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Text -- Isaiah 10:28-34 (NET)

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Context
10:28 They attacked Aiath, moved through Migron, depositing their supplies at Micmash. 10:29 They went through the pass, spent the night at Geba. Ramah trembled, Gibeah of Saul ran away. 10:30 Shout out, daughter of Gallim! Pay attention, Laishah! Answer her, Anathoth! 10:31 Madmenah flees, the residents of Gebim have hidden. 10:32 This very day, standing in Nob, they shake their fist at Daughter Zion’s mountain– at the hill of Jerusalem. 10:33 Look, the sovereign master, the Lord who commands armies, is ready to cut off the branches with terrifying power. The tallest trees will be cut down, the loftiest ones will be brought low. 10:34 The thickets of the forest will be chopped down with an ax, and mighty Lebanon will fall.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Aiath a town 2-3 km SE of Bethel
 · Anathoth a town of Benjamin 10 km NE of Jerusalem, given to the priests,son of Becher, a Benjamite,an Israelite chief who signed the covenant to obey God's law
 · Gallim a town of Benjamin whose exact location is unknown (ZD)
 · Geba a town of Judah 8 km north of Jerusalem, 5 km east of Gibeon (SMM)
 · Gebim a town somewhere north of Jerusalem
 · Gibeah a town of Judah 8 km north of Jerusalem, 5 km east of Gibeon (SMM)
 · Jerusalem the capital city of Israel,a town; the capital of Israel near the southern border of Benjamin
 · Laishah a town of Benjamin near Anathoth about 10 km SW of Jerusalem (OS)
 · Lebanon a mountain range and the adjoining regions (IBD)
 · Madmenah a town and its people
 · Michmash a town of Benjamin 12 km north of Jerusalem
 · Migron a place near Michmash used as a threshing floor
 · Nob a town 5 or 6 kilometers NE of Jerusalem
 · Ramah a town 8 km north of Jerusalem,a town of Simeon,a town of Benjamin 9 km north of Jerusalem and 8 km south of Bethel (OS),a town on the border of Asher (OS),a town of Ephraim 10 km SE of Aphek, and 25 km east of Joppa,a town in Gilead 50-60 km east of Beth-Shan
 · Saul the sixth king of Edom,son of Simeon and a Canaanite woman,son of Uzziah of Kohath son of Levi
 · Zion one of the hills on which Jerusalem was built; the temple area; the city of Jerusalem; God's people,a town and citidel; an ancient part of Jerusalem


Dictionary Themes and Topics: PALESTINE, 3 | PALESTINE, 2 | Oppression | Nob | Migron | Michmash | Laish | Isaiah | Iron | ISAIAH, 1-7 | Gibeah | Geba | Gallim | CARRIAGE | BRANCH ;BOUGH | BAGGAGE | Axe | Assyria | ANATHOTH | AIATH | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Isa 10:28 - -- Here the prophet returns to the Assyrian invasion; which he describes, after the manner of the prophets, as a thing present, and sets down the several...

Here the prophet returns to the Assyrian invasion; which he describes, after the manner of the prophets, as a thing present, and sets down the several stages by which he marched towards Jerusalem. He, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, is come, in his way to Jerusalem.

Wesley: Isa 10:28 - -- Leaving such things there as were less necessary, that so he might march with more expedition.

Leaving such things there as were less necessary, that so he might march with more expedition.

Wesley: Isa 10:29 - -- The people fled to Jerusalem for fear of the Assyrian.

The people fled to Jerusalem for fear of the Assyrian.

Wesley: Isa 10:30 - -- Jerusalem was the mother city, and lesser towns are commonly called her daughters.

Jerusalem was the mother city, and lesser towns are commonly called her daughters.

Wesley: Isa 10:32 - -- By way of comminution.

By way of comminution.

Wesley: Isa 10:33 - -- The top - bough, Sennacherib, with a most terrible stroke.

The top - bough, Sennacherib, with a most terrible stroke.

Wesley: Isa 10:34 - -- Or, as with iron, as the trees of the forest are cut down with instruments of iron.

Or, as with iron, as the trees of the forest are cut down with instruments of iron.

Wesley: Isa 10:34 - -- Or, his Lebanon, the Assyrian army, which being before compared to a forest, and being called his Carmel in the Hebrew text, Isa 10:18, may very fitly...

Or, his Lebanon, the Assyrian army, which being before compared to a forest, and being called his Carmel in the Hebrew text, Isa 10:18, may very fitly upon the same ground, be called his Lebanon here.

JFB: Isa 10:28-32 - -- Onward gradual march of Sennacherib's army towards Jerusalem, and the panic of the inhabitants vividly pictured before the eyes.

Onward gradual march of Sennacherib's army towards Jerusalem, and the panic of the inhabitants vividly pictured before the eyes.

JFB: Isa 10:28-32 - -- Come upon as a sudden invader (Gen 34:27).

Come upon as a sudden invader (Gen 34:27).

JFB: Isa 10:28-32 - -- Same as Ai (Jos 7:2; Neh 7:32). In the north of Benjamin; so the other towns also; all on the line of march to Jerusalem.

Same as Ai (Jos 7:2; Neh 7:32). In the north of Benjamin; so the other towns also; all on the line of march to Jerusalem.

JFB: Isa 10:28-32 - -- Nine miles northeast of Jerusalem.

Nine miles northeast of Jerusalem.

JFB: Isa 10:28-32 - -- He has left his heavier baggage (so "carriages" for the things carried, Act 21:15) at Michmash, so as to be more lightly equipped for the siege of Jer...

He has left his heavier baggage (so "carriages" for the things carried, Act 21:15) at Michmash, so as to be more lightly equipped for the siege of Jerusalem. So 1Sa 17:22; 1Sa 25:13; 1Sa 30:24 [JEROME and MAURER].

JFB: Isa 10:29 - -- The jaws of the wady or defile at Michmash (1Sa 13:23; 1Sa 14:4-5).

The jaws of the wady or defile at Michmash (1Sa 13:23; 1Sa 14:4-5).

JFB: Isa 10:29 - -- Their quarters for the night, after having passed the defile which might have been easily guarded against them.

Their quarters for the night, after having passed the defile which might have been easily guarded against them.

JFB: Isa 10:29 - -- Near Geba; seven miles from Jerusalem.

Near Geba; seven miles from Jerusalem.

JFB: Isa 10:29 - -- His birthplace and residence, in Benjamin (1Sa 11:4), distinct from Gibeah of Judah (Jos 15:57).

His birthplace and residence, in Benjamin (1Sa 11:4), distinct from Gibeah of Judah (Jos 15:57).

JFB: Isa 10:30 - -- Gallim and her sons (see on Isa 1:8; 2Ki 19:21). "Cry aloud in consternation."

Gallim and her sons (see on Isa 1:8; 2Ki 19:21). "Cry aloud in consternation."

JFB: Isa 10:30 - -- Not the town in Dan (Jdg 18:7), but one of the same name near Jerusalem (1 Maccabees 9:9).

Not the town in Dan (Jdg 18:7), but one of the same name near Jerusalem (1 Maccabees 9:9).

JFB: Isa 10:30 - -- Three miles from Jerusalem in Benjamin; the birthplace of Jeremiah. "Poor" is applied to it in pity, on account of the impending calamity. Others tran...

Three miles from Jerusalem in Benjamin; the birthplace of Jeremiah. "Poor" is applied to it in pity, on account of the impending calamity. Others translate, Answer her, O Anathoth.

JFB: Isa 10:31 - -- Not the city in Simeon (Jos 15:31), but a village near Jerusalem.

