Isaiah 56:9-12

Isaiah 56:9 to Isaiah 57:2. A Denunciation of the Rulers of the Community. This oracle seems not to be connected with the preceding, though, it arises out of the same circumstances.

Yahweh bids the beasts of prey (cf. Jeremiah 12:9), hostile nations, ravage the flock, since the watchdogs are not alert, but crouched in the slumber of gluttons. Vividly then one of the rulers is introduced, inviting his fellows to a drunken orgy (cf. Amos 6:6), and gloating over a like prospect for the morrow. But, while the rulers gorge and swill, the man who keeps the law and is godly (mg.) perishes through these evils (mg.), unnoticed: his only rest is that of the funeral bier (beds).

Isaiah 56:10. his: read, my.