CHAP. XIV. V. 1, 2. The ruin of Babylon was immediately connected with the mercy of God to the Jews; and the victories of Cyrus made way for their restoration from captivity. The terms, "Jacob and Israel," must imply, that mercy was intended to some at least of all the twelve tribes.
Probably, several proselytes were made to the Jewish religion, when they were restored to their own land: and by contributions, the inhabitants of the countries, in which they had been captives, aided their return, and so "brought them to their place." ( Notes , Ezra 1: 7:11-28.) But we do not read, that the Jews ever ruled over the Chaldeans, or had any number of them for servants.
It may therefore be inferred, that still more important events were predicted: and, in general all the prophecies, relating to the destruction of Babylon, have, no doubt, a typical reference to the destruction of Rome and the Papal domination, as foretold by St. John; which will be followed by the restoration of both Judah and Israel, in great honor and prosperity; and then this part of the prophecy will receive a far more signal accomplishment. ( Notes , 11:
'chorus of Jews is introduced, expressing their "... astonishment at the sudden downfal of 'Babylon, and the great reverse of fortune 'which had befallen the tyrant, who ... had op'pressed his own, and harassed the neighbor'ing kingdoms.' Bp . Lowth . --Babylon may be called "the golden city," with reference to her immense riches: or "the exactress of gold," ( marg .) from the rapacity of her kings. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, Jer. 51:7. Dan . 2:38. Rev. 18:11-20. 19:1--8.)
Proverb , &c. (4) Marg . -Notes, Num. 23:7, 8. Hab . 2:5-8, v . 6. -'Or an acute and excel'lent saying, drawn up with art, and adorned 'with rhetorical figures. Job 27:1. 29:1.' Lowth .
V. 7, 8. At the destruction of this victorious and oppressive monarchy, the whole earth seemed to experience a sudden and unexpected relief, as restored to serenity and security; and to express its joy by songs of triumph. The fir-trees and cedars mean the princes of the earth, who had seen many of their number levelled by the king of Babylon, and had trembled for themselves; but now rejoiced at his destruction, and at the peace and security thus afforded them. These oppressed kingdoms, 'or their rulers, are represented under the im'age of the fir-trees and cedars of Libanus, 11-16.60:10-14. Zech . 8:20–23. Rev. 19:11- 'frequently used to express any thing in the 'polítical or religious world, that is super-emiV. 3-6. The deliverance of Judah from 'nently great and majestic: the whole earth 'captivity ... introduces, with the greatest ease, 'shouteth for joy, the cedars of Libanus utter a VOL. IV. [57
21.)
worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O* Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst 2 weaken the nations!
13 For a thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will dascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, & to the sides of the pit.
16 They that see theeshall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying ,
y 13:10. $4:4. Ez. 23:13-17.
Luke 10:18. 2 Pet. 2:4. Rev. 12:7-10.
* Or, day-star. 2 Pet. 1:19. Rev. 2:28. 22:16.
z 4-6. Jer. 50:23. 51:20-24. a 47:7-10. Ez. 27:3. 28:2. 29:
3. Dan. 4:30,31. Zeph. 2:15.
Rev. 18:7,8.
b. Ez. 28:9,12-16. Dan. 8:10
12.
'severe taunt against the fallen tyrant; and 'boast their security, now he is no more.' Bp . Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . Notes, 55:12,13. Jer. 51: 48,49. Ετ . 31:14–17. Zech . 11:1-3. )
Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?
17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that topened not the house of his prisoners?
18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own
m house.
19 But thou art cast out of thy grave, like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit, as a carcass trodden under feet.
20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evil-doers shall never be renowned.
greatly resembled that arch-apostate in his character and fate. ( Notes , Luke 10:17-20. Rev. 12:7--12.) The Jews, exulting in his astonishing fall, upbraid him with his vain V. 9-11. The scene here changes. The ambition and enmity against God.
