Isaiah 14:17

“[That] made the world as a wilderness, &c.] Both by destroying the inhabitants of it, and by laying waste cities, towns, villages, fields, vineyards, gardens, and all places improved and cultivated, wherever he came, as it follows: and destroyed the cities thereof; as the Assyrian kings had done, some of which are mentioned in (<231009>Isaiah 10:9 37:11-13,18): [that] opened not the house of his prisoners; the prison house, in, which they were held; or, “the gate to his prisoners,” as the Targum; or rather the words may be rendered, “that opened not to his prisoners”, that they might go “home”; or as Deuteronomy Dieu, in short, yet fully, expresses it, “that did not dismiss his prisoners…”

“opened not . . . house . . . prisoners--But MAURER, as Margin, "Did not let his captives loose homewards."”

“That made the world as a wilderness - That made cities and kingdoms desolate. That opened not the house of his prisoners - This is a description of his oppression and cruelty. Of course many prisoners would be taken in war. Instead of giving them liberty, he threw them into prison and kept them there. This may be rendered, ‘his prisoners he did not release that they might return home’ (see the Margin). The Chaldee renders it, ‘To his prisoners he did not open the door.’ The sense is substantially the same. The idea is, that he was cruel and oppressive. He threw his captives into dungeons, and found pleasure in retaining them there. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Cried not - Whereby he signifies both his irresistible power, and his continued cruelty. Isaiah 14:18”

“made: Isa 13:19-22, Isa 64:10; Eze 6:14; Joe 2:3; Zep 2:13, Zep 2:14 opened not the house of his prisoners: or, did not let his prisoners loose homewards, Isa 45:13, Isa 58:6; Ch2 28:8-15; Ezr 1:2-4 Isaiah 14:18”