7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord H136 bringeth up H5927 upon them the waters H4325 of the river, H5104 strong H6099 and many, H7227 even the king H4428 of Assyria, H804 and all his glory: H3519 and he shall come up H5927 over all his channels, H650 and go over H1980 all his banks: H1415
Woe H1945 to the multitude H1995 of many H7227 people, H5971 which make a noise H1993 like the noise H1993 of the seas; H3220 and to the rushing H7588 of nations, H3816 that make a rushing like the rushing H7582 of mighty H3524 waters! H4325 The nations H3816 shall rush H7582 like the rushing H7588 of many H7227 waters: H4325 but God shall rebuke H1605 them, and they shall flee H5127 far off, H4801 and shall be chased H7291 as the chaff H4671 of the mountains H2022 before H6440 the wind, H7307 and like a rolling thing H1534 before H6440 the whirlwind. H5492
And G2532 the serpent G3789 cast G906 out of G1537 his G846 mouth G4750 water G5204 as G5613 a flood G4215 after G3694 the woman, G1135 that G2443 he might cause G4160 her G5026 to be carried away of the flood. G4216 And G2532 the earth G1093 helped G997 the woman, G1135 and G2532 the earth G1093 opened G455 her G846 mouth, G4750 and G2532 swallowed up G2666 the flood G4215 which G3739 the dragon G1404 cast G906 out of G1537 his G846 mouth. G4750
The LORD H3068 shall bring H5375 a nation H1471 against thee from far, H7350 from the end H7097 of the earth, H776 as swift as the eagle H5404 flieth; H1675 a nation H1471 whose tongue H3956 thou shalt not understand; H8085 A nation H1471 of fierce H5794 countenance, H6440 which shall not regard H5375 the person H6440 of the old, H2205 nor shew favour H2603 to the young: H5288 And he shall eat H398 the fruit H6529 of thy cattle, H929 and the fruit H6529 of thy land, H127 until thou be destroyed: H8045 which also shall not leave H7604 thee either corn, H1715 wine, H8492 or oil, H3323 or the increase H7698 of thy kine, H504 or flocks H6251 of thy sheep, H6629 until he have destroyed H6 thee. And he shall besiege H6887 thee in all thy gates, H8179 until thy high H1364 and fenced H1219 walls H2346 come down, H3381 wherein H2004 thou trustedst, H982 throughout all thy land: H776 and he shall besiege H6887 thee in all thy gates H8179 throughout all thy land, H776 which the LORD H3068 thy God H430 hath given H5414 thee.
Behold, the Assyrian H804 was a cedar H730 in Lebanon H3844 with fair H3303 branches, H6057 and with a shadowing H6751 shroud, H2793 and of an high H1362 stature; H6967 and his top H6788 was among the thick boughs. H5688 The waters H4325 made him great, H1431 the deep H8415 set him up on high H7311 with her rivers H5104 running H1980 round about H5439 his plants, H4302 and sent out H7971 her little rivers H8585 unto all the trees H6086 of the field. H7704 Therefore his height H6967 was exalted H1361 above all the trees H6086 of the field, H7704 and his boughs H5634 were multiplied, H7235 and his branches H6288 became long H748 because of the multitude H7227 of waters, H4325 when he shot forth. H7971 All the fowls H5775 of heaven H8064 made their nests H7077 in his boughs, H5589 and under his branches H6288 did all the beasts H2416 of the field H7704 bring forth their young, H3205 and under his shadow H6738 dwelt H3427 all great H7227 nations. H1471 Thus was he fair H3302 in his greatness, H1433 in the length H753 of his branches: H1808 for his root H8328 was by great H7227 waters. H4325 The cedars H730 in the garden H1588 of God H430 could not hide H6004 him: the fir trees H1265 were not like H1819 