Isaiah 14:17

14:17 Is this the one who made the world like a desert,

who ruined its ¹  cities,

and refused to free his prisoners so they could return home?”’ ² 

Isaiah 22:22

22:22 I will place the key ³  to the house of David on his shoulder. When he opens the door, no one can close it; when he closes the door, no one can open it.

Isaiah 50:5

50:5 The sovereign Lord has spoken to me clearly; ⁴ 

I have not rebelled,

I have not turned back.

[14:17]  ¹ tc The pronominal suffix is masculine, even though its antecedent appears to be the grammatically feminine noun “world.” Some have suggested that the form עָרָיו (’arayv, plural noun with third masculine singular suffix) should be emended to עָרֶיהָ (’areha, plural noun with third feminine singular suffix). This emendation may be unnecessary in light of other examples of lack of agreement a suffix and its antecedent noun.

[14:17]  ² tn Heb “and his prisoners did not let loose to [their] homes.” This really means, “he did not let loose his prisoners and send them back to their homes.’ On the elliptical style, see GKC 366 §117.o.

[22:22]  ³ sn This may refer to a literal insignia worn by the chief administrator. Even so, it would still symbolize the administrator’s authority to grant or exclude access to the king. See J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT), 1:422.

[50:5]  ⁵ tn Or perhaps, “makes me obedient.” The text reads literally, “has opened for me an ear.”