In the year that King Ahaz died was this burden . These words introduce the "burden of Philistia," and shows that it is chronologically out of place, since the prophecies from Isaiah 10:1-34 . to Isaiah 14:1-27 have belonged to the reign of Hezekiah. Ahaz appears to have died early in B.C. 725. read more
THE BURDEN OF PHILISTIA . The Philistines had suffered grievously at the hands of Judah in the reign of Uzziah ( 2 Chronicles 26:6 ), and had retaliated in the reign of Ahaz ( 2 Chronicles 28:18 ). It would seem that after this they were invaded by Tiglath-Pileser, who penetrated as far as Gaza, which lie took and made tributary, as he also did Ascalon. Tiglath-Pileser died shortly before Ahaz, and the present "burden" seems to have been uttered in connection with his death. Isaiah... read more
Oracle concerning Philistia. I. THE HISTORICAL OCCASION . It dates from about the time of the death of Ahaz, and was on his death incorporated with the book. The Edomites and the Philistines, who had given way before the powers of David, had taken advantage of the weakness of Ahaz's government to invade Judah They had taken possession of several towns in the south of the land ( 2 Chronicles 28:17 , 2 Chronicles 28:18 ). The Syrians in the front and the Philistines in the rear... read more
Whole Palestina . The Greeks called Philistia τὴν παλαιστίνην συρίαν , or "Syria of the Philistines," whence the Latin "Palestina" and our "Palestine." Isaiah addresses the country as "whole Palestine," because, while it was made up of a number of principalities ( 1 Samuel 6:18 ), his message concerned it in its entirety. The rod of him that smote thee is broken. This can scarcely refer to the death of Ahaz, since Ahaz did not smite the Philistines, but was smitten by them ( 2... read more
A truth, a test, and a solution. We have here— I. A TRUTH RESPECTING AN INDIVIDUAL DEATH ; viz. that we may hope or may fear too much from the death of one man. Philistia was evidently inclined to hope too much from the death of a Jewish king; another was arising (Hezekiah) who would be to his predecessor what a cockatrice was to a serpent—a still more formidable enemy. ( 2 Kings 18:8 ). The wicked nation, or the unprincipled party, or the unscrupulous man that indulges a... read more
The firstborn of the poor shall feed . The "firstborn of the poor" are the very poor (Jarchi, Rosenmüller). The refer-once is to the poor Israelites , who will "feed" and "lie down in safety" when Philistia is held in subjection. I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant . God kills with famine, man with the sword (see 2 Samuel 24:13 , 2 Samuel 24:14 ). When the Philistines had resisted behind their strong walls till hunger had done its work by thinning their... read more
Howl, O gate; cry, O city . Each city of Philistia is hidden to howl and lament. All will suffer; not one will be spared. Art dissolved ; literally, art melted ; i.e. "faintest through fear" (comp. Joshua 2:9 ; Jeremiah 49:23 ). There shall come from the north a smoke . The "smoke" is the Assyrian host, which ravages the country as it advances, burning towns, and villages, and peasants' cots, and watchmen's towers. It enters the country "from the north," as a matter of course,... read more
What shall one then answer , etc.? What answer shall be made to the Philistine ambassadors, when they come to Jerusalem and entreat for aid? Simply this—that God has founded and will protect Zion, and that the poor and weak among God's people—whether Jews or Philistines—had better betake themselves to the shelter of the "city of the great King." read more
No sure refuge but Zion. When danger threatens men commonly invoke human aid—"trust in Egypt, fly to Assyria"—think to be safe if some great king, or powerful statesman, or important country, will take them under protection. But every such refuge is untrustworthy. States prove themselves" braised reeds" in the time of trouble, "piercing the hand which leans on them" ( 2 Kings 18:21 ). Princes disappoint expectation, and show that "there is no help in them " ( Psalms 146:3 ).... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 14:24-28
Oracle concerning Asshur. The fate of Sennacherib and his host appears to be introduced in order to confirm the solemn oracle just delivered concerning Babylon (see Exposition). I. THE STRONG ASSURANCES OF JEHOVAH . He is represented here and in other passages as taking an oath that he will fulfill his Word. But in such oaths he can appeal to no mightier name, he can invoke no power more awful than his own. Homer makes Zeus swear by the Styx, the dark river of the underworld.... read more