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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:1-8

National and spiritual anarchy. We have a vivid picture here of— I. NATIONAL ANARCHY . 1. Its cause is found in national rebellion against its rightful Lord. "Their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory" ( Isaiah 3:8 ). Sin, both in word and deed, draws down the righteous indignation of God, and, under his just administration, the penalty of iniquity is paid. 2. Its signs are seen in: 3. Its issue . ( Isaiah 3:8 .)... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:4

I will give children to be their princes ; rather, youths than "children." The extreme youth of the later kings of Judah at the date of their accession is very remarkable. After Hezekiah, only one was as much as twenty-five years old when he came to the throne. Jehoahaz was twenty-three ( 2 Kings 23:31 ); Amon, twenty-two ( 2 Kings 21:19 ); Zedekiah twenty-one ( 2 Kings 24:18 ); Jehoiachin, eighteen ( 2 Kings 24:8 ); Manasseh, twelve ( 2 Kings 21:1 ); and Josiah eight ( 2... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:4

The evil of childish rulers. "Babes shall rule over them." No greater calamity can come on a nation than the succession of mere children to the throne, and government by regency and party. Ahaz ascended the throne at the age of twenty ( 2 Chronicles 28:1 ). Manasseh at age of twelve; Josiah at age of eight ( 2 Chronicles 33:1 ; 2 Chronicles 34:1 ). The evil was, of course, exaggerated in Eastern countries, where kings are irresponsible despots. "In an Eastern monarchy the rule of a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:5

And the people shall be oppressed , etc.; rather, shall oppress each man his fellow , and each man his companion . This would be no new thing (see Isaiah 1:17 , Isaiah 1:21 , Isaiah 1:23 ), but perhaps might be more widely spread, having passed from the upper classes to the lower ones, as is usual with vices. The child ; rather, the youth. Shall behave himself proudly ; or, insolently . The respect for age inculcated by the Law (Le 19:32) shall disappear. Youths shall... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:6

When a man shall take hold of his brother . A new departure. In the general anarchy described ( Isaiah 3:4 , Isaiah 3:5 ) it will be felt that something must be done. A man will take hold of his brother ( i.e. his fellow) in his ( i.e. the latter's) father's house, where he lives in seclusion, and say to him, "Thou hast clothing", "thou must be our ruler; let this ruin" ( i.e. "this ruined state") "be under thy band." This ruin ; literally, this stumbling-block (see Zephaniah... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 3:7

In that day shall he swear ; or, lift up his voice—speaking with emotion (Kay). I will not be an healer ; literally, a binder-up (comp. Isaiah 1:6 ); "I will not undertake to heal the calamities of the state." In my house is neither bread nor clothing ; i.e. "I am not a wealthy man; I have no stores laid up; I am quite unfit to be the people's ruler." Make me not ; or, ye shall not make me . The decently clad man entirely declines to be advanced to the helm of the state. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 3:4

And I will give children - Not children in respect to age so much as in regard to talent for governing. I will commit the land to the government of weak and imbecile princes. This would naturally occur when the wise and great were removed; compare Ecclesiastes 10:16 : ‘Wo to thee, O land, when thy king is a child;’ compare Isaiah 3:12.And babes shall rule ... - That is, babes in experience and knowledge. This was fully accomplished in the succession of weak and wicked princes that succeeded... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 3:5

And the people shall be oppressed - This describes the state of anarchy and confusion which would exist under the reign of children and babes Isaiah 3:4, when all law would be powerless, and all rights violated, and when the feeble would be oppressed and borne down by the strong. The word used here, properly denotes that “unjust exactions or demands” would be made, or that the people would be “urged” to fulfill them.Every one by another - In turn they shall oppress and vex one another. Hebrew... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 3:6

When a man shall take hold ... - In this verse, and the following verses, the prophet continues to describe the calamitous and ruined state that would come upon the Jews; when there would be such a want of wealth and people, that they would seize upon anyone that they thought able to defend them. The act of “taking hold” here denotes “supplication” and “entreaty,” as when one in danger or distress clings to that which is near, or which may be likely to aid him; compare Isa 4:1; 1 Samuel... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 3:7

In that day shall he swear - Hebrew, ישׁא yı̂shā' ‘Shall he lift up’ - that is, the voice, or the hand. To lift up the hand was one of the modes of taking an oath. Perhaps it means only that he should lift up “the voice” - that is, “should answer;” compare Numbers 14:1. The Vulgate, the Septuagint, and the Chaldee, read it simply ‘he shall answer.’I will not be an healer - Hebrew, ‘a binder up,’ Isaiah 1:6. The Vulgate renders it, ‘I am not a physician.’ The Septuagint and the Chaldee, ‘I am... read more

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