They have crossed over the pass. The Assyrians continue to move south There is a play on the word for “pass over” here in Hebrew. The word pass usually refers to a gap or a way through a mountainous area, often in the form of a narrow valley. It is not clear what mountain pass is in view here. Translators may say “they made their way through the mountain[s].”

At Geba they lodge for the night: The town of Geba was in northern Judah, so the Assyrians have now crossed into Judah’s own territory. They are closing in on Jerusalem. The phrase lodge for the night highlights that they are advancing steadily. They do not intend to stay long in Geba.

Ramah trembles, Gibe-ah of Saul has fled: The nearby towns of Ramah and Gibe-ah are afraid. The population of the town of Ramah (Samuel’s hometown; see 1 Sam 8.4) is trembling at the thought of the Assyrians attacking. The people in Gibe-ah have already fled to escape them. Gibe-ah was known as Gibe-ah of Saul because it was King Saul’s birthplace and his capital (see 1 Sam 14.16).

For the translation of this verse we may say:

• They have crossed over the Pass,
they stay the night in Geba;
the people of Ramah quake in fear,
those in Gibeah of Saul have fled.

• They have crossed the mountain pass, they camp overnight in Geba; Ramah’s inhabitants tremble in fear, all those in Gibeah, Saul’s hometown, have [already] run away.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .