Notes on Former Questions: Vol. 1, 430
• 1 min. read • grade level: 10
Q. 430. Vol. i. p. 146. The following extract from the Commentary of Delitzsch may throw some light on Isa. 32:19,2019When it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place. 20Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass. (Isaiah 32:19‑20). The verses should be translated as follows:-" And it hails as the forest falls, and the city is greatly abased. Blessed are ye who sow by all waters, and let the foot of the ox and ass go free." In verse 19 the two last judgments are referred to, that of the Assyrian who is called the forest (see Isa. 10:3434And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one. (Isaiah 10:34)), and that of Jerusalem. Those who survive the time of these judgments are possessors of a land cleared of all enemies. They are free to sow wherever they will, and on account of the fertility of the soil are not obliged to keep away their cattle and asses from the cornfields, as is usually done, but allow them to stray in perfect liberty. For a parallel passage see Isa. 30:23, 2423Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures. 24The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. (Isaiah 30:23‑24). A. B.