Isaiah
Verse 1. Damascus. When it was taken by Theglathphalassar, or rather by Sennacherib. Calmet. 10:8. It was again ruined by Nabuchodonosor. Jeremiah 49:24. But after the first taking, it never regained its power. Magni nominis umbra. Calmet.
EXPLANATIONS
Isaiah 17
Historical chapter commentary
Isaiah
Verse 2. Aroer. Chal. “abandoned, shall be folds for sheep.” Septuagint “left for ever a resting place for flocks and herds, and none shall pursue.” The tribes on the east of the Jordan shall be led captive, as well as those on the west, Ephraim, and so forth Bible.
Isaiah
Verse 3. Damascus. Their too great union proved their ruin. Sennacherib took Damascus, as Salmanasar had done Samaria.
Isaiah
Verse 4. Lean. All the power of the kingdom shall fail, as in a mortal illness.
Isaiah
Verse 5. Raphaim. Near Jerusalem. 3 Kennicott. 21:13. Septuagint “of stones.” Calmet.—It will be equally difficult to find any men left in the kingdom of Israel. Bible.
Isaiah
Verse 7. Israel. They obeyed the summons of Ezechias and of Josias, (2 Chronicles 30:1 and 34:6) and every after followed the same worship as Juda. Calmet.
Isaiah
Verse 9. Left. By the Chanaanites, when the children of Israel came into their land. Challoner.—Their consternation was become proverbial. Joshua 2:9 and 5:11.
Isaiah
Verse 10. Good. Septuagint “fruitless.” Israel had abandoned the Lord; and could expect nothing but the fruits of death. Calmet.
Isaiah
Verse 11. Much. Thou hast laboured earnestly, but reaped no benefit. Bible.
Isaiah
Verse 12. Multitude, and so forth This and all that follows to the end of the chapter, relates to the Assyrian army under Sennacherib, ( Challoner.) or rather to that of Israel and its allies. Calmet.—After the Assyrians had afflicted Israel, they were also punished. Worthington.
Isaiah
Verse 14. Not be. Phacee and Rasin were presently exterminated.—Spoiled us. The kingdom of Achaz. 4 Kennicott. 17:5.