He "had regions of the dead are laid open to the imagi- said in his heart, that he would ascend into nation, and their inhabitants are seen in com- heaven, and exalt his throne above the stars motion, at the approach of this proud monarch of God:" he would eclipse all earthly princes, to join their company: and the mighty kings and even rival the God of heaven: nay, he and captains, (especially they whom the kings would fix his throne on mount Zion, where of Babylon had destroyed,) are represented as God had appointed to meet his worshippers, leaving their several thrones in order to meet ( Note , Ps . 48:2,3.) and there receive the adorahim: not to condole with him, or to welcome tion of his subjects and vanquished foes: for he him; but to insult over him as now become would aspire to divine honors, and "ascend like one of them; and as bereft of all his pomp, above the heights of the clouds, and be like luxury, music, and mirth; while his poor re- the Most High." ( Notes , Gen. 3:4,5. 2 Kings mains on earth are become company and food 19:25.
Jer. 51:52,53, v . 53. Ez . 28:2-19.29:2for the worms. "This is one of the boldest 5. Dan . 8:9-12. Acts 12:20-23.) But in fact 'prosopopœias that ever was attempted in his soul was about to sink into hell, and his 'poetry; and is executed with astonishing body to be thrown into the pit, without even 'brevity and perspicuity, and with that pecu- the accustomed rites of burial. The fall of 'liar force, which in a great subject naturally 'the apostate angels is not directly recorded in 'results from both.' Bp. Lowth. (Notes, Ez. 'the Old Testament: but it is implied in the 32:18-32.
Mark 9:43-50.) Doubtless this is 'distinction the holy writers make between a poetical description, and the imagery is 'good and evil spirits; and is sometimes alluded
taken from external objects: but we must remember, that it has truth for its basis; that the wicked remove at death to a place of misery; and that proud malignant spirits do insult and torment each other. ( Note and P. O. Luke 16: 27-31.)-The Hebrew word shcol , which our 'translation renders "hell," or "the grave," 'signifies the state of the dead in general, Job 3:14. and is indifferently applied to the good 'and bad. Here it is taken in the worst sense, 'and denotes the infernal mansions of deceased 'tyrants. Lowth. (Notes, Ps . 16:8—11. Prov . 15:24.(-'The word )רפאים( rendered the dead , signifies grants ; and Mr. Mede seems to think that the rebels of the old world, who perished in the deluge, were especially intended.
'to by the prophets, when they threaten de- 'struction to proud and insolent tyrants, who, 'in imitation of the pride of the devil, exalt 'themselves against God and his truth; and are 'the instruments of Satan in promoting idola- 'try and wickedness in the world. These 'expressions, as they allude to the rebellion of Satan, who affected to be equal with God; so 'they contain an exact description of Anti- 'christ, who is represented by St. Paul, as "exalting himself above all that is called 'God," as "sitting in the temple of God and 'shewing himself that he is God."" Lowth . ( Notes , Dan. 11:36. 2 Thes. 2:3,4.)-Brought down to hell. (15) Matt. 11:20-24, v. 23. V. 16-20. The subject is here diversified
V. 12-15. The Jews seem here to resume by another scene. The dead body of the king the discourse, and address the king of Baby- of Babylon is found, narrowly examined, and lon, by the title of "Lucifer, son of the morn-recognised, by some who had known him in ing." "He had been as "the morning-star," the his prosperity: and they express their surprise first in dignity among the princes of the earth; and contempt, by the subsequent interrogabut he was now fallen from heaven and utterly debased. This language may refer to the fall of Satan and his angels, as the king of Babylon
tions. Among other cruelties they mention as a reason of the dire judgments ts inflicted on him, his severity to his captives, whom he 21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill
the face of the world with cities.
22 For I will rise up against them, saith the Lord of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the Lord.
23 I will also "make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the Lord of hosts.
25 That I will break the Assyrian in
qF.x. 20:5. Lev. 26:39. Matt. 23:35.
r 27:6. Hab. 2:8-12.
s 13:5,6. 21:9. 43:14. 47:9-14. Jer. 50:26,27,29-35, 51:3,4,56, 57.
t Job 18:16-19. Prov. 10.7. Jer. 51:62-64.
