1The people threatened for their confidence in Egypt, 8and contempt of God's word. 18God's mercies toward his church. 27God's wrath, and the people's joy, in the destruction of Assyria.
1WOE to 1the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take 2counsel, 3but not of me; and that cover with 4a covering, but 5not of my spirit, that they may add 6sin to sin:
1 Understand the wicked and unstable inhabitants within Jerusalem.
2 To make a covenant with the king of Egypt (as verse 2) against the king of Babel, after this king had brought them under his power and dominion.
3 Having asked no counsel of Me, but following their own mind and fancy.
4 Thus He calls the protection of the king of Egypt.
5 That is, not by the inspiration of My Spirit.
6 Namely, the sin of trust in the help of man to the sin of perjury in revolting from the king of Babel. See Ezek. 17:13, 14, 15. Or, the sin of forsaking God, and putting confidence in men. Compare Jer. 2:13.
27That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not 8asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust 9in the shadow of Egypt!
7 How the kings of Judah sent their ambassadors down into Egypt to make a covenant with the king of Egypt, see Jer. 2:18; 37:7; Ezek. 17:15.
8 Namely, neither by the prophets, nor by the high priest have asked at My mouth.
9 That is, under the protection. Instead of this phrase, it is said in Ruth 2:12: under the wings.
3Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
4For 10his princes were at 11Zoan, and his 12ambassadors came to 13Hanes.
10 Namely, of the king of Judah. See Ezek. 17:15. Other, their princes, namely, of the people of the Jews.
11 These are cities situated in Egypt. See the annotations at Num. 13:22; Psalm 78:12. Hanes is Tahapanes; see Jer. 2 on verse 16; Jer. 43 on verse 7.
12 Or, messengers.
13 These are cities situated in Egypt. See the annotations at Num. 13:22; Psalm 78:12. Hanes is Tahapanes; see Jer. 2 on verse 16; Jer. 43 on verse 7.
514They were 15all 16ashamed of a people thata could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
14 Namely, by God, or by the king of Egypt.
15 Namely, all those of Jerusalem, as well the ambassadors as the subjects.
16 That is, despicable or contemptible. Other, He will make them all stinking, namely, the Egyptians. See Jer. 37:7.
a Jer. 2:36.
6The 17burden of the beasts 18of the south: 19into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the 20young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, 21they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunchesb of camels, 22to a people that shall not profit them.
17 That is, the prophecy against the Jews, concerning the camels or other animals that bear burdens, which they have sent to Egypt, laden with gifts, to crave aid of the king of Egypt against the Chaldeans.
18 That is, toward Egypt, so called, because it is situated south of the land of the Jews.
19 Thus Egypt is called or described, because many troubles and anguish befell the Jews there in former time, and would yet befall those who seek for help and counsel there.
20 The following names of mischievous, venomous, renting, devouring creatures are found in great abundance in Egypt. Some understand by those creatures, the soldiers of Egypt, from whom the Jews could expect nothing but mischief and destruction.
21 Namely, the ambassadors of the Jews, who brought great presents to the king of Egypt.
b humps
22 That is, to the Egyptians, as verse 5.
7For the 23Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, 24Their strength is to sit still.
23 That is, the help of the Egyptians shall be in vain, and to no purpose.
24 Namely, of the Jews. Compare verse 15. Hebr. rahab-hem-schabet, which words others translate thus: Rahab is ceasing, or, Rahab shall cease, that is, Egypt shall sit still or cease, that is, it shall afford no more help. See Jer. 37:7. More than once Egypt is called by the prophet Rahab, as Psalm 87:4; Isa. 51:9. See the annotations there.
8 ¶ 25Now go, 26write it 27before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may 28be 29for the time to come for ever and ever:
25 These are the words of the Lord to the prophet.
26 Namely, for a witness against them. Compare this with Deut. 31:19 and Isa. 8:1.
27 Or, among them, namely, the citizens of Jerusalem.
28 Or, remain. Hebr. be. See Psalm 37:18.
29 Or, for the day to come.
9That this is 30a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the 31law of the LORD:
30 That is, a people that ever and anon departs from the Lord, and rebels against Him.
31 Or, doctrine.
10Which say 32to the seers, 33See not; and to the 34prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, 35speak unto us smooth things, prophesy 36deceits:
32 That is, to the prophets. See 1 Sam. 9:9.
33 That is, prophecy not, as if they said: Though God reveals somewhat unto you, do not proclaim it, but conceal it, as if ye had neither seen nor heard it.
