Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled, &c.— The meaning is, that God, before the time of that final vengeance concerning which the prophesy treats principally, had afflicted this rebellious people with the most grievous calamities; or rather, would afflict and chastise them: that those calamities should consume many, who, slain in the wars, should be trod upon by their enemies like the dung in the streets; most certain indications of the divine justice and severity; while they, unawakened by these chastisements, would not attempt to appease the divine wrath, but would provoke it still more by repeated crimes; so that at length it should come upon them to the utmost. See 1 Thessalonians 2:16 and Daniel 9:26. The expression, the hills did tremble, is metaphorically, "They were struck with grievous slaughters and calamities, the fame of which extended itself widely." See Psalms 18:7 and Jeremiah 4:24. The phrase His hand is stretched out still, which is familiar to our prophet, (see chap. Isaiah 9:12; Isaiah 9:17; Isaiah 9:21; Isaiah 10:4.) signifies that there is no end of slaughters, miseries, calamities, punishment; but that the chastising God, with extended hand, still keeps the scourge ready to add stroke to stroke. See Vitringa.