his boughs, H5589 and the chesnut trees H6196 were not like his branches; H6288 nor any tree H6086 in the garden H1588 of God H430 was like H1819 unto him in his beauty. H3308 I have made H6213 him fair H3303 by the multitude H7230 of his branches: H1808 so that all the trees H6086 of Eden, H5731 that were in the garden H1588 of God, H430 envied H7065 him. Therefore thus saith H559 the Lord H136 GOD; H3069 Because thou hast lifted up H1361 thyself in height, H6967 and he hath shot up H5414 his top H6788 among the thick boughs, H5688 and his heart H3824 is lifted up H7311 in his height; H1363 I have therefore delivered H5414 him into the hand H3027 of the mighty one H410 of the heathen; H1471 he shall surely H6213 deal H6213 with him: I have driven him out H1644 for his wickedness. H7562 And strangers, H2114 the terrible H6184 of the nations, H1471 have cut him off, H3772 and have left H5203 him: upon the mountains H2022 and in all the valleys H1516 his branches H1808 are fallen, H5307 and his boughs H6288 are broken H7665 by all the rivers H650 of the land; H776 and all the people H5971 of the earth H776 are gone down H3381 from his shadow, H6738 and have left H5203 him. Upon his ruin H4658 shall all the fowls H5775 of the heaven H8064 remain, H7931 and all the beasts H2416 of the field H7704 shall be upon his branches: H6288 To the end that none of all the trees H6086 by the waters H4325 exalt H1361 themselves for their height, H6967 neither shoot up H5414 their top H6788 among the thick boughs, H5688 neither their trees H352 stand up H5975 in their height, H1363 all that drink H8354 water: H4325 for they are all delivered H5414 unto death, H4194 to the nether parts H8482 of the earth, H776 in the midst H8432 of the children H1121 of men, H120 with them that go down H3381 to the pit. H953 Thus saith H559 the Lord H136 GOD; H3069 In the day H3117 when he went down H3381 to the grave H7585 I caused a mourning: H56 I covered H3680 the deep H8415 for him, and I restrained H4513 the floods H5104 thereof, and the great H7227 waters H4325 were stayed: H3607 and I caused Lebanon H3844 to mourn H6937 for him, and all the trees H6086 of the field H7704 fainted H5969 for him. I made the nations H1471 to shake H7493 at the sound H6963 of his fall, H4658 when I cast him down H3381 to hell H7585 with them that descend H3381 into the pit: H953 and all the trees H6086 of Eden, H5731 the choice H4005 and best H2896 of Lebanon, H3844 all that drink H8354 water, H4325 shall be comforted H5162 in the nether parts H8482 of the earth. H776 They also went down H3381 into hell H7585 with him unto them that be slain H2491 with the sword; H2719 and they that were his arm, H2220 that dwelt H3427 under his shadow H6738 in the midst H8432 of the heathen. H1471 To whom art thou thus like H1819 in glory H3519 and in greatness H1433 among the trees H6086 of Eden? H5731 yet shalt thou be brought down H3381 with the trees H6086 of Eden H5731 unto the nether parts H8482 of the earth: H776 thou shalt lie H7901 in the midst H8432 of the uncircumcised H6189 with them that be slain H2491 by the sword. H2719 This is Pharaoh H6547 and all his multitude, H1995 saith H5002 the Lord H136 GOD. H3069
Who is this that cometh up H5927 as a flood, H2975 whose waters H4325 are moved H1607 as the rivers? H5104 Egypt H4714 riseth up H5927 like a flood, H2975 and his waters H4325 are moved H1607 like the rivers; H5104 and he saith, H559 I will go up, H5927 and will cover H3680 the earth; H776 I will destroy H6 the city H5892 and the inhabitants H3427 thereof.