Not the city in Simeon (Jos 15:31), but a village near Jerusalem.

JFB: Isa 10:31 - -- Fled from fear.

Fled from fear.

JFB: Isa 10:31 - -- "put their goods in a place of safety" [MAURER].

"put their goods in a place of safety" [MAURER].

JFB: Isa 10:32 - -- Literally, "As yet this (one only) day (is allowed to the soldiers) for remaining (halting for rest) at Nob"; northeast of Jerusalem on Olivet; a town...

Literally, "As yet this (one only) day (is allowed to the soldiers) for remaining (halting for rest) at Nob"; northeast of Jerusalem on Olivet; a town of the priests (Neh 11:32).

JFB: Isa 10:32 - -- Rightly substituted for the Chetib reading, house. His "shaking his hand" in menace implies that he is now at Nob, within sight of Jerusalem.

Rightly substituted for the Chetib reading, house. His "shaking his hand" in menace implies that he is now at Nob, within sight of Jerusalem.

JFB: Isa 10:33 - -- Literally, the "beauty" of the tree; "the beautiful branch."

Literally, the "beauty" of the tree; "the beautiful branch."

JFB: Isa 10:33 - -- "the upright stem," as distinguished from the previous "boughs" [HORSLEY].

"the upright stem," as distinguished from the previous "boughs" [HORSLEY].

JFB: Isa 10:34 - -- This verse and Isa 10:33 describe the sudden arrest and overthrow of Sennacherib in the height of his success; Isa 10:18-19; Eze 31:3, Eze 31:14, &c.,...

This verse and Isa 10:33 describe the sudden arrest and overthrow of Sennacherib in the height of his success; Isa 10:18-19; Eze 31:3, Eze 31:14, &c., contain the same image; "Lebanon" and its forest are the Assyrian army; the "iron" axe that fells the forest refers to the stroke which destroyed the one hundred and eighty-five thousand Assyrians (2Ki 19:35). The "Mighty One" is Jehovah (Isa 10:21; Isa 9:6).

JFB: Isa 10:34 - -- The everlasting deliverance under Messiah's reign, not merely His first coming, but chiefly His second coming. The language and illustrations are stil...

The everlasting deliverance under Messiah's reign, not merely His first coming, but chiefly His second coming. The language and illustrations are still drawn from the temporary national subject, with which he began, but the glories described pertain to Messiah's reign. Hezekiah cannot, as some think, be the subject; for he was already come, whereas the "stem of Jesse" was yet future ("shall come") (compare Mic 4:11, &c.; Mic 5:1-2; Jer 23:5-6; Jer 33:15-16; Rom 15:12).

Clarke: Isa 10:28 - -- He is come to Aiath - A description of the march of Sennacherib’ s army approaching Jerusalem in order to invest it, and of the terror and conf...

He is come to Aiath - A description of the march of Sennacherib’ s army approaching Jerusalem in order to invest it, and of the terror and confusion spreading and increasing through the several places as he advanced; expressed with great brevity, but finely diversified. The places here mentioned are all in the neighborhood of Jerusalem; from Ai northward, to Nob westward of it; from which last place he might probably have a prospect of Mount Sion. Anathoth was within three Roman miles of Jerusalem, according to Eusebius, Jerome and Josephus. Onomast. Loc. Hebr. et Antiq. Jud. 10:7, 3. Nob was probably still nearer. And it should seem from this passage of Isaiah that Sennacherib’ s army was destroyed near the latter of these places. In coming out of Egypt he might perhaps join the rest of his army at Ashdod, after the taking of that place, which happened about that time, (see Isa 20:1-6.); and march from thence near the coast by Lachish and Libnah, which lay in his way from south to north, and both which he invested till he came to the north-west of Jerusalem, crossing over to the north of it, perhaps by Joppa and Lydda; or still more north through the plain of Esdraelon.

Clarke: Isa 10:29 - -- They are gone over the passage "They have passed the strait"- The strait here mentioned is that of Michmas, a very narrow passage between two sharp ...

They are gone over the passage "They have passed the strait"- The strait here mentioned is that of Michmas, a very narrow passage between two sharp hills or rocks, (see 1Sa 14:4, 1Sa 14:5), where a great army might have been opposed with advantage by a very inferior force. The author of the Book of Judith might perhaps mean this pass, at least among others: "Charging them to keep the passages of the hill country, for by them there was an entrance into Judea; and it was easy to stop them that would come up, because the passage was strait for two men at the most,"Judith 4:7. The enemies having passed the strait without opposition, shows that all thoughts of making a stand in the open country were given up, and that their only resource was in the strength of the city

Their lodging - The sense seems necessarily to require that we read למו lamo , to them, instead of לנו lanu , to us. These two words are in other places mistaken one for the other

Thus Isa 44:7, for למו lamo , read לנו lanu , with the Chaldee; and in the same manner Psa 64:6, with the Syriac, and Psa 80:7, on the authority of the Septuagint and Syriac, besides the necessity of the sense.

Clarke: Isa 10:30 - -- Cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anothoth "Hearken unto her, O Laish; answer her, O Anathoth!"- I follow in this the Syriac Version. The prop...

Cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anothoth "Hearken unto her, O Laish; answer her, O Anathoth!"- I follow in this the Syriac Version. The prophet plainly alludes to the name of the place, and with a peculiar propriety, if it had its name frown its remarkable echo. " ענתות anathoth , responsiones: eadem ratio nominis, quae in בית ענת beith anath , locus echus; nam hodienum ejus rudera ostenduntur in valle, scil. in medio montium, ut referent Robertus in Itiner. p. 70, et Monconnysius, p. 301."Simonis Onomasticon Vet. Test. - L. Anathoth - Answers, replies; for the same reason that Bethany, בית ענת berth anath , had its name, the house of echo; the remains of which are still shown in the valley, i.e., among the mountains.

Clarke: Isa 10:33 - -- Shall lop the bough with terror - פארה purah ; but פורה purah , wine-press, is the reading of twenty-six of Kennicott’ s and twenty-...

Shall lop the bough with terror - פארה purah ; but פורה purah , wine-press, is the reading of twenty-six of Kennicott’ s and twenty-three of De Rossi’ s MSS., four ancient editions, with Symmachus, Theodotion, and the Chaldee.

Clarke: Isa 10:34 - -- Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one - באדיר beaddir , the angel of the Lord, who smote them, Kimchi. And so Vitringa understands it. Others tra...

Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one - באדיר beaddir , the angel of the Lord, who smote them, Kimchi. And so Vitringa understands it. Others translate, "The high cedars of Lebanon shall fall:"but the king of Assyria is the person who shall be overthrown.

Calvin: Isa 10:28 - -- 28.He is come to Aiath The siege of the holy city being now at hand, Isaiah sets before their eyes the whole of Sennacherib’s march, that the heart...

28.He is come to Aiath The siege of the holy city being now at hand, Isaiah sets before their eyes the whole of Sennacherib’s march, that the hearts of the godly, by long and careful study of it, may remain steadfast. This delineation was powerfully calculated to allay their fears, when godly men saw that the Assyrians did not move a step but by the appointment of God; for by the mouth of the Prophet he had given a lively description of the whole of that march. 174 It is unnecessary to spend much time in explaining the relative position of the places here named, for it is enough if we understand that Sennacherib marched through those places of which the Jews had been informed.

