Isaiah 3:9

“The shew of their countenance doth witness against them, &c.] The word translated “shew” is only used in this place. Some derive it from rkn, “to know”, in the conjugations Piel and Hiphil; and render it, “the knowledge of their countenance”f54; that is, that which may be known by their countenances; the countenance oftentimes shows what is in the heart, the cruel disposition of the mind, the pride and vanity of it, the uncleanness and lasciviousness that is in it; to this our version agrees, and which is confirmed by the Chaldee paraphrase, “the knowledge of their countenance in judgment doth testify against them;” as they appear there, so it may be judged of them; their guilt flies in…”

“show--The Hebrew means, "that which may be known by their countenances" [GESENIUS and WEISS]. But MAURER translates, "Their respect for person"; so Syriac and Chaldee. But the parallel word "declare" favors the other view. KIMCHI, from the Arabic, translates "their hardness" (Job 19:3, Margin), or impudence of countenance (Jer 3:3). They have lost not only the substance of virtue, but its color. witness--literally, "corresponds" to them; their look answers to their inner character (Hos 5:5). declare-- (Jde 1:13). "Foaming out their own shame"; so far from making it a secret, "glorying" in it (Phi 3:19). unto themselves--Compare "in themselves" (Pro 1:31; Pro 8:36; Jer 2:19; Rom 1:27).”

“The show of their countenance - The word rendered “the show” is probably derived from a word signifying “to know,” or “to recognize,” and here denotes “impudence” or “pride.” Septuagint, ‘The shame of their face.’ Doth witness against them - “Answers” to them; or “responds” to them (ענתה ‛ânetâh). There is a correspondence between the feeling of the heart and the looks, an “answering” of the countenance to the purposes of the soul that shows their true character, and betrays their plans. The prophet refers here to the great law in physiology that the emotions of the heart will be usually “expressed” in the countenance; and that by the marks of pride, vanity, and malice there depicted, we…”

“The shew - Their pride, and wantonness, and impiety m manifestly shews itself in their very looks. They declare - They act it publickly, casting off all fear of God and reverence to men. Rewarded - Procured a fit recompense for their wickedness, even utter ruin. Isaiah 3:10”

“3:9 The very look on their faces: At this time people boldly displayed their rebellion against God.”

“The show: Isa 3:16; Sa1 15:32; Kg2 9:30; Psa 10:4, Psa 73:6, Psa 73:7; Pro 30:13; Jer 3:3, Jer 6:15; Dan 7:20 and they declare: Gen 13:13, Gen 18:20, Gen 18:21, Gen 19:5-9; Jer 44:16, Jer 44:17; Eze 23:16 Woe: Lam 5:16; Hos 13:9 Isaiah 3:10”

“But Israel, instead of walking in the consciousness of being a constant and favourite object of these majestic, earnestly admonishing eyes, was diligently engaged in bidding them defiance both in word and deed, not even hiding its sin from fear of them, but exposing them to view in the most shameless manner. - "The look of their faces testifies against them, and their sin they make known like Sodom, without concealing it: woe to their soul! for they do themselves harm." In any case, the prophet refers to the impudence with which their enmity against God was shamelessly stamped upon their faces, without even the self-condemnation which leads in other cases to a diligent concealment of the…”