Isaiah 9:11

11 So God incited their adversaries against them, stirred up their enemies to attack:

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 All the people soon heard the message, Ephraim and the citizens of Samaria. But they were a proud and arrogant bunch. They dismissed the message, saying,

10 "Things aren't that bad. We can handle anything that comes. If our buildings are knocked down, we'll rebuild them bigger and finer. If our forests are cut down, we'll replant them with finer trees."

11 So God incited their adversaries against them, stirred up their enemies to attack:

12 From the east, Arameans; from the west, Philistines. They made hash of Israel. But even after that, he was still angry, his fist still raised, ready to hit them again.

13 But the people paid no mind to him who hit them, didn't seek God-of-the-Angel-Armies.