“Because of apostasy, the Lord will cut off the government, elder, or man of rank (‘head … the ancient and honourable’) [Isaiah 9:15] and the false prophets (‘tail’). The leaders (‘branch’) and the followers (‘rush’ or reed) will be cut off” (Brewster, Isaiah Plain and Simple, 92–93).
It should be noted that the word honourable has been omitted from the rendering of Isaiah’s words in 2 Nephi 19:15, which clarifies that the corrupted leaders were not honorable.