Jer. 51:25,26.
y Ex. 17:16. Ps. 110:4. Jer. 44:26. Am. 8:7. Heb, 4:3, 6: 16--18.
z 46 10,11. Job 23:13. Ps. 33: 10. 92:5. Prov. 19:21. 21:30. Jer: 23:20. 29:11. Lam. 3.37. Matt. 11:25,26. Acts 4:28. Eph. 1:9,11.
a 9:4. 10:16-19,32-34.17:12- 14 30:30-33. $1.8,9. 37:36- 38. Ez. 39:4.
kept in bondage and in prison without mercy. ( Notes , 47:6. 49:24-26. 51:21-23. Jer. 50:33.) -Belshazzar performed no exploits answerable to the lofty terms here used; and we may thence infer, that the race of kings, which terminated in him, is also meant; for this is common in prophecy.
'Belshazzar... being 'slain in a sudden revolution, his body might 'probably be neglected for some time, and 'suffered to lie above ground; and afterwards 'be buried without any solemnity, but thrown into a pit in the very clothes in which he was 'slain, as common soldiers are buried in the 'field after an engagement.' Lowth .
Other kings had been buried according to their dignity, and lay quietly in their tly in their tombs: but he was deprived of burial, as an abominable branch from a detested stock; as the polluted raiment of those slain in battle, when, not being worth preserving, it is tumbled into the hole with their dead bodies; or as a carcass, that is trampled under foot in contempt. His cruelty to his people, beyond the example of his predecessors, merited this treatment; and neither such evil-doers, nor their posterity, would be exempted from infamy and misery. (Marg. Ref .)
V. 21-23. God himself here speaks, and commands the complete extirpation of the royal family of Babylon; that they might no more arise to possess the earth, and build cities to perpetuate their memory as they had done. For he would destroy both that family and their name, and Babylon also, from off the earth; yea, he would "sweep it with the besom of destruction:" ( Note , 2 Kings 21:13.) an expression incomparably emphatical; and yet it has been fulfilled in the most extraordinary manner!--The word rendered "nephew," properly signifies grandson . Belshazzar was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar: and after his death, it may well be supposed, that the posterity of that great conqueror was extirpated. And when Cyrus had taken Babylon, the waters of the Euphrates were not properly
my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.
26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon on all the nations.
27 For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it ? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?
28 In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.
29 & Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken; for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a *cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. first-born of the poor
30 And the
b 5. 10:24-27. Nah. 1:13 c 5:25. Zeph. 3:6-8.
d 23:9, 43:13. 46:11. Job 40:8. Jer. 4:28. 51:29. Rom. 8:28,31. e 9:12. 2 Chr. 20:6. Job 9:12.
Dan. 4:31-35.
f 6:1. 2 Kings 16:20. 2 Chr. 28:27.
g Prov. 24:17. Ez. 26:2. 35:15. Hos. 9:1. Ob. 12. Mic. 7:8.
ally changed the adjacent country into a marsh, or fen, full of pools of water, and a habitation for bitterns or other creatures which choose such situations: the import of the origiual word is not certainly known. ( Notes , 13: 19-22.34:9-15. Jer . 51:25,61-64.)—'I believe 'it inay with truth be affirmed, that there is no poem of its kind, extant in any language, in 'which the subject is so well laid out, and so 'happily conducted, with such a richness of 'invention, with such variety of images, per'sons, and distinct actions, with such rapidity 'and ease of transition, in so small a compass, 'as in this ode of Isaiah. For beauty of dispo'sition, strength of coloring, greatness of senti'ment, 'ment, brevity, brevity, perspicuity, perspicuity, and force of ex'pression, 'pression, stands among all the monuments
of antiquity unrivalled.' Bp . Lowth .
V. 24-27. These verses are by many considered, as referring to the event of Sennacherib's invasion, (which might be considered as a pledge for the performance of the foregoing prophecy:) yet they they are introduced, and concluded, in so energetic a manner, "The LORD of hosts hath sworn, &c." "The LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it?" ( Notes , 46:5-11. Ex . 17:15,16.
