Isa 15:1

The word “oracle” or “burden” (Isa 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1; 22:1; 23:1) is from the Heb “to lift up”, in foreboding or expectation; it implies something that God has planned for another. More often than not, it speaks of a coming punishment; but at times it simply means an important event involving a particular people. The distinction must be determined by the context. Often, the “burden” begins with warnings of judgments to come, and then proceeds with prophecies of something beneficial arising out of the dark times. Zec 12 illustrates this: it begins with a “burden… for Israel… in the siege”, but then quickly speaks of a time of blessing succeeding the time of affliction: Jerusalem inhabited again in her own place (Zec 12:6,7). The burdens of Isaiah generally follow this same pattern, with special ref to the LD of Gentile times and the establishment of “Israel in their own land” (Isa 14:1) and Christ as the “ruler of the land… upon the mount of the daughter of Zion” (Isa 16:1). Also the roles of various Gentile powers, esp in relation to Israel and God’s plans for the LD, are outlined. What might first appear to be a dry and unrewarding study becomes in reality a promise of God’s deliverance for His people (in typical prophecies) and a glorious assurance (in initial fulfillments) that God’s purpose stands firm (Isa 14:26,27).

MOAB: Sig “seed of a father”. Son of Lot and his oldest daughter (Gen 19:37). In Moses’ time, a numerous people (Exo 15:15) living east of Dead Sea. Moab refused Moses passage (Jdg 11:17; Num 20:14), and sent Balaam to curse Jews (Num 22-24). Moabite women seduced them (Num 25). Later, Eglon of Moab oppressed Israel for 18 years until Ehud slew him (Jdg 3:12-30). Later still, Jephthah had to remove Moabitish abominations (Jdg 10:14). Saul warred with Moab (1Sa 14:47), and David prevailed against them (2Sa 8:2-12; Psa 60:8). Solomon was enticed by Moabite wives (1Ki 11), and built a temple to Moab’s god Chemosh (1Ki 11:7). Omri and Ahab of Israel subdued Moab, but lost it (2Ki 1; 3). Moab was defeated by Tiglathpileser and Sennacherib and Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 27:3-6), and Maccabees (175-163 BC) — then fell into ruins (Jer 48:12,28,42). See Amo 2:1-3; Zep 2:8-11.

“A remarkable feature of these two chs [Isa 15;16] is the close relationship that there is with Jer 48, also about Moab. There seem to be two main possibilities: either Jeremiah is quoting from his copy of Isaiah, or else from the original prophecy (by some unnamed prophet) which Isaiah has also used very copiously. It is undeniably true that Jeremiah refers quite extensively to Isaiah’s prophecies, so this makes the first suggestion perfectly feasible. But on the other hand, there is so little direct quotation and so much variation of phrase in the parallel passages as to suggest the other possibility, or even that Jeremiah was quoting from memory, or making variations to suit the circumstances of his own time. With Isa 15:2-7 cp Jer 48:34-37, and with Isa 16:6-11 cp Jer 48:29-33,36” (WIsa 218).

Isa 15:2

TEMPLE: Heb “bayith”, taken as proper noun in KJV. But prob means the temple of Chemosh.

HIGH PLACES: Prob intensive plural, meaning the “great high place” of Moab (cp idea, Jos 13:17).

Isa 15:5

AS FAR AS EGLATH SHELISHIYAH: KJV actually translates: “an heifer of three years old”, or “the third heifer”.

“Mine own heart, for Moab continueth to make outcry, Her fugitive, as far as Zoar, is like a heifer of three years” (Roth): That is, (the people of) Moab cry out… like a 3-year-old heifer… bawling as it is slaughtered! Or, alternatively, “like the third heifer”, ref to Lot’s wife — the 2 daughters (mothers of Ammon and Moab) being the first and second. A poss ref to the destruction poured down upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19), and the symbolic fate of Lot’s wife (Luk 17:32).

HER FUGITIVES FLEE AS FAR AS ZOAR… THEY LAMENT THEIR DESTRUCTION: The downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah, while Lot and his daughters flee toward Zoar (Gen 19:22).

Isa 15:6

NIMRIM: Its waters are said to be fed by 7 springs, and therefore a specially lush area important for Moab’s main industry: sheep-rearing.

Isa 15:7

THE RAVINE OF THE POPLARS: Prob // the willows by the waters of Babylon (Psa 137:2), where captives lament their fate.

Isa 15:8

BEER-ELIM: Heb “the well of the rulers”, may be the place on Moab’s eastern border where the princes of Israel made a formal ceremony of digging a well (Num 21:16-18), sig the beginning of their possession of their inheritance.

Isa 15:9

DIMON: Poss a deliberate perversion of “Dibon” (v 2), so as to suggest the Heb wd “blood” — see later in v.

LION: One of the prominent symbols of Assyria: winged lions are found in their bas-reliefs.

Isa 16:1

SEND LAMBS AS TRIBUTE…: An exhortation to Moab to resume the payment of tribute to God’s people — not to Israel as formerly (2Ki 3:4), but now to the Temple at Jerusalem.

FROM SELA: “The mention of Sela (in Edom) and the wilderness suggests that because of invasion from the north, the tribute is to be sent via the southern circuit of the Dead Sea” (WIsa 216).

Isa 16:2

The women of Moab in flight // Isa 15:5n.

Isa 16:3

MAKE YOUR SHADOW LIKE NIGHT… HIDE THE FUGITIVES: Cp Isa 32:2, where the godly king in Jerusalem is like “the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (cp also Isa 14:32). So the fugitives from Moab (Isa 16:4) can hope for rest and security under the “shadow” of Hezekiah!

Isa 16:4

LET THE MOABITE FUGITIVES STAY WITH YOU: The KJV has: “Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab” — but the NIV rendering has strong support of the LXX (and other versions: NET, RSV, RV mg), and suits the context much better: Isa 15;16 is all about Moab being overrun by Assyria.

Isa 16:5

“An assurance of the saving power of godly Hezekiah — note the words ‘mercy… truth… judgment… righteousness’ — with the strong implication that, sharing the faith of this wonderful man, these distressed Moabites can share also the safety and recovery which comes through him” (WIsa 216,217).

THE HOUSE OF DAVID: The “tabernacle” of David: (1) the sanctuary in Zion, and (2) the man of God, descended from David. Cp Amo 9:11.

Isa 16:6

Vv 6-12: The appeal of v 4 is apparently rejected, so these vv picture the agony of Moab as judgment overtakes them.

MOAB’S PRIDE: // Jer 48:26,29,30,42; Amo 2:1; Oba 1:3,4; Zep 2:9,10.

INSOLENCE: Moab refused passage through land to Moses, and hired Balaam against Israel (Deu 23:3-6).

Isa 16:7

THE MOABITES WAIL, THEY WAIL TOGETHER FOR MOAB: The survivors lamenting the many who have perished.

FOR THE MEN OF KIR HARESETH: “The Heb text has: ‘for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth you [masculine plural] moan, surely destroyed.’ The ‘raisin cakes’ could have cultic significance (see Hos 3:1), but the next verse focuses on agricultural disaster, so here the raisin cakes are mentioned as an example of the fine foods that are no longer available (see 2Sa 6:19; Song 2:5) because the vines have been destroyed by the invader (see v 8). Some prefer to take ‘raisin cakes of’ as ‘men of’ (see HAL 95; cf NIV)” (NET notes).

Isa 16:8

THE RULERS OF THE NATIONS: The “lords” prob = the pagan priests of the high places (cp Num 21:28).

AND WENT AS FAR AS THE SEA:

Isa 16:9

I WEEP… I DRENCH YOU WITH TEARS: Spoken in irony?

Isa 16:13

HAS ALREADY SPOKEN: Suggests that most of Isa 15;16 form a prophecy spoken in earlier days by some other prophet (Jonah?). But now Isaiah declares that, since apparently Moab refuses to trust in the God of Israel, the worst features of this judgment will be fulfilled.

