Deu 32:41-42, Eze 21:9-10 | JFB

Deuteronomy 32:41-42

Ezekiel 21:9-10

9. sword—namely, of God (De 32:41). The Chaldeans are His instrument.

10. to make a sore slaughter—literally, "that killing it may kill."

glitter—literally, "glitter as the lightning flash": flashing terror into the foe.

should we . . . make mirth—It is no time for levity when such a calamity is impending (Isa 22:12, 13).

it contemneth the rod of my son, &c.—The sword has no more respect to the trivial "rod" or scepter of Judah (Ge 49:10) than if it were any common "tree." "Tree" is the image retained from Eze 20:47; explained in Eze 21:2, 3. God calls Judah "My son" (compare Ex 4:22; Ho 11:1). FAIRBAIRN arbitrarily translates, "Perchance the scepter of My son rejoiceth; it (the sword) despiseth every tree."