At Michmash he will lay up his baggage. The words which we render, He will lay up his baggage or armor, are translated by some, He hath made a muster; for פקד ( pakad) signifies also to number. I do not dislike this interpretation, but prefer the former; for I understand the Prophet to mean that the Assyrian will lay up his armor, that is, the provisions, and the rest of the implements of war, in Michmash. It is the custom of warriors not to lead forward an army without providing the means of support, which they lay up in a safe and convenient place, that the army may be supplied out of it with all that is needful. Under the word baggage or arms, he includes not only darts and swords, but all the supplies and provisions of war. The meaning of the word כלי ( cheli) is extensive, and includes every kind of implements, and thus resembles the word ( vasa ) which denotes vessels in the Latin language.

Calvin: Isa 10:29 - -- 29.They have crossed the ford 175 Some understand by this the passage of the Jordan, but I do not know if it could be crossed by a ford in that q...

29.They have crossed the ford 175 Some understand by this the passage of the Jordan, but I do not know if it could be crossed by a ford in that quarter. 176 He describes how great will be the terror when they hear of the approach of the Assyrian, that the whole country will be struck with terror and alarm, so that the Assyrian will subdue it without any difficulty. When such dread has seized their hearts, they will freely surrender at the first attack of the enemy, so that the conquerors will be allowed to ravage at their pleasure. He passes from the singular to the plural number, because he speaks sometimes of the king and sometimes of the whole army.

Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled He mentions Ramah in preference to the rest, because it was the nearest town; and he describes the flight of the inhabitants of some towns, as if the mere report had terrified them to such a degree that they gave up their country into the enemy’s hand. After having spoken of so great dismay, he adds. —

Calvin: Isa 10:30 - -- 30.Neigh, 177 O daughter of Gallim. By the word neigh he denotes the howling and cries which will be heard at a distance. It is very common, in t...

30.Neigh, 177 O daughter of Gallim. By the word neigh he denotes the howling and cries which will be heard at a distance. It is very common, in the Hebrew language, to call cities daughters. He says that the howling will be so great that it will be heard even by the neighboring cities; for at Laish will be heard the groanings which will be uttered in Anathoth

Calvin: Isa 10:31 - -- 31.Madmenah is removed In exaggerated language he describes that city to have been shaken to such a degree, as if it had been removed to another pl...

31.Madmenah is removed In exaggerated language he describes that city to have been shaken to such a degree, as if it had been removed to another place. This relates to the disorderly movements of a people in flight; as if he had said that the inhabitants of that city were thrown into as great a commotion as if the city had been razed to its foundations.

The inhabitants of Gebim have gathered themselves This may be explained to mean that they are so terrified that they crowd together in a body. Others understand by it, that they rush out in a disorderly manner, as if there were not room for a free passage.

Calvin: Isa 10:32 - -- 32.Yet a day 178 Some interpret this, that the Assyrian will yet remain one day in Nob, which was a village contiguous to Jerusalem, as Jerome and o...

32.Yet a day 178 Some interpret this, that the Assyrian will yet remain one day in Nob, which was a village contiguous to Jerusalem, as Jerome and others declare. But I rather agree with those who think that it means, that he will have a great part of the day before him when he halts there, in order to make preparations for besieging Jerusalem on the following day. He intends to describe the rapid march of the Assyrian, and how near Jerusalem was to utter destruction; as if he had said, that he had but a small part of the journey to perform, and that before the day was ended, he would arrive at that city.

He shall shake the hand This contributes still more to show their terror; for Sennacherib, having conquered the whole country, will threaten Jerusalem, as if he could storm it by the slightest expression of his will.

Against the mountain of the daughter of Zion By a figure of speech, in which a part is taken for the whole, (συνεκδοχικῶς,) he includes the whole city under the name of the mountain, because that part was higher, and commanded a view of the other quarters of the city. From this confidence of the tyrant, he shows that Jerusalem was not far from utter destruction; for the whole country, and even the city, was struck with such terror that none ventured to oppose him. By these details, therefore, the Prophet intended to give a more impressive view of the kindness of God, that it ought to be ascribed to the extraordinary favor and goodness of God, and not to human aid, of which there was none, that Jerusalem was preserved, as if a sheep had been rescued from the jaws of a lion.

Behold, the Lord Jehovah of hosts Almost all explain this passage as referring to the Assyrians. (2Kg 19:35.) They think that the Prophet threatens against them that slaughter with which the Lord destroyed them, after that they had besieged Jerusalem. As if he had spoken in this manner: The Assyrian will indeed be elated with such pride, that as soon as he has seen Jerusalem, he will think that it is in his power. All being struck with such dismay at his approach, that some shall flee and others shall freely surrender themselves, he will imagine that all are subdued under him; but the Lord will quickly reverse his condition, and lop off those lofty branches

But for my own part, when I examine closely the whole passage, and especially what he adds soon afterwards about Lebanon, and the consolation which immediately follows, I think that this passage ought to be referred to the Jews themselves. Isaiah therefore proceeds, in my opinion, to threaten the calamities which awaited the people. As if he had said, “Not only will he come to Nob, but he will spread devastation far and wide over the whole country. Everything in it that is excellent and lofty, he will completely waste and destroy, in the same manner as if one should cut off branches from a tree or cut down a tree from the root.”

This interpretation is confirmed by the following chapter, in which the Prophet offers consolation against that calamity; for the consolation agrees with this verse, and is added as an appropriate remedy for soothing grief. Nor do I attach any importance to the division of the chapter, which is often very absurd, and which perplexes the whole of the Prophet’s meaning. I think, therefore, that we ought to connect that consolation with these verses, as if there had been no such division.

Calvin: Isa 10:34 - -- 34.And he will cut down the thick places of the forest with iron There is no difficulty in explaining this metaphor, for it is plain enough that by t...

34.And he will cut down the thick places of the forest with iron There is no difficulty in explaining this metaphor, for it is plain enough that by tall and high trees is denoted all that is powerful, excellent, or lofty. Thus he foretells the destruction and ruin of Judea, which he compares to the cutting down of a forest; by which he means that there is nothing so valuable that the enemies will not destroy it, till they have stripped the whole land of its ornaments.

And Lebanon will fall violently He mentions Lebanon, because that mountain, as we all know, was highly celebrated for fruitful and highly valuable trees. Now, if he had been speaking of the Assyrians, it would not have been appropriate to introduce the destruction of Lebanon. Hence we infer that the Prophet, in this passage, again threatens the Jews; and this agrees well with the introduction of the discourse, for it begins with a word which calls attention, Behold.

TSK: Isa 10:28 - -- He is come : This is a prophetical description of the march of Sennacherib’ s army approaching Jerusalem in order to invest it, and of the terror...

He is come : This is a prophetical description of the march of Sennacherib’ s army approaching Jerusalem in order to invest it, and of the terror and confusion spreading and increasing through the several places as he advanced; expressed with great brevity, but finely diversified. Aiath, or Ai, was situated a little east of Bethel about twelve miles north of Jerusalem; Michmash about three miles nearer, where there was a narrow pass between two sharp hills; Geba and Ramah about three miles more to the south; Gibeah a mile and a half more southward; Anathoth within three miles of Jerusalem; to the westward of which, towards Lydda, was Nob, from which place Sennacherib might have a prospect of Zion, and near which, it would appear, his army was destroyed.

Aiath : Jos 7:2; Neh 11:31, Aija

Migron : 1Sa 14:2

Michmash : 1Sa 13:2, 1Sa 13:5, 1Sa 14:5, 1Sa 14:31

TSK: Isa 10:29 - -- the passage : 1Sa 13:23, 1Sa 14:4 Geba : Jos 21:17; 1Ki 15:23 Ramah : Jos 18:24, Jos 18:25; 1Sa 7:17, 1Sa 15:34; Jer 31:15; Hos 5:8 Gibeah : Jdg 19:12...

