Prophecy as to Cyrus. ... ISÀIAH, XLIX. 20. 11; Psalm 78. 15; 105. 41) and of that from Babylon. Object of Messiah's Mission, are blended together; the language, whilst more immediately referring to the latter deliverance, yet, as being blended with circumstances of the former not strictly applicable to the latter, cannot wholly refer to either. but to the mystic deliverance of man under Messiah, and literally to the final restoration of Israel. 22. Repeated (ch. 57. 21.). All the blessings just mentioned Israel shall first cast away its wicked unbelief before (v. 21) belong only to the godly, not to the wicked. it shall inherit national prosperity (Zechariah, 12. 10-14; 13. 1, 9; 14. 3, 14, 20, 21.). The sentiment holds good also as to all wicked men (Job, 15. 20-25, 31-34.). CHAPTER XLIX. Messiah, as the ideal Israel (v. 3,), states the object of Ver. 1-26. SIMILAR TO CHAPTER XLII. 1-7 (v. 1-9). His mission, His want of success for a time, yet His here regarded as having been rejected by the Jews (v. certainty of ultimate success. 4, 5,), and as now turning to the Gentiles, to whom the 1. O isles-Messiah is Father hath given Him "for a light and salvation." (ch. 44. 2; Luke, 1. 31; John, 10. 36.). from "Isles mean all regions beyond sea. from the wombbefore His birth bowels Jesus" (i.e., Godsword-(ch. 11. 4; ... Saviour was designated by God mention of my name-His name (Matthew, 1. 21.). 2. my mouth Revelation, 19. 15.). The double office of the Word of God, saving and damnatory, is implied (ch. 50. 4; John, i.e., free from all rust, implies His unsullied purity. 12. 48: Hebrews, 4. 12.). shaft-(Psalm 45, 5.). "Polished," in. or a shaft in the quiver, Messiah, before his appearing, quiver... hid me-Like a sword in its scabbard, moment God saw fit [HENGSTENBERG]; also, always was hid with God, ready to be drawn forth at the protected by God, as the arrow by the quiver (ch. 51. 16.). 3. Israel-applied to Messiah, according to the true import of the name, the Prince who had power with God in wrestling in behalf of man, and who prevails (Genesis, 32. 28; Hosea, 12. 3, 4.). He is also the ideal Israel, the representative-man of the nation (cf. Matthew, 2. 15, with Hosea, 11. 1.). in whom...glorified (John, 14. 13; 17. 1-5.). 4. I-Messiah. in vain-comparatively in the case of the greater number of His own countrymen. "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (ch. 53. 1-3; Luke, 19. 14; John, 1. 11; 7. 5.). Only 120 disciples met after His personal ministry was ended (Acts, 1. 15.). yet... my judgment has been profaned!" In English Version the sense is, "I will refrain (v. 9, i.e., not utterly destroy thee), for why should I permit my name to be polluted, which it would be, if the Lord utterly destroyed His elect people" (Ezekiel, 20. 9)? not give glory unto another-if God forsook His people for ever, the heathen would attribute their triumph over Israel to their idols; so God's glory would be given to another. 12-15. The Almighty, who has founded heaven and earth, can, and will, restore His people. the first... last-(ch. 41. 4; 44. 6.). 13. spanned-measured out (ch. 40. 12.). when I call stand up together-(ch. 40. 26; Jeremiah, 53. 25.). But it is not their creation so much which is meant, as that, like ministers of God, the heavens and the earth are prepared at His command to execute His decrees (Psalm 119. 91.). (ROSENMULLER.] 14. among them-among the gods and astrologers of the Chaldees (ch. 41. 22; 43. 9; 44. 7.). Lord &c.-i.e., "He whom the Lord hath loved will do," &c. loved him he will, [LOWTH]: viz., Cyrus (ch. 44. 28; 45. 1, 13; 46. 11.). However, Jehovah's language of love is too strong to apply to Cyrus, except as type of Messiah, to whom alone it fully applies (Revelation, 6. 2-5.). his pleasure -not Cyrus' own, but Jehovah's. 15. brought-led him on his way. he-change from the first to the third person. [BARNES.] Jehovah shall make his (Cyrus') way prosperous. 16. not. . . in secret-(ch. 45. 