Isaiah 8:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 8:9-15

The prophet here returns to speak of the present distress that Ahaz and his court and kingdom were in upon account of the threatening confederacy of the ten tribes and the Syrians against them. And in these verses, I. He triumphs over the invading enemies, and, in effect, sets them at defiance, and bids them do their worst (Isa. 8:9, 10): ?O you people, you of far countries, give ear to what the prophet says to you in God's name.? 1. ?We doubt not but you will now make your utmost efforts... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 8:9

Associate yourselves, O ye people ,.... Both of Syria and Israel, whose two kings were confederate against Judah: and ye shall be broken in pieces ; as the kingdom of Syria was by Tilgathpilneser quickly after this, 2 Kings 16:9 and the kingdom of Ephraim or Israel by Shalmaneser, 2 Kings 17:6 , and give ear, all ye of far countries ; the Assyrians, and the nations that belonged to them, who were more remote from Judea: gird yourselves ; for a long and tedious march, and for... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 8:9

Associate yourselves "Know ye this" - God by his prophet plainly declares to the confederate adversaries of Judah, and bids them regard and attend to his declaration, that all their efforts shall be in vain. The present reading, רעו rou , is subject to many difficulties; I follow that of the Septuagint, דעו deu , γνωτε . Archbishop Secker approves this reading. דעו deu know ye this, is parallel and synonymous to האזינו haazinu , give ear to It, in the next line. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 8:5-10

THE FLOOD OF ASSYRIAN INVASION WILL PASS FROM SYRIA AND SAMARIA INTO JUDAEA , BUT WILL THERE BE ARRESTED . Syria and Samaria were barriers, breakwaters, so placed as to stem the tide of invasion, and be a defense to Judaea against Assyrian attack. When once they were overwhelmed, the waters would have free course, and the submersion of Judaea was certain. It might be delayed by the Divine favor, and would be, so long as the people, or even a remnant of them,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 8:5-15

God with us. The prophet looks out on the troubled prospect as on a deluge, amidst which the ark of promise carrying the elect, the remnant, the Church of the faithful and chosen, is seen riding. I. TEMPORAL ALLUSIONS . 1. The foreign sympathies of the people . Tired of the inefficient reign of Ahaz, they watch for the approach of the two northern kings with interest. They have forgotten their patriotism, which once rallied round the house of David as a political and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 8:9

Associate yourselves . It is impossible to obtain this meaning from the existing Hebrew text, which must be translated, "Be angry," or "Rage" ("Make an uproar," Revised Version). The prophet passes from the consideration of the opposition offered to Jehovah by Israel , Syria, and Assyria, to a general consideration of all the nations of the earth. He challenges them to the combat against Jehovah, and confidently predicts their defeat. O ye people ; rather, O ye peoples (compare the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 8:9-10

The impotence of ungodliness. We learn— I. THAT SIN SOMETIMES APPEARS IN IMPOSING ASPECTS . There were four aspects, not to say elements, of power in these world-kingdoms—confederation , preparation (gird yourselves), consultation (take counsel together), authority (speak the word). Sin, which is the great enemy conducting a long campaign against the Church of Christ, certainly seems as superior in strength to its present foe as did these great kingdoms of the East... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 8:9

Associate yourselves - In the previous verses the prophet had seen the Assyrian coming up on the land like an overwhelming flood. He looked upon the danger, and his mind was turned to the pledge of safety which God had given. The name Immanuel, and the promise connected with the giving of that name Isaiah 7:16, reminded him of the perfect safety of the nation, for it was a pledge that God was with them; see Isaiah 8:10. In view of this pledge of the protection of God, this verse is a spirited... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 8:9-10

Isaiah 8:9-10. Associate yourselves, O ye people O ye Syrians and Israelites; and ye shall be broken in pieces Your attempts against the house of David, and kingdom of Judah, will be fruitless, yea, will issue in your own ruin. And give ear, all ye of far countries Immanuel’s name inspires the prophet with new courage, and makes him send a challenge to all God’s enemies, and foretel their certain downfall. He is, indeed, wrapt, as it were, into an ecstasy, upon considering the land as... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 8:1-10

Isaiah’s son a sign for the people (8:1-10)God then gives a second sign to guarantee the defeat of Israel and Syria. The sign of Immanuel had been given to the royal household, but this sign is given to the people. Another child is to be born, this one to Isaiah and his wife. The name of the child, Maher-shalal-hash-baz (meaning ‘the spoil hastens, the plunder comes quickly’; cf. GNB: Quick Loot, Fast Plunder), is announced publicly in advance so that the birth of the child will give added... read more

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