ישעיהו, פרק ח׳, פסוק כ״א

A bleak picture emerges of deep despair, starvation, and the collapse of belief systems during a time of war and siege. It captures the psychological breaking point of a person whose physical and spiritual supports have completely failed.

The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the Israelites walking a path of loss and exile. Specifically, it points to the people of the Ten Tribes who suffered through the long siege of Samaria by Sennacherib, King of Assyria [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Another view suggests it refers to the people of Judah during the Assyrian invasion. In stark contrast, a unique perspective argues that the subject is not the Israelites at all, but rather the invading Assyrian army passing through the land of Judah and suffering from severe starvation themselves [אבן עזרא].

The suffering described is that of a person enduring cruel events and the agonies of battle and siege [רש״י, רד״ק, שד״ל]. Alternatively, it portrays someone who has become stubborn, their body physically hardened to endure the endless troubles [מלבי״ם]. Added to this misery is heavy starvation, as the ruined land offers no food. Driven by the pain of hunger, the person is filled with intense anger and rage, finally releasing their built-up frustration.

At this breaking point, the primary approach among commentators is that the person curses their human leaders and false idols, such as the golden calves and Baals, realizing these forces have no power to save them [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Following the view that the prophecy describes the Assyrian army, the starving soldiers curse the King of Assyria for dragging them into a disastrous military campaign [אבן עזרא]. A different understanding suggests that the person is not cursing their idols at all. Instead, they are cursing their own bitter fate, using the names of their king and false gods to swear the curses, as was the common practice [מלבי״ם, שד״ל].

Finally, after understanding that no rescue will come from human rulers or false gods, the person lifts their eyes upward, seeking help from the true God in heaven. Tragically, this desperate plea comes too late to be of any use, as His divine decree has already been sealed [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד].