by Kimchi to be the same as Azariali, son of Hillciah, who perhaps had two names, and who was "over the household" in Hezekiah's time (1 Chronicles 6. 13). 21. thy robe— of office, girdle — in which the purse was carried, and to it was attaclied the sword ; often adorned with gold and jewels, father— i. c, a counsellor and friend. 23. key—emblem of his office over the house; to " open" or " shut;" access rested witii him. upon . . . shoulder— So keys are carried sometimes in the East, hanging from the kerchief on the shoulder. But tlie phrase is rather fig., for sustaining the government on one's shoulders. Eliakim, as his name implies, is here plainly a type of the God-man Christ, the son of "David," of wliom Isaiah (ch.9. 6) uses the same language as the former clause of this verse, and Himself, in Revelation 3. 7, tlie same language as tlie latter clause (cf. Job wall, whereas that which flowed from the latter could only be brought in by subterranean conduits (cf. Note v.
9; ch. 7. 3; 2 Kings 20. 20 ; 2 Chronicles 32. 3-5, 30; Ecolesiastes 48. 17). Both were south-west of Jerusalem, liave not looked . . . neltlier liad respect—answering by contrast to "Thou didst look to the armour, ye have seen (liad respect, or regard to) the breaches" {v. 8, 9). maker tliereof—God, by whose command and aid these defences Were made, and who gave this fountain " long ago." G. V. Smith traiulales, "Him who doeth it," i.e., has brought
12. 14). uall . . . sure place—large nails or pegs stood in ancient houses on which were suspended the ornaments of the family. The sense is. All that is valuable to the nation shall rest securely on him. In Ezra 0. 8 " nail" this danger on you—"Him who hath prepared it from afar," t. c, planned it even from a distant time. 13. did the Liord . . . call—usually the ^«-t€i;ts gave the summons to national mourning (Joel 1. 14); now Jehovah Himself shall give it; the "call" shall consist in the presence of a is used of the large spike driven into the ground to fasten the cords of lent to. throne resting-place to liis family, as applied to Eliakim; but "throne," in the strict sense, as applied to Messiah the antitype (Luke 1. 32, Z^). 34. Same image as in v. 23. It was customary to "hang" the valuables of a house on nails (I Kings 10. 16, 17, 21 ; Song of Solomon!. 4). oflfspringand issue—rather, " the of Tshoots of the family, high andlow." [Vitringa.] Eliakim would reflect honour even on the latter, vessels of cups—of small capacity : answering to tlie low and humble offshoots. vessels of flagons—larger vessels : answering to the higJi, offshoots. 35. nail . . . fastened — Shebna, who was supposed to be firmly fixed in his post, burden upon it—a.l that were dependent on Shebna, all his emoluments and rank will fail, as when a peg is suddenly "cut down" tha ornaments on it fall with it. Sin reaches in its effects even to the family of the guilty (Exodus 20. 5). terrible foe. Translate, shall call, baldness—emblem of grief (Job 1. 20; Micah 1. 16). 13. Notwithstanding Jehovah's "call to mourning" (v. 12), many shall make the desperate state of affairs a reason for reckless revelry (ch. 5.
11, 12, 14; Jeremiah 18. 12; 1 Corinthians 15. 32).
15-2.5. Prophecy that Shebna should be Deposed FROM BEING Prefect of the Palace, and Eliakim Pp.oMOTED TO the Office. In ch. 36. 3, 22 ; 37. 2, we And Shebna "a scribe," and no longer prefect of the palace ("over the household"), and Eliakim in that office, as is here foretold. Shebna is singled out as the subject of prophecy (the only instance of an individual being so in Isaiah), as being one of the irreligious faction that set at naught the prophet's warnings (ch. 28.-33.); perhaps it was he who advised the temporary ignominious submission of Hezekiah to Sennacherib. 15. Go, get tliee unto—rather, Go in to (i. e.,inlo the house to), treasurer "him who dwells in the tabernacle" [Jbkome] ; viz., in a room of the temple set apart for the treasurer. Rather, "the king's friend," or " principal offlccr of the court" (X Kings 4.5; 18.3; 1 Chronicles 27. 33, " the king's counsellor"). [Maureb.] "This" CHAPTER XXIII.
Ver. 1-18. Prophecy respecting Tyre. Menander, the historian, notices a siege of Tyre by Shalinaneser, about the time of the siege of Samaria. Sidon, Acco, and Old Tyre, on the mainland, were soon reduced; but New Tyre, on an island half a mile from the shore, held out for five years. Sargon probably finished the siege. Sennacherib does not, however, mention it among the cities whicli the Assj'rian kings conquered (ch. 36.; 37). The expression, "Chaldeans" (v. 13), may imply reference to Is prefixed contemptuously (Exodus 32. 1). unto Shebna The Hebreiv for unto indicates an accosting of Sliebna with an unwelcome message. 16. WTiat . . . whom—The prophet accosts Shebna at the very place where he was building a grand sepulchre for himself and his family (ef. ch. 14, 18; Genesis 2;^. ; 49. 20 ; 50. 13). "What (business) hast thou here, and whom hast thou (of thy family, who is likely to be buried) here, that thou buildest," &e., seeing that thou art soon to he deposed from office and carried into captivity? [Maureb.] on lilgli—sepulchres were made in the highest rocks (2 Chronicles 32. .3.3, Margin). Iiabitatlon for himself—cf. "His own house" (ch. 14. 18). 17. carry its siege under Nebuchadnezzar, whicli lasted thirteen years. Alexander the Great destroyed New Tyre after a seven montlis' siege. 1. Tyre—Hebrew, Tsur, i. e.. Rock. ships of T.Trshish—ships of Tyre returning from their voyage to Tarshish, or Tartessus in Spain, with which the Phoenicians had much commerce (Ezekiel 27. 12-2.5). " Ships of Tarshish" is a phrase also used of large and distantvoyaging merchant vessels (ch. 2 16; 1 Kings 10. 22; Psalm. . . away with . . . captivity— rather, "will east thee away with a mighty throw." [Maurer.] " Mighty," Jiz., " of a man" (so ,Iob 38. 3). sxirely cover—viz., with shame, where tliou art rearing a monument to perpetuate thy fame. [Vitringa.] " Rolling will roll thee," i. e., will coretinually roll thee on, as a ball to be tossed away. [Maurer.]
48.7). no house—viz., left; sucli was the case as to Old Tyre, after Nebuchadnezzar's siege, no enterijig—There is no house to enter (ch. 24. 10). [G. V. Smith.] Or, Tyre ia so laid waste, that there is no possibility of entering the Artrftour [Barne.s]; which is appropriate to the previous "ships." Chlttlni—Cyprus, of which the cities, including Citium in the south (whence came "Chittira"), were mostly Phoenician (Ezekiel 27.6). The ships from Tai • shish on their way to Tyre learn the tidings (" it Ss revealed to them") of the downfall of Tyre. At a later period Chittim denoted the islands and coasts of the Mediterranean (Daniel 11. 30). 3. Be still—struck dumb with awe. Addressed to those already in the country, eye-wlt-
Cf. V. 18. 18. violently turn and toss lit., whirling He will whirl thee, i. e.,Ue-will,without intermission, whirl thee. [Maxjrek.] " He will whirl thee round and round, and (then)cast thee away," as .a stone inasling isflrst whirled round repeatedly, before the string is let go. [Lowth.] larsfc country—perhaps Assyria, chariots . . . shall be the shame of thy L.ord*s house—rather, "thy splendid chariots shall he there, O thou disgrace of tliy Lord's boose" [NovES]; " chariots of thy glory" mean "thymag-