TSK: Isa 10:30 - -- Lift up thy voice : Heb. Cry shrill with thy voice Gallim : 1Sa 25:44 Laish : Jdg 18:7, Jdg 18:29 Anathoth : Jos 21:18; 1Ki 2:26; Jer 1:1, Jer 32:8

Lift up thy voice : Heb. Cry shrill with thy voice

Gallim : 1Sa 25:44

Laish : Jdg 18:7, Jdg 18:29

Anathoth : Jos 21:18; 1Ki 2:26; Jer 1:1, Jer 32:8

TSK: Isa 10:31 - -- Madmenah : Jos 15:31, Madmannah

Madmenah : Jos 15:31, Madmannah

TSK: Isa 10:32 - -- Nob : 1Sa 21:1, 1Sa 22:19; Neh 11:32 shake : Isa 10:24, Isa 11:15, Isa 13:2, Isa 19:16; Zec 2:9 the mount : Isa 2:2, Isa 37:22

TSK: Isa 10:33 - -- lop : Isa 10:16-19, Isa 37:24-36, Isa 37:38; 2Kings 19:21-37; 2Ch 32:21 the high ones : Amo 2:9 and the haughty : Isa 2:11-17; Job 40:11, Job 40:12; D...

lop : Isa 10:16-19, Isa 37:24-36, Isa 37:38; 2Kings 19:21-37; 2Ch 32:21

the high ones : Amo 2:9

and the haughty : Isa 2:11-17; Job 40:11, Job 40:12; Dan 4:37; Luk 14:11

TSK: Isa 10:34 - -- cut down : Isa 10:18, Isa 37:24; Jer 22:7, Jer 46:22, Jer 46:23, Jer 48:2; Nah 1:12 Lebanon : Zec 11:1, Zec 11:2 by a mighty one : or, mightily, Isa 3...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Isa 10:28 - -- He is come to Aiath - These verses Isa 10:28-32 contain a description of the march of the army of Sennacherib as he approached Jerusalem to inv...

He is come to Aiath - These verses Isa 10:28-32 contain a description of the march of the army of Sennacherib as he approached Jerusalem to invest it. The description is expressed with great beauty. It is rapid and hurried, and is such as one would give who was alarmed by the sudden and near approach of an enemy - as if while the narrator was stating that the invader had arrived at one place, he had already come to another; or, as if while one messenger should say, that he had come to one place, another should answer that he was still nearer, and a third, that he was nearer still, so as to produce universal consternation. The prophet speaks of this as if he "saw"it (compare the note at Isa. 1): as if, with the glance of the eye, he sees Sennacherib advancing rapidly to Jerusalem. The general course of this march is from the northeast to the southwest toward Jerusalem, and it is possible still to follow the route by the names of the places here mentioned, and which remain at present.

All the places are in the vicinity of Jerusalem, and this shows how much his rapid approach was suited to excite alarm. The name עית ‛ayâth does not occur elsewhere; but עי ‛ay is often mentioned, and עיא ‛ayâ' is found in Neh 11:31. Doubtless, the same city is meant. It was situated near Bethel eastward; Jos 7:2. It was at this place that Joshua was repulsed on account of the sin of Achaz, though the city was afterward taken by Joshua, the king seized and hanged, and the city destroyed. It was afterward rebuilt, and is often mentioned; Ezr 2:28; Neh 7:32. It is called by the Septuagint, Ἀγγαι Angai ; and by Josephus, "Aina."In the time of Eusebius and Jerome, its site and scanty ruins were still pointed out, not far distant from Bethel toward the east. The name, however, has at present wholly perished, and no trace of the place now remains. It is probable that it was near the modern Deir Diwan, about three miles to the east of Bethel: "see"Robinson’ s "Bib. Researches,"ii. pp. 119, 312, 313.

He is passed to Migron - That is, he does not remain at Aiath, but is advancing rapidly toward Jerusalem. This place is mentioned in 1Sa 14:2, from which it appears that it was near Gibeah, and was in the boundaries of the tribe of Benjamin, to the southwest of Ai and Bethel. No trace of this place now remains.

At Michmash - This was a town within the tribe of Ephraim, on the confines of Benjamin; Ezr 2:27; Neh 7:31. This place is now called Mukhmas, and is situated on a slope or low ridge of land between two small wadys, or water-courses. It is now desolate, but bears the marks of having been a much larger and stronger place than the other towns in the neigchourhood. There are many foundations of hewn stones; and some columns are lying among them. It is about nine miles to the northeast of Jerusalem, and in the immediate neighborhood of Gibeah and Ramah. - Robinson’ s "Bib. Researches,"ii. p. 117. In the time of Eusebius it was a large village. - "Onomast."Art. "Machmas."

He hath laid up his carriages - Hebrew, ‘ He hath deposited his weapons.’ The word rendered "hath laid up"- יפקיד yape qı̂yd - may possibly mean, "he reviewed,"or he took an account of; that is, he made that the place of "review"preparatory to his attack on Jerusalem. Jerome says, that the passage means, that he had such confidence of taking Jerusalem, that he deposited his armor at Michmash, as being unnecessary in the siege of Jerusalem. I think, however, that the passage means simply, that he had made Michmash one of his "stations"to which he had come, and that the expression ‘ he hath deposited his armor there,’ denotes merely that he had come there as one of his stations, and had pitched his camp in that place on the way to Jerusalem. The English word "carriage,"sometimes meant formerly, "that which is carried,"baggage, vessels, furniture, etc. - "Webster."In this sense it is used in this place, and also in 1Sa 17:22; Act 21:15.

Barnes: Isa 10:29 - -- They are gone over the passage - The word "passage"( מעברה ma‛e bı̂râh ) may refer to any passage or ford of a stream, a shallo...

They are gone over the passage - The word "passage"( מעברה ma‛e bı̂râh ) may refer to any passage or ford of a stream, a shallow part of a river where crossing was practicable; or it may refer to any narrow pass, or place of passing in mountains. The Chaldee Paraphrase renders this, ‘ They have passed the Jordan;’ but this cannot be the meaning, as all the transactions referred to here occurred in the vicinity of Jerusalem, and long after they had crossed the Jordan. In 1Sa 13:23, the ‘ passage of Michmash’ is mentioned as the boundary of the garrison of the Philistines. Between Jeb’ a and Mukhmas there is now a steep, precipitous valley, which is probably the ‘ passage’ here referred to. This wady, or valley, runs into another that joins it on the north, and then issues out upon the plain not far from Jericho. In the valley are two hills of a conical form, having steep rocky sides, which are probably the rocks mentioned, in connection with Jonathan’ s adventure, as a narrow defile or way between the rock Bozez on the one side, and Seneh on tbe other; 1Sa 14:4-5. This valley appears at a later time to have been the dividing line between the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin, for Geba on the south side of this valley was the northern limit of Judah and Benjamin 2Ki 23:8; while Bethel on its north side was on the southern border of Ephraim; Jdg 16:1-2. - Robinson’ s "Bib. Researches,"ii. p. 116. Of course it was an important place, and could be easily guarded - like the strait of Thermopylae. By his having passed this place is denoted an advance toward Jerusalem, showing that nothing impeded his progress, and that he was rapidly hastening with his army to the city.

