Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 5:14

"Therefore Sheol hath enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth among them, descend [into it]." — Isaiah 5:14 (ASV)

Therefore hell - The word translated “hell,” שׁאול (sh^e'ôl)—does not have the same meaning that we now attach to that word. Its usual meaning among the Hebrews was “the lower world, the region of departed spirits.” It corresponded to the Greek ἅδης (Hadēs)—“hades,” or the place of the dead.

This word occurs eleven times in the New Testament (Matthew 11:23; Matthew 16:18; Luke 10:15; Luke 16:23; Acts 2:27, 31; 1 Corinthians 15:55; Revelation 1:18; Revelation 6:8; Revelation 20:13–14). In all of these places, except 1 Corinthians 15:55, it is translated “hell,” though in most of those places, as it does in the Old Testament, it denotes the abodes of the dead.

The Septuagint, in this place and usually, translates the word שׁאול (sh^e'ôl) as ἅδης (Hadēs)—“Hades.”

It was represented by the Hebrews as “low down, or deep” in the earth—contrasted with the height of heaven (Deuteronomy 32:22; Job 11:8; Psalms 139:7–8).

It was a place where thick darkness reigns (Job 10:21–22): ‘The land of darkness and the shadow of death; a land of darkness, as darkness itself.’

It is described as having “valleys, or depths” (Proverbs 9:18). It is also represented as having “gates” (Isaiah 38:10) and as being inhabited by a great multitude, some of whom sit on thrones, occupied in some respects as they were on earth (see the note at Isaiah 14:9).

It is also said that the wicked descend into it by openings in the earth, as Korah, Dathan, and Abiram did (Numbers 15:30).

In this place, it evidently means the “regions of the dead,” without the idea of punishment. The poetic representation is that so many of the Jews would be cut off by famine, thirst, and the sword, that those vast regions would be obliged “to enlarge themselves” to receive them.

It means, therefore, that while many of them would go into captivity (Isaiah 5:13), vast multitudes of them would be cut off by famine, thirst, and the sword.

Opened her mouth - As if to absorb or consume them, as a “cavern” or opening of the earth does .

Without measure - Without any limit.

And their glory - All that they esteemed their pride and honor will descend together into the yawning gulf.

Their multitude - The multitude of people; their vast hosts.

Their pomp - Noise, tumult; the bustle, and shouting, and display made in battle, war, or victory (Isaiah 13:4; Amos 2:2; Hosea 10:14).

And he that rejoices - All that the nation prided itself on, and all that was a source of joy, would be destroyed.