Isa 16:14

WITHIN THREE YEARS: This prophecy was spoken less than 3 years before the cataclysmic coming of Sennacherib, which would precipitate the fall of Moab.

AS A SERVANT BOUND BY CONTRACT WOULD COUNT THEM: The last 3 years will pass very slowly, with increasing anxiety on the part of the Moabites — as they await fearfully the final horrors.

Isa 17:1

The word “oracle” or “burden” (Isa 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1; 22:1; 23:1) is from the Heb “to lift up”, in foreboding or expectation; it implies something that God has planned for another. More often than not, it speaks of a coming punishment; but at times it simply means an important event involving a particular people. The distinction must be determined by the context. Often, the “burden” begins with warnings of judgments to come, and then proceeds with prophecies of something beneficial arising out of the dark times. Zec 12 illustrates this: it begins with a “burden… for Israel… in the siege”, but then quickly speaks of a time of blessing succeeding the time of affliction: Jerusalem inhabited again in her own place (Zec 12:6,7). The burdens of Isaiah generally follow this same pattern, with special ref to the LD of Gentile times and the establishment of “Israel in their own land” (Isa 14:1) and Christ as the “ruler of the land… upon the mount of the daughter of Zion” (Isa 16:1). Also the roles of various Gentile powers, esp in relation to Israel and God’s plans for the LD, are outlined. What might first appear to be a dry and unrewarding study becomes in reality a promise of God’s deliverance for His people (in typical prophecies) and a glorious assurance (in initial fulfillments) that God’s purpose stands firm (Isa 14:26,27).

DAMASCUS: Ancient city of Aram, founded by Uz — Shem’s grandson, on a plateau beside the Abana and Pharpar Rivers (2Ki 5:12). Defeated by David (2Sa 8), but later antagonistic to Solomon (1Ki 11:24). Closely connected with Israel’s apostasy as in 1Ki 15;20; 2Ch 16. “No eastern city has been so often overthrown and rebuilt as Damascus” (Vitringa, WIsa 219).

A HEAP OF RUINS: Fulfilled by Tiglathpileser of Assyria when bribed by Ahaz of Judah (2Ki 16:9). Later, when Sennacherib faced revolt from various subject states, Syria was one of them, and this prophecy foretells the outcome of that king’s punitive expedition.

Isa 17:2

THE CITIES OF AROER WILL BE DESERTED: Or, as LXX, “her cities for ever are forsaken”.

Isa 17:3

THE FORTIFIED CITY WILL DISAPPEAR FROM EPHRAIM: Israel is included alongside Syria, because Pekah of Israel and Rezin of Syria had allied themselves together against Judah (Isa 7:6).

THE FORTIFIED CITY: Prob Samaria, which withstood a long siege by Shalmanezer and Sargon before being at last brought to ruin.

LIKE THE GLORY OF THE ISRAELITES: “Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird” (Hos 9:11).

Isa 17:5

VALLEY OF REPHAIM: Consistently translated in NIV. AV has “valley of the giants” (Jos 15:18; 18:16; Isa 17:5) or “valley of the Rephaim” (2Sa 5:18,22; 23:13; 1Ch 11:15; 14:9; Isa 17:5). “Rephaim” sig “the dead”!

Isa 17:6

YET SOME GLEANINGS WILL REMAIN: A remnant of faithful ones, even in Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Isa 17:7

Vv 7,8: In the coming days oppressive events will shatter belief in all forms of false worship, and men will be led back to faith in Yahweh.

Isa 17:8

THE ALTARS: Esp the Assyrian altar imported by Ahaz (2Ki 16:10-12). These were to encounter a shattering wave of righteous zeal and indignation (2Ki 18:4; 2Ch 31:1).

ASHERAH POLES: See Lesson, Asherah.

INCENSE ALTARS: “Images” (AV), lit “sun-pillars”: obelisks erected in connection with sun-worship. Poss reltd to the “sun-dial” of Ahaz (2Ki 20:11)?

Isa 17:9

“At that time their fortified cities will be like the abandoned summits of the Amorites, which they abandoned because of the Israelites; there will be desolation” (NET).

“In that day their strong cities will be like the deserted places of the Hivites and the Amorites, which they deserted because of the children of Israel, and there will be desolation” (RSV).

“Those Canaanite tribes, worshipers of the false gods denounced here in v 8, were for that main reason cast out of the Land, leaving their cities and villages to be taken over by Israel, led by Joshua. Now for the same evil found in God’s people, they are to suffer a like experience, the Assyrians being used as the scourge of God” (WIsa 221).

Isa 17:10

THE FINEST PLANTS AND… IMPORTED VINES: “It could refer to a cultic plant of some type, associated with a pagan rite” (NET notes). ” Sustained allusion to the pagan sexual fertility cult which dominated so many of the religions adjacent to Israel. There is some evidence that the word ‘pleasant’

Isa 17:11

YET THE HARVEST WILL BE AS NOTHING: That is, the “gardens” of immoral rituals will be swept away by the “flood” of the Assyrian armies! Good riddance!

Isa 17:12

THE RAGING OF MANY NATIONS: “The enemy is described as ‘many people’ because of the copious recruitment of mercenaries which the Assyrians made use of from other conquered countries: ‘the multitude of the nations that fight against Ariel’ (Isa 29:7); ‘assemble yourselves, all ye peoples, and ye shall be broken in pieces’ (Isa 8:9). Elam and Kir and the Medes are specifically mentioned (Isa 21:2; 22:6) and the vigorous judgments against Edom and Moab make it pretty certain that they too joined with enthusiasm in the onslaught on Judah (Isa 25:10; 34:6; 63:1)” (WIsa 221,222).

LIKE THE RAGING SEA… THE ROARING OF GREAT WATERS: // Isa 57:20,21; 8:7; Psa 46:1-8. The chaotic waters are perhaps intended to conjure up the picture — familiar in Canaanite and Babylonian mythology — of the god’s (ie, in this case, Yahweh’s) primordial victory over Leviathan the “god” of the sea: see Lesson, Leviathan — esp “OT History”.

Isa 17:13

WHEN HE REBUKES THEM: God laughs at boastful nations (Psa 2:4). Jesus the rebuker (Isa 2:4; 66:15,16) will come in flaming fire (2Th 1:7,8) to destroy the Assyrian (Joel 3:12…; Mic 5:5).

CHAFF: // Psa 1:4; 35:5; Mat 3;12; Isa 29:5,6.

TUMBLEWEED: “Wheel” (galgal) in AV; the wild artichoke, which, when ripe and dry, breaks off at the root and is carried by the wind, rolling like a wheel over the plains. The RSV margin has “tumbleweed”. The Assyrian power is so described in Isa 17:12,13: “…like a rolling thing [galgal, sw Psa 83:13] before the whirlwind.”

Isa 17:14

IN THE EVENING, SUDDEN TERROR! BEFORE THE MORNING, THEY ARE GONE!: Precisely how judgment fell on the Assyrian host: “Then the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning — there were all the dead bodies!” (Isa 37:36). “Again it has to be emphasized that the real value of this prophecy is in its meaning for today. Syrian Damascus, along with Edom and Moab, Egypt and Tyre and all the other Arab marauders, will combine with the great northern enemy to devastate and ravage Israel for its persistent faithless materialistic godlessness and worship of sex. And yet through the penitence of a faithful remnant there will come sudden Messianic deliverance. The destroying angel of the Lord still has much work to accomplish — and he has not forgotten how to achieve it overnight!” (WIsa 222).

Isa 18:1

Isa 18: “A picture of an ambassage of friendship and alliance coming to Jerusalem from Tirhakah, the Ethiopian king of Egypt. Yet everything about succeeding prophecies suggests Egyptian undependability and deceit, and even hostility. Isaiah gives no encouragement at all to the repeated eager efforts of the faithless statesmen in Jerusalem to make a firm defensive alliance against the tide of Assyrian expansion” (WIsa 223). Cp idea, Joel 3:19.