They have taken up their lodging at Geba - They have pitched their camp there, being entirely through the defile of Michmash. Hebrew, ‘ Geba is a lodging place for us;’ that is, for the Assyrians. Perhaps, however. there is an error in the common Hebrew text here, and that it should be למו lāmô , ‘ for them,’ instead of לנוּ lānû , ‘ for us.’ The Septuagint and the Chaldee so read it, and so our translators have understood it. "Geba"here is not be confounded with ‘ Gibeah of Saul,’ mentioned just after. It was in the tribe of Benjamin 1Ki 15:22; and was on the line, or nearly on the line, of Judah, so as to be its northern boundary; 2Ki 23:8. It was not far from Gibeah, or Gibeon. There are at present no traces of the place known.

Ramah - This city was in the tribe of Benjamin. It was between Geba and Gibea. It was called "Ramah,"from its being on elevated ground; compare the note at Mat 2:18. "Ramah,"now called "er-Ram,"lies on a high hill a little east of the road from Jerusalem to Bethel. It is now a miserable village, with few houses, and these in the summer mostly deserted. There are here large square stones, and also columns scattered about in the fields, indicating an ancient place of some importance. A small mosque is here with columns, which seems once to have been a church. Its situation is very conspicuous, and commands a fine prospect. It is near Gibeah, about six Roman miles from Jerusalem. So Jerome, "Commentary"in Hos 5:8 : ‘ Rama quae est juxta Gabaa in septimo lapide a Jerosolymis sita.’ Josephus places it at forty stadia from Jerusalem; "Ant."viii. 12, 3.

Is afraid - Is terrified and alarmed at the approach of Sennacherib - a beautiful variation in the description, denoting his rapid and certain advance on the city of Jerusalem, spreading consternation everywhere.

Gibeah of Saul - This was called ‘ Gibeah of Saul,’ because it was the birthplace of Saul 1Sa 11:4; 1Sa 15:34; 2Sa 21:6; and to distinguish it from Gibea in the tribe of Judah Jos 15:57; and also a Gibeah where Eleazar was burled; Jos 24:33. Jerome mentions Gibeah as in his day level with the ground. - "Epis. 86, ad Eustoch."It has been almost wholly, since his time, unnoticed by travelers. It is probably the same as the modern village of Jeba, lying in a direction to the southwest of Mukhmas. This village is small, and is half in ruins. Among these there are occasionally seen large hewn stones, indicating antiquity. There is here the ruin of a small tower almost solid, and a small building having the appearance of an ancient church. It is an elevated place from which several villages are visible. - Robinson’ s "Bib. Researches,"ii. p. 113.

Is fled - That is, the inhabitants have fled. Such was the consternation produced by the march of the army of Sennacherib, that the city was thrown into commotion, and left empty.

Barnes: Isa 10:30 - -- Lift up thy voice - That is, cry aloud from alarm and terror. The prophet here changes the manner of describing the advance of Sennacherib. He ...

Lift up thy voice - That is, cry aloud from alarm and terror. The prophet here changes the manner of describing the advance of Sennacherib. He had described his rapid march from place to place Isa 10:28-29, and the consternation at Ramah and Gibeah; he now changes the mode of description, and calls on Gallim to lift up her voice of alarm at the approach of the army, so that it might reverberate among the hills, and be heard by neighboring towns.

Daughter - A term often applied to a beautiful city or town; see the note at Isa 1:8.

Gallim - This was a city of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem. It is mentioned only in this place and in 1Sa 25:44. No traces of this place are now to be found.

Cause it to be heard - That is, cause thy voice to be heard. Raise the cry of distress and alarm.

Unto Laish - There was a city of this name in the northern part of Palestine, in the bounds of the tribe of Dan; Jdg 18:7, Jdg 18:29. But it is contrary to all the circumstances of the case to suppose, that the prophet refers to a place in the north of Palestine. It was probably a small village in the neighborhood of Gallim. There are at present no traces of the village; in 1 Macc. 9:9, a city of this name is mentioned in the vicinity of Jerusalem, which is, doubtless, the one here referred to.

O poor Anathoth - Anathoth was a city of Benjamin Jos 21:18, where Jeremiah was born; Jer 1:1. ‘ Anata, which is, doubtless, the same place here intended, is situated on a broad ridge of land, at the distance of one hour and a quarter, or about three miles, from Jerusalem. Josephus describes Anathoth as twenty stadia distant from Jerusalem (Ant. x. 7, 3); and Eusebius and Jerome mention it as about three miles to the north of the city. ‘ Anata appears to have been once a walled town, and a place of strength. Portions of the wall still remain, built of large hewn stones, and apparently ancient, as are also the foundations of some of the houses. The houses are few, and the people are poor and miserable. From this point there is an extensive view over the whole eastern slope of the mountainous country of Benjamin, including all the valley of the Jordan, and the northern part of the Dead Sea. From this place, also, several of the villages here mentioned are visible. - Robinson’ s "Bib. Researches,"ii. pp. 109-111.

The word "poor,"applied to it here ( עניה ‛ănı̂yâh ) denotes afflicted, oppressed; and the language is that of pity, on account of the impending calamity, and is not designed to be descriptive of its ordinary state. The language in the Hebrew is a paranomasia, a species of writing quite common in the sacred writings; see Gen 1:2; Gen 4:12; Isa 28:10, Isa 28:13; Joe 1:15; Isa 32:7; Mic 1:10, Mic 1:14; Zep 2:4; compare Stuart’ s "Heb. Gram."Ed. 1, Section 246. The figure abounded not only in the Hebrew but among the Orientals generally. Lowth reads this, ‘ Answer her, O Anathoth;’ following in this the Syriac version, which reads the word rendered "poor"( עניה ‛ănı̂yâh ) as a verb from ענה ‛ânâh , to answer, or respond, and supposes that the idea is retained of an "echo,"or reverberation among the hills, from which he thinks "Anathoth,"from the same verb, took its name. But the meaning of the Hebrew text is that given in our translation. The simple idea is that of neighboring cities and towns lifting up the voice of alarm; at the approach of the enemy.

Barnes: Isa 10:31 - -- Madmenah - This city is mentioned nowhere else. The city of Madmanna, or Medemene, mentioned in Jos 15:31, was in the bounds of the tribe of Si...

Madmenah - This city is mentioned nowhere else. The city of Madmanna, or Medemene, mentioned in Jos 15:31, was in the bounds of the tribe of Simeon, and was far south, toward Gaza. It cannot be the place intended here.

Is removed - Or, the inhabitants have fled from fear; see Isa 10:29.

Gebim - This place is unknown. It is nowhere else mentioned.

Gather themselves to flee - A description of the alarm prevailing at the approach of Sennacherib.

Barnes: Isa 10:32 - -- As yet shall he remain - This is still a description of his advancing toward Jerusalem. He would make a station at Nob and remain there a day, ...

As yet shall he remain - This is still a description of his advancing toward Jerusalem. He would make a station at Nob and remain there a day, meaning, perhaps, "only"one day, such would be his impatience to attack and destroy Jerusalem.

At Nob - Nob was a city of Benjamin, inhabited by priests; Neh 11:32. When David was driven away by Saul, he came to this city, and received supplies from Ahimelech the priest; 1Sa 21:1-6. Nob must have been situated somewhere upon the ridge of the mount of Olives, to the northeast of the city. So Jerome, professedly from Hebrew tradition, says, ‘ Stans in oppidulo Nob et procul urbem conspiciens Jerusalem.’ - "Commentary in loc ."Messrs. Robinson and Smith sought all along the ridge of the mount of Olives, from the Damascus road to the summit opposite to the city, for some traces of an ancient site which might be regarded as the place of Nob; but without the slightest success. - "Bib. Researches,"ii. p. 150.

He shall shake his hand - That is, in the attitude of menace, or threatening. This language implies, that the city of Nob was so near to Jerusalem that the latter city could be seen from it; and the description denotes, that at the sight of Jerusalem Sennacherib would be full of indignation, and utter against it the threat of speedy and complete ruin.

