Isaiah 27:4

27:4 I am not angry.

I wish I could confront some thorns and briers!

Then I would march against them ¹  for battle;

I would set them ²  all on fire,

Isaiah 28:6

28:6 He will give discernment to the one who makes judicial decisions,

and strength to those who defend the city from attackers. ³ 

Isaiah 41:12

41:12 When you will look for your opponents, ⁴  you will not find them;

your enemies ⁵  will be reduced to absolutely nothing.

[27:4]  ¹ tn Heb “it.” The feminine singular suffix apparently refers back to the expression “thorns and briers,” understood in a collective sense. For other examples of a cohortative expressing resolve after a hypothetical statement introduced by נָתַן with מִי (miwith natan), see Judg 9:29; Jer 9:1-2; Ps 55:6.

[27:4]  ² tn Heb “it.” The feminine singular suffix apparently refers back to the expression “thorns and briers,” understood in a collective sense.

[28:6]  ³ tn Heb “and [he will become] a spirit of justice for the one who sits [i.e., presides] over judgment, // and strength [for] the ones who turn back battle at the city gate.” The Lord will provide internal stability and national security.

[41:12]  ⁵ tn Heb “the men of your struggle”; NASB “those who quarrel with you.”

[41:12]  ⁶ tn Heb “the men of your battle”; NAB “who do battle with you.”