John Gill Commentary Isaiah 13:15

"Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is taken shall fall by the sword." — Isaiah 13:15 (ASV)

Every one that is found shall be thrust through
With a sword, spear, or lance, and be slain; that is, everyone that is found in the city of Babylon; and so the Targum adds, ``and everyone that is found in it shall be slain;'' so Kimchi, in the midst of it, or without; in the street, as Jarchi. The orders of Cyrus <sup>F8</sup> were, that those that were found without (in the streets) should be slain; and to proclaim in the Syriac language, that those that were within doors should continue there, but, if they were found without, they should be put to death; which orders were executed, and well agrees with this prophecy: and everyone that is joined [unto them] shall fall by the sword ;
or "added" unto them; any of other nations that joined them as auxiliaries, see (Revelation 18:4) or "that is gathered"; so the Septuagint, "they that are gathered"; that are gathered together in a body to resist the enemy, and defend themselves. Some render the word, "every one that is consumed", with age; neither old nor young, as follows, should be spared. The Targum is, ``everyone that enters into the fortified cities,'' flees there for safety and protection.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F8: Xenophon. Cyropaedia, l. 7. sect. 23.