Isa 13:8-9 | JFB | STEP | 8. pangs-- The Hebrew means also a "messenger." Horsley, therefore, with the Septuagint translates, "The heralds (who bring word of the unexpected invasion) are terrified." Maurer agrees with English Version, literally, "they shall take hold of pangs and sorrows." woman ... travaileth-- ( ). amazed-- the stupid, bewildered gaze of consternation. faces ... flames-- "their visages have the livid hue of flame" [Horsley]; with anguish and indignation.

‏ Isaiah 13:8-9

8. pangs--The Hebrew means also a "messenger." Horsley, therefore, with the Septuagint translates, "The heralds (who bring word of the unexpected invasion) are terrified." Maurer agrees with English Version, literally, "they shall take hold of pangs and sorrows."

woman ... travaileth--(1Th 5:3).

amazed--the stupid, bewildered gaze of consternation.

faces ... flames--"their visages have the livid hue of flame" [Horsley]; with anguish and indignation.

9. cruel--not strictly, but unsparingly just; opposed to mercy. Also answering to the cruelty (in the strict sense) of Babylon towards others (Is 14:17) now about to be visited on itself.

the land--"the earth" [Horsley]. The language of Is 13:9-13 can only primarily and partially apply to Babylon; fully and exhaustively, the judgments to come, hereafter, on the whole earth. Compare Is 13:10 with Mt 24:29; Re 8:12. The sins of Babylon, arrogancy (Is 13:11; Is 14:11; 47:7, 8), cruelty, false worship (Jr 50:38), persecution of the people of God (Is 47:6), are peculiarly characteristic of the Antichristian world of the latter days (Da 11:32-37; Re 17:3, 6; 18:6, 7, 9-14, 24).