Isaiah 9:5

5 quia omnis violenta praedatio cum tumultu et vestimentum mixtum sanguine erit in conbustionem et cibus ignis

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 ) .


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 multiplicasti gentem non magnificasti laetitiam laetabuntur coram te sicut laetantur in messe sicut exultant quando dividunt spolia
4 iugum enim oneris eius et virgam umeri eius et sceptrum exactoris eius superasti sicut in die Madian
5 quia omnis violenta praedatio cum tumultu et vestimentum mixtum sanguine erit in conbustionem et cibus ignis
6 parvulus enim natus est nobis filius datus est nobis et factus est principatus super umerum eius et vocabitur nomen eius Admirabilis consiliarius Deus fortis Pater futuri saeculi Princeps pacis
7 multiplicabitur eius imperium et pacis non erit finis super solium David et super regnum eius ut confirmet illud et corroboret in iudicio et iustitia amodo et usque in sempiternum zelus Domini exercituum faciet hoc
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.