Isaiah 9:11

11 So the LORD raises adversaries against them, and stirs up their enemies.

Isaiah 9:11 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 9:11

Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin
against him
Set them up on high, as the word ^F1 signifies; exalt them above him, and make them superior to him, and conquerors of him, meaning the Assyrians; who, being sent for by Ahab, went up against Damascus, took it, and carried the people captive, and slew Rezin the king of Syria, the head of which was Damascus, ( 2 Kings 16:7-9 ) this is mentioned, because the Israelites put great trust and confidence in this prince, with whom they were in alliance; and this is said to abate their pride, arrogance, and haughtiness, before expressed: and join his enemies together;
or mix them; the Assyrian army, consisting of a mixture of various nations; or "stir" them "up", as the Targum; instigate them against him. Some understand the whole of Israel, against whom the adversaries of Rezin, namely, the Assyrians, would come, as they did, and invade their land, and carry them captive; with whom were various other people, as follows.

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 (bgvy) "elevabit, sive extollet", Forerius.

Isaiah 9:11 In-Context

9 and all the people will know, E'phraim and the inhabitants of Sama'ria, who say in pride and in arrogance of heart:

10 "The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place."

11 So the LORD raises adversaries against them, and stirs up their enemies.

12 The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away and his hand is stretched out still.

13 The people did not turn to him who smote them, nor seek the LORD of hosts.