Isa 9:13-16 | JFB | e4.org | 13-17. Second strophe. turneth not —the design of God's chastisements; not fulfilled in their case; a new cause for punishment ( ).

‏ Isaiah 9:13-16

13-17. Second strophe.

turneth not—the design of God's chastisements; not fulfilled in their case; a new cause for punishment (Jer 2:20; 5:3).

14. head and tail—proverbial for the highest and lowest (De 28:13, 44).

branch and rush—another image for the same thought (Isa 19:15). The branch is elevated on the top of the tree: the rush is coarse and low.

15. ancient—the older.

honourable—the man of rank.

prophet . . . lies, . . . tail—There were many such in Samaria (1Ki 22:6, 22, 23; compare as to "tail," Re 9:19).

16. leaders, &c.—(See Isa 3:12, Margin, and see on Isa 3:12.)