Isa 10:5-6, 13:3 | JFB | STEP | 5. O Assyrian, &c.—rather, "What, ho (but MAURER , Woe to the ) Assyrian! He is the rod and staff of Mine anger ( My instrument in punishing, ). In their hands is Mine indignation" [HORSLEY , after JEROME ]. I have put into the Assyrians' hands the execution of Mine indignation against My people.

Isaiah 10:5-6

5. O Assyrian, &c.—rather, "What, ho (but MAURER, Woe to the) Assyrian! He is the rod and staff of Mine anger (My instrument in punishing, Jer 51:20; Ps 17:13). In their hands is Mine indignation" [HORSLEY, after JEROME]. I have put into the Assyrians' hands the execution of Mine indignation against My people.

6. send him—"Kings' hearts are in the hand of the Lord" (Pr 21:1).

hypocritical—polluted [HORSLEY].

nation—Judah, against whom Sennacherib was forming designs.

of my wrath—objects of My wrath.

give . . . charge— (Jer 34:22).

and to tread, &c.—HORSLEY translates: "And then to make him (the Assyrian) a trampling under foot like the mire of the streets" (so Isa 10:12; Isa 33:1; Zec 10:5). But see Isa 37:26.

Isaiah 13:3

3. sanctified ones—the Median and Persian soldiers solemnly set apart by Me for the destruction of Babylon, not inwardly "sanctified," but designated to fulfil God's holy purpose (Jer 51:27, 28; Joe 3:9, 11; where the Hebrew for prepare war is "sanctify" war).

for mine anger—to execute it.

rejoice in my highness—"Those who are made to triumph for My honor" [HORSLEY]. The heathen Medes could not be said to "rejoice in God's highness" MAURER translates, "My haughtily exulting ones" (Zep 3:11); a special characteristic of the Persians [HERODOTUS,1.88]. They rejoiced in their own highness, but it was His that they were unconsciously glorifying.