INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 18 This chapter is a prophecy of the desolation of a land or country, described by the wings with which it was shaded, and by the rivers by which it was situated, Isaiah 18:1 by its messengers and message to another nation, which is also described, Isaiah 18:2 all the nations... [ Continue Reading ]
WOE TO THE LAND SHADOWING WITH WINGS,.... Or, "O land", as calling to it; so Aben Ezra and Kimchi. It is very difficult to determine what land is here meant: some think the land of Assyria is here designed, as Aben Ezra and others, and so it is a continuation of the prophecy concerning the destructi... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT SENDETH AMBASSADORS BY THE SEA,.... The Red Sea, which washed the coasts of Egypt and Ethiopia, and which were united into one kingdom under Sabacus, or So the Ethiopian, called king of Egypt, 2 Kings 17:4 and this kingdom, or rather the king of it, is here described as sending ambassadors by... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL YE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD, AND DWELLERS ON THE EARTH,.... All the men of the world are here called upon, either by the Lord, or rather by the prophet, to be eye and ear witnesses of the judgment that should be inflicted upon the above nation, and of the salvation of his own people; which shoul... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR SO THE LORD SAID UNTO ME,.... The prophet Isaiah, both what goes before, and follows after: I WILL TAKE MY REST; these are not the words of the prophet, as some think, like those of Habakkuk, Habakkuk 2:1 but of the Lord himself, signifying that he would, as he always did, enjoy himself, amidst... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR AFORE THE HARVEST,.... Or vintage: the above metaphor is carried on; before the designs and schemes of the people above described are ripe for execution, who promised themselves a large harvest of their neighbours: WHEN THE BUD IS PERFECT; when the bud of the vine is become a perfect grape, tho... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY SHALL BE LEFT, TOGETHER UNTO THE FOWLS OF THE MOUNTAINS, AND TO THE BEASTS OF THE EARTH,.... That is, both sprigs and branches; with the fruit of them, which being unripe, are disregarded by men, but fed upon by birds and beasts; the fruits by the former, and the tender sprigs and green branche... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THAT TIME SHALL THE PRESENT BE BROUGHT UNTO THE LORD OF HOSTS,.... Not exactly at the time when this destruction should be, but some time after, even in Gospel times; for to them this part of the prophecy refers: OF A PEOPLE SCATTERED AND PEELED; this explains what the present is, that shall be... [ Continue Reading ]