The elder and the honorable man, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
Isa 9:13-17 Strophe 2. “But the people turneth not unto Him that smiteth it, and they seek not Jehovah of hosts. Therefore Jehovah rooteth out of Israel head and tail, palm-branch and rush, in one day. Elders and highly distinguished men, this is the head; and prophets, lying teachers, this is the tail. The leaders of this people have become leaders astray, and their followers swallowed up.
Commenting on Isaiah 9:13-17
The Lord sends warning before He wounds; He spoke through His prophets, but Israel refused to hear. Those willingly ignorant of God's wrath revealed against sin shall be made to know it by feeling it. The people's insolence defies justice itself: they say, let God do His worst, we will hold our ground, rebuild stronger than before. They will not repent at the word, so they shall learn through the blow.
AI summary
Commenting on Isaiah 9:8-21
The ancient and honourable, he is the head,.... The elder in office, not in age; and who, on account of his office, dignity, and riches, is honoured by men, is of a venerable countenance himself, and is reverenced when seen and looked upon by others, and received by persons with pleasure and cheerfulness; as the phrase used signifies.