Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 9:15

Some suppose this verse to be a gloss, or marginal note, which has crept into the text; but it is too pointed and sarcastic for a mere gloss. There is no reason to doubt its being Isaiah's. Having spoken of "the tail," he takes the opportunity of lashing the false prophet, who claimed to be among the "honorable," but was really the lowest of the low, worse than his dupes, the true "tail" (comp. Isaiah 28:7 ; Isaiah 29:10 ; Isaiah 30:10 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 9:13

For the people ... - This is a reason why his anger would not cease, and it is, at the same time, the suggestion of a new crime for which the divine judgment would rest upon them. It commences the second part of the oracle.Turneth not - It is implied here that it was the design of the chastisement to turn them to God. In this case, as in many others, such a design had not been accomplished.Unto him that smiteth them - To God, who had punished them.Neither do they seek - They do not seek his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 9:14

Will cut off head and tail - This is a proverbial expression, which is explained in the following verse; see also Deuteronomy 28:13-14. The head is often used to denote those in honor and authority. The tail is an expression applicable to the lower ranks, and would commonly indicate more than simply the common people. It would imply contempt; a state of great abjectness and meanness.Branch and rush - This is also a proverbial expression, meaning the highest and lowest; see the note at Isaiah... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 9:15

The ancient - The elder; the old man.And honorable - Hebrew, ‘The man of elevated countenance.’ The man of rank and office.The prophet that teacheth lies - The false prophet. Of those there were many; and probably at this time many in Samaria. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 9:13-15

Isaiah 9:13-15. For the people turneth not, &c. We have here the second crime of this refractory people, who, impenitent and stupid, regarded not the chastisement of the Lord, nor turned to him at his reproof. Therefore a total subversion of their state and polity is denounced as the severest punishment upon them. The Lord will cut off, &c., head and tail High and low, honourable and contemptible, as the next verse explains it; branch and rush The goodly branches of tall trees,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 9:8-21

The fall of Israel (9:8-10:4)Isaiah now describes the situation in the northern kingdom Israel, which becomes weakened by enemy attacks and finally is conquered by Assyria. The northerners refuse to acknowledge that God is the one who has brought this catastrophe upon them. They make a show of self-assurance by saying they will rebuild, bigger and better, whatever their enemies have destroyed (8-12).Because the people refuse to repent, God will punish them further. His purpose is to remove the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 9:13

turneth not. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 4:29 , Deuteronomy 4:30 ). the Lord Hebrew. Jehovah. with 'eth = Jehovah Himself. App-4 . See note on 1 Samuel 1:3 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 9:14

rush. Hebrew. 'agmon. Occurs twice in "former" portion, here and Isaiah 19:15 ; and once in "latter" portion (Isaiah 58:5 , "bulrush"). Elsewhere only in Job 41:2 , Job 41:20 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 9:15

head. tail. Reference to Pentateuch. Only here and Deuteronomy 28:13 , Deuteronomy 28:44 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Isaiah 9:13

"Ye the people have not turned to him that smote them, neither have they sought Jehovah of hosts. Therefore Jehovah will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and rush, in one day. The elder and the honorable man, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. For they that lead the people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men, neither will he have compassion on their fatherless and... read more

Group of Brands