Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!
9. Associate yourselves. The verb רעו, (rognu,) whether it be derived from רוע (ruang) or from רעה, (ragnah,) signifies to bruise. But as רעה (ragnah) signifies to associate, some prefer taking it in this sense, which certainly agrees better with the scope and argument of the Prophet.
The prophet here returns to speak of the present distress that Ahaz and his court and kingdom were in upon account of the threatening confederacy of the ten tribes and the Syrians against them. And in these verses, I. He triumphs over the invading enemies, and, in effect, sets them at defiance, and bids them do their worst (Isa 8:9, Isa 8:10): "O you people...
Commenting on Isaiah 8:9-15
Associate yourselves, O ye people,.... Both of Syria and Israel, whose two kings were confederate against Judah: and ye shall be broken in pieces; as the kingdom of Syria was by Tilgathpilneser quickly after this, Kg2 16:9 and the kingdom of Ephraim or Israel by Shalmaneser, Kg2 17:6, and give ear, all ye of far countries; the Assyrians, and the nations that belonged to them...