Isaiah 8:11

A Call to Fear God

11 For this is what the LORD has spoken to me with a strong hand, instructing me not to walk in the way of this people: ¹

Isaiah 8:11 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 8:11

For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand
In the strength of prophecy, as the Targum explains it; and so all the Jews' interpreters understand it of prophecy, as in ( Ezekiel 1:3 ) ( 3:14 ) : or, "the Lord spake thus to me, when he took (me) by the hand" ^F20; as parents or masters take hold of the hands of children, while they are advising and instructing them, as expressive of their great affection for them; and when they would retain them with them, or restrain them from doing amiss: and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people:
or join with them in desiring and seeking for the help of the king of Assyria, against Rezin and Remaliah's son; or in being willing to surrender up into their hands: saying;
as follows:

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 (dyh tqzxb) "apprehensione manus", Piscator; "cum manu me apprehenderit", Tigurine version.

Isaiah 8:11 In-Context

9 Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!

10 Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ”

11 For this is what the LORD has spoken to me with a strong hand, instructing me not to walk in the way of this people:

12 “Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread.

13 The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.

Cross References

• 1. (Ecclesiastes 8:10–13)