34 Or, beholders, that is, prophets.
35 As if they said: But preach unto us what is pleasant, and acceptable.
36 Or, mockeries.
11Get you out 37of the way, turn aside out of the path, 38cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
37 That is, from your office and calling.
38 That is, speak no more unto us of the word and the threats of the Lord.
12Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise 39this word, and trust 40in oppression and perverseness, and stay 41thereon:
39 That is, this prophecy, that which I cause to be preached unto you by My prophet, concerning the aid of the Egyptians, which he dissuades you.
40 That is, on your wicked devices, which tend to the oppression of the poor and innocent. Other, in oppression, namely, of the prophets, who advise you for the best. See Jer. 20:2; 26:11; 37:15, 16.
41 Namely, upon the oppressions.
13Therefore this iniquity shall be to you 42as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whosec breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.
42 The meaning is: Your sins shall be the cause of your sudden ruin, as a wall that is full of clefts or chinks, and that bending out, does easily collapse and fall down. Compare Psalm 62:3 and there the annotation.
c Isa. 29:5.
14And 43he 44shall break it 45as the breaking of the potters’ vesseld that is broken 46in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found 47in the bursting of it a sherde to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the 48pit.
43 Namely, the Lord, or the enemy.
44 Namely, Jerusalem and the other cities of Judah, yea, also the entire nation of the Jews, the ecclesiastical and the civil state.
45 Hebr. according to the breaking of a potter’s vessel.
d Jer. 19:11.
46 That is, it shall be quite broken to shivers, so that nothing of it shall remain intact. Compare Jer. 19:11.
47 That is, from the broken pieces.
e fragment
48 Or, trench, ditch, pool.
15For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; 49In returning and rest shall ye 50be saved; in quietness and in 51confidence shall be your strength: and 52ye would not.
49 That is, if ye would return and cease, namely, from your wicked lives and purpose to go to seek help in Egypt, possessing your souls in patience, and hoping in God. See verse 7.
50 Or, be delivered.
51 Namely, in God.
52 That is, ye would not be willing to obey this counsel.
16But ye said, No; for we 53will flee upon horses; 54therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride 55upon the swift; therefore shall they 56that pursue you be swift.
53 Namely, when the Babylonians have become too strong for us. Other, we flee, that is, we will run about hither and thither, until we find help.
54 Namely, because ye are thus rebellious, and speak thus. See the fulfillment 2 Kings 25:4; Jer. 39:4; 52:7.
55 Or, upon light horses that run apace.
56 Namely, the Babylonians.
1757One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: tillf ye be left as 58a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.
57 Compare this with Lev. 26:8, 36; Deut. 28:25; 32:30.
f Isa. 17:6; 24:6, 13.
58 Or, mast-tree, high pole, memorial, high exalted pillar, an erected wood or high tree without boughs or leaves. The prophet intimates hereby that those who would be left, would be sown very thin, and would be as easy to be seen and counted as a ship-mast, or high pole upon a mountain.
18¶And 59therefore will the LORD 60wait, 61that he may be gracious unto you, and 62therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is 63a God of judgment: blessedgare all they that wait for him.
59 This is a comfort or consolation unto those whom the Lord would permit to remain.
60 Namely, upon your repentance and amendment.
61 Delivering you from your captivity.
62 Namely, by His judgments, whereby ye shall be brought to repentance and amendment.
63 That is, Who does nothing inconsiderately, but all things reasonably; Who knows to moderate and mitigate punishments; as Jer. 10:24, where it is said thus: O LORD, correct me, but with measure or judgment. God the Lord punishes them who deserve punishments, and shows mercy to them who repent and turn unto Him.
g Psalm 2:12; 34:8; Prov. 16:20; Jer. 17:7.
19For 64the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: 65thou shalt weep no more: 66he will be very gracious unto thee 67at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will 68answer thee.
64 Namely, the people of the Jews, after they shall be delivered out of the Babylonian captivity, which was a type of the spiritual redemption of the people of God by Christ.
65 Or, thou shalt not weep anymore so sore, or, so much. Hebr. thou shalt not weep with weeping, namely, with so much, or so sore a weeping as thou didst in times past, when thou wast carried into the Babylonian captivity. See Psalm 137.
