Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 44:14

14. He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak , which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest : he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.

Which afford the best and most durable Timber.

The Sence of the Words thus rendred, is, That he planteth, and with care and diligence improveth those Trees, among and above all the Trees of the Forest, that he or his Posterity may thence have Materials for their Images, and those things which belong to them. And this Sence seems to be favoured by the following Clause, wherein it is said, He planteth an Ash for this very reason: Or the Sence may be this, Which he suffers to grow to greater strength and largeness, than other Trees of the Forest; that they may be better and fitter for his use. Heb. And he strengthneth himself, &c. And he useth all his strength among the Trees of the Forest, in planting such as are proper for this end; in walking hither and thither to survey which is the best of them; in hewing them down, and in other things relating to them.

Marginal references: Or, taketh courage.