The mount of the daughter of Zion - See the note at Isa 1:8. The Chaldee renders this, ‘ He shall come, and stand in Nob, the city of the priests, over against the wall of Jerusalem, and shall answer and say to his army, "Is not this that city of Jerusalem against which I have assembled all my armies, and on account of which I have made an exaction on all my provinces? And lo, it is less and more feeble than any of the defenses of the people which I have subjected in the strength of my hand."Over against that he shall stand, and shake his head, and shall bring his hand against the mount of the sanctuary which is Zion, and against the court which is in Jerusalem.’ Jarchi and Kimchi say, that Nob was so near to Jerusalem that it could be seen from thence; and hence, this is mentioned as the last station of the army of the Assyrian, the end of his march, and where the prize seemed to be within his grasp.

Barnes: Isa 10:33 - -- Behold, the Lord ... - The prophet had described, in the previous verses, the march of the Assyrians toward Jerusalem, station by station. He h...

Behold, the Lord ... - The prophet had described, in the previous verses, the march of the Assyrians toward Jerusalem, station by station. He had accompanied him in his description until he had arrived in full sight of the city, which was the object of all his preparation. He had described the consternation which was felt at his approach in all the smaller towns. Nothing had been able to stand before him; and now, flushed with success, and confident that Jerusalem would fall, he stands before the devoted city. But here, the prophet announces that his career was to close; and here his arms to be stayed. Here he was to meet with an overthrow, and Jerusalem would still be safe. This is the design of the prophecy, to comfort the inhabitants of Jerusalem with the assurance that they still would be safe.

Will lop the bough - The word "bough"here ( פארה pû'râh ) is from פאר pâ'ar to adorn, to beautify; and is given to a branch or bough of a tree on account of its beauty. It is, therefore, descriptive of that which is beautiful, honored, proud; and is applied to the Assyrian on account of his pride and magnificence. In Isa 10:18-19, the prophet had described the army of the Assyrian as a magnificent forest. Here he says that the glory of that army should be destroyed, as the vitality and beauty of the waving bough of a tree is quickly destroyed when it is lopped with an axe. There can scarcely be conceived a description, that would more beautifully represent the fading strength of the army of the Assyrian than this.

With terror - In such a way as to inspire terror.

The high ones of stature - The chief men and officers of the army.

Barnes: Isa 10:34 - -- And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest - The army of the Assyrians, described here as a thick, dense forest; compare Isa 10:18-19. ...

And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest - The army of the Assyrians, described here as a thick, dense forest; compare Isa 10:18-19.

With iron - As a forest is cut down with an axe, so the prophet uses this phrase here, to keep up and carry out the figure. The army was destroyed with the pestilence 2Ki 19:35; but it fell as certainly as a forest falls before the axe.

And Lebanon - Lebanon is here evidently descriptive of the army of the Assyrian, retaining the idea of a beautiful and magnificent forest. Thus, in Eze 31:3, it is said, ‘ the king of the Assyrians was a cedar of Lebanon with fair branches.’ Lebanon is usually applied to the Jews as descriptive of them (Jer 22:6, Jer 22:23; Zec 10:10; 11: l), but it is evidently applied here to the Assyrian army; and the sense is, that that army should be soon and certainly destroyed, and that, therefore, the inhabitants of Jerusalem had no cause of alarm; see the notes at Isa. 37.

Poole: Isa 10:28 - -- He is come to Aiath: here the prophet returns to his former discourse concerning the Assyrian invasion into Judah; which he describes, after the mann...

He is come to Aiath: here the prophet returns to his former discourse concerning the Assyrian invasion into Judah; which he describes, after the manner of the prophets, as a thing present, and sets down the several stages by which he marched towards Jerusalem. The places here named are most of them towns of Benjamin, and some of Judah, as appears from other scriptures; of which it is needless to say more in this place.

He to wit, Sennacherib, king of Assyria,

is come in his way to Jerusalem.

He hath laid up his carriages leaving such things there as were less necessary, that so he might march with more expedition. Heb. he visited his vessels or instruments ; which may be meant of his taking a survey of his army and artillery, to see that all things were ready for his enterprise.

Poole: Isa 10:29 - -- The passage some considerable passage then well known, possibly that 1Sa 14:4 . The people fled to Jerusalem for fear of the Assyrian.

The passage some considerable passage then well known, possibly that 1Sa 14:4 . The people fled to Jerusalem for fear of the Assyrian.

Poole: Isa 10:30 - -- O daughter of Gallim: Jerusalem was the mother city, and lesser towns are commonly called her daughters , as hath been oft noted.

O daughter of Gallim: Jerusalem was the mother city, and lesser towns are commonly called her daughters , as hath been oft noted.

Poole: Isa 10:32 - -- He shall shake his hand by way of commination. But withal he intimates that he should be able to do no more against it, and that there his proud wave...

He shall shake his hand by way of commination. But withal he intimates that he should be able to do no more against it, and that there his proud waves should be stayed, as it is declared in the following verses, and in the history.

Poole: Isa 10:33 - -- The bough the top bough, Sennacherib; or, the boughs his valiant soldiers or commanders of his army, which he compareth to a forest, Isa 10:18,34 ....

The bough the top bough, Sennacherib; or,

the boughs his valiant soldiers or commanders of his army, which he compareth to a forest, Isa 10:18,34 .

With terror with a most terrible and amazing stroke by an angel.

Poole: Isa 10:34 - -- With iron or, as with iron , as the trees of the forest are cut down by instruments of iron. And Lebanon or, his Lebanon , the pronoun being oft ...

With iron or, as with iron , as the trees of the forest are cut down by instruments of iron.

And Lebanon or, his Lebanon , the pronoun being oft understood in the Hebrew text; the Assyrian army, which being before compared to a forest or wood, and being called his Carmel in the Hebrew text, Isa 10:18 , may very fitly, upon the same ground, be called his Lebanon here; especially considering that the king of Assyria is called a cedar of Lebanon, Eze 31:3 .

By a mighty one by a mighty angel, Isa 37:36 .

Haydock: Isa 10:28 - -- Into Aiath, &c. Here the prophet describes the march of the Assyrians under Sennacherib; and the terror they should carry with them; and how they sh...

Into Aiath, &c. Here the prophet describes the march of the Assyrians under Sennacherib; and the terror they should carry with them; and how they should suddenly be destroyed. (Challoner)

Haydock: Isa 10:29 - -- Lodging. Here, say the Assyrians, we will encamp.

Lodging. Here, say the Assyrians, we will encamp.

Haydock: Isa 10:31 - -- Take. Protestants, "gather themselves to flee." (Haydock)

Take. Protestants, "gather themselves to flee." (Haydock)

Haydock: Isa 10:32 - -- Nobe. He may arrive thither shortly, in the environs of Jerusalem. (Calmet) --- Septuagint, "exhort to-day, that they may continue on the road. C...

Nobe. He may arrive thither shortly, in the environs of Jerusalem. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "exhort to-day, that they may continue on the road. Comfort with the hand the daughter of Sion, thou rock and hills within Jerusalem." (Haydock) ---

Hand. As Nicanor did against the temple, 2 Machabees xv. 32. (Calmet)

Haydock: Isa 10:33 - -- Vessel. Like Gideon, when he attacked Madian, ver. 26., and Judges vii. 19. Septuagint, "the nobles." (Haydock) --- Hebrew, "their beauty." The ...

