Isaiah 9:5

5 For every battle of him who fights is with shaking of the earth and the rolling of garments in blood; but this shall be with burning and consuming 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 As thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before thee as they rejoice in the harvest and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

4 For thou hast broken his heavy yoke and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

5 For every battle of him who fights is with shaking of the earth and the rolling of garments in blood; but this shall be with burning and consuming of fire.

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government is placed upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called The Wonderful One, The Counsellor, The God, The Mighty One, The Eternal Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 The multitude of his dominion and the peace shall have no end upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdom, ordering it and confirming it in judgment and in righteousness from now on even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of the hosts will perform this.