The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

following the original author’s intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one andonly one subject.1. First paragraph2. Second paragraph3. Third paragraph4. Etc.WORD AND PHRASE STUDYNASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 10:1-41Woe to those who enact evil statutesAnd to those who constantly record unjust decisions,2So as to deprive the needy of justiceAnd rob the poor of My people of their rights,So that widows may be their spoilAnd that they may plunder the orphans.3Now what will you do in the day of punishment,And in the devastation which will come from afar?To whom will you flee for help?And where will you leave your wealth?4Nothing remains but to crouch among the captivesOr fall among the slain.In spite of all this, His anger does not turn awayAnd His hand is still stretched out.10:1 “Woe” This INTERJECTION (BDB 222) is used often in Isaiah (and Jeremiah). It is translated(NASB 1995 Update)1. “also,” 1:4; 17:122. “ah,” 1:243. “woe,” 5:8,11,18,20,21,22; 10:1,5; 18:1; 28:1; 29:1,5; 30:1; 31:1; 33:1; 45:9,10; 55:1 (i.e.,woe oracles)4. “ho,” 55:1; also possibly 10:5It denotes anguish and pain or a summons (i.e., #4 above). There is another INTERJECTION (BDB 17),which is usually translated “woe,” which expresses grief and despair (cf. 3:9,11; 6:5; 24:16 and 8 timesin Jeremiah).} The parallelism of v. 1a and b links the civil leaders (i.e., those who enact evil statutes) and judges(who constantly record unjust decisions, cf. 5:23). Israel’s leadership has knowingly violated theMosaic covenant emphasis on care for the poor, socially ostracized, and socially powerless people (cf. v.2; 1:17,23; 3:14,15; 11:4; Deut. 16:19; 24:17; 27:19; Pro. 17:23; 18:5; Amos 4:1; 5:12).129