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Isaiah 9:11

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 9:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Therefore Jehovah will set up on high against him the adversaries of Rezin, and will stir up his enemies,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Therefore Jehovah will set up on high against him the adversaries of Rezin, and will stir up his enemies,
Isaiah 9:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
9And all the people shall know, [even] Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in pride and in stoutness of heart,
10The bricks are fallen, but we will build with hewn stone; the sycomores are cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.
11Therefore Jehovah will set up on high against him the adversaries of Rezin, and will stir up his enemies,
12the Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
13Yet the people have not turned unto him that smote them, neither have they sought Jehovah of hosts.
14Therefore Jehovah will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm-branch and rush, in one day.
← Isaiah 9:10Isaiah 9:12 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, &c.] Set them up on high, as the wordf171 signifies; exalt them above him, and make them superior to him, and conquerors of him, meaning the Assyrians; who, being sent for by Ahab, went up against Damascus, took it, and carried the people captive, and slew Rezin the king of Syria, the head of which was Damascus, (<121607>2 Kings 16:7-9) this is mentioned, because the Israelites put great trust and confidence in this prince, with whom they were in alliance; and this is said to abate their pride, arrogance, and haughtiness, before expressed: and join his enemies together; or mix them; the Assyrian army, consisting of a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“adversaries of Rezin--the Assyrians, who shall first attack Damascus, shall next advance "against him" (Ephraim). This is the punishment of Ephraim's pride in making light (Isa 9:10) of the judgment already inflicted by God through Tiglath-pileser (Kg2 15:29). A second Assyrian invasion (see on Isa 7:1) shall follow. The reading "princes" for "adversaries" in uncalled for. join--rather, "arm"; cover with armor [MAURER]. his--Rezin's.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Therefore - This verse indicates the punishment that would come upon them for their pride. The Lord shall set up - Hebrew, ‘Shall exalt.’ That is, they shall overcome and subdue him. The adversaries of Rezin - King of Syria, Isaiah 7:1. It should be observed here, that twenty-one manuscripts, instead of adversaries, read princes of Rezin. The sense seems to require this; as in the following verse, it is said that the Syrians will be excited against them. Against him - Against Ephraim. And join his enemies together - Hebrew, ‘Mingle them together.’ They shall be excited into wild and agitated commotion, and shall pour down together on the land and devour it. In what way this would be done is…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore - To chastise your pride, and defeat your hopes. Set up - The Assyrians, who, presently after this prophecy, prevailed against him, Kg2 16:7. He mentions Rezin, because he was confederate with Ephraim. Join - So that they shall invade him from several quarters. His - Not Rezin's, but Ephraim. Isaiah 9:12”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:11 Rezin’s enemies were the Assyrians (7:4, 17; 8:4). Rezin was king of Syria (see ch 7).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“set up: Isa 8:4-7, Isa 10:9-11, Isa 17:1-5; Kg2 15:29, Kg2 16:9 join: Heb. mingle Isaiah 9:12”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification