For by fire and by his sword - The sword is an instrument by which punishment is executed (see the notes on Isaiah 34:5).

Will he …

Will the Lord plead ... —Better, will the Lord hold judgment. The thoughts of the seer pass on to the retributive side of…

For Jehovah will judge in fire. Here he brings forward nothing new, but merely confirms the former statement, and shows that this judgment…

For by fire, and by his sword, will the Lord plead with all
flesh
With the Mahometans, …

A prophetic declaration is given concerning the Lord's vengeance on all enemies of his church, and especially on all antichristian opposers of the …

1. Thus says the Lord. Here he specifies how the sentence will be executed.

   • First, in particular, concerning the J…