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Some think the last word to be a proper name, though, according to etymology, it is “ city of potsherd.” They therefore give this rendering, “ strong city.” But Isaiah calls it “” קירהרשת; he extends the word by adding a syllable to it; but the word, however, is the same. Then he says, I will think of the men of Kir-cheres The word הגה,ege, is properly to complain, to whisper, to murmur; and hence some render the words not improperly, “ will mutter to the men of the city of potsherd.” (17)
The Prophet does not relate here what he would do, as I have before reminded you; but that he might represent to the life the ruin of Moab, he mentions their howling, crying, and complaints. He then says, I will howl, cry aloud, and with a trembling voice complain, as those who are grievously oppressed with evils; at one time they complain, cry aloud, and howl, and at another they mutter inwardly, grumble and murmur. Thus the Prophet assumes the character of such persons, in order that he might more fully set forth the extreme calamity of that nation. He afterwards comes to particulars: —
(17) This paragraph has been transplanted from the text.
The verbs here are imperatives in the Sept and Syr., “ ye,” etc.; and in the future tense in the Targ., “ shall howl, etc. The Vulg., is according to the Hebrew. The last verb is in the third person, “ (Moab) will mourn for the men of Kir-heres.” This city was on the extremity of Moab northward, as Jazer was on its extremity southward. — Ed.