WHIRRING WINGS: “The significance of the qualifying phrase ‘buzzing wings’ is uncertain. Some suggest that the designation points to Cush as a land with many insects. Another possibility is that it refers to the swiftness with which this land’s messengers travel” (NET notes).

“A strange [wd] which might ref to the buzzing of the flying insects or the whirring of wings or even the reverberation of cymbals. In fact, it is almost the same as the local name for the tsetse fly, and is perhaps chosen to suggest the hornet which Moses used as a sym for the might of the Pharaohs… There is evidence, too, that the ancient sym for Ethiopia was the sun’s disc with a prominent pair of wings” (WIsa 223).

RIVERS OF CUSH: The several branches of the Nile delta.

CUSH: Or Ethiopia. Used with ref to the ruling Egyptian dynasty, for Tirhakah (Isa 37:9) and his predecessors were a Cushite family from the extreme south.

Isa 18:2

PAPYRUS BOATS: “Gomeh” = papyrus — ie Exo 2:3; Job 8:11; 9:26; Isa 35:7. Such reed boats are still in use in Lake Tana in Ethiopia — the source of the Blue Nile. Similar boats were used by Thor Heyerdahl in the “Ra” expedition (Tes 48:391). Or poss, simply the papyrus sails of the Egyptian skiffs. Perhaps the “papyrus” suggests “paper” promises of the ambassadors — ie, trivial, flimsy, undependable. “Thus, gently, the prophet’s later slurs against Egyptian undependability are anticipated (Isa 30:5,7; 31:3)” (WIsa 224).

TALL AND SMOOTH-SKINNED: “Scattered and peeled” (KJV). “Tall and smooth” (RSV, ASV, WEB). “Strange and harsh” (LXX). “Drawn out and polished” (Roth). “Tall and of glossy skin” (JPS). “Tall, smooth-skinned”: “The precise meaning of the qualifying terms is uncertain… Lexicographers theorize that it here refers to people who ‘stretch out,’ as it were, or are tall (as BDB, HAL). The second term is a participle from ‘to pull out [hair]’… to ‘become bald’ or ‘be wiped clean’. Lexicographers theorize that the word here refs to people with bare, or smooth, skin (BDB, HAL). These proposed meanings, which are based on etymological speculation, must be regarded as tentative” (NET and notes).

But… do these phrases describe the Egyptians? Or the people to whom their ambassadors go — ie the people of Israel? HAW suggests: “dragged away and plucked off (their Land), or (poss) flayed” (cp Isa 50:6), and calls this “a picture of people destined to face desperate hardship when the invader takes multitudes of them off into captivity in a far-off land” (WIsa 224).

TALL: Or “scattered”, or “dragged away”: the Jewish dispersion (ie Deu 29:28; Luk 19:44; Mat 23:38), this time at the hand of the Assyrians.

WHOSE LAND IS DIVIDED BY RIVERS: The land of Egypt is divided by the branches of the Nile delta. But… the land of Israel/Judah has been “divided” by the rivers of the mighty army of the king of Assyria (Isa 17:12-14; cp Isa 8:7,8)!

Isa 18:3

BANNER… TRUMPET: Usually, to call to war, but in this to call the nations to celebrate the peace achieved by God’s awesome overthrow of Sennacherib’s host (2Ch 32:23).

BANNER: Christ in Isa 11:10.

TRUMPET: // Joel 2:15; Psa 81:3. Sounds of Jubilee, when Israelites return to claim their own Land!

Isa 18:4

I WILL REMAIN QUIET: But only until… See Isa 62:1.

MY DWELLING PLACE: The Temple mount at Jerusalem, which will remain inviolate from the Assyrian hordes.

LIKE SHIMMERING HEAT IN THE SUNSHINE: “As the light of mid-day heat” (LXX). The Glory of the Lord, the pillar of cloud and fire, which protected Israel coming out of Egypt (Exo 14:20). Heat = the devouring fire used by the Angel to destroy the Assyrian army (Isa 30:30).

LIKE A CLOUD OF DEW IN THE HEAT OF HARVEST: A phenomenon in Israel: a cloud of dew hovering over the grain in the early morning. Implying coolness before the heat of the day; refreshing (Baly 45). Cp general idea, Pro 25:13; 2Sa 23:4; Psa 72:6.

Isa 18:6

“By common consent, ‘they’ are the Assyrian plunderers suddenly brought low in Judea. The grim figure of vultures and wild beasts gorging themselves on mounds of carcases is ghoulish enough. But the details are impressive. The siege of Jerusalem took place at Passover (Isa 31:5; 26:20; 33:20; 29:1). Here is an indication that through the summer and into the winter the wild creatures would still be foraging for their food among the piles of the dead. 185,000 — no less! (Isa 37:36)” (WIsa 225). Cp generally Eze 38:20; 39:17; Rev 19:17,21.

Isa 18:7

The captives brought back to Judah (Isa 49:8…; 60:6,7; 66:20), bringing gifts with them (2Ch 32:23).

Isa 19:1

The word “oracle” or “burden” (Isa 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1; 22:1; 23:1) is from the Heb “to lift up”, in foreboding or expectation; it implies something that God has planned for another. More often than not, it speaks of a coming punishment; but at times it simply means an important event involving a particular people. The distinction must be determined by the context. Often, the “burden” begins with warnings of judgments to come, and then proceeds with prophecies of something beneficial arising out of the dark times. Zec 12 illustrates this: it begins with a “burden… for Israel… in the siege”, but then quickly speaks of a time of blessing succeeding the time of affliction: Jerusalem inhabited again in her own place (Zec 12:6,7). The burdens of Isaiah generally follow this same pattern, with special ref to the LD of Gentile times and the establishment of “Israel in their own land” (Isa 14:1) and Christ as the “ruler of the land… upon the mount of the daughter of Zion” (Isa 16:1). Also the roles of various Gentile powers, esp in relation to Israel and God’s plans for the LD, are outlined. What might first appear to be a dry and unrewarding study becomes in reality a promise of God’s deliverance for His people (in typical prophecies) and a glorious assurance (in initial fulfillments) that God’s purpose stands firm (Isa 14:26,27).

Isa 19: Prophecy against Egypt: cp Jer 46; Eze 30;32; Joel 3:19.

THE LORD RIDES ON A SWIFT CLOUD: Yahweh is often pictured as riding upon a cloud of glory, or the wings of the storm (Deu 33:26; Psa 68:33; Nah 1:3; Psa 18:10; 104:3). In Exo 14, the cloud of the Shekinah Glory was leaving Egypt and going into the wilderness with His people. Now, however, because refugees of His people were fleeing into Egypt, the Cloud was coming also.

THE IDOLS OF EGYPT TREMBLE BEFORE HIM: The idols which had felt the divine stroke in the time of Moses (Exo 12:12; Num 33:4), and were again be relied upon by superstitious Egyptians (cp 1Sa 5:4).

Isa 19:2

One of the resultant judgments God brings upon Egypt is civil war and social chaos throughout the land. Herodotus describes just such a period in Egypt soon after 700 BC. (Cp generally Eze 38:21.)

Isa 19:3

I WILL BRING THEIR PLANS TO NOTHING: Lit, “I will swallow up”, using the sw as Exo 7:12 — when the rod became a serpent and “swallowed up” the serpent-rods of the Egyptians.

CONSULT THE IDOLS AND THE SPIRITS OF THE DEAD, THE MEDIUMS AND THE SPIRITISTS: Egypt was renowned for its magic arts (Exo 7:22; 8:7; cp Jannes and Jambres in 2Ti 3:8). Such practices were forbidden by LM (Lev 19:31; 20:6,27) upon pain of death.

