them by. Of this they feel confident, for they have a refuge, which they themselves have made, in falsehood and lies. What Isaiah means is that the Judahites employ politics of devious nature so that they can adapt themselves to every situation. They are governed by expediency; if a lie will suit their purpose, they will tell it; if dissembling is to their advantage, they employ it; the choice of means brings no embarrassment. Doubtless, there is a tone of irony in Isaiah’s words. The people would