Israel's Gentle Chastisement and the Terms on which it may be Pardoned. This is an insertion out of connexion with the context, and it does not itself hang well together. The writer asks, Has Yahweh punished Israel as severely as He has punished Israel's oppressors? No, for Israel's oppressors have been slain, while Israel has been simply driven forth into exile. Israel's guilt may be removed on condition that false worship is given up. The city is deserted, the calf pastures on its site, and there the women collect their firewood, for its people are without knowledge of God, and He will have no mercy upon them.
Isaiah 27:8. in measure: the meaning is quite uncertain (mg.), the explanations offered quite improbable. east wind: the sirocco, stifling and violent. It is vividly described in the opening Chapter s of E. F. Benson's The Image in the Sand.
Isaiah 27:9. by this: on these terms. fruit: this should mean result, but we rather expect the cause to be mentioned, the surrender of idolatry being the reason for pardon rather than its consequence. altar: i.e. heathen altars, the stones of which are to be shattered. the Asherim and the sun-images: Isaiah 17:8.
Isaiah 27:10. The identity of the city is uncertain. Apparently it is not Jerusalem but Samaria, or some heathen city.