Isa 19:4

A CRUEL MASTER: Perhaps Cambyses, a ruler of “maniacal savagery”, per Herodotus (Tes 48:391). Other suggestions: Nebuchadnezzar, the Persian dynasty, the Romans, the Saracens, etc. More apropos to context, sb Sargon or Sennacherib — although it is not known for certain that Sennacherib’s army did much damage in Egypt. However, Isa 43:3 suggests that they did. As for the Assyrians: Sennacherib wars with Tirhakah at Libnah (2Ki 18:19), but he dies (2Ki 19:35,37). His son Esarhaddon subdued Egypt, 675 BC. Tirhakah rebelled, but was suppressed by Asshurbanipal, c 660 BC.

Isa 19:5

Vv 5-10: In both lit and sym languages, describes all aspects of Egyptian life reduced to chaos.

THE WATERS OF THE RIVER: KJV has “sea”, but this a term used of Nile (cp Isa 18:2; Nah 3:8).

// Eze 30:12.

Currently: Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser?

Isa 19:6

STREAMS: The vast Nile delta.

EGYPT: Heb “matsowr” = “defence” in KJV. But very similar to “Mitzraim”, the ancient name for Egypt.

Isa 19:11

Vv 11-15: “Sustained and contemptuous exposure of the experienced statecraft of Egypt. The political skill of that land’s priests and Pharaohs had wide reputation outside its own borders (Exo 1:10; 1Ki 4:30; Act 7:22). Yet it would all prove useless to stave off the downfall and chaos purposed by the Lord of the hosts of angels, who in Moses’ day had wrought such havoc in that land of unmatched prosperity (Psa 78:49)” (WIsa 229).

ZOAN: Ancient city on east part of delta, built shortly after Hebron (Num 13:22). City of Rameses (Exo 1:11), where Moses met Pharaoh (Psa 78:12,43). Zoan was captured by Assyrians in time of Ezekiel (Eze 30:14).

Isa 19:12

LET THEM SHOW YOU AND MAKE KNOWN WHAT THE LORD ALMIGHTY HAS PLANNED AGAINST EGYPT: The same challenge had been issued in Moses’ day (Deu 18:22), and would be scornfully repeated by Isaiah against the gods of Assyria (Isa 41:22,26; 43:9; 45:21; 48:14).

Isa 19:13

MEMPHIS: Capital of lower Egypt, threatened by Jeremiah (Jer 46:19) and Ezekiel (Eze 30:13,16). Jews fled from Nebuchadnezzar and settled there unadvisedly (Jer 44:1).

Isa 19:14

A SPIRIT OF DIZZINESS: Cp Isa 29:9; 44:20; Eze 21:29; 1Ki 22:22. A judicial blindness imposed by God, along lines of 2Th 2:11; Mat 24:5,11; 1Ti 4:1.

Isa 19:16

THEY WILL SHUDDER WITH FEAR: As happened in the time of Moses (Exo 7:5; 10:12)

Isa 19:17

THE LAND OF JUDAH WILL BRING TERROR TO THE EGYPTIANS: The awe-inspiring disaster which the angel of the LORD brought on the previously-invincible army of Sennacherib.

Isa 19:18

FIVE CITIES: There were 5 divine-royal cities, the homes of 5 supreme gods of Egypt. Yet all will “in that day” speak the language of the God of Israel. “It has been suggested that the 5 cities are the three named in Jer 44:1 [Migdol, Tahpanhes and Memphis], together with Heliopolis (the city of the sun) and Leontopolis where, centuries later, a Jewish temple was erected for the Jewish Diaspora” (WIsa 230).

WILL SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF CANAAN: Hebrew spoken by Jewish refugees, or Jewish captives, living in Egypt (cp Isa 11:11; 30:1,2). (Egyptian sympathizers speak the same language.) Is this the “pure language” of Zep 3:9?

CANAAN: Why “Canaan” and not “Israel” or “Judah”? Perhaps to recall the migration of Jacob and his family into Egypt — for safety sake.

THE CITY OF DESTRUCTION: Almost certainly Heliopolis (Gen 41:45; Jer 43:13), for the Heb wd (‘on’) is almost identical with ‘sun’… one of Isaiah’s characteristic puns. The destruction foretold here was prob brought about by an Assyrian invasion in the time of Sennacherib.

Isa 19:19

AN ALTAR TO THE LORD IN THE HEART OF EGYPT: An altar comparable to that erected at Jordan by the eastern tribes, not in a schismatic spirit but to proclaim their essential oneness with their brethren in the Holy Land proper (Jos 22:27,28). And such an altar in Egypt would proclaim that Jehovah was “the God of the gods of Egypt” also!

(LD) An “altar” sig repentance on the part of the refugees (or captives) in Egypt, who cry to the LORD because of their oppressors (cp Exo 3:9; 14:13), after which He will send them a “Savior”!

A MONUMENT TO THE LORD AT ITS BORDER: A pillar at the northeast border of Egypt to proclaim a covenant unity (Gen 28:18-22) with the Jews back home.

Isa 19:22

“The smiting of Egypt, which is vividly foretold in vv 1-10, took place in the massive defeat of Pharaoh’s army at El-tekeh, and may have been the consequence of ill-treatment of Heb refugees. However, the overthrow of the Assyrians at Jerusalem changed Egyptian attitudes drastically to one of reverence for Israel’s God (v 22b)” (WIsa 232).

Isa 19:23

Vv 23-25: In general, a humbling of the great powers Assyria and Egypt, because of the great outpouring of power in Sennacherib’s destruction. But the real fulfillment of these vv belongs to the time of the Messiah.

A HIGHWAY FROM EGYPT TO ASSYRIA: For the Jewish refugees of Egypt and the Jewish captives in Assyria, to come back home. For possible LD application, see Isa 11:16; 35:8; 40:3; Mic 7:12; Isa 62:10.

THE EGYPTIANS AND ASSYRIANS WILL WORSHIP TOGETHER: And “offer sacrifice” (sw Exo 3:12; 9:13; 10:26; 12:31).

Isa 19:24

A BLESSING ON THE EARTH: Or, “in the midst of the Land” (KJV). Israel, being a “third” in the midst of the Eretz, suggests poss interpretation of the “third” in Rev (Rev 8:7-12; 9:15,18; 12:4).

Isa 19:25

EGYPT MY PEOPLE: The people scattered and enslaved, being set free to return to their homes (Lev 25:10).

ASSYRIA MY HANDIWORK: Re Jubilee, the work of GOD’s “hands”, not man’s (Lev 25:11).

ISRAEL MY INHERITANCE: The redemption of the Land for every family (Lev 25:24…).

Isa 20:1

Date: 711 BC, based on Assyrian chronology.

Background: “Ashdod had been taken once before by the Assyrians, but advantage had been taken from Sargon’s preoccupation elsewhere to reassert independence and to organize an alliance in that area against Assyria (so says Sargon’s own inscription). It certainly looks from 2Ki 18:8, as though Yamani, the king of Ashdod, was a Jewish puppet ruler (Khorsabad inscription)” (WIsa 235).

There were 5 major Philistine cities (1Sa 6:17; Josh 13:3), but in later days the prophets carefully leave Gath out of the picture (Amo 1:6-8; Zeph 2:4; Jer 25:20; Zec 9:5,6). Why? Uzziah, in his war against the Philistines, smashed up Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod (2Ch 26:6). The last of these was evidently strategic enough to warrant rebuilding (Isa 20:1), but the other two disappeared from history — and from prophecy also.

THE SUPREME COMMANDER: Heb “Tartan” (as in KJV): the title of the Assyrian general (2Ki 18:17).

Isa 20:2

SACKCLOTH: Such clothing — a rough, mourning garment — was the “uniform” of the prophet (cp Zec 13:4; 2Ki 1:8; Mat 3:4; Isa 50:3,4; and prob 1Sa 28:14).

STRIPPED: Not necessarily completely naked, but wearing a minimum of clothing, as a slave might. May sig “lightly dressed, stripped to one’s undergarments” (HAL). (Cp Micah’s words, at same time: Mic 1:8).

Isa 20:3

FOR THREE YEARS, AS A SIGN: Prob one time each year, for a 3-year period. Not every day, day after day, for a full 3-year period.

