translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: ISA

label: NET study note

text: Sheol is the proper name of the subterranean world which was regarded as the land of the dead.


text: In this line the taunting kings hint at the literal identity of the king, after likening him to the god Helel and a tree. The verb גָדַע ( gada ’, “cut down”) is used of chopping down trees in 9:10 and 10:33 .


text: In Canaanite mythology the stars of El were astral deities under the authority of the high god El.


text: Zaphon , the Canaanite version of Olympus, was the “mountain of assembly” where the gods met.


text: Normally in the OT the title “Most High” belongs to the God of Israel, but in this context, where the mythological overtones are so strong, it probably refers to the Canaanite high god El.


text: It is unclear where the quotation of the kings, begun in v. 10 b, ends. However, the reference to the “kings of the nations” in v. 18 (see also v. 9 ) seems to indicate that the quotation has ended at this point and that Israel’s direct taunt (cf. vv. 4 b-10a) has resumed. In fact the references to the “kings of the nations” may form a stylistic inclusio or frame around the quotation.


text: This refers to the typically extravagant burial of kings.


text: J. N. Oswalt ( Isaiah [NICOT], 1:320, n. 10) suggests that the garrison cities of the mighty empire are in view here.


text: Having announced the downfall of the Chaldean empire, the Lord appends to this prophecy a solemn reminder that the Assyrians, the major Mesopotamian power of Isaiah’s day, would be annihilated, foreshadowing what would subsequently happen to Babylon and the other hostile nations.


text: Perhaps 715 b.c. , but the precise date is uncertain.


text: The identity of this “club” (also referred to as a “serpent” in the next line) is uncertain. It may refer to an Assyrian king, or to Ahaz. For discussion see J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT), 1:331-32. The viper/adder referred to in the second half of the verse is his successor.


text: The question forces the Philistines to consider the dilemma they will face – surrender and oppression, or battle and death.