44:9 All who form idols are nothing;
the things in which they delight are worthless.
Their witnesses cannot see;
they recognize nothing, so they are put to shame.
56:11 The dogs have big appetites;
they are never full. 4
They are shepherds who have no understanding;
they all go their own way,
each one looking for monetary gain. 5
59:6 Their webs cannot be used for clothing;
they cannot cover themselves with what they make.
Their deeds are sinful;
they commit violent crimes. 6
1 tn Heb “he will pass through it.” The subject of the collective singular verb is the nation. (See the preceding note.) The immediately preceding context supplies no antecedent for “it” (a third feminine singular suffix in the Hebrew text); the suffix may refer to the land, which would be a reasonable referent with a verb of motion. Note also that אֶרֶץ (’erets, “land”) does appear at the beginning of the next verse.
2 tn The verb that introduces this verse serves as a discourse particle and is untranslated; see note on “in the future” in 2:2.
3 tn Or “gods” (NAB, NRSV, CEV).
4 sn The phrase never full alludes to the greed of the leaders.
5 tn Heb “for his gain from his end.”
6 tn Heb “their deeds are deeds of sin, and the work of violence [is] in their hands.”