For he saith, H559 Are not my princes H8269 altogether H3162 kings? H4428 Is not Calno H3641 as Carchemish? H3751 is not Hamath H2574 as Arpad? H774 is not Samaria H8111 as Damascus? H1834 As my hand H3027 hath found H4672 the kingdoms H4467 of the idols, H457 and whose graven images H6456 did excel them of Jerusalem H3389 and of Samaria; H8111 Shall I not, as I have done H6213 unto Samaria H8111 and her idols, H457 so do H6213 to Jerusalem H3389 and her idols? H6091 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord H136 hath performed H1214 his whole work H4639 upon mount H2022 Zion H6726 and on Jerusalem, H3389 I will punish H6485 the fruit H6529 of the stout H1433 heart H3824 of the king H4428 of Assyria, H804 and the glory H8597 of his high H7312 looks. H5869 For he saith, H559 By the strength H3581 of my hand H3027 I have done H6213 it, and by my wisdom; H2451 for I am prudent: H995 and I have removed H5493 the bounds H1367 of the people, H5971 and have robbed H8154 their treasures, H6259 H6264 and I have put down H3381 the inhabitants H3427 like a valiant H47 H3524 man: And my hand H3027 hath found H4672 as a nest H7064 the riches H2428 of the people: H5971 and as one gathereth H622 eggs H1000 that are left, H5800 have I gathered H622 all the earth; H776 and there was none that moved H5074 the wing, H3671 or opened H6475 the mouth, H6310 or peeped. H6850
And it came to pass in the days H3117 of Ahaz H271 the son H1121 of Jotham, H3147 the son H1121 of Uzziah, H5818 king H4428 of Judah, H3063 that Rezin H7526 the king H4428 of Syria, H758 and Pekah H6492 the son H1121 of Remaliah, H7425 king H4428 of Israel, H3478 went up H5927 toward Jerusalem H3389 to war H4421 against it, but could H3201 not prevail H3898 against it. And it was told H5046 the house H1004 of David, H1732 saying, H559 Syria H758 is confederate H5117 with Ephraim. H669 And his heart H3824 was moved, H5128 and the heart H3824 of his people, H5971 as the trees H6086 of the wood H3293 are moved H5128 with H6440 the wind. H7307 Then said H559 the LORD H3068 unto Isaiah, H3470 Go forth H3318 now to meet H7125 Ahaz, H271 thou, and Shearjashub H7610 thy son, H1121 at the end H7097 of the conduit H8585 of the upper H5945 pool H1295 in the highway H4546 of the fuller's H3526 field; H7704 And say H559 unto him, Take heed, H8104 and be quiet; H8252 fear H3372 not, neither be fainthearted H7401 H3824 for the two H8147 tails H2180 of these smoking H6226 firebrands, H181 for the fierce H2750 anger H639 of Rezin H7526 with Syria, H758 and of the son H1121 of Remaliah. H7425 Because Syria, H758 Ephraim, H669 and the son H1121 of Remaliah, H7425 have taken evil H7451 counsel H3289 against thee, saying, H559 Let us go up H5927 against Judah, H3063 and vex H6973 it, and let us make a breach H1234 therein for us, and set H4427 a king H4428 in the midst H8432 of it, even the son H1121 of Tabeal: H2870
And it came to pass in the fourth H7243 year H8141 of king H4428 Hezekiah, H2396 which was the seventh H7637 year H8141 of Hoshea H1954 son H1121 of Elah H425 king H4428 of Israel, H3478 that Shalmaneser H8022 king H4428 of Assyria H804 came up H5927 against Samaria, H8111 and besieged H6696 it. And at the end H7097 of three H7969 years H8141 they took H3920 it: even in the sixth H8337 year H8141 of Hezekiah, H2396 that is the ninth H8672 year H8141 of Hoshea H1954 king H4428 of Israel, H3478 Samaria H8111 was taken. H3920 And the king H4428 of Assyria H804 did carry away H1540 Israel H3478 unto Assyria, H804 and put H5148 them in Halah H2477 and in Habor H2249 by the river H5104 of Gozan, H1470 and in the cities H5892 of the Medes: H4074 Because they obeyed H8085 not the voice H6963 of the LORD H3068 their God, H430 but transgressed H5674 his covenant, H1285 and all that Moses H4872 the servant H5650 of the LORD H3068 commanded, H6680 and would not hear H8085 them, nor do H6213 them.
Against him came up H5927 Shalmaneser H8022 king H4428 of Assyria; H804 and Hoshea H1954 became his servant, H5650 and gave H7725 him presents. H4503 And the king H4428 of Assyria H804 found H4672 conspiracy H7195 in Hoshea: H1954 for he had sent H7971 messengers H4397 to So H5471 king H4428 of Egypt, H4714 and brought H5927 no present H4503 to the king H4428 of Assyria, H804 as he had done year H8141 by year: H8141 therefore the king H4428 of Assyria H804 shut him up, H6113 and bound H631 him in prison. H1004 H3608 Then the king H4428 of Assyria H804 came up H5927 throughout all the land, H776 and went up H5927 to Samaria, H8111 and besieged H6696 it three H7969 years. H8141 In the ninth H8671 year H8141 of Hoshea H1954 the king H4428 of Assyria H804 took H3920 Samaria, H8111 and carried H1540 Israel H3478 away H1540 into Assyria, H804 and placed H3427 them in Halah H2477 and in Habor H2249 by the river H5104 of Gozan, H1470 and in the cities H5892 of the Medes. H4074
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Isaiah 8
Commentary on Isaiah 8 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 8
Isa 8:1-9:7.