Isa 20:4

An obvious connection between the Assyrian capture of Ashdod (v 1) and the shame of Egypt-Ethiopia: “Ashdod had become a Jewish fortress, but already the lean-on-Egypt policy which Isaiah was to denounce so strongly later on, was beginning to dominate Judah’s policy (the young king Hezekiah being under the influence of his princes, men of politics rather than faith); so evidently Egyptian help took the form of a garrison which to all intents and purposes made Ashdod into an Egyptian outpost. These Egyptians… would experience the shame of captivity which the prophet himself had acted before the people of Jerusalem” (WIsa 236).

STRIPPED AND BAREFOOT: Sym sinful, ashamed (Gen 3:7-10; Mic 1:8-11).

Isa 20:5

“In all this he was trying to educate his nation to see Egypt as a worthless prop and an evil influence. Was it not Egyptian encouragement which had helped Jeroboam to bring about the schism between Israel and Judah (1Ki 11:40)? The northern kingdom, remembering how its greatest tribes had been descended from an Egyptian mother (Gen 41:50-52), had constantly followed a pro-Egyptian policy — to its own destruction (Hos 7:16; 8:13; 9:3,6)” (WIsa 236). Cp Isa 30:3-7; 36:6.

Isa 20:6

HOW THEN CAN WE ESCAPE?: Cited in Heb 2:3: Seeing this happens to our “allies”, how then can we (Israel) escape the judgments of God?

Isa 21:1

The word “oracle” or “burden” (Isa 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1; 22:1; 23:1) is from the Heb “to lift up”, in foreboding or expectation; it implies something that God has planned for another. More often than not, it speaks of a coming punishment; but at times it simply means an important event involving a particular people. The distinction must be determined by the context. Often, the “burden” begins with warnings of judgments to come, and then proceeds with prophecies of something beneficial arising out of the dark times. Zec 12 illustrates this: it begins with a “burden… for Israel… in the siege”, but then quickly speaks of a time of blessing succeeding the time of affliction: Jerusalem inhabited again in her own place (Zec 12:6,7). The burdens of Isaiah generally follow this same pattern, with special ref to the LD of Gentile times and the establishment of “Israel in their own land” (Isa 14:1) and Christ as the “ruler of the land… upon the mount of the daughter of Zion” (Isa 16:1). Also the roles of various Gentile powers, esp in relation to Israel and God’s plans for the LD, are outlined. What might first appear to be a dry and unrewarding study becomes in reality a promise of God’s deliverance for His people (in typical prophecies) and a glorious assurance (in initial fulfillments) that God’s purpose stands firm (Isa 14:26,27).

DESERT BY THE SEA: This is the direction from which the invader comes, ie (most prob) the wilderness between Jerusalem and the sea-plain of the Shephelah, or (less prob) the country between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Either way might be the route by which an invader (ie Assyria) might approach Jerusalem. (Also, an implied allusion to the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, through the desert, and through the Red Sea: Exo 13:18).

WHIRLWINDS SWEEPING THROUGH THE SOUTHLAND: Ref the natural phenomenon of hurricanes coming into Judea, following a path northward from the Red Sea, through a “terrible land”. But here the “hurricane” is the “whirlwind of the Lord” (Job 38:1; Zec 9:14): cp the language of the destruction of Sennacherib’s army, with flame, and fire, and tempest, and hailstones (Isa 30:30,31; Nah 1:3,8,9).

Isa 21:2

ELAM… MEDIA: Mercenaries in the Assyrian army (cp Isa 22:6).

Isa 21:3

A WOMAN IN LABOR: // 1Th 5:3.

Isa 21:4

THE TWILIGHT I LONGED FOR: “The night of my pleasure” (AV) is an allusion to Passover, the only holy observance kept at nighttime, and the time of the overthrow of Sennacherib’s army (Isa 31:5; 30:29; 29:1; 26:20; 33:20; 52:12).

Isa 21:5

THEY SET THE TABLES, THEY SPREAD THE RUGS, THEY EAT, THEY DRINK!: Other Passover allusions.

THEY SPREAD THE RUGS: The KJV has “watch in the watchtower” — based on v 6. But the NIV translation suits the Passover motif.

OIL THE SHIELDS: Smearing the shields with oil would make them more flexible and effective in battle. Or, as per the Passover motif, “anoint the doorposts” (LXX): the smearing of the blood of the Lamb on the door frames (Exo 12:22).

Isa 21:6

POST A LOOKOUT AND HAVE HIM REPORT WHAT HE SEES: The watchmen of Israel were the prophets (Isa 52:8; 56:10; 62:6; Eze 3:17; Mic 7:4). One prophet (Isaiah?) is bidden to appoint another prophet (Habakkuk?: Hab 2:1,2) to be on the alert.

Isa 21:8

AND THE LOOKOUT SHOUTED: “The Masoretic text has ‘the lion’, but this makes little sense here. ‘Ariy’, ‘lion’ (KJV), is prob a corruption of an orig ‘the one who sees’ (DSS), ie, the aforementioned guard (v 5).

EVERY NIGHT I STAY AT MY POST: Or “all the night” I watch for deliverance — Passover: “a night of watching unto the Lord” (Exo 12:42).

Isa 21:9

BABYLON IS FALLEN: The devastation of the Assyrian army outside Jerusalem. Cited in Rev 14:8; 18:2.

ALL THE IMAGES OF ITS GODS LIE SHATTERED ON THE GROUND: The gods of Nineveh in whose power Sennacherib had gloried at the holy city of Yahweh (Isa 36:18-20), idols whose impotence Isaiah was to castigate in later prophecies loaded with sarcasm (Isa 40:19…; Isa 44:9…; Isa 46). Another link with the Passover of Exodus, because all of the 10 plagues were directed against the Egyptian deities.

Isa 21:10

THRESHING FLOOR: Zion was orig a threshing floor (2Sa 24:18,24; cp figure in Mic 4:13), and now the enemies of the LORD would be threshed like grain (ie, also, Dan 2!).

Isa 21:11

Vv 11,12: The “burden” of Dumah, or Edom. Edom was always a bitter enemy of Israel, glad of any opportunity to score over the kings reigning in Jerusalem. In Psa 83 Edom is the leader of an Arab confederacy against Judah, in the days of Hezekiah (cp Psa 137:7). Cp also Isa 34; 63:1-6.

DUMAH: The name Idumea is shortened here to “Dumah”, a Heb wd meaning “silence”, suggesting the silence of death (Psa 115:17; 94:17), the night that is soon to descend on Edom.

SEIR: Part of the territory of Edom (Gen 36:8).

WHAT IS LEFT OF THE NIGHT?: The night, here, = the time of distress: the Passover night of fear and death, culminating in the morning of deliverance (Isa 37:36).

Isa 21:12

MORNING IS COMING, BUT ALSO THE NIGHT: We determine by our actions whether the coming day of the Lord is one of “morning” or “night” for us! Cp idea, Amo 5:18-20.

AND COME BACK YET AGAIN: “Just as the prophecy of a comparable judgment on Moab had concentrated on an exhortation to put faith in Jehovah and His king in Zion (Isa 16:4,5), so also with these Edomites. But there was little hope that this wisdom would be heeded. Edom’s age-long hostility was too deeply ingrained. So the prophet’s urging is curt and cool. He knows that he speaks in vain” (WIsa 242).

Isa 21:13

Vv 13-17: The “burden” of Arabia. Poss the same “burden” as vv 11,12 (Edom): the place names in these vv ref to Edom also.

ARABIA: Heb “ereb” = “mixed”, with special ref to Arab peoples (see Lesson, Arab/”mixed”).

YOU CARAVANS OF DEDANITES: “The words present a picture of travelling caravans having their progress seriously interrupted by invasion of their territory and the consequent flight of the communities which would normally have welcomed them. Instead they have to improvise camping places in the ‘forest’ [‘thickets’: NIV], that is, the rough scrub or bush land on the edge of the desert” (WIsa 242).