19.). Jehovah foretold Cyrus' advent not with the studied ambiguity of heathen oracles, but plainly. from the time, &c.-from the moment that the purpose began to be accomplished in the raising up of Cyrus I was present. sent me - The prophet here speaks, claiming attention to his announcement as to Cyrus, on the ground of his mission from God and His Spirit. But he speaks not in his own person so much as in that of Messiah, to whom alone in the fullest sense the words apply (ch. 61. 1; John, 10. 36.). Plainly, ch. 49. 1, which is the continuation of ch. 48, from v. 16, where the change of speaker from God (v. 1, 12-15) begins, is the language of Messiah. Luke, 4. 1, 14, 18, shows that the Spirit combined with the Father in sending the Son: therefore "His Spirit" is nominative to "sent," not accusative following it. 17. teacheth.... to profit -by affliction, such as the Babylonish captivity, and the present long-continued dispersion of Israel (Hebrews, 12. 10.). 18. peace-(Psalm 119. 165.). Cf. the desire expressed by the same Messiah (Matthew, 23. 37; Luke, 19. 42.). river-(ch. 33. 21; 41. 18,), a river flowing from God's throne is the symbol of free, abundant, and ever-flowing blessings from Him (Ezekiel, 47. 1; Zechariah, 14. 8; Revelation, 22. 1.). righteousness-couraged" (ch. 42. 4; 50. 7, 10.). He calmly, in spite of religious prosperity, the parent of "peace" or national prosperity; therefore "peace" corresponds to "righteousness" in the parallelism (ch. 32. 17.). 19. sandretaining the metaphor of "the sea' (v. 18.). like the gravel thereof-rather, as the Hebrew, "like that (the offspring) of its (the sea's) bowels," referring to the countless living creatures, fishes, &c., of the sea, rather than the gravel. [MAURER.] JEROME, CHALDEE, and SYRIAC, support English Version. his name. . . cut off-transition from the second person, third "his." Israel's name was cut off as a nation thy," to the during the Babylonish captivity; also it is so now, to which the prophecy especially looks (Romans, 11. 20.). 20. Go... forth... end of the earth-Primarily, a prophecy of their joyful deliverance from Babylon, and a direction that they should leave it when God opened the way. But the publication of it "to the ends of the earth," shows it has a more world-wide scope antitypically; Revelation, 18. 4, shows that the mystical Babylon is ultimately meant. redeemed... Jacob-ch 43. 1; 44. 22, 23.). 21. Ezra, in describing the return, makes no mention of God cleaving the rock for them in the desert. [KIMCHI.] The circumstances, therefore, of the deliverance from Egypt (Exodus, 17. 6; Numbers, 499 cause, and reward (Margin for work, cf. ch. 40. 10; 62. with the Lord-ultimately, God will do justice to my 11) my labours and sufferings. He was never "dis seeming ill success for the time, left the result with God, confident of final triumph (ch. 53. 10-12; 1 Peter, 2. 23.). So the ministers of Christ (1 Corinthians, 4. 1-5; 1 Peter, 4. 19.). 5. The reason why He was confident that His work would be accepted and rewarded, viz., because He is "glorious in the eyes of Jehovah," &c. 26.). Though Israel be not gathered-metaphor from a to bring Jacob again to him-(Matthew, 15. 24; Acts, 3. scattered flock which the shepherd gathers together Instead of the text "not," the Keri has the similar again. Or a hen and her chickens (Matthew, 23. 37.). Hebrew word, "to Him," which the parallelism favours: "And that Israel may be gathered to Him." yetrather, parenthetically, "For I am glorious, &c., and words from the beginning of v. 5, "He saith" (I repeat,) my God is my strength." &c. Then (v. 6) resuming the credulity of the Jews, Messiah shall be glorified in the HORSLEY explains, "Notwithstanding the inconversion of the Gentiles," reading as English Version; but if the Keri be read, "Israel shall at one time or other be gathered, notwithstanding their incredulity during Messiah's sojourn on earth." 