66 Hebr. he, namely, the Lord, will by being gracious be gracious unto thee.
67 That is, when thou in thy captivity shalt call or cry unto Him for deliverance.
68 That is, hear.
20And though the 69Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers 70be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes 71shall see thy teachers:
69 That is, the Lord shall indeed suffer you to fall again into affliction and adversity, but He shall comfort and strengthen your souls with the spiritual food of His Word, and with the drink of the preaching; no teachers shall be wanting unto you, He will make that ye shall have always some with you, namely, after Christ shall have come into the world, Who Himself in His own Person shall preach unto you, as also His apostles and disciples, whom He shall afterward send into all the world, to preach the Gospel unto all nations, Mat. 28:19. Other, The Lord shall give you bread in heaviness, or, sorrow, and water in oppression, etc. This was fulfilled in the time of the Maccabees.
70 Or, be winged, that is, so swiftly as if they had wings. As came to pass in sundry former times and especially from the time of the prophet Malachi unto John the Baptist. See Psalm 74:9; Mal. 4:4, 5.
71 Other, shall see continually, that is, have them always with you, beholding them with joy and delight, and hearing their sermons with zeal.
21And thine ears shall hear a 72word behind thee, saying, This is 73the way, walk ye in it, 74when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
72 That is, God shall, as it were, follow, or go after thee, and shall carry and lead thee by His Word and Spirit, as a tutor or schoolmaster permits his disciples or scholars go before him, that he may mind them the better.
73 Namely, the way that leads to heaven.
74 As if he said: As soon as ye shall step aside from the right way, the Lord will with the staff of His Word bring you back again into the right way. See Psalm 23.
22Ye shall 75defile also 76the covering of thy graven images of silver, and 77the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, 78Get thee hence.
75 Or, despise it as a thing unclean, and put it away from you. The meaning is: You shall utterly abandon and forsake idolatry as repugnant to the true worship and service of God.
76 That is, your carved images which are covered over with silver or gold. Hebr. of the carved images of thy sliver, that is, which are made of your silver. Also later, of thy gold.
77 That is, your molten images covered over, or clad, or adorned with gold. The Hebrew word has respect to the beautiful and glorious ephod of the high priest, whereof see Exod. 28:6, etc.
78 Or, get thee gone. Hebr. go forth.
23Then shall 79he give the rain of 80thy seed, 81that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and 82bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and 83plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.
79 Namely, the Lord.
80 Hebr. he shall give the rain of thy seed, namely, that rain of which your seed has need if it would come up well, and bear fruit.
81 Or, when thou hast sowed the land.
82 Other, bread of the land’s getting or revenue, that is, corn that proceeds out of the land.
83 Or, oily.
24The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat 84clean provender,h which hath been 85winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
84 Or, pure. Hebr. leavened, that is, pleasant, savory. Or, pure fodder, or provender, namely, without chaff or other uncleanness, by reason of the great plenty of fruits which then shall grow.
h food, fodder*
85 Or, shaken, tossed about, winnowed with the shovel.
25And 86there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, 87rivers and streams of waters 88in the day of the great slaughter, when 89the towers fall.
86 That is, God will so abundantly overwhelm with His transcendent mercy and blessing upon all things, that even those men shall be converted and bear fruit, who were by nature hard, dry and barren, like the high mountains and hills.
87 Or, waters-springs, namely, to water the high mountains and hills, and to make them fruitful.
88 Namely, after the Babylonians shall be slain by the Persians and the Medes.
89 Namely, the towers of the city of Babel, or the mighty princes and tyrants who are in it.
26Moreover 90the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be 91sevenfold, as 92the light of seven days, in the day 93that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth 94the stroke 95of their wound.
90 That is, your joy shall be exceeding great, first, when ye shall return again into your own country, but especially when Christ shall appear in the flesh, then shall the light of His knowledge, and the glory, which God shall give unto His church, be exceeding great and excellent. See Isa. 24:23, and the Scripture text references noted there.
91 Or, seven times greater.
92 Or, brightness, or, shining. The sense is: The brightness of the sun shall be so great, as if seven suns did shine all at once, or together, and as if the light of seven bright and clear days were all united together. Understand all this of the exceeding great spiritual light of knowledge in spiritual things.