DEDANITES: A Cushite people of southern Arabia (Gen 10:7).

Isa 21:14

The fugitives are met by their fellows with food and drink — what a ct with the inhospitable treatment accorded to Israel centuries earlier (Deu 23:4; Num 20:17-19)..

TEMA: Another Ishmaelite tribe of Arabia (Gen 25:15).

Isa 21:16

AS A SERVANT BOUND BY CONTRACT WOULD COUNT IT: That is, a year, and not one day longer!

KEDAR: Nomadic tribes of Ishmael (Gen 25:13; Isa 60:7; Jer 49:29; cp Psa 120).

Isa 22:1

The word “oracle” or “burden” (Isa 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1; 22:1; 23:1) is from the Heb “to lift up”, in foreboding or expectation; it implies something that God has planned for another. More often than not, it speaks of a coming punishment; but at times it simply means an important event involving a particular people. The distinction must be determined by the context. Often, the “burden” begins with warnings of judgments to come, and then proceeds with prophecies of something beneficial arising out of the dark times. Zec 12 illustrates this: it begins with a “burden… for Israel… in the siege”, but then quickly speaks of a time of blessing succeeding the time of affliction: Jerusalem inhabited again in her own place (Zec 12:6,7). The burdens of Isaiah generally follow this same pattern, with special ref to the LD of Gentile times and the establishment of “Israel in their own land” (Isa 14:1) and Christ as the “ruler of the land… upon the mount of the daughter of Zion” (Isa 16:1). Also the roles of various Gentile powers, esp in relation to Israel and God’s plans for the LD, are outlined. What might first appear to be a dry and unrewarding study becomes in reality a promise of God’s deliverance for His people (in typical prophecies) and a glorious assurance (in initial fulfillments) that God’s purpose stands firm (Isa 14:26,27).

Suggested chronological order of this ch: (1) vv 8-11: preparations for defense; (2) vv 1-3: “peace” celebrations; (3) vv 12-14: Isaiah’s condemnation of the celebrations; and (4) vv 4-7: the coming siege (WIsa 243).

Vv 1-3: “Peace” celebrations: “Here is an amazing picture of holy Jerusalem gone delirious with delight. And why? Because the invading Assyrians have been bought off (2Ki 18:14-16). But all the gaiety is premature…”

VALLEY OF VISION: The part of Jerusalem where the prophet lived? Moriah, the Temple site, means “the vision of Yahweh”. Perhaps the Kidron Valley on the eastern side of the city (cp incident, Isa 7:3).

Isa 22:2

YOUR SLAIN WERE NOT KILLED BY THE SWORD…: They were so “drunk” that they looked dead!

Isa 22:3

“Suggestion: some of the more far-sighted and better informed, realising that trouble was bound to come, were hoping to find safety in flight. But the Arabian archers, deserting to the enemy (Isa 21:15?), sought to please their new masters by handing these fugitives over, bound as prisoners, to the Assyrians” (WIsa 246).

Isa 22:4

Vv 4-7: The coming siege of Jerusalem: a series of vivid “snapshots” of what the reality would turn out to be, and that right soon!

Isa 22:6

ELAM: Overrun earlier by Sennacherib, Elamites had now been recruited into the Assyrian forces.

THE QUIVER: Elam was known for its archers: Jer 49:35.

KIR: Another mercenary element in Sennacherib’s army. A distant region in the area of Mesopotamia, its people had been forcibly resettled elsewhere (Amo 1:5,9:7).

Isa 22:8

Vv 8-11: Defensive preparations, for the invasion by Sennacherib.

THE DEFENSES OF JUDAH ARE STRIPPED AWAY: The fortresses, maintained in fine condition in the time of Uzziah (2Ch 26:8,13-15), have deteriorated in the days of Ahaz (Isa 32:14; Hos 8:14; Mic 1:8-16), and become easy pickings for Sennacherib: “Forty-six of his strong walled towns and innumerable smaller villages… I besieged and conquered” (Taylor Prism; cp Isa 37:36).

THE PALACE OF THE FOREST: Perhaps this refers to a royal armory, or to Solomon’s ‘House of the Forest of Lebanon,’ where weapons may have been kept (1Ki 10:16-17).

Isa 22:9

MANY BREACHES: Cp 2Ch 32:5.

YOU STORED UP WATER IN THE LOWER POOL: Hezekiah’s conduit (2Ki 18:17; 2Ch 32:4).

Isa 22:11

BUT YOU DID NOT LOOK TO THE ONE WHO MADE IT…: Was this the exact time that Hezekiah fell ill, and could not continue the work of preparation?

Now here comes the key point, the “punch line”, so to speak… — “…but you did not look to the One who made it, or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.”

At the threatened attack of the enemy, Judah — and Jerusalem — began to strengthen every conceivable defense, and take every conceivable precaution. They looked to their weapons, and their walls, and their water. They looked to everything they possible could… EXCEPT the God of Israel!

At other times, the Israelites trusted in altars (Isa 17:7), in defensed cities (Isa 37:26), in Egypt (Isa 31:1), or in Syria (2Ch 16:7-9).

But they did not, or could not, or refused to, trust in the God of Israel (Isa 8:17; Jer 33:2,3; Mic 7:7).

“Men cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful. But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches more to us than to the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?’ ” (Job 35:9-11).

In the midst of all the preparations for the defense of the ultimately defenseless city of Jerusalem; in the midst of the crying and hand-wringing and desperate, foolish planning; in the midst of the silly, midnight-hour frenzy to “eat and drink… for tomorrow we die!” (v 13), it remained for two men — the king and the prophet — to ask the nation the only question it had not asked itself: “Where is our God?”

Isa 22:12

Vv 12-14: Isaiah’s condemnation of optimistic celebrations: the city should have been repentant and contrite, as well as thankful. But instead they gave them over to debauchery and license and foolish partying.

Isa 22:13

LET US EAT AND DRINK… FOR TOMORROW WE DIE!: These words seem to imply a lurking uncertainty as to whether the Assyrians had been stopped permanently, or only temporarily. These words are cited by Paul in 1Co 15:32, to express a hopeless resignation to “enjoying” the life that now is, no matter how short or uncertain: the ultimate sensual denial of God.

Isa 22:15

SHEBNA: Poss this fellow was a foreigner, brought in by Ahaz from Syria (no refs to family). Guesses: (1) was he made the “High Priest” of the Assyrian “religion”?; (2) did he become regent when Hezekiah became so ill; (3) was he leader of the pro-Assyrian diplomatic corps? Typically, “Shebna” = the Mosaic priesthood, corrupt and proud.

Isa 22:16

A GRAVE: His own sepulchre, thus guaranteeing a resurrection?

ON THE HEIGHT: Built in the very area reserved for the kings of Judah (1Ki 2:10; 2Ch 32:33). Does the writer of Psa 49 have Shebna in mind… whose sepulchre will be his long home, who understands not, and will be like the beasts that perish?

Suggestion: The “sepulchre” was perhaps only a place of hiding from the Assyrians. A ref to the superstition that death can be escaped by pretending to be dead (cp “covenant with death”: Isa 28:15) (BS 11:169).

Isa 22:18

ROLL YOU UP TIGHTLY LIKE A BALL AND THROW YOU INTO A LARGE COUNTRY: Instead of a stately burial in a special sepulchre, Shebna’s body will be rolled up in whatever fabric is available, and then hastily stowed away! Or, poss, his body would be tied to the tail of a horse and dragged along behind (Tes 51:221).

YOUR SPLENDID CHARIOTS: Apparently the ref to chariots alludes to Shebna’s excessive pride, which in turn brings disgrace to the royal family

Isa 22:20

Vv 20-24: // Rev 3:7: key of David, open, shut, etc.

