Isaiah 8:6

“Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah, that go softly, &c.] The same with Siloam, (<430907>John 9:7) and so it is called in the Septuagint version here; and the word here used signifies “sent”, as it is there interpreted. Jarchi says it is a fountain, whose name was Gihon and Shiloah; (see <110133>1 Kings 1:33 <160315>Nehemiah 3:15) concerning which Jerom yet writes, “Siloam is a fountain at the foot of Mount Sion, which does not send forth water continually, but on certain times and days; and comes through the hollow places of the earth, and caves of a hard rock, with a great noise; of which we especially cannot doubt, who dwell in this province.” This was a small current…”

“waters of Shiloah . . . softly--Their source is on the southeast of Zion and east of Jerusalem. It means "sent," the water being sent through an aqueduct (Joh 9:7). Figurative for the mild, though now weak, sway of the house of David; in the highest sense Shiloah expresses the benignant sway of Jehovah in the theocracy, administered through David. Contrast to the violent Euphrates, "the river" that typifies Assyria (Isa 8:7; Rev 17:15). "This people" refers both to Israel, which preferred an alliance with Rezin of Syria to one with the kings of Judah, and to Judah, a party in which seems to have favored the pretentions of the son of Tabeal against David's line (Isa 7:6); also to Judah's…”

“Forasmuch as this people - There has been a considerable difference of opinion among interpreters respecting the ‘people’ to whom the prophet here refers. Some have supposed that it refers to the kingdom of Judah alone; others to a party in that kingdom; and others to the kingdom of Judah in connection with the ten tribes, or the kingdom of Israel also. The latter is probably the correct interpretation. The prophet reproves the whole nation of the Jews for despising the mild and gentle reign of the family of David, and for seeking the aid of foreign nations; the ten tribes as seeking an alliance with Rezin and Pekah; and the kingdom of Judah as seeking an alliance with the king of Assyria.…”

“This people - The people of Israel, of whom he last spake, who rejoiced not only in their own king, but also in the assistance of so powerful an ally as Rezin. Shiloah - That small brook which ran by Jerusalem. Hereby he understands the munitions and strength of the Jews, which their enemies derided. Isaiah 8:7”

“8:6 The gently flowing waters of Shiloah supplied Jerusalem with water. Here they represent God’s loving presence and provision (see Ps 46:4). • Ahaz rejected the sign and the promise of God’s protection. He was not a man of faith (Isa 7:9), and now the people were following in his footsteps by placing their hope in Assyria to save them from King Rezin and King Pekah (cp. 7:7-9, 16).”

“refuseth: Kg1 7:16; Ch2 13:8-18 the waters of Shiloah: Neh 3:15; Joh 9:7, Siloam that go softly: Jer 2:13, Jer 2:18, Jer 18:14 rejoice: Isa 7:1, Isa 7:2, Isa 7:6; Jdg 9:16-20 Isaiah 8:7”