John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 9:14

"Therefore Jehovah will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm-branch and rush, in one day." — Isaiah 9:14 (ASV)

Therefore the Lord will cut off from Israel. He indicates that God’s vengeance will be universal and will involve all levels of society. For the whole nation was corrupted, and the corruption had spread throughout the entire country to such an extent that no part was left whole or sound. Now, when wickedness is so widespread, everyone deceives themselves. They think they have hidden behind an effective veil because many others are like them. And when they compare themselves with others, they believe they have excused themselves. This is why He threatens that vengeance against all, for not one was exempt from the general disease.

Head and tail, branch and reed. By branch he means the stronger and more powerful; by reed or rush he means the weaker—that is, men of the lowest rank, who had very little wealth. He therefore means that the vengeance of God hangs over them and will spare neither the strong nor the weak, neither the highest nor the lowest, because no part is sound or uninfected by the general disease.