Isaiah 18:7

"They will be left together for the ravenous birds of the mountains, and for the animals of the earth. The ravenous birds will eat them in the summer, and all the animals of the earth will eat them in the winter."

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 18:7, the prophet describes a scene of utter destruction where the bodies of the fallen enemies will be left unburied and become prey for scavengers. This vivid imagery would have struck fear into the original audience, as it evoked the desolation of battlefields in their own historical context, where dead soldiers were often left to rot or be devoured by animals, a stark contrast to proper burial practices. The image serves to underscore the complete devastation that will come upon those who oppose God’s people, highlighting the severity of divine judgment.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

In that time -When shall thus be disconcerted, and their armies be overthrown. Shall the present be brought...- The word ‘present’ (שׁיshay) denotes a gift, and is found only in the phrase ‘to bring gifts,’ or ‘presents’Psalms 68:30;Psalms 76:11. It means here evidently a tribute, or an offering to Yahweh as the only true God; and possibly may mean that the people would be converted to him, and embrace the true religion. Of a people ... -From a people. The description which follows is the same precisely as inIsaiah 18:2. Numerous repetitions of this kind will be recollected by the classic reader in the “Iliad.” To the place of the name ...

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