Isaiah 1:8

The daughter of Zion. That is, Jerusalem (see Lam. 2:8, 10, 13, 18; Micah 4:8, 10, 13). Zion was originally the ancient Jebusite stronghold, the city of David (2 Sam. 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1; see on Ps. 48:2), but later the name was applied in an extended sense to the entire city. Cities with their inhabitants, thought of in a poetical sense, are frequently referred to as women (see Isa. 47:1; Ps. 45:12; Lam. 2:15).

A cottage. That is, a hut or booth in which the keeper of the vineyard or members of his family dwelt during the vintage season. Those dwelling in such structures were, of course, isolated from the rest of the community and unprotected. Thus it was with Jerusalem during the period in question.

A lodge. Cucumbers and similar plants were common in the East. A booth was often erected in the field, where the caretaker would live during the summer to keep watch over the crops against thieves.

A besieged city. At the time of Sennacherib’s invasion Jerusalem was literally surrounded by the Assyrian armies. It alone stood when all the rest of the land of Judah had fallen into enemy hands.