Isaiah 33:7-9 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Behold, &c. That the mercy here promised might be duly appreciated and magnified, he gives a lively representation of the great danger and distress in which it found them. Their valiant ones “Three MSS.,” says Bishop Lowth, “read אראלים, lions of God, or strong lions; so they called valiant men, heroes; which appellation the Arabians and Persians still use.” The Hebrew doctors, however, understand by the word, their heralds, or messengers, namely, those whom Hezekiah sent to treat with the Assyrian commissioners, 2 Kings 18:18. Shall cry without Through grief and fear: the ambassadors of peace Whom Hezekiah sent to beg peace of the Assyrian; shall weep bitterly Because they cannot obtain their desire. The wayfaring man ceaseth Because the Assyrian soldiers possessed and filled the land. He hath broken the covenant Sennacherib broke his faith given to Hezekiah, of departing for a sum of money, 2 Kings 18:14; 2 Kings 18:17. He hath despised the cities The defenced cities of Judah, which he contemned and easily took. He regardeth no man Either to spare, or to fear, or keep faith with him. He neither feareth God nor reverenceth man. The earth mourneth, &c. Being desolate and neglected. Lebanon is hewn down By the Assyrians. Or, as קמל rather signifies, and is here rendered by some withereth, or languisheth, because its trees are spoiled and destroyed by the Assyrians. Sharon is like a wilderness Although before it was a pleasant and fruitful place. Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits Are spoiled of them. These two places, eminent for fertility, and especially for good pastures, are here put for all such places.