IN THAT DAY I WILL SUMMON MY SERVANT, ELIAKIM SON OF HILKIAH: Could be read: “In that day I will call my servant (ie, Hezekiah) TO Eliakim”… the leper coming to the priest for cleansing (Lev 14:2) (WRev 31; WIsa 249,250). (The same Heb form occurs in 1Ki 1:32: “Call me Zadok the priest”.) The language in this section (ie, shoulder, throne, government, father, house of David) all suggests Hezekiah and the Messiah. [In this, Hezekiah typ Christ, raised up and healed of the “leprosy” of sin and death.]

MY SERVANT: When singular in Isaiah, refs to Hezekiah — as the prototype of the Messiah (Isa 42:1; 44:1,2,21; 45:4; 49:3,6; 52:13).

Isa 22:21

HE WILL BE A FATHER TO THOSE: “Father” = “leader” (Isa 4:20,21; 45:8; 2Ki 5:13; Isa 22:21). Used metaphorically of one who protects and supports those under his care and authority, like a father does his family (cp Job 29:16).

Isa 22:22

THE KEY TO THE HOUSE OF DAVID: Cp Isa 9:6,7 — re Hezekiah. Temple restoration by Hezekiah (2Ch 29:3). Cp Kingdom prophecy: Isa 60:11.

Isa 22:23

A PEG: The words of the wise (Ecc 12:11), made flesh in Christ, the “nail” of Zec 10:4.

A PEG INTO A FIRM PLACE: “The figure… is almost unique in Scripture. It is essentially a priestly metaphor, for ‘place’ is Heb ‘maqom’, the normal meaning of which is a ‘holy place’. Ezra 9:7,8 gives it this meaning, but concerning both kings and priests! And ‘sure’ [‘firm’] is really the wd ‘true’, with ref to the utter dependability of the promises of God. On this nail there is to be sufficient support for large and small, for cups of gold (Exo 24:6) and flagons of earthen ware (so Paul interprets: ‘vessels of gold and of silver, also of wood and of earth’: 2Ti 2:20, yet all purged and ‘sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use’ ” (WIsa 250).

Isa 22:24

‘Everything else will depend on him!’

Isa 22:25

‘But before the nail, or peg, can be made absolutely sure and steadfast, it will have to be cut off and fall’: ie, re Hezekiah: the illness and nearness to death, before the healing; and re Christ: the sufferings and death, before the resurrection and glorification.

Isa 23:1

The word “oracle” or “burden” (Isa 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1; 22:1; 23:1) is from the Heb “to lift up”, in foreboding or expectation; it implies something that God has planned for another. More often than not, it speaks of a coming punishment; but at times it simply means an important event involving a particular people. The distinction must be determined by the context. Often, the “burden” begins with warnings of judgments to come, and then proceeds with prophecies of something beneficial arising out of the dark times. Zec 12 illustrates this: it begins with a “burden… for Israel… in the siege”, but then quickly speaks of a time of blessing succeeding the time of affliction: Jerusalem inhabited again in her own place (Zec 12:6,7). The burdens of Isaiah generally follow this same pattern, with special ref to the LD of Gentile times and the establishment of “Israel in their own land” (Isa 14:1) and Christ as the “ruler of the land… upon the mount of the daughter of Zion” (Isa 16:1). Also the roles of various Gentile powers, esp in relation to Israel and God’s plans for the LD, are outlined. What might first appear to be a dry and unrewarding study becomes in reality a promise of God’s deliverance for His people (in typical prophecies) and a glorious assurance (in initial fulfillments) that God’s purpose stands firm (Isa 14:26,27).

Vv 1-5: “A dramatic picture of Phoenician ships of their way home from a long voyage, learning with dismay when they touch at Cyprus that their home harbor is now in enemy hands” (WIsa 253).

TYRE: An ancient Phoenician city-state on the Mediterranean between Acre and Sidon. In control of only the plain of Tyre (c 15 miles long and two miles wide) in the early days, the city eventually established leadership over all the cities of the Phoenician coast, but did not unify them into a national state. Origins of Tyre date to very early times, prob the 3rd millennium BC. During the Amarna age (1400-1360 BC) Sidon successfully besieged the town and maintained an ascendancy over it thereafter. The temple of Asherah in Tyre was well known to the people of ancient Ugarit. When sea raiders left Sidon largely in ruins about 1200 BC, many of her people migrated to Tyre, contributing to this ascendancy. Thus it could be said that Tyre was the “daughter of Sidon” (Isa 23:12).

SHIPS OF TARSHISH: “Trading ships” (NIV of Isa 60:9). The use of “Tarshish” prob expresses type of ship, not origin (MNIV 97,98) See Lesson, Tarshish.

Isa 23:4

SIDON: An ancient Phoenician city located about 20 miles north of Tyre and a like distance south of Beirut. Backed by the Lebanon Mountains, Sidon faces the Mediterranean and controlled the Plain of Sidon, a strip of coastal plain about 20 mi long and two mi wide. Apparently the oldest of Phoenician cities, Sidon was founded by the son of Canaan (Gen 10:15). Gradually it assumed domination of the Phoenician coast and maintained it for several centuries, finally losing it to Tyre. So great was this ascendancy that “Sidonian” and “Phoenician” largely became interchangeable terms. This was true for the early period when Sidon was predominant in Phoenicia (Deu 3:9; Jos 13:4,6), as well as long after Tyre attained the headship. Thus Ethbaal, king of Tyre, is called king of the Sidonians in 1Ki 16:31.

THE SEA HAS SPOKEN…: The sea laments the loss of her “children”, ie Tyre and Sidon, the great seafaring peoples of the ANE.

Isa 23:5

Egypt and Tyre were trading partners: Tyre handling the shipping of Egypt’s huge grain crops (v 3).

Isa 23:6

TARSHISH (Psa 48:7) was a son of Javan (Gen 10:4); it is a name which came to ref to the Phoenicians, a sea-faring and trading people (hence such refs as Jon 1:3; Eze 27:12; 1Ki 9:26; 10:22; 2Ch 9:21). That Tarshish represents a latter-day power is evident both here and in Eze 38:13 (where it appears as an ally of Sheba and Dedan). In Isa 23 — a prophecy concerning Tyre, there is plainly a strong link with “the daughter of Tarshish” and “the ships of Tarshish” (vv 1,6,10,14) — this leads to the reasonable conclusion that Tarshish is another name for Tyre. (The proposed identification of Tarshish with England merely on the basis that the latter is — or rather was — a significant sea power is extremely tenuous at best.)

CROSS OVER TO TARSHISH: “Archaeological evidence suggests that although Sennacherib overran Phoenicia and subjugated Sidon, he did not entirely capture Tyre. Doubtless the mainland city became his. Psa 83:7 points to this, and no doubt the Tyrians sought Assyrian favour by contributing fighting men and naval aid down the coast for the furthering of Sennacherib’s campaign against Judah. But until the time of Alexander the Great, island-Tyre was inviolate” (WIsa 253).

So this v suggests that refugees fled from mainland Tyre at the attack of Sennacherib, and made their way to the island city, where they were safe.

Isa 23:7

FAR-OFF LANDS: Deportation of Tyrians by Sennacherib.

Isa 23:8

TRADERS: Lit, “Canaanites”. Zidon was a son of Canaan (Gen 10:15). Later the traders of Tyre became the best-known of all the Canaanites (cp Zec 14:21).

Isa 23:9

TO BRING LOW THE PRIDE OF ALL GLORY: Lit, “to profane…” The Tyrian worship of Melkart was modeled on that of Yahweh, as a consequence of the close friendship between Solomon and Hiram. {Friendly relations had once existed between the Hebrews and Tyrians. Hiram provided carpenters, masons, and wood for the construction of David’s palace (2Sa 5:11-12; 1Ch 14:1-2), and he provided men and materials for the construction of Solomon’s palace and the temple (2Ch 2; 1Ki 5:1-12).]

Isa 23:13

“And if you depart [being led away captive: v 7] to the land of the Chaldeans [ie, to Babylon], this also is laid waste by the Assyrians, for their wall is fallen” (LXX). That is, ‘Wherever you may go, you cannot escape the depredations of the Assyrians!’

