For so the Lord said, &c.— We have here the divine judgment to be inflicted upon the Assyrian in its due time. The passage is obscure and difficult. The first part of it sets forth, figuratively, Jehovah as it were expecting and in his counsel considering the proper time for the execution of this judgment, while he had determined in himself to refresh the pious among his people with some proofs of his favour. The second part describes the judgment itself. The former part is contained in these words, For so the
Lord said unto me; that is to say, revealed this thing unto me from his secret purposes; I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling-place; that is to say, "While the Assyrian is forming his designs for the destruction of my people, I will seem to rest, and to have a regard for their preservation; and I will behold and consider in the heavens, what time most conveniently to execute my purpose upon the Assyrians." Every reader must observe that this is spoken humano more (after the manner of men). But while God was in this state, with what disposition towards his people would he rest? The prophet clearly informs us in the next words; Like a clear or serene heat upon herbs, or after rain; like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. See 2 Samuel 23:4. The meaning of these metaphorical expressions is, that God would not so rest, as to lay aside all care and regard for his people; but that he rested with the best and most benevolent purpose of comforting his people after this affliction, and of refreshing them with his blessings: that he only considered at what time to do it most effectually; both that he might destroy the enemies of his people, and might give them such a refreshment, as that of a serene heat after a heavy rain, and as a cloud of dew in the time of harvest: the Chaldee paraphrast understands the passage in this sense. The latter part of this period informs us how he would behave towards those adversaries for whom he had destined this great slaughter. The prophet in the fifth verse compares the adversaries of the people of God to a vine, which after it has sent forth its bud, then its flower, and the flower the sour grape, which too was beginning to ripen,—then comes the hand which suddenly cuts off all hope of the vintage, destroying as well the sprigs as the greater branches of the vine with pruning hooks, and leaves those branches burdened with grapes a prey to the birds of heaven and the beasts of the earth; the whole vine being thus miserably cut down and spoiled: Isaiah 18:6 by which the prophet means, that when every thing respecting the Assyrians, was in the most promising situation, a sudden destruction should come upon them, and destroy all their flattering hopes of a successful harvest. See Job 15:33 and Vitringa.