Isaiah 5:8-30

5:13 | Although this reference to captivity foretells a future event, it is given in the past tense to emphasize that it was certain to take place if the people did not change (1:18-20). The prophecy of the fall of Jerusalem to the Assyrians was averted in 701 BC by Hezekiah’s right response to God’s warning (Jer. 26:17-19), but the postponed prophecy was eventually fulfilled when the Babylonians conquered Judah and took the people captive in 586 BC.

5:14 | Sheol is the home of the dead in the ancient Israelite view of the afterlife. It is the underworld to which people go after they die and into which no light or sound can penetrate (Prov. 1:12; 27:20).

5:21 | God warns repeatedly against conceit and trusting one’s own judgment and wisdom (Prov. 3:7; Rom. 1:22; 12:16; 1 Cor. 3:18-20).

5:26 | The Assyrian army “trampled down” Israel. In the Lord’s sovereignty, He can use even evil nations to do His bidding.