Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
The show of their countenance - The word rendered "the show" is probably derived from a word signifying "to know," or "to recognize," and here denotes "impudence" or "pride." Septuagint, ' The shame of their face.'
Doth witness against them - " Answers" to them; or "responds" to them ( ‛âne tâh ). There is a correspondence between the feeling of the heart and the looks, an "answering" of the countenance to the purposes of the soul that shows their true character, and betrays their plans. The prophet refers here to the great law in physiology that the emotions of the heart will be usually "expressed" in the countenance; and that by the marks of pride, vanity, and malice there depicted, we may judge of the heart; or as it is expressed in our translation, that the expression of the face will "witness" against a wicked man.
They declare ... - By their deeds. Their crimes are open and bold. There is no attempt at concealment.
As Sodom - see Genesis 19:5; compare the note at Isaiah 1:10.
Wo unto their soul - They shall bring woe upon themselves; they deserve punishment. This is an expression denoting the highest abhorrence of their crimes.
They have rewarded evil ... - They have brought the punishment upon themselves by their own sins.
Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Isaiah 3:9:
Genesis 10:6-20
Ruth 1:21
Isaiah 59:12
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
Start Your Day with Scripture
Begin your day with God's Word — the Berean brings Scripture and commentary every morning.
Join 150,000+ subscribers growing daily in God's Word.
