Isaiah 8:11

11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

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 Associate yourselves, O ye people, yet ye shall be broken in pieces! And give ear, all ye of far countries. Gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces!

10 Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand, for God is with us.

11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

12 "Say ye not, `A confederacy,' to all those to whom this people shall say, `A confederacy'; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.