Isaiah 33

Isaiah 33:1

Spoilest. This is particularly directed to Sennacherib. (Challoner) — He was a figure of persecutors of the Church, to which many passages here allude. (Calmet) — Remota justitia quid sunt regna nisi magna latrocinia? (St. Augustine, City of God iv. 4.) — Sennacherib plundered Samaria and Juda, and despising God, was himself contemned. (Worthington)

Isaiah 33:2

Morning. Speedily. Hebrew, “mornings,” or every day. Ezechias thus addressed God.

Isaiah 33:4

Them. The neglect of burying these insects has often brought on the plague. (St. Augustine, City of God iii. 31.)

Isaiah 33:6

Faith. Sincerity and justice adorn the reigns of Ezechias and Christ.

Isaiah 33:7

Without. The people of the country, and the envoys of Ezechias, 4 Kings xviii. 14. Hebrew, “Behold their Ariel, cried they without,” insultingly, (Calmet) pointing at Jerusalem, chap. xxix. 1. At which (Haydock) the envoys rent their garments, &c., chap. xxxvi. 22. (Calmet) — “Behold I shall appear to them.” (Aquila) (St. Jerome) — Angels. Messengers or deputies sent to negotiate a peace, (Challoner) who wept because they could not obtain it. (Worthington)

Isaiah 33:8

Void, though Sennacherib had received what he demanded, 4 Kings xviii. 14.

Isaiah 33:9

Confounded. Its trees were cut down, chap. xxxvii. 24.

Isaiah 33:10

Myself, when all human aid fails.

Isaiah 33:11

You, Assyrians, are bringing destruction upon yourselves. (Calmet)

Isaiah 33:14

Of you. Hebrew, “of us.” (Haydock) — They are seriously alarmed at the sight of the fires prepared to burn the dead bodies of the Assyrians, (chap. xxx. 33.) and begin to think of hell, (Calmet) which their sins deserve. (Haydock)

Isaiah 33:15

Blood. Avoiding revenge, and punishing the guilty, without respect to persons. Such was Ezechias, and therefore his enemies could not hurt him.

Isaiah 33:16

Sure. Never failing. (Calmet) — This was a great advantage in those dry regions. (Haydock)

Isaiah 33:17

King Ezechias, or he shall be one of his courtiers. — Off. Their limits shall be extended. Those who believe in Christ, shall cast their eyes up towards their heavenly country, Hebrews ix. 13.

Isaiah 33:18

Ones. These questions were put by the people, when the enemy approached; or they now rejoice that their severe masters were gone.

Isaiah 33:19

Shameless, unjust Assyrians, Luke xviii. 2. When shame is gone, people give way to every excess. — Profound. Unknown to the Jews, 4 Kings xviii. 26. — No wisdom, manners, or piety.

Isaiah 33:20

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Broken. It was taken 125 years afterwards. The Church remains till the end of time, (Calmet) whereas both the prophets and history assure us, that Jerusalem was subject to destruction. (Worthington)

Isaiah 33:21

Of rivers. He speaks of the rivers of endless joys that flow from the throne of God to water the heavenly Jerusalem, like a deep river. (Calmet)

Isaiah 33:23

Thy tacklings. He speaks of the enemies of the Church, under the allegory of a ship that is disabled. (Challoner) — Sennacherib shall attempt invasion no more than a ship without masts would put to sea.

Isaiah 33:24

Feeble. All were obliged to collect the plunder, to be afterwards divided. None shall plead illness. The inhabitants of Jerusalem will not feel the effects of sin (Calmet) on this occasion. (Haydock)