Isaiah 9:14

9:14 So the Lord cut off Israel’s head and tail,

both the shoots and stalk ¹  in one day.

Isaiah 19:15

19:15 Egypt will not be able to do a thing,

head or tail, shoots and stalk. ² 

Isaiah 58:5

58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want? ³ 

Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, ⁴ 

bowing their heads like a reed

and stretching out ⁵  on sackcloth and ashes?

Is this really what you call a fast,

a day that is pleasing to the Lord?

[9:14]  ¹ sn The metaphor in this line is that of a reed being cut down.

[19:15]  ² tn Heb “And there will not be for Egypt a deed, which head and tail, shoot and stalk can do.” In 9:14-15 the phrase “head or tail” refers to leaders and prophets, respectively. This interpretation makes good sense in this context, where both leaders and advisers (probably including prophets and diviners) are mentioned (vv. 11-14). Here, as in 9:14, “shoots and stalk” picture a reed, which symbolizes the leadership of the nation in its entirety.

[58:5]  ³ tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”

[58:5]  ⁴ tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[58:5]  ⁵ tn Or “making [their] bed.”