Eph . 1:9-12. 3:9-12.) that they seem rather to be the continuance and conclusion of "The Burden of Babylon." Assyria was a part of the dominions governed by by the king of Babylon: ( Note , Ezra 6:22.) and the ruler of the same countries may be intended. But no king of Babylon was ever broken in the land of Israel. It is therefore highly highly probable, that some future events, respecting the New TestamentBabylon are intended, and the restoration of Israel as connected with it; ( Note , 1,2.) when this conclusion of the prophecy shall receive a literal accomplishment.
I do not profess to decide how far some modern conjectural expositions are, are, or are not, well grounded: ( Note , 11:11-16.) but, while the interpretation concerning literal Babylon is adhered to, as of peculiar importance in demonstrating the di
reduced to their channel; so that they gradu-vine inspiration of the prophet; future events
shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in* none shall be alone in his tappointed safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, times. and he shall slay thy remnant.
31 P Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and
• Jer. 47: Ez. 25:15-17. Joel | p 13:6. 16:7.
3:4-8. Am. 1:6-8. Zeph. q 20:1. Jer. 1:14. 25:16,20. 2:4-7. Zech. 9:5-7.
may also be predicted, which will be still more conclusive to posterity. (Notes, Ez. 38: 39: Dan . 11:40–45. Zech . 10:5–12. Rev. 18:19:) V. 28-32. These verses form a distinct prophecy, which probably was delivered at another time. Uzziah had vanquished the Philistines: (2 Chr . 26:6,7.) but when he died, and the Jews were afterwards greatly enfeebled during the reign of Ahaz, and left in great difficulties at his death; the whole land of Philistia, and all connected with it, rejoiced.
But it was predicted, that Hezekiah would be more terrible to them than Uzziah had been; as if a serpent of a less poisonous nature, and less formidable, should produce a cockatrice, or a fiery flying serpent. ( Note , 2 Kings 18:8.) At the time predicted, the very poorest of the Jews would be sustained in plenty, and live in safety; whilst the Lord would destroy the root of the Philistines' prosperity by famine, and employ Hezekiah to slay their remnant.
Instead of rejoicing therefore, howling would be more seasonable for Philistia; for the whole land would be ruined: a smoke, or cloud of dust, from the north would give notice of the approach of the army of Judah from the northeast to waste them; from which none would desert, when the appointed season arrived.
And if any nation should send ambassadors to make peace with the Jews, or to inquire concerning their deliverances; ( Notes , 2 Kings 20: 12,13. 2 Chr . 32:30-33, v . 31.) they might answer, that 'JEHOVAH himself had chosen and 'established Zion, as the place of his special 'presence and worship; in order that his peo'ple, when afflicted and distressed, might betake themselves thither for refuge; and be safe 'and secure under his protection, though poor 'and destitute in themselves." "The first born of the poor" (30) 'denotes those who are re'markably such; as "the first-born of death" ( Job 18:13.) signifies some unusual disease, and 'such as is distinguished from the common 'ways of dying." Lowth .
"The poor shall feed upon my choice first-fruits." Bp. Lowth . The choice "first-fruits," however, were not allowed to be eaten by any except the priests. ( Num . 18:8-13. Notes, Ex . 22:29-31, v. 29. Lev. 23: 10-14, υυ . 10,11.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-23.
JEHOVAH's plan of governing the world is in all respects arranged for the good of his chosen people: so that even revolutions in kingdoms conduce to the true interests of his church. His judgments on some ungodly men are made instrumental to the conversion of others, who join themselves to his people, and cleave to them: and the consolations of his service abundantly compensate their losses and sufferings. Israel will certainly obtain a complete ascendency over all opposers, with "rest from sorrow, and fear, and hard bondage;" whilst all their oppressors will be reduced to the most abject slavery and contempt. The Lord now
32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall I trust in it.
* Or, he shall not be alone. † Or, assemblies.
r 391. 2 Sam. 8:10. 2 Kings 20:12, &c.
s 12:6. 37:32. Ps. 87:1,5. 102: 16,28. 132:13,14. Matt. 16:18.
