Yeshayah 32:7

7 The schemes also of the schemer are ra’im (evil ones); he deviseth zimmot (wicked schemes) to destroy the poor with words of sheker, even when the evyon (needy) speaketh mishpat (justly).

Yeshayah 32:7 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 32:7

The instruments also of the churl [are] evil
Not his [vessels] or measures he sells by, which are small and deficient, as Kimchi and Ben Melech interpret it; nor his servants, his tools in doing his wickedness, which are fit for his purpose, wicked men; but rather these are much the same with "the instruments of the foolish shepherd", ( Zechariah 11:15 ) and may signify the evil ways and methods which covetous pastors or shepherds take to fleece the flock, and to increase their own gain:

he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words,
even when the needy speaketh right;
he consults, contrives, and forms schemes with all craft and cunning, on purpose, to corrupt, as the word F8 signifies, the poor and meek, humble and afflicted souls, with false doctrines; even when these poor and needy ones, who want to have sound and comfortable doctrine delivered to them, speak and ask for that which is right and just, agreeably to the oracles of God, and the analogy of faith, but can not have it; wherefore such a man is unfit to be a ruler in the house of God.


FOOTNOTES:

F8 (rqv yrmab Mywne lbxl) "ad corrumpendum afflictos in eloquiis falsitaits", Montanus.

Yeshayah 32:7 In-Context

5 The naval (foolish person) shall be no more called noble, nor the scoundrel said to be honorable.
6 For the naval will speak foolishness, and his lev will work evil, to practise khonef (hypocrisy), and to utter to’ah (error, perversity) against Hashem, to leave unsatisfied the nefesh of the ra’av (hungry), and he will cause the drink of the tzameh (thirsty) to fail.
7 The schemes also of the schemer are ra’im (evil ones); he deviseth zimmot (wicked schemes) to destroy the poor with words of sheker, even when the evyon (needy) speaketh mishpat (justly).
8 But the noble maketh plans that are noble; and by noble things shall he stand.
9 Rise up, ye nashim that are complacently at ease; hear my voice, ye banot at ease; give ozen unto my speech.
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