Isaiah 56:9-12 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

Isaiah 56:9 to Isaiah 57:2. A Denunciation of the Rulers of the Community. This oracle seems not to be connected with the preceding, though, it arises out of the same circumstances.

Yahweh bids the beasts of prey (cf. Jeremiah 12:9), hostile nations, ravage the flock, since the watchdogs are not alert, but crouched in the slumber of gluttons. Vividly then one of the rulers is introduced, inviting his fellows to a drunken orgy (cf. Amos 6:6), and gloating over a like prospect for the morrow. But, while the rulers gorge and swill, the man who keeps the law and is godly (mg.) perishes through these evils (mg.), unnoticed: his only rest is that of the funeral bier (beds).

Isaiah 56:10. his: read, my.

Related Commentaries of Isaiah 56:9

Isaiah 56:9-12

9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping,b lying down, loving to slumber.

11 Yea, they are greedyc dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.