2:13 for all the cedars of Lebanon,
that are so high and mighty,
for all the oaks of Bashan; 1
14:18 2 As for all the kings of the nations,
all of them 3 lie down in splendor, 4
each in his own tomb. 5
56:9 All you wild animals in the fields, come and devour,
all you wild animals in the forest!
1 sn The cedars of Lebanon and oaks of Bashan were well-known for their size and prominence. They make apt symbols here for powerful men who think of themselves as prominent and secure.
2 sn It is unclear where the quotation of the kings, begun in v. 10b, 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. 4b-10a) has resumed. In fact the references to the “kings of the nations” may form a stylistic inclusio or frame around the quotation.
3 tc The phrase “all of them” does not appear in the Qumran scroll 1QIsaa.
4 sn This refers to the typically extravagant burial of kings.
5 tn Heb “house” (so KJV, ASV), but in this context a tomb is in view. Note the verb “lie down” in the preceding line and the reference to a “grave” in the next line.