Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 9:16

"For they that lead this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed." — Isaiah 9:16 (ASV)

For the leaders of this people ... - Note Isaiah 3:12. The Hebrew is, ‘Those who call this people blessed’—referring more particularly to the false prophets.

Those who are led by them - The Hebrew is, ‘Those who are called blessed by them.’

Are destroyed - The Hebrew is, ‘Are swallowed up;’ see the note on Isaiah 3:12. They are ruined, or swallowed up as in a vast whirlpool or vortex.