Isaiah 5:29 - Exposition

Their roaring shall be like a lion ; rather, like a lioness , which the Hebrews appear to have regarded as fiercer than a lion (see Genesis 44:9 ; Numbers 24:9 ; Habakkuk 2:11 ). The Assyrian armies probably advanced to the combat with loud shouts and yells (see Jeremiah 2:15 ). Yea, they shall roar ; rather, growl . The word is different from the one used previously, and may express the "deep growl" with which the lion springs upon his prey (see Dr. Kay's note, ad loc .). Shall carry it away safe. Sennacherib says in one of his inscriptions, that he carried off to Nineveh 200, 150 captives on his first expedition against Jerusalem.