Isaiah 14

Isaiah 14:1

For the Lord] The reason of the hastening of the destruction of Babylon, which is Gods mercie and compassion towards his people; the deliverance of whom depended upon Babylons destruction.

strangers shall be joyned] See the like, ch. 5. XLIV. and LVI. 3. and LX. 3. Esther VIII. 17. Psal. XLVII. 8, 9. This partly accomplished at their returne from Babylon; but more in the Kingdome of Christ, by the Ministery of the Gospel.

Isaiah 14:2

possesse them] These Proselites and Converts.

take them captive, &c.] Partly verified in the time of the Maccabees literaly: but most of all spiritualy by the means and ministery of the Apostles, and Preachers, subduing them to the obedience of Christs Scepter.

Isaiah 14:4

this Proverb] Or by-word, or taunting speech. Here the Prophet continues the denunciation of the destruction of Babylon.

the King] i. e. the Kingdome.

Isaiah 14:12

O Lucifer] Meaning the Babylonian.

Isaiah 14:13

the mount of the Congregation] Mount Sion; or mount Moriah, being in the North-side of Jerusalem, 2 Chron. III. 1. Psal. XLVIII. 2.

Isaiah 14:17

that opened not the house of his prisoners] But kept them LXX. years in captivity.

Isaiah 14:21

Prepare slaughter] Esay speaks to the Medes and Persians.

Isaiah 14:23

For the bitterne] See chap. XIII. 21, 22.

Isaiah 14:25

that I will break the Assyrian in my land] Rather as in breaking the Assyrian in my land. Sennacheribs overthrow, it seemes, was before this. And it is brought in as an argument and example to prove, that as God had done that one, so he would as certainly do the other, that is, overthrow Babylon in its time.

Isaiah 14:28

In the yeare that King Ahaz died] Here begins another Sermon, or Prophecie. And might well be the beginning of another Chapter. Chap. VI. did beare the date of the death of Uzziah. This, of the death of Ahaz.

Isaiah 14:29

Palestina] Meaning here the Westerne part of Jury that was inhabited by the Philistines. Of the Philistines, see my Annotations on Zech. IX. 6. The Babylonians were the greatest enemies to the Jews, farthest off. The Philistines were their greatest enemies, nearest at hand.

because the rod, &c.] This is meant of King Uzziah, who prevailed much in his wars against them, 2 Chron. XXVI. 6, 7. But in Ahaz his reigne the state and strength of the Jews was much weakened: whereat the Philistines did much rejoyce. But Esay biddeth them not to be overjoyed; for it should not last long.

a cockatrice] Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. 8.

and his fruit shall be a fiery flying Serpent] The Serpents fruit shoul be a cockatrice, yea more then so, a fiery flying Serpent.

Isaiah 14:30

And the first-borne of the poore] The extremely poore, as the Jewes at that time were.

shall feed] Freely, fully, and quietly without fear of the Philistines; when they should want, and famish.

and he shall slay thy remnant.] A remnant still reserved of Gods people, in his fearfulest judgements. But not a remnant let here by Ezekiah to the Philistines: or at least a slaughter was among that remnant. For Jeremy, Ezekiel, and Zephanie, all after Ezekiahs dayes do againe denounce judgements against them.

Isaiah 14:31

thou whole Palestina] As thou whole Palestina didst rejoyce before, verse 29. so thy dread and desolation shall be now as general and universal.

from the North] Judea, and Jerusalem, that stood North-East from the Philistines.

A smoak] Ezekiahs forces.

and none shall be alone in his appointed times] Or, Assemblies, Ezekiah’s forces should come against them in flocks at his set times, and places for their randezvous. Or, none of the Philistines should care or endure to stay in their meeting places and strong holds, when Ezekiahs forces should as smoak break in upon them.

Isaiah 14:32

What shall one then answer?] To any messengers in general, that upon any occasion shall come to Jerusalem.