Isa 29:20-21 | JFB | STEP | 20. terrible —namely, the persecutors among the Jewish nobles. scorner — ( ). watch for —not only commit iniquity, but watch for opportunities of committing it, and make it their whole study (see ).

Isaiah 29:20-21

20. terrible—namely, the persecutors among the Jewish nobles.

scorner— (Isa 28:14, 22).

watch for—not only commit iniquity, but watch for opportunities of committing it, and make it their whole study (see Mic 2:1; Mt 26:59; 27:1).

21. Rather, "Who make a man guilty in his cause" [GESENIUS], that is, unjustly condemn him. "A man" is in the Hebrew a poor man, upon whom such unjust condemnations might be practiced with more impunity than on the rich; compare Isa 29:19, "the meek . . . the poor."

him that reproveth—rather, "pleadeth"; one who has a suit at issue.

gate—the place of concourse in a city, where courts of justice were held (Ru 4:11; Pr 31:23; Am 5:10, 12).

just—one who has a just cause; or, Jesus Christ, "the Just One" [HORSLEY].

for a thing of naught—rather, "through falsehood," "by a decision that is null in justice" [BARNES]. Compare as to Christ, Pr 28:21; Mt 26:15; Ac 3:13, 14; 8:33.