Isa 23:15

Vv 15-18: A very difficult passage. Poss interpretation: For 70 years, Tyre had abandoned her previously close association with Jerusalem. But now, driven by the defeat by Assyria, Tyre seeks once again “fellowship” with Judah (cp Psa 87:4; 45:12; 2Ch 32:23). Thus the “wages of a harlot” (ie, her mercantile profits) are, in some measure, given to the LORD. “It is remarkable that whereas certain of the Arab powers seem to be marked out for hard discipline or even utter destruction in the time of the end (eg Isa 34; Oba), there is to be a willingness on the part of others to acknowledge God’s King in Jerusalem. Is it relevant that there are more (nominal) Christians among the Arabs of Lebanon than in any other part of the Arab world? Then, although there has been no friendship in Lebanon for the new state of Israel, perhaps this 70-year estrangement is due to be replaced with a new spirit of amity and service” (WIsa 255).

Isa 24:1

THE EARTH: “There can be little doubt that throughout this ch the wd ‘eretz’ sb read Land (16 times). Certainly in its primary ref it is the Land of Israel whose misery is being foretold (in future tense, in Heb). But, significantly, Jerusalem itself is not mentioned — appropriate enough, for it was the only city in Judah not to suffer directly in the Assyrian campaign” (WIsa 256). Not, of course, a complete devastation of the surface of the whole globe!

RUIN ITS FACE: Lit, “turn it upside down”: cp 2Ki 21:13; Eze 21:27 (overturn).

SCATTER ITS INHABITANTS: In Hezekiah’s day, only the first taste of what was to come on Jewry, and is yet to come on them (Deu 28:64).

Isa 24:2

“The long catalogue of all segments of society all brought to a common level of misery is a highly effective characteristic of Isaiah’s writing; cp Isa 2:12-16; 3:1-3,18-24… Contemporary Hosea has a similar description: Hos 4:3,6,9” (WIsa 256).

Isa 24:4

“It is a depressing picture, with the nobility suffering as much as the rest. God’s Holy Land is defiled by violence and by heedless transgression of God’s laws (Lev 26:46), by gross neglect of His Passover ordinance (sw Exo 12:14,17,24) and a callous disregard of the covenant made between Jehovah and Israel at Mt Sinai (Exo 24). The most obvious token of this was the shutting of the temple by Hezek’s evil father” (WIsa 256,257).

Isa 24:5

THE EARTH IS DEFILED BY ITS PEOPLE: Isa 26:21 suggests that the Land’s inhabitants defiled the Land by shedding the blood of their fellow Jews (cp Num 35:33,34).

AND BROKEN THE EVERLASTING COVENANT: If the Noahic covenant, may mean the prohibition against wrongful bloodshed (Gen 9:7) — of which Israel was guilty (Isa 1:15,21; 4:4). Or may ref more esp the LM and its regulations prohibiting murder (Exo 20:13; Num 35:6-34), which are an extension of the Noahic mandate.

Isa 24:6

BURNED UP… VERY FEW ARE LEFT: The dross of Israel’s guilt was to be burned out (Isa 1:31; 5:24; 9:18,19; 10:16,17)… Assyrian invaders would ruthlessly fire towns and villages” (WIsa 257).

Isa 24:7

THE NEW WINE… VINE…: God removed Jews’ means of sacrifice and worship — because of their disregard for Him (cp Joel 1:10-12).

Isa 24:8

TAMBOURINES: Used in religious services: Psa 81:2; 1Sa 10:5; Exo 15:20 — esp to celebrate victories.

Isa 24:9

A SONG: The joyful music of the feasts would cease (Amo 6:5); only the chant of lamentation would remain (Amo 8:10).

BITTER: Cp Deu 32:33.

Isa 24:10

RUINED: Heb “tohu”, as in Gen 1:2: “formless”.

THE ENTRANCE TO EVERY HOUSE IS BARRED: Barricaded against the time when the enemy will threaten to batter its gates to pieces (v 12).

Isa 24:11

But ct this with Isa 25:6-9; 35:1… This is not the permanent condition!

Isa 24:13

GLEANINGS: Same figure in Isa 17:4-6; 27:2; Mic 7:1,2. (Does the “harvest” motif here suggest that the last terrible 3 1/2 year tribulation period for Israel begins at time of Feast of Tabernacles — ie harvest — and concludes at time of Passover?)

Isa 24:14

THEY SHOUT FOR JOY: Seemingly entirely out of place with earlier vv, but fully explained by the sudden and total overthrow of Sennacherib’s host!

FROM THE WEST THEY ACCLAIM…: This last phrase: “The water of the sea shall be troubled” (LXX). Cited Luk 21:25. Or… as NIV, the loud acclamation and rejoicing — but from east and west — at the defeat of Sennacherib (2Ch 32:23; Isa 25:3) [ // v 15 also].

Isa 24:15

EAST: Heb “orim” — transltd “fires” in AV, but prob a ref to the dawn, or the east.

ISLANDS OF THE SEA: The coastlands (and poss islands of Medit), to the west. Together, east and west!

Isa 24:16

GLORY TO THE RIGHTEOUS ONE: Not used of God Himself; thus a ref to Hezekiah — “raised up” from the “dead”, so to speak!

BUT I SAID, ‘I WASTE AWAY… THE TREACHEROUS BETRAY!…”: Even in the midst of victory, there is observed the terrible devastation of the Land at the hand of Sennacherib — the result of the cowardly betrayal of Isaiah’s (and Hezekiah’s) ideals by self-serving politicians (see Isa 21:2; 33:1) and turncoat Arab mercenaries (Isa 25:10; 34:5)!

THE TREACHEROUS BETRAY: In LD, refs esp to Israel’s Arab neighbors: Jer 48:42,43; Psa 83 (the Arabs who betray their “brethren”!).

Isa 24:17

TERROR… PIT… SNARE: Heb “pachad, pachath, pach”. “Lest that day come upon you as a snare” (Luk 21:35).

TERROR: Sw used about Uzziah’s earthquake: Isa 2:10,19,21.

SNARE: A trap in which animals are caught. But the sw occurs in Psa 11:6 re a storm.

Isa 24:18

For general idea, cp Amo 5:9; 9:1-4.

Nuclear weapons? Consider: (1) mighty explosion, (2) underground bomb shelters, (3) imperceptible fallout.

FLOODGATES OF THE HEAVENS: “As in days of Noah” (Gen 7:11; 8:2; Mat 24:37).

THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH SHAKE: See Lesson, Earthquakes.

Isa 24:19

THOROUGHLY SHAKEN: “Perplexed” (LXX: “aporia”, sw Luk 21:25).

Isa 24:20

DRUNKARD: “Surfeiting and drunkenness” (Luk 21:35).

LIKE A HUT IN THE WIND: A frail shack battered and wrecked by a hurricane.

Isa 24:21

POWERS IN… HEAVENS.. .AND.. .ON THE EARTH: Two “tsabaoth”, or kinds of armies: in heaven (air force, missiles) and on earth (army, navy). A perfect anticipation of modern warfare.

Isa 24:23

Cited Mat 24:29: sun darkened… moon shall not give her light. The glory of the resurrected Christ outshines sun (Isa 4:5; 60:1,3; Mal 4:2; Act 26:13).

ELDERS: The “fathers” (Gen 28:4; Joh 8:56), incl David (2Sa 7:16).

LD: Here is pictured “the long-overdue repentance of the nation, its self-humiliation before the Man — whom, formerly, they would not have to reign over them. At that time not only those who are the Lord’s true temple, his mount Zion, but also the entire city of Jerusalem will gladly receive Jesus as ‘the Lord our Righteousness.’ And with them there will be the ‘ancients’ of the race, the Fathers: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David — men of faith who received promises, believed them with heart and soul, but who have slept through long centuries till the day of fulfillment. Here, and not here only (Isa 25:8; 26:19) is Isaiah’s confident doctrine of the resurrection” (WIsa 264).