Isaiah 9:13-15

13-15. For the people turneth not One trial passes without result, except continued hardening; and now a new crime is suggested: the people know the object of the judgment, and they still repent not.

Unto him that smiteth them The “unto him” means, as far as him; so as fully to recognise the Smiter, and why he smites. Deuteronomy 4:30-31.

Neither do they seek the Lord of hosts This parallel member balances the former, as poetry; but there is broader meaning in it. Not simply should they repent thoroughly, but they should be in heart-sympathy with and dependence on him. And the extra judgment now impending for this is the cutting off from Israel the leaders to evil ways.

Head and tail High and low.

Branch and rush The former term denotes a palm branch; the latter a marsh production, a weak stalk of one of the grasses. The Palmyra palm had been called, twenty-five centuries previously, “The king of grasses.” Sanscrit, Trina zaja. Isaiah 9:15 explains these proverbial appellations. The false teacher, trimmer, and timeserver, are the meanest of bad leaders. This is always true.