Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
In that day - The time of calamity referred to in the close of the previous chapter. This is a continuation of that prophecy, and there was no reason why these six verses should have been made a separate chapter. That the passage refers to the Messiah, is apparent from what has been stated in the note at the commencement of the prophecy Isaiah 2:1-4, and from the expressions which occur in the chapter itself; see the notes at Isaiah 4:2, Isaiah 4:5-6.
Seven women - The number "seven" is used often to denote a "large" though "indefinite" number; Leviticus 26:28; Proverbs 24:16; Zechariah 3:9. It means that so great should be the calamity, so many "men" would fall in battle, that many women would, contrary to their natural modesty, become suitors to a single man, to obtain him as a husband and protector.
Shall take hold - Shall apply to. The expression, ' shall take hold,' denotes the "earnestness" of their application.
We will eat our own bread ... - We do not ask this in order to be maintained. We will forego that which the law Exodus 21:10 enjoins as the duty of the husband in case he has more than one wife.
Only let us be called by thy name - Let us be regarded as "thy wives." The wife then, as now, assumed the name of the husband. A remarkably similar expression occurs in Lucan (B. ii. 342). Marcia there presents a similar request to Cato:
Da tantum nomen inane
Connubii; liceat tumulo scripsisse, Catonis Marcia .
' Indulge me only with the empty title of wife.
Let there only be inscribed on my tomb, "Marcia, wife of Cato." '
To take away my reproach - The reproach of being unmarried; compare Genesis 30:23; I Samuel 1:6.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
2 Samuel 6:2
Isaiah 3:6
Isaiah 11:10
Isaiah 11:15
Isaiah 19:18
Amos 9:12
Zephaniah 2:7
Luke 1:25
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