Isaiah 5:7 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

For the vineyard, &c. Or rather, Now the vineyard, as Dr. Waterland renders it: here we have the interpretation of the preceding parable in general. In the subsequent verses the prophet enters into particulars. This general interpretation is fully verified by the history of the Jewish people, especially in the time of our Lord and his apostles: and the men of Judah his pleasant plant In whom God formerly delighted; and he looked for judgment Both the administration of justice by magistrates, and justice in the dealings of the people with one another: but behold oppression From the powerful upon their inferiors; and for righteousness For equity, mercy, and benevolence; but behold a cry From the oppressed, crying to men for help, and to God for vengeance. “The paronomasia, or play on the words, in the Hebrew, in this place, is very remarkable; mispat, mispach; zedakah, zeakah. There are many examples of it in the other prophets; but Isaiah seems peculiarly fond of it. The rabbins esteem it a great beauty: their term for it is, elegance of language.” Bishop Lowth.