Isaiah 9:5

5 For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire.

Isaiah 9:5 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 9:5

For every battle of the warrior [is] with confused noise,
&c.] With the sound of the trumpet and as now with beating of drums, and the huzzas and shoutings of the soldiers, the stamping and neighing of horses, the rushing of chariots, and rumbling of wheels, and the clashing of swords, spears, and shields, and these sometimes striking one against another ^F11: and garments rolled in blood;
of them that were slain in battle: but [this] shall be with burning [and] fuel of fire;
which refers either to the sudden destruction of the Midianites, or rather to the quick and easy conquest that Christ obtained over sin, Satan, the world, and death; which was as soon over as any combustible matter is burnt with fire. Some interpret this of the destruction of the devil, his angels, of antichrist, and all wicked men by fire, at the last day; and others think that this last clause is to be read in connection with the preceding: "and garments rolled in blood, which shall be for burning, the fuel of fire" ^F12; that is, which garments rolled in blood shall be burnt with fire, and utterly consumed; and so there be no more war, but perpetual peace. It was usual after victory to burn the armour and spoils of the enemy ^F13; or rather it may intend the burning love and flaming zeal and affection of Christ the Saviour, next described ( Isaiah 9:5 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 Vid. Lydium de re militari, l. 4. c. 3. p. 159.
F12 So Cocceius, De Dieu.
F13 Vid. Lydium de re militari, l. 6. e. 4. p. 229.

Isaiah 9:5 In-Context

3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased their joy: they joy before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midyan.

5 For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire.

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Shalom.

7 Of the increase of his government and of shalom there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this.