Isaiah 9:10 The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. In the first strophe Isaiah depicted the Ephraimites' proud superiority to danger, and their placid, assurance after defeat: "The bricks," they say, "are fallen, but we will build with hewn stone; the sycamores are cut down, but we will put cedars in their place": no sooner, in other words, has one scheme miscarried than they are prepared with a more magnificent one to take its place; no sooner is one dynasty overthrown than another rises in its stead. The proverb gives apt expression to the temper habitually displayed by the northern kingdom. (Prof . S. H. Driver, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. |