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

} “As the shaking of an olive tree,As the gleanings when the grape harvest is over” This was an agricultural metaphor of harvesting.It denotes the fact that there will be very few people left (cf. v. 6; Mic. 7:1). Verses 14-16 are a praiseunit referring to those who trust YHWH. It is characteristic of this literary unit and this particular kindof genre in Isaiah to promise blessings right in the midst of judgment.24:14-15 “west. . .east” The term “west” (BDB 410) is literally “sea” and refers to the MediterraneanOcean. The term “east” (BDB 22) is literally “light” which refers to the rising of the sun. Again, thesetwo terms may refer to Egypt to the west and Assyria to the east (cf. 19:23-25).24:15 The Jewish Study Bible asserts that some group (Judeans or Gentiles who have trusted YHWH,vv. 15,16a; 25:3) begins to thank God in praise (v. 14) that the judgment is over, but they suddenlyrealize it is not (cf. vv. 16b-23).Recognizing the majesty and glory of YHWH is obviously the first sign of a new relationship withHim (cf. 12:5; 26:10). A few humans (Jew and Gentile), the faithful remnant (cf. v. 6; see Special Topicat 1:9) will be found faithful even amidst judgment (cf. Hab. 2:4).} “in the coastlands of the sea” In the LXX this is “the islands,” which is usually a reference withinIsaiah to Gentiles (cf. 41:5; 42:4,10).24:16a This is another reference to the universal aspect of the inclusion of Gentile believers (cf. 2:2-4).} “the Righteous One” The NASB and NRSV translations take this phrase to denote Israel’s God.The Peshitta, KJV, and ASV have “the righteous,” which is another reference to the believing remnantwhich will be saved out of Israel and the peoples of the earth. The REB has “the righteous nation,”apparently the ideal Israel.24:16b There is an obvious break here which is not clearly marked by the traditional verse divisions.From the obvious praise section of vv. 14-16a, v. 16b begins a funeral dirge relating to the comingjudgment of God (note “woe” [twice, lit. “I pine or waste away”] and “woe,” the INTERJECTION, BDB17). Its exact relation to the context is somewhat uncertain. It may be a personal comment of Isaiahhimself that his own day did not fit, vv. 14-16a. There have been many different English translations ofthis phrase.The AB Commentary (p. 353) notes that this phrase is omitted by the Septuagint and the author(Blenkinsop) assumes the Aramaic root for “secret,” which follows rabbinical tradition and the Peshittaand Vulgate versions.24:16c,d This is a very powerful word play. There are several uses of one word (BDB 93, KB 108),which has a powerful, repetitious emphasis on the faithless, deceitful people. Note1. the treacherous, BDB 93, KB 108, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE2. deal treacherously, BDB 93, KB 108, Qal PERFECT3. NOUN, BDB 93 I (cf. Jer. 12:1)4. repeat of #15. repeat of #224:17 “Terror and pit and snare” This is a sound play on similar words. All of these words (BDB808, 809, 809) are used of trapping animals (cf. Jer. 48:43,44).241