8:12 “Do not say, ‘Conspiracy,’ every time these people say the word. 1
Don’t be afraid of what scares them; don’t be terrified.
51:8 For a moth will eat away at them like clothes;
a clothes moth will devour them like wool.
But the vindication I provide 2 will be permanent;
the deliverance I give will last.”
64:12 In light of all this, 3 how can you still hold back, Lord?
How can you be silent and continue to humiliate us?
1 tn Heb “Do not say, ‘Conspiracy,’ with respect to all which these people say, ‘Conspiracy.’” The verb translated “do not say” is second masculine plural, indicating that this exhortation is directed to Isaiah and other followers of the Lord (see v. 16).
sn The background of this command is uncertain. Perhaps the “conspiracy” in view is the alliance between Israel and Syria. Some of the people may even have thought that individuals in Judah were plotting with Israel and Syria to overthrow the king.
2 tn Heb “my vindication”; many English versions “my righteousness”; NRSV, TEV “my deliverance”; CEV “my victory.”
3 tn Heb “because of these”; KJV, ASV “for these things.”