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 (Isa 14:17) now about to be visited on itself.

the land—"the earth" [HORSLEY]. The language of Isa 13:9-13 can only primarily and partially apply to Babylon; fully and exhaustively, the judgments to come, hereafter, on the whole earth. Compare Isa 13:10 with Mt 24:29; Re 8:12. The sins of Babylon, arrogancy (Isa 13:11; Isa 14:11; 47:7, 8), cruelty, false worship (Jer 50:38), persecution of the people of God (Isa 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).