The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 14:9
Hell from beneath . The Hebrew Sheol corresponded nearly to the Greek Hades, and the Latin Inferi . It was a dismal region in the center of the earth, whither departed souls descended, and where they remained thenceforth. There were various depths in it, each apparently more dismal than the preceding; but there is no evidence that it was considered to contain any place of happiness, until after the return from the Captivity. The prophet here represents Sheol as disturbed by the... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 14:8
Fir trees …cedars . We may detect a double meaning here—one literal, the other metaphorical. Literally, the trees of Lebanon and the other mountain ranges would be spared, since, while both the Assyrian and Babylonian kings cut timber in the Syrian forests for building purposes, the Persians had no such practice; metaphorically, the firs and cedars are the kings and nobles of the countries (comp. Ezekiel 31:16 ), who likewise had a respite. Since thou art laid down ; rather, since... read more