Vessel. Like Gideon, when he attacked Madian, ver. 26., and Judges vii. 19. Septuagint, "the nobles." (Haydock) ---

Hebrew, "their beauty." The empire of Assyria shall presently fall. (Calmet)

Gill: Isa 10:28 - -- He is come to Aiath,.... In this and the following verses is prophetically described the expedition of Sennacherib to Jerusalem, when he either went f...

He is come to Aiath,.... In this and the following verses is prophetically described the expedition of Sennacherib to Jerusalem, when he either went from Assyria, or returned from Egypt thither; and the several places are mentioned, through or by which he passed, or near to which he came, the tidings of which greatly distressed the inhabitants of them; and the first that is named is Ajath, thought to be the same with Ai, which was beside Bethaven, and on the east side of Bethel, Jos 7:2 and though it was burnt, and made desolate by Joshua, Jos 8:28 yet it was afterwards rebuilt, for it was in being in Nehemiah's time; or at least there was a place of this name, which was upon or near the spot where this stood, since it is mentioned with Geba, Michmash, and Bethel, Neh 11:31 according to the ancient Jewish writers w, it lay three miles from Jericho. Jerom x calls it Agai, and says that in his time there was scarce any remains of it, only the place was shown.

He is passed to Migron; this place, as the former, was in the tribe of Benjamin; mention is made of it, as in the uttermost part of Gibeah, 1Sa 14:2. Sennacherib seems not to have stayed either in this, or the former place:

at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages; here was a passage, called the passage of Michmash, where was the garrison of the Philistines; and on each side of it were two rocks, one called Bozez, and the other Seneh; one of which fronted Michmash to the north, and the other Gibeah to the south, 1Sa 13:23 by Josephus y it is called Mechmas, a city; and so it is in the Apocrypha:

"Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.'' (1 Maccabees 9:73)

In Jerom's time it was a very large village, who says it was nine miles from Jerusalem z: mention is made of it in the Misna a, as famous for the best fine flour; and this the king of Assyria made his magazine, and in it laid up his provisions and warlike stores, from whence he might be supplied upon occasion. The words may be rendered, "he hath laid up his arms"; and Kimchi thinks he left the greatest part of his arms here, and went in haste to Jerusalem, imagining he should have no occasion for them, but should easily take it. The Targum is,

"at Micmas he shall appoint the princes of his army;''

the generals of it: perhaps the sense is, that here he made a muster of his army, examined the arms of his soldiers, appointed the proper officers, and gave them their instructions.

Gill: Isa 10:29 - -- They are gone over the passage,.... Or "from the passage" b; not of Jordan, as the Targum; but rather of Michmash, 1Sa 13:23 this to be understood of ...

They are gone over the passage,.... Or "from the passage" b; not of Jordan, as the Targum; but rather of Michmash, 1Sa 13:23 this to be understood of the king of Assyria with his army:

they have taken up their lodging at Geba; or "Geba was their lodging"; that is, for a night only; not that they continued here for any time, as our version seems to suggest. This was a city in the tribe of Benjamin, Jos 21:17 called Geba of Benjamin, 1Ki 15:22.

Ramah is afraid; the inhabitants of it, as the Targum, at the report of the march of the king of Assyria and his army, and their being near to them. Ramah was in the tribe of Benjamin, Jos 18:25 it is mentioned with Gibeah in Hos 5:8 upon which place Jerom says it was seven miles from Jerusalem; but elsewhere c he says it was but six, and was to the north against Bethel. See Jdg 19:13.

Gibeah of Saul is fled; that is, the inhabitants of it fled, upon hearing the king of Assyria with his army was coming that way. This was also a city of Benjamin, and is called Gibeah of Benjamin, 1Sa 13:2 and Gibeah of Saul, 1Sa 11:4 as here; either because he was born there, as Jerom d affirms; and certain it is, that he was of the tribe of Benjamin; or because he built it, or at least a palace in it to dwell in, as Kimchi thinks; and it is plain he dwelt here, for it is called his home, 1Sa 10:26 the name of the place with Josephus e is Gabathsaoula, which he makes to be thirty furlongs or four miles from Jerusalem, and says it signifies "Saul's hill", and that it was situated in a place called the Valley of Thorns.

Gill: Isa 10:30 - -- Lift up that voice, O daughter of Gallim,.... In a mournful and lamentable manner, and yet with such a clear loud voice, as to be heard afar off: the ...

Lift up that voice, O daughter of Gallim,.... In a mournful and lamentable manner, and yet with such a clear loud voice, as to be heard afar off: the word is sometimes used for making a joyful sound, and of the neighing of horses. The inhabitants of Gallim are meant by its daughter; of this place was Phalti, who married Michal, Saul's daughter; very probably it was in the tribe of Benjamin. Jerom f makes mention of Accaron, a village, which was called Gallim.

Cause it to be heard unto Laish; if this was the place the Danites took, and called it Dan, it was on the northern border of Judea, in the furthermost part of the land; hence the phrase, from Dan to Beersheba; it was near to Caesarea or Paneas, from whence the river Jordan took its rise; and was a great way off, either of Gallim or Anathoth, for the voice of them to be heard.

O poor Anathoth! this was a city in the tribe of Benjamin, Jos 21:18 it was the native place of the Prophet Jeremiah, Jer 1:1 according to Josephus g, it was twenty furlongs from Jerusalem; and, according to Jerom h, three miles: it is called "poor", because it was but a poor mean village; or because it would now become so, through the ravages of the Assyrian army.

Gill: Isa 10:31 - -- Madmenah is removed,.... That is, the inhabitants of it, who removed from thence upon hearing that the Assyrian army had invaded the land, and was com...

Madmenah is removed,.... That is, the inhabitants of it, who removed from thence upon hearing that the Assyrian army had invaded the land, and was coming up to Jerusalem. There was a place called Madmannah, which lay in the southern part of the tribe of Judah, Jos 15:31 which, Jerom i says, was then called Memris, and was near the city of Gaza; but whether the same with this is not certain.

The inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee; of this place we have no account any where. Hillerus k thinks the whole name of the city was Joshebehaggebim, which we render "the inhabitants of Gebim"; and supposes it had its name from the ditches that were in it, or about it.

Gill: Isa 10:32 - -- As yet shall he remain at Nob that day,.... The same day he came from Gebim; and proceed no further as yet, but make a short stay, and prepare himself...

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day,.... The same day he came from Gebim; and proceed no further as yet, but make a short stay, and prepare himself and army to march to Jerusalem the next day: the Jews say l, that he performed all his journeys in one day; the same day he came to Ajath he came to Nob, where he stayed the remaining part of the day. Nob was a city of the priests, 1Sa 22:19 and so it is called in the Targum here; it was so near Jerusalem, that, as Jarchi and Kimchi say, it might be seen from hence; wherefore here he stood, in sight of Jerusalem; against the wall of it, the Targum says; and did as follows:

he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem; threatening what he would do to it, and despising it as unable to hold out against him; or the sense is this, yet a day, or in a day's time, from the last place where he was; he shall come to Nob, and there shall he stop, and go no further: or, "the mountain of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem, shall shake its hand"; bidding him defiance, insulting over him, or rejoicing at the fall of the Assyrian army. Wherefore it follows:

Gill: Isa 10:33 - -- Behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror,.... Cut off the king of Assyria and his army, in a most terrible manner; "the gl...

Behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror,.... Cut off the king of Assyria and his army, in a most terrible manner; "the glory" of it, as in Isa 10:18 the word signifies that which is the ornament, the beauty and glory, of the tree. The Septuagint render it, "the glorious ones"; and the Arabic version, "the nobles", the generals, and principal officers of the army; the Targum is,

"behold, the Lord of the world, the Lord of hosts, shall cast forth the slain in his camp, as grapes that are trod in a winepress.''