1 11:4. 25:4. Zeph. 3:12. Zech 11:7,11. Jam. 2:5.
Or, betake themselves unto it. Prov. 18:10. Matt. 24:15,16. Heb. 12:22.
glorifies his patience in bearing with his rebellious creatures; but he will shortly glorify his power and justice in their punishment: and men shall behold with astonishment the sudden and tremendous ruin of oppressive rulers, and cities full of the gains of iniquity. There always have been men, who gloried in using power, to gratify their rage, ambition, and cruelty. But when they are crushed by others more powerful and successful than themselves, their ruin excites a general rejoicing.
Speedily the most mighty and terrible of the scourges of mankind will be broken; and having here re sembled in disposition the inhabitants of hell, they will there be made like them in impotency and misery: and their only distinction will then be, a degree of wrath proportioned to their many and great, but abused talents, their enormous crimes, and extensive mischievousness; whilst their mutual revilings and taunts will enhance their misery.
What then will all their present pomp and sensual mirth avail them?The more boundless the ambition, and the higher the exaltation, of the wicked have been; the more tremendous will be their downfal. As our first parents ruined themselves by aspiring to be as gods: so the same propensity has infected their their post posterity; and many arrogant mortals have defied God, and claimed divine
adoration: as if it were not sufficient to be ex
alted above all earthly potentates; and as if they really thought, that they could "ascend into heaven and be like the Most High!" But the more of this inebriating poison they gorge, the greater is their resemblance to Satan, and the more their fall into hell will accord to the fall of that "Lucifer, the son of the morning." For a while they weaken the nations, make the earth to tremble, shake kingdoms, and change the world into a wilderness, a slaughter-house, or a dungeon for the few whom they suffer yet to live.
But soon death weakens and removes them; and whilst their souls are in torment, perhaps great honor is rendered to their breathless remains. ( Notes , Luke 16: 19-26.) But sometimes the Lord disgraces the remains of such monsters of iniquity; and the contempt shewn to those who once were renowned on earth, causes such "as narrowly observe them" to say, "Is this the man, who-!" But whether honorably interred, or left as a carcass trodden under feet, such men are abominable and contemptible, and entail misery and disgrace on their posterity, for whom "slaughter is prepared for the iniquity of their fathers."-When God arises against the wicked, he will so crush them, that they shall rise up no more; and he will sweep them from the earth "with the besom of destruction:" and deserts, seas, and pools of water, in the places, where once proud cities stood, form affecting monuments of the power of his wrath, and demonstations of the truth of his word.
V. 24-32.
According to the thoughts and purposes of God every event must take place; for who can
him.
waste, and * brought to silence; because in 59 My heart shall cry out for Moab; the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and 1 brought to silence:
2 He fis gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: & Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba;
on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.
3 In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: m on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, tweeping abundantly.
4 And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh:
a 13:1. 14:28.
b 11:14. 25:10. Jer. 9:26. 48: Ez. 25:8-11. Am. 2:1-3. Zeph. 2:8-11.
c Ex. 12:29,30. 1 Thes. 5:1-3. d Num. 21:28. Deut. 2.9,18. * Or, cut off .
e 16:7. Kir -hareseth. 11. Kir- haresh. 2 Kings 3:25. Kir -har- aseth . Jer. 48:31,36. Kir -heres. f 16:12. Josh. 13:17. Jer. 48: 18,22,23.
g 3. 14:31. 16:7. Jer. 43:31.39. h Num. 32:3,38. Deut. 34:1.
Jer. 48:1.
i Num. 21:30. Josh. 13:16.
k 3:24. 22:12. Lev. 19:27,28. 21: 5. Deut. 14:1. Job 1:20. Jer. 7:29. 47:5. 48:37,38. Ez. 7:18. 12 Sam. 3:31. 2 Kings 6:30. Jon. 3:6-3. Matt. 11:21.
m 2. 22:1. Deut. 22:8. Jer. 19: 13. 48:38,39.
