Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 5:26

26 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far , and will hiss unto them from the ends of the earth : and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly.

To call them together for this Service, as Generals use to do for the raising of Armies.

Either, 1. to the Assyrians, of whom he speaks more particularly ch. 10. and that under this same Character of a People that come from far, v. 3. and who did not long after this Prophecy invade Iudaea, and did much mischief in it. Although that part of the Prediction, v. 29. they [illegible: 1 word] lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it, do not seem to agree to them, nor that Invasion; for the Assyrians were forced to retreat with great shame and loss, and the Iews were delivered from them. Or, 2. to the Chaldaeans; for even Babylon is called a far countrey, Isa. 39. 3. And he saith nations, because the Chaldaean Army was made up of several Nations.

Or, will whistle unto, or for them: will gather them together by his Word, as Shepherds gather their Sheep. He intimates how easily and speedily God can do this Work.

Which is not to be understood strictly, but popularly, and with a latitude, from very remote Places; although part of the Chaldaean Army did come from Places not very [illegible: 1 word] distant from the end of that part of the World, so far as [illegible: 1 word] was then known.

Marginal references: Chap. 7. 18.