Isaiah 9:17

"For those who lead this people lead them astray; and those who are led by them are destroyed."

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, Isaiah 9:17 would have resonated as a critique of the political and religious leaders who guided the people but did so in ways that led to their destruction. The original audience would have recognized this as a warning against the corrupt practices of rulers like King Manasseh, who, despite his position, engaged in acts of idolatry and oppression, ultimately leading both him and his followers into ruin. This verse underscores the importance of ethical leadership, highlighting how misguided guidance can result in widespread harm.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Shall have no joy -He shall not delight in them so as to preserve them. The parallel part of the verse shows that the phrase is used in the sense of having mercy. In their young men -The hope and strength of the nation. The word used here commonly denotes those who are chosen, particularly for purposes of war. The sense is, that the hope and strength of the nation, that on which the chief reliance would be placed, would be cut off. Neither shall have mercy ... -Judgment would sweep through the nation, even over those who were the usual objects of the divine protection - widows and orphans; comparePsalms 10:14,Psalms 10:18;Psalms 48:5;Deuteronomy 10:18;Jeremiah 49:11;Hosea 14:3.

Related Verses

More from Isaiah 9

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