The first seven verses of the ninth chapter belong to this section. The eighth chapter continues the subject of the seventh chapter, but at a later period (compare Isa 8:4 with Isa 7:16); implying that the interval till the accomplishment is shorter now than then. The tone of Isa 8:17, 21, 22, expresses calamity more immediate and afflictive than Isa 7:4, 15, 22.
1. great—suitable, for letters large enough to be read by all.
roll—rather, tablet of wood, metal, or stone (Isa 30:8; Hab 2:2); sometimes coated with wax, upon which characters were traced with a pointed instrument, or iron stylus; skins and papyrus were also used (Isa 19:7).
man's pen—that is, in ordinary characters which the humblest can read (so Hab 2:2). Hebrew, enosh means a "common man," is contrasted with the upper ranks (Re 21:17; Ro 3:5). Not in hieroglyphics. The object was that, after the event, all might see that it had been predicted by Isaiah.
concerning—the title and subject of the prophecy.
Maher-shalal-hash-baz—"They (that is, the Assyrians) hasten to the spoil (namely, to spoil Syria and Samaria), they speed to the prey" [Gesenius]. Otherwise, "The spoil (that is, spoiler) hastens, the rapine speeds forward" [Maurer].
2. I took—rather, "The Lord said to me, that I should take," &c. [Maurer].
Uriah—an accomplice of Ahaz in idolatry, and therefore a witness not likely to assist the prophet of God in getting up a prophecy after the event (2Ki 16:10). The witnesses were in order that when the event should come, they might testify that the tablet containing the prophecy had been inscribed with it at the time that it professed.
Zechariah—(2Ch 29:13).
3. prophetess—perhaps the same as the "virgin" (Isa 7:14), in the interim married as Isaiah's second wife: this is in the primary and temporary sense. Immanuel is even in this sense distinct from Maher-shalal-hash-baz. Thus nineteen months at least intervene from the prophecy (Isa 7:14), nine before the birth of Immanuel, and ten from that time to the birth of Maher-shalal-hash-baz: adding eleven or twelve months before the latter could cry, "Father" (Isa 8:4), we have about three years in all, agreeing with Isa 7:15, 16.
4. before, &c.—within a year.
6. waters of Shiloah … softly—Their source is on the southeast of Zion and east of Jerusalem. It means "sent," the water being sent through an aqueduct (Joh 9:7). Figurative for the mild, though now weak, sway of the house of David; in the highest sense Shiloah expresses the benignant sway of Jehovah in the theocracy, administered through David. Contrast to the violent Euphrates, "the river" that typifies Assyria (Isa 8:7; Re 17:15). "This people" refers both to Israel, which preferred an alliance with Rezin of Syria to one with the kings of Judah, and to Judah, a party in which seems to have favored the pretentions of the son of Tabeal against David's line (Isa 7:6); also to Judah's desire to seek an Assyrian alliance is included in the censure (compare Isa 7:17). Isa 8:14 shows that both nations are meant; both alike rejected the divine Shiloah. Not "My people," as elsewhere, when God expresses favor, but "this people" (Isa 6:9).
7. therefore—for the reason given in Isa 8:6, the Assyrian flood, which is first to overflood Syria and Samaria, shall rise high enough to reach rebel Judah also (Isa 8:8).
the river—Euphrates swollen in spring by the melting of the snow of the Armenian mountains (compare Isa 8:6; Isa 7:20).
all his glory—Eastern kings travel with a gorgeous retinue.
channels—natural and artificial in the level region, Mesopotamia.
8. pass through—The flood shall not stop at Syria and Samaria, but shall penetrate into Judea.
the neck—When the waters reach to the neck, a man is near drowning; still the head is not said to be overflowed. Jerusalem, elevated on hills, is the head. The danger shall be so imminent as to reach near it at Sennacherib's invasion in Hezekiah's reign; but it shall be spared (Isa 30:28).
wings—the extreme bands of the Assyrian armies, fulfilled (Isa 36:1; 37:25).
thy land, O Immanuel—Though temporarily applied to Isaiah's son, in the full sense this is applicable only to Messiah, that Judea is His, was, and still is, a pledge that, however sorely overwhelmed, it shall be saved at last; the "head" is safe even now, waiting for the times of restoration (Ac 1:6); at the same time these words imply that, notwithstanding the temporary deliverance from Syria and Israel, implied in "Immanuel," the greatest calamities are to follow to Judah.
