Isaiah 9:13

“For the people turneth not to him that smiteth them, &c.] Who was the Lord of hosts, as it is explained in the next clause; it was he that had smote the people with the rod of correction and chastisement, by various afflictions and distresses which he had brought upon them; in order to bring them to a sense of their sin and duty, to reclaim and recover them from their backslidings; but they had not such an effect upon them; they returned not to him by repentance and reformation, from whom they had turned themselves by their evil ways; nor to his worship, as the Targum interprets it, to his word and ordinances; for afflictions; unless sanctified, are of no use to restore backsliders. This is…”

“Second strophe. turneth not--the design of God's chastisements; not fulfilled in their case; a new cause for punishment (Jer 2:20; Jer 5:3).”

“For the people ... - This is a reason why his anger would not cease, and it is, at the same time, the suggestion of a new crime for which the divine judgment would rest upon them. It commences the second part of the oracle. Turneth not - It is implied here that it was the design of the chastisement to turn them to God. In this case, as in many others, such a design had not been accomplished. Unto him that smiteth them - To God, who had punished them. Neither do they seek - They do not seek his protection and favor; they do not worship and honor him. The Lord of hosts - Note, Isaiah 1:9. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Him - To God. Isaiah 9:14”

“9:13-17 God’s punishment was intended to bring repentance, not destruction; but Israel was apostate and refused to repent or seek the Lord.”

“the people: Isa 1:5, Isa 26:11, Isa 57:17; Ch2 28:22; Job 36:13; Jer 5:3, Jer 31:18-20; Eze 24:13; Hos 5:15, Hos 7:10, Hos 7:16 neither: Isa 31:1; Deu 4:29; Jer 29:11, Jer 50:4, Jer 50:5; Hos 3:4, Hos 3:5 Isaiah 9:14”

“Strophe 2. "But the people turneth not unto Him that smiteth it, and they seek not Jehovah of hosts. Therefore Jehovah rooteth out of Israel head and tail, palm-branch and rush, in one day. Elders and highly distinguished men, this is the head; and prophets, lying teachers, this is the tail. The leaders of this people have become leaders astray, and their followers swallowed up. Therefore the Lord will not rejoice in their young men, and will have no compassion on their orphans and widows: for all together are profligate and evil-doers, and every mouth speaketh blasphemy. With all this His anger is not turned away, and His hand is stretched out still." As the first stage of the judgments has…”