Heb. descending into weep- ing; or, coming down with weeping. 5.
n 16:8,9. Num. 32:3,4. Jer. 48:
34.
disannul his purpose, or turn back his outstretched arm? Woet Toe then be to those, against whom "he swears in his wrath, that they shall not enter into his rest!" ( Notes , Heb . 3:7-19. 4:1,2.) When one instrument of his vengeance is removed, he soon raises up another more terrible: and he easily destroys bys the root, as well as lops off the branches, of his enemies, who have al always cause to weep and howl, instead of rejoicing. ( Notes , Luke 6:24-26. James 4: 7-10.5:1-6.) But the Lord has founded Zion, for a refuge to poor sinners, who "flee
#his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the
mounting up of Luhith "with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.
6 For the waters of Nimrim shall be || desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing. 7 Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that, which they have laid up, shall they carry away a to the "brook of the willows.
o Num. 21:23. Deut. 2:32. Judg. | t Jer. 48:5,34. 11:20.
p Gen. 27:46. Num. 11:15.1 Kings 19:4. Job 3:20-22. 7: 15,16. Jer. 8:3. 20:18. Jon. 4:3,8. Rev. 9:6.
q 16:9-11. Jer. 8:18,19, 9:10, 18,19. 13:17. 17:16.48:31-36. Luke 19:41-44. Rom. 9:1-3. Or, to the borders thereof, even as an heifer.
r Gen. 13:10. 14:2. 19:22. s 16:14. Jer. 48:34.
u 2 Sam. 15:23,30.
Heb. breaking. 22:5. Jer. 4:20.
x Num. 32:3,36. Nimrah Beth nim. Josh. 13:27. Bethnim- rah.
|| Heb. desolations. у 16:9,10. Joel 1:10-12. Hab 3:17,18. Rev. 8:7.
z 5:29. 10:6,14. Nah. 2:12,13. a Ps. 137:1,2.
Or, valley of the Arabians.
circumstance and aggravation of terror. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . )- Kir Ref.)-Kir of Moab.] There are 'two cities called by the name of Kir in Scrip'ture: this here mentioned belonged to Moab; 'the other a city in Media, 2 Kings 16:9. Am. '1:5. Lowth .
V. 2. Either the king of Moab is here introduced, or the people are spoken of collect ively , in the person of their progenitor, who is represented as nted as mourning over his ruined posterity. "B "Bajith and Dibon" may perhaps mean an Idol-temple at Dibon, to which the people
from the wrath to come," and trust in his mer-resorted with their lamentations and devotions, cy through Jesus Christ. None, that humbly in their terror and distress. ( Josh . 13:17.) Little by faith apply for admission into this "city of is known concerning the places here mention
our God," are excluded. There they are protected and provided for, even the poorest and most guilty of them: and he has not only ensured their salvation by his promise, but confirmed it with an oath; that they might enjoy "a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on this hope set before them." ( Note , Heb . 6:13-20.) Let us then glory in our privileges, and in our relation to the crucified Immanuel: let us always be ready to give "a reason of our hope" to every inquirer: and let us inform all around us of our comforts and security, and exhort them to seek the same Refuge and Salvation.
NOTES.
ed. ( Marg . Ref . )-The speedy performance of the prediction would confirm the credit of Isaiah, as a prophet, and tend to excite the attention of his contemporaries to his prophecies concerning them.
V. 3, 4. ( Marg . Ref .) When the Moabites went up to the flat roofs of their houses, perhaps to perform some idolatrous worship, or to discover the motions of their enemies, or to look out for succors; all they saw and observed would send them down howling and weeping, as in despair.- Armed , &c. (4) Even 'the soldiers shall lose their courage, and cry 'out like women!" Lowth . - Even the men of 'war, which should by their courage cheer up 'others, shall in despair of success cry and la'ment: and their life shall be but a grief and 'burden to them; for they are in a sad expecta'tion of death.' Bp . Hall .
V. 5. This seems to be spoken in the per'son of the Moabites. (16:7. 21:3. Jer . 48:31,36.)