Be broken, you peoples, and be shattered; give ear, all you far countries; strap on your armor and be shattered; strap on your armor and be shattered.
9. Associate yourselves. The verb רעו, (rognu,) whether it be derived from רוע (ruang) or from רעה, (ragnah,) signifies to bruise. But as רעה (ragnah) signifies to associate, some prefer taking it in this sense, which certainly agrees better with the scope and argument of the Prophet.
The enemies of Judah gird themselves with policy and resolution, take counsel in war, and speak their determinations with confidence. Yet all their efforts are futile; you shall be broken in pieces, and your projects baffled, no matter how carefully you prepare or how often you resolve.
AI summary
Commenting on Isaiah 8:9-15
Associate yourselves, O ye people,.... Both of Syria and Israel, whose two kings were confederate against Judah: and ye shall be broken in pieces; as the kingdom of Syria was by Tilgathpilneser quickly after this, Kg2 16:9 and the kingdom of Ephraim or Israel by Shalmaneser, Kg2 17:6, and give ear, all ye of far countries; the Assyrians, and the nations that belonged to them...