Oracles Against the Nations Table

18:1 Ah This Hebrew interjection expresses pity, sympathy, or disappointment. It is often translated as “woe.”

the rivers of Cush The Hebrew name here “Cush” (kush) is used in the ot to designate a region of East Africa that likely included southern Egypt and northern Sudan. The rivers may be the headwaters of the Nile.

18:2 vessels of papyrus on the surface of the waters Describes boats made from bundles of papyrus reeds, which were commonly used on the Nile. The vessels probably traveled on the Red Sea. The choice to travel by sea—not land—illustrates the urgency of the mission.

swift messengers The mission is urgent—the messengers are traveling light and fast on the papyrus boats.

whose land rivers divide The prophet overhears the commissioning of the envoys. It is unclear where they were sent to ask assistance. If this land divided by rivers refers to Mesopotamia, they appeal to Assyria.

18:3 All you inhabitants of the world The prophet calls for the attention of the entire world so he can inform them that Yahweh is planning to judge soon.

a signal is raised on the mountains See 5:26.

18:4 a cloud of dew in the heat of Silently and unexpectedly, He waits for the right moment.

18:5 one cuts off the shoots The judgment is likened to a premature harvest. See 17:5–6.

18:6 birds of prey will pass the summer on it Reveals that death is behind the harvest metaphor; the dead will become carrion for wild animals.

18:7 a gift will be brought Along with the other nations, the unknown superpower to whom the ambassadors fled will one day bring tribute to Yahweh (see 2:2–4; 11:12). Since tribute payment was a symbol of subjugation and surrender, the nations ultimately acknowledge Yahweh’s sovereignty by bringing Him tribute. Tribute was paid to the most powerful king as a way of avoiding punishment in the form of invasion and attack.

Yahweh of hosts Or “Yahweh of Armies.” See note on Isa 1:9.

The Name Theology of the Old Testament

the mountain of Zion Yahweh’s dwelling place, the temple mount in Jerusalem. See note on 1:8.