9. Associate yourselves—rather, "Raise tumults," or, Rage, that is, Do your worst [Maurer], referring perhaps to the attack of Rezin and Pekah on Jerusalem.
and … be broken in pieces—rather, "yet ye shall be thrown into consternation." Imperative in the Hebrew, according to the idiom whereby the second of two imperatives implies the future, namely, the consequence of the action contained in the first (so Isa 6:9). The name "Immanuel" in Isa 8:8 (compare Isa 8:10) suggests the thought of the ultimate safety of Immanuel's land, both from its present two invaders, and even from the Assyrians, notwithstanding the grievous flood, wherewith the previous verses foretell they shall deluge it. The succession of the house of David cannot be set aside in Judah, for Immanuel Messiah is to be born in it as heir of David, of whom Isaiah's son is but a type (Isa 9:4, 6).
give ear … far countries—witness the discomfiture of Judah's enemies. The prophecy probably looks on also to the final conspiracy of Antichrist and his supporters against the Heir of David's throne in the latter days and their utter overthrow [Horsley].
gird yourselves … gird yourselves—The repetition expresses vehemently the certainty of their being thrown into consternation (not as English Version, "broken in pieces").
10. the word—of command, for the assault of Jerusalem.
God is with us—"Immanuel" implies this (Nu 14:9; Ps 46:7).
11. with a strong hand—or else, "when He grasped me with His hand" [Horsley]. Maurer, as English Version, "with the impetus of His hand," that is, the felt impulse of His inspiration in my mind (Jer 15:17; Eze 1:3; 3:14, 22; 37:1).
way of … people—their distrust of Jehovah, and the panic which led them and Ahab to seek Assyrian aid.
12-16. The words of Jehovah.
confederacy—rather, a conspiracy; an appropriate term for the unnatural combination of Israel with Syrian foreigners against Judea and the theocracy, to which the former was bound by ties of blood and hereditary religion [Maurer].
to all … say—rather, of all which this people calleth a conspiracy [G. V. Smith].
their fear—namely, object of fear: the hostile conspiracy.
be afraid—rather [Maurer], "nor make others to be afraid."
13. Sanctify—Honor His holy name by regarding Him as your only hope of safety (Isa 29:23; Nu 20:12).
him … fear—"fear" lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.
14. sanctuary—inviolable asylum, like the altar of the temple (1Ki 1:50; 2:28; Eze 11:16; compare Pr 18:10); namely, to those who fear and trust in Him.
but … offence—that is, a rock over which they should fall to their hurt; namely those who would not believe.
both … houses—Israel and Judah. Here again the prophecy expands beyond the temporary application in Ahaz' time. The very stone, Immanuel, which would have been a sanctuary on belief, becomes a fatal stumbling-block through unbelief. Jesus Christ refers to this in Mt 21:44. (Compare De 32:4, 15, 18, 30, 31, 37; Da 2:34; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8).
gin—trap, in which birds are unexpectedly caught (Lu 21:35; 1Th 5:2). So at the destruction of Jerusalem under Titus.
15. stumble … taken—images from the means used in taking wild animals.
16. Bind up … seal—What Isaiah had before briefly noted by inscribing Maher-shalal-hash-baz in a tablet, fixed up in some public place, he afterwards wrote out more in detail in a parchment roll (Isa 30:8); this he is now to seal up, not merely in order that nothing may be added to, or taken from it, as being complete, but to imply that it relates to distant events, and is therefore to be a sealed and not understood testimony (Isa 6:9, 10), except in part among God's "disciples," that is, those who "sanctify the Lord" by obedient trust (Ps 25:14). Subsequent revelations would afterwards clear up what now was dark. So the Apocalypse explains what in Daniel was left unexplained (compare Da 8:26; 12:9). "The words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end"; but Re 22:10, "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy … for the time is at hand" (compare Re 5:1, 5, 9),
testimony—attested by Uriah and Zechariah (Isa 8:2).
law—the revelation just given, having the force of a law.
disciples—not as Maurer, Uriah and Zechariah (compare Joh 7:17; 15:15).