And the high ones of stature shall be hewn down; the princes of Assyria, so boasted of as kings, Isa 10:8 comparable to tall trees, to oaks and cedars:

and the haughty shall be humbled; who, like their monarch, boasted of their wisdom and strength, Isa 10:12 but now both he and they will be brought very low.

Gill: Isa 10:34 - -- And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron,.... The multitude of the common soldiers, the whole body of the army, by means of one of h...

And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron,.... The multitude of the common soldiers, the whole body of the army, by means of one of his angels, that excel in strength, for which he is compared to "iron"; and which is explained in the next clause:

and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one; the Assyrian army is compared to the forest of Lebanon, for the multitude of trees in it, and the tallness of its cedars, it abounding not only with common soldiers, but with great men; so it is compared to a forest, and to Carmel, or a fruitful field, in Isa 10:18 and the Assyrian monarch is said to be a cedar in Lebanon, Eze 31:3 which fell by the hands of one of the mighty angels, 2Ki 19:35 some, because of this last clause, think that this and the preceding verse Isa 10:33 are to be understood of the calamities that should come upon the Jews, at the time of the Babylonish captivity; for though Sennacherib should stop at Nob; and proceed no further, however should not be able to take Jerusalem, yet hereafter a successor of his should; and, according to this sense, by the "bough" lopped may be meant Jeconiah, or Zedekiah king of Judah; by the "high ones of stature", and the "haughty" ones, his children, the princes of the blood, and the nobles of the land; and by the "thickets of the forest", the common people, who were either killed or carried captive; and by Lebanon, the temple, Zec 11:1 and by the "mighty one", Nebuchadnezzar that burnt it. And some of the ancient Jews interpret this last clause of the destruction of the temple by Vespasian; they observe upon this passage in one place m, there is no mighty one but a king, as in Jer 30:21 and there is no Lebanon but the house of the sanctuary, according to Deu 3:25 wherefore when a certain Jew saluted Vespasian as a king, and he replied that he was no king, the Jew made answer, if thou art not a king, thou shall be one; for this house (meaning the temple) shall not be destroyed but by the hands of a king, as it is said, "and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one" n.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Isa 10:28 Heb “came against,” or “came to.”

NET Notes: Isa 10:30 The Hebrew text reads “Poor [is] Anathoth.” The parallelism is tighter if עֲנִיָּה (’...

NET Notes: Isa 10:32 The consonantal text (Kethib) has “a mountain of a house (בֵּית, bet), Zion,” but the marginal reading (Qere...

NET Notes: Isa 10:33 Heb “the exalted of the height.” This could refer to the highest branches (cf. TEV) or the tallest trees (cf. NIV, NRSV).

NET Notes: Isa 10:34 The Hebrew text has, “and Lebanon, by/as [?] a mighty one, will fall.” The translation above takes the preposition בְּ (...

Geneva Bible: Isa 10:28 He is come to ( y ) Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath attended to his carriages: ( y ) He describes by what way the Assyrians would ...

Geneva Bible: Isa 10:33 Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the ( z ) bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall b...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Isa 10:1-34 - --1 The woe of tyrants.5 Assyria, the rod of hypocrites, for his pride shall be broken.20 A remnant of Israel shall be saved.24 Judah is comforted with ...

MHCC: Isa 10:20-34 - --By our afflictions we may learn not to make creatures our confidence. Those only can with comfort stay upon God, who return to him in truth, not in pr...

Matthew Henry: Isa 10:24-34 - -- The prophet, in his preaching, distinguishes between the precious and the vile; for God in his providence, even in the same providence, does so. He ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 10:28-34 - -- Aesthetically considered, the description is one of the most magnificent that human poetry has ever produced. "He comes upon Ayyath, passes through...

Constable: Isa 7:1--39:8 - --III. Israel's crisis of faith chs. 7--39 This long section of the book deals with Israel's major decision in Isa...

Constable: Isa 7:1--12:6 - --A. The choice between trusting God or Assyria chs. 7-12 This section of Isaiah provides a historical int...

Constable: Isa 10:5--12:1 - --3. Hope of God's deliverance 10:5-11:16 Earlier (7:1-8:22) God revealed that He would use Assyri...

Constable: Isa 10:5-34 - --The destruction of the destroyer 10:5-34 This segment presents Yahweh as the transcenden...

Constable: Isa 10:28-34 - --A description of Assyria's attack and judgment 10:28-34 10:28-32 Isaiah foresaw the Assyrian army descending on Jerusalem from the north passing throu...

Guzik: Isa 10:1-34 - --Isaiah 10 - Assyria Judged Since Isaiah 10:1-4 connects with Isaiah 9, it is examined in the previous chapter. A. God's judgment on arrogant Assyria. ...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Isaiah (Book Introduction) ISAIAH, son of Amoz (not Amos); contemporary of Jonah, Amos, Hosea, in Israel, but younger than they; and of Micah, in Judah. His call to a higher deg...

JFB: Isaiah (Outline) PARABLE OF JEHOVAH'S VINEYARD. (Isa. 5:1-30) SIX DISTINCT WOES AGAINST CRIMES. (Isa. 5:8-23) (Lev 25:13; Mic 2:2). The jubilee restoration of posses...

TSK: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Isaiah has, with singular propriety, been denominated the Evangelical Prophet, on account of the number and variety of his prophecies concerning the a...

TSK: Isaiah 10 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Isa 10:1, The woe of tyrants; Isa 10:5, Assyria, the rod of hypocrites, for his pride shall be broken; Isa 10:20, A remnant of Israel sha...

Poole: Isaiah (Book Introduction) THE ARGUMENT THE teachers of the ancient church were of two sorts: 1. Ordinary, the priests and Levites. 2. Extraordinary, the prophets. These we...

Poole: Isaiah 10 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 10 The woe of unjust oppressors, Isa 10:1-4 : of Assyria for their pride and ambition: his folly in it, Isa 10:5-19 . A remnant of Israel s...

MHCC: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Isaiah prophesied in the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He has been well called the evangelical prophet, on account of his numerous and...

MHCC: Isaiah 10 (Chapter Introduction) (Isa 10:1-4) Woes against proud oppressors. (Isa 10:5-19) The Assyrian but an instrument in the hand of God for the punishment of his people. (Isa 1...

Matthew Henry: Isaiah (Book Introduction) An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of The Book of the Prophet Isaiah Prophet is a title that sounds very great to those that understand it, t...

Matthew Henry: Isaiah 10 (Chapter Introduction) The prophet, in this chapter, is dealing, I. With the proud oppressors of his people at home, that abused their power, to pervert justice, whom he...

Constable: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Introduction Title and writer The title of this book of the Bible, as is true of the o...

Constable: Isaiah (Outline) Outline I. Introduction chs. 1-5 A. Israel's condition and God's solution ch. 1 ...

Constable: Isaiah Isaiah Bibliography Alexander, Joseph Addison. Commentary on the Prophecies of Isaiah. 1846, 1847. Revised ed. ...

Haydock: Isaiah (Book Introduction) THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAS. INTRODUCTION. This inspired writer is called by the Holy Ghost, (Ecclesiasticus xlviii. 25.) the great prophet; from t...

Gill: Isaiah (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH This book is called, in the New Testament, sometimes "the Book of the Words of the Prophet Esaias", Luk 3:4 sometimes only t...

Gill: Isaiah 10 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 10 This chapter contains denunciations of punishment, first on the governors of the Jewish nation, and then upon the Assyria...

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