Isa 9:13 | KingComments | STEP | In these verses the prophet gives a second explanation of the causes and necessity of Divine judgments. Because they continue to refuse to turn back to the LORD and seek Him ( ), he must also conclude this second refrain with the refrain that the anger of the LORD has not been turned away and His hand is still stretched out against them in judgment ( ). The verdict this time is internal and consists of removing their political and religious leaders. “In a single day” they will come to their end ( ), suddenly, although it has been announced so often. The “palm branch” are the leaders, the “bulrush” are those who are led. The leaders, “the elder and honorable man”, are “the head”, the most responsible ( ). The false prophet is “the tail”. He is contemptuously compared to the moving tail of a dog. As it suits him, he prophesies. These false prophets do not want to be led by the LORD, but by the political leaders, just as a tail that reflects the state of mind of the head. Thus, the leaders, palm branch or tall trees, bring those guided by them, reed or low plants, “to confusion” ( ). The deceivers do the same with those who let themselves to be deceived. They can no longer discover the straight path, the path of the LORD, and therefore cannot go it. The verdict comes on “their young men”, the hope and at the same time the pride of the nation ( ). They count on their own strength. Therefore the LORD cannot rejoice over them, but must judge them. Judgment comes even on those to whom God’s concern is greatest, “their orphans or their widows”, because they too follow the deceivers (cf. ). Those who let themselves to be deceived have consciously chosen to wander. They are all – the deceivers and the deceived – guilty of leaving the LORD and of not listening to His warnings. Therefore, His anger remains on them and His hand remains stretched out against them in judgment.

‏ Isaiah 9:13

Unrepentance of Ephraim Judged

In these verses the prophet gives a second explanation of the causes and necessity of Divine judgments. Because they continue to refuse to turn back to the LORD and seek Him (Isa 9:13), he must also conclude this second refrain with the refrain that the anger of the LORD has not been turned away and His hand is still stretched out against them in judgment (Isa 9:17).

The verdict this time is internal and consists of removing their political and religious leaders. “In a single day” they will come to their end (Isa 9:14), suddenly, although it has been announced so often. The “palm branch” are the leaders, the “bulrush” are those who are led. The leaders, “the elder and honorable man”, are “the head”, the most responsible (Isa 9:15). The false prophet is “the tail”. He is contemptuously compared to the moving tail of a dog. As it suits him, he prophesies. These false prophets do not want to be led by the LORD, but by the political leaders, just as a tail that reflects the state of mind of the head.

Thus, the leaders, palm branch or tall trees, bring those guided by them, reed or low plants, “to confusion” (Isa 9:16). The deceivers do the same with those who let themselves to be deceived. They can no longer discover the straight path, the path of the LORD, and therefore cannot go it.

The verdict comes on “their young men”, the hope and at the same time the pride of the nation (Isa 9:17). They count on their own strength. Therefore the LORD cannot rejoice over them, but must judge them. Judgment comes even on those to whom God’s concern is greatest, “their orphans or their widows”, because they too follow the deceivers (cf. Psa 68:5 ; Psa 146:9). Those who let themselves to be deceived have consciously chosen to wander. They are all – the deceivers and the deceived – guilty of leaving the LORD and of not listening to His warnings. Therefore, His anger remains on them and His hand remains stretched out against them in judgment.