17. I—Whatever the rest of the nation may do, I will look to Jehovah alone.
that hideth … face—though He seems now to withdraw His countenance from Judah (the then representative of "the house of Jacob"). Let us wait and trust in, though we cannot see, Him (Isa 50:10; 54:8; Hab 2:3; Lu 2:25, 38).
18. I and the children—Isaiah means "salvation of Jehovah"; His children's names, also (Isa 7:3, 14; 8:3), were "signs" suggestive of the coming and final deliverance.
wonders—that is, symbols of the future (Isa 20:3; Zec 3:8). "Behold I … me" is quoted in Heb 2:13 to prove the manhood of the Messiah. This is the main and ultimate fulfilment of the prophecy; its temporary meaning is applied to Ahaz' time. Isaiah typically, in Isa 8:17, 18, personates Messiah, who is at once "Father" and "Son," Isaiah and Immanuel, "Child" and "Mighty God," and is therefore called here a "wonder," as in Isa 9:6, "Wonderful." Hence in Heb 2:13, believers are called His "children"; but in Isa 8:11, 12, His "brethren." On "the Lord hath given me," see Joh 6:37, 39; 10:29; 17:12.
which dwelleth in … Zion—and will therefore protect Jerusalem.
19. Seek unto—Consult in your national difficulties.
them … familiar spirits—necromancers, spirit charmers. So Saul, when he had forsaken God (1Sa 28:7, &c.), consulted the witch of En-dor in his difficulties. These follow in the wake of idolatry, which prevailed under Ahaz (2Ki 16:3, 4, 10). He copied the soothsaying as he did the idolatrous "altar" of Damascus (compare Le 20:6, which forbids it, Isa 19:3).
wizards—men claiming supernatural knowledge; from the old English, "to wit," that is, know.
peep—rather "chirp faintly," as young birds do; this sound was generally ascribed to departed spirits; by ventriloquism the soothsayers caused a low sound to proceed as from a grave, or dead person. Hence the Septuagint renders the Hebrew for "necromancers" here "ventriloquists" (compare Isa 29:4).
mutter—moan.
should not, &c.—The answer which Isaiah recommends to be given to those advising to have recourse to necromancers.
for the living, &c.—"should one, for the safety of the living, seek unto (consult) the dead?" [Gesenius]. Lowth renders it, "In place of (consulting) the living, should one consult the dead?"
20. To the law, &c.—the revelation of God by His prophet (Isa 8:16), to which he directs them to refer those who would advise necromancy.
if they speak not … it is because—English Version understands "they" as the necromancers. But the Hebrew rendered "because" is not this but "who"; and "if not," ought rather to be "shall they not"; or, truly they shall speak according to this word, who have no morning light (so the Hebrew, that is, prosperity after the night of sorrows) dawning on them [Maurer and G. V. Smith]. They who are in the dark night of trial, without a dawn of hope, shall surely say so, Do not seek, as we did, to necromancy, but to the law," &c. The law perhaps includes here the law of Moses, which was the "Magna Charta" on which prophetism commented [Kitto].
21, 22. More detailed description of the despair, which they shall fall into, who sought necromancy instead of God; Isa 8:20 implies that too late they shall see how much better it would have been for them to have sought "to the law," &c. (De 32:31). But now they are given over to despair. Therefore, while seeing the truth of God, they only "curse their King and God"; foreshadowing the future, like conduct of those belonging to the "kingdom of the beast," when they shall be visited with divine plagues (Re 16:11; compare Jer 18:12).
through it—namely, the land.
hardly bestead—oppressed with anxiety.
hungry—a more grievous famine than the temporary one in Ahaz' time, owing to Assyria; then there was some food, but none now (Isa 7:15, 22; Le 26:3-5, 14-16, 20).
their king … God—Jehovah, King of the Jews (Ps 5:2; 68:24).
look upward … unto the earth—Whether they look up to heaven, or down towards the land of Judea, nothing but despair shall present itself.
dimness of anguish—darkness of distress (Pr 1:27).
driven to darkness—rather, "thick darkness" (Jer 23:12). Driven onward, as by a sweeping storm. The Jewish rejection of "their King and God," Messiah, was followed by all these awful calamities.