Isaiah 9:20

20 they consumed on the right, but remained hungry; devoured on the left, and weren't satisfied. They devoured the flesh of their own children.

Isaiah 9:20 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 9:20

And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry
Either with his hand, and rob and plunder all within his reach; or, with his teeth, as cannibals, or beasts of prey, catch at, tear, and rend in pieces, whatever comes in their way; and yet hungry after more, and unsatisfied, as follows: and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied;
ravage and spoil on every side, and yet not content. The Targum is,

``he shall spoil on the south, and be hungry; and he shall destroy on the north, and not be satisfied:''

they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm;
destroy their near relations, who are their own flesh and blood, or take away their substance from them; so the Targum,

``they shall spoil every man the substance of his neighbour:''

which will give some light to ( Revelation 17:16 ) .

Isaiah 9:20 In-Context

18 Wickedness burned like fire, devouring thorn and thistle. It kindled the thickets of the forest; they swirled in rising smoke.

19 The land was scorched by the rage of the LORD of heavenly forces; the people were like fuel for the fire. Not one person pitied another:

20 they consumed on the right, but remained hungry; devoured on the left, and weren't satisfied. They devoured the flesh of their own children.

21 Manasseh devoured Ephraim and Ephraim Manasseh; together they turned against Judah. Even then God's anger didn't turn away; God's hand was still extended.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or arm