Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
the king—the idol which they came to worship, perfumed with oil, like harlots (Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 23:16, Ezekiel 23:40). So "king" means idol (Amos 5:26; Zephaniah 1:5); (malcham meaning "king") [ROSENMULLER]. Rather, the king of Assyria or Egypt, and other foreign princes, on whom Israel relied, instead of on God; the "ointment" will thus refer to the presents (Hosea 12:1), and perhaps the compliances with foreigners idolatries, whereby Israel sought to gain their favor [LOWTH] (Isaiah 30:6; Ezekiel 16:33; Ezekiel 23:16; Hosea 7:11).
send . . . messengers far off—not merely to neighboring nations, but to those "far off," in search of new idols, or else alliances.
even unto hell—the lowest possible degradation.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Isaiah 57:9:
Isaiah 57:10
Ezekiel 23:40
Hosea 12:1
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