Isaiah 41:2
ContextNETBible | Who stirs up this one from the east? 1 Who 2 officially commissions him for service? 3 He hands nations over to him, 4 and enables him to subdue 5 kings. He makes them like dust with his sword, like windblown straw with his bow. 6 |
XREF | Ge 11:31; Ge 12:1-3; Ge 14:14,15; Ge 17:1; 2Sa 22:43; 2Ki 13:7; Ezr 1:2; Isa 40:24; Isa 41:15; Isa 41:15,16; Isa 41:25; Isa 45:1; Isa 45:13; Isa 46:11; Heb 7:1; Heb 11:8-10 |
NET © Notes |
1 sn The expression this one from the east refers to the Persian conqueror Cyrus, as later texts indicate (see 44:28-45:6; 46:11; 48:14-16). 2 tn The interrogative particle is understood by ellipsis. 3 tn Heb “[in] righteousness called him to his foot.” 4 tn Heb “he [the Lord] places before him [Cyrus] nations.” 5 tn The verb יַרְדְּ (yardÿ) is an otherwise unattested Hiphil form from רָדָה (radah, “rule”). But the Hiphil makes no sense with “kings” as object; one must understand an ellipsis and supply “him” (Cyrus) as the object. The Qumran scroll 1QIsaa has יוֹרִד (yorid), which appears to be a Hiphil form from יָרַד (yarad, “go down”). Others suggest reading יָרֹד (yarod), a Qal form from רָדַד (radad, “beat down”). 6 sn The point is that they are powerless before Cyrus’ military power and scatter before him. |