93 That is, when the Lord shall deliver His people out of Babel, and shall bring them again into the land of the Jews; but especially when He shall send Christ, the true Physician of the soul, Who shall forgive their sins, and shall regenerate them again by the Holy Spirit.
94 Hebr. the wound of their striking or plague.
95 Or, which is struck on him.
27¶Behold, 96the name of the LORD cometh 97from far, burning with 98his anger, and 99the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:
96 That is, God Himself, or His power and glory.
97 Namely, from heaven, from where God has sent His angel to slay the Assyrians in the army of Sennacherib.
98 Namely, against the enemies of His church, and in particular against the Assyrians.
99 Or, raising, that is, of the wrath of God. The Hebrew word arising is used in Judges 20:40; Jer. 6:1, and elsewhere.
28And hisi100breath, as an overflowing stream, shall 101reach to the midst of the neck, 102to sift the nations 103with the 104sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, 105causing them to err.
i Isa. 8:8.
100 Or, blast.
101 Hebr, divide, namely, into two parts, so that the uppermost part, namely, the head, sticks out, and the lowermost is under water.
102 Or, to shake, to sieve, to scatter.
103 That is, until they come to nought, or which shall bring them to nought.
104 Or, sifting, winnowing.
105 Hebr. a bridle causing to err, etc. that is, scattering them abroad, so that they know not whither or where to go. It is a comparison borrowed from beasts that are led by the bridle where men desire.
29106Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy 107solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come 108into the mountain of the LORD, 109to the mighty One of Israel.
106 Namely, when the Assyrians shall be slain by the angel of the Lord. See Psalm 42:8.
107 It seems that the prophet has respect unto the feast of the unleavened bread, which the Jews kept in the nighttime when they did eat the paschal lamb, at which feast they sung an hymn of praise, Exod. 12:8; Mat. 26:30. See Psalm 42:4.
108 That is, to the temple, wherein the Lord has His habitation.
109 That is, to the Lord Christ, on Whom the people of Israel were to rely.
30And the LORD shall cause 110his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew 111the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and 112tempest, and hailstones.
110 Hebr. the glory of his voice, that is, the thunder, and other outward signs of His anger against the enemies of His church. See Psalm 29 on verse 3.
111 Namely, when He shall let down His strong and mighty arm to smite the Assyrians, namely, in the siege laid against the city of Libnah, or in his marching up against Jerusalem. See 2 Kings 19:8, 35.
112 As Isa. 4:6.
31For 113through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.
113 As verse 30.
32And 114in every place where the 115grounded 116staff shall pass, which the LORD 117shall lay upon him, 118it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight 119with it.120
114 Namely, in the land of the Jews. Hebr. every passage of the grounded staff.
115 Namely, of God, that is, which was appointed by the ordinance of God.
116 That is, the hostile invasion of the Assyrians.
117 Or, shall have laid.
118 The meaning is: After the angel shall have slain the Assyrians, they shall everywhere praise the Lord with songs of praise in the land of Judah; they shall be everywhere merry and joyful because of this victory. See the like examples, Exod. 15:20; 1 Sam. 18:6. Other, whereupon the Lord shall have laid that same with tabrets and with harps, or, shall be with tabrets and with harps.
119 Namely, against the soldiers of the Assyrians. Other, against it, namely, the staff. The Hebrew is as well the one as the other.
120 Some translate this 32nd verse thus: And it shall come to pass that everywhere where that grounded staff which the Lord shall cause to rest upon him (namely, the Assyrian) shall have passed (or, gone through) with tabrets and with harps, he shall fight against that land with a fighting concussion. The sense is: If any land do receive that staff with tabrets and harps (that is, with joy and gladness) which ought rather to be received with grief and heaviness, the Lord shall fight against it with fightings of shaking, that is, so that all shall shake and tremble with a great shaking.
33For 121Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for 122the king it is prepared; 123he hath made it deep and large: 124the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle 125it.
121 Hebr. Tophthe, that is, Tophet, as Jer. 7:31; 19:6. See the annotation at 2 Kings 23 on verse 10. Understand here by Tophet not only the grave, but also hell fire, which is prepared for all the enemies of God and persecutors of His church.
122 Understand here Sennacherib, the king of Assyria.
123 Namely, the Lord.
124 Namely, of Tophet.
125 Namely, the burning pile, or, the rod, or staff, whereof mention is made in verse 31. Or understand it of Tophet.