6. It is a light thing-"It is too little that thou shouldest," &c. [HENGSTENBERG] i.e., It is not enough honour to thee Messiah's Certainty ISAIAH, XLIX. of Ultimate Success. abundantly satisfy all the wants, both of literal Israel on their way to Palestine, and of the spiritual on their way to heaven, as their Shepherd (ch. 65. 13; Matthew, 6. 6.), also in heaven (Revelation, 7. 16, 17.). 11. my-all things are God's. mountains a way-I will remove all obstructions out of the way (ch. 40. 4.). exalted—i.e. cast up (ch. 57. 14; 62. 10;) ; for instance, over valleys. VITRINGA explains "mountains" as great kingdoms, Egypt, Syria, &c., subjected to Rome, to facilitate the doctrine wherein those who join the Church walk, and which, at the time of Constantine, was to be raised into prominence before all, and publicly protected (ch. 35. 8, 9.). 12. Sinim - The Arabians and other Asiatics called China Sin, or Tchin; the Chinese had no special name for themselves, but either adopted that of the reigning dynasty, or some high sounding titles. This view of "Sinim" suits the context which requires & people to be meant "from far," and distinct from those from the North and from the West." [GESENIUS.} 13. So Revelation, 12. 12. God will have mercy on the afflicted, because of His compassion; on His afflicted. because of His covenant. 14. Zion-The literal Israel's complaint, as if God had forsaken her in the Babylonian captivity; also in their dispersion previous to their future restoration; thereby God's mercy shall be called forth (ch. 63. 15-19; Psalm 77. 9, 10; 102. 17.). 15. (Ch. 44, 21; Psalm 103. 13; Matthew, 7. 11.). 16. Alluding to the Jews' custom (perhaps drawn from Exodus, 13. § of puncturing on their hands a representation of their city and temple, in token of zeal for them [Low78] (Song of Solomon, 8. 6.). 17. Thy children-Israel (e. 20, 21; ch. 43. 6.). JEROME reads, for "Thy children, "Thy builders;" they that destroyed thee shall hasten to build thee. haste-to rebuild thy desolate capital. shall go forth-Thy destroyers shall leave Judea to Israel in undisturbed possession. 18. As Zion is often compared to a bride (ch. 54. 5,), so the accession of converts is like bridal ornaments ("jewels," ch. 62. 3; Malachi, 3. 17.). Her literal children are, however, more immediately meant, as the context refers to their restoration; and only secondarily to her spiritual children by conversion to Christ. Israel shall be the means of the final complete conversion of the nations (Micah, 6. 7; Romans, 11. 12, 15.). as a bride-viz., binds on her ornaments. 19. land of thy destruction-thy land once the scene of destruction. too narrow (ch. 54. 1, 2; Zechariah, 10, 10.). 20. children... after... otherrather, the children of thy widowhood, i.e., the children of whom thou hast been bereft during their dispersion in other lands (Note, ch. 47. 8.). [MAURER.] again to raise up Jacob and Israel, but I design for thee more, viz., that thou shouldest be the means of enlightening the Gentiles (ch. 42. 6, 7; 60. 3.). the preserved-viz., those remaining after the judgments of God on the nation-the elect remnant of Israel reserved for mercy. LOWTH, with a slight but needless change of the Hebrew, translates for "tribes" and " preserved," the scions-the branches. 7. whom man despiseth-Hebrew, the despised of soul, i.e., by every soul, by all men (ch. 52. 14, 15: 53. 3; 50. 6-9; Psalm 22. 6.). LoWTH trans-spreading of the gospel: "highways," the Christian lates, "whose person is despised." abhorreth-lit., who is an abomination to the nation (Luke, 23. 18-23.). The Jews contemptuously call Him always Toivi "the crucified." I prefer, on account of Goi, the Hebrew term for nation being usually applied to the Gentiles, and that for people to the Jews (Hosea, 1. 9; so the Greek terms respectively also Laos and Ethné, Romans, 9. 25,), to take "nation" here collectively for the Gentile world, which also spurned him (Psalm 2. 1-3; Acts, 4. 25-27.). servant of rulers-(Matthew, 17. 27.). He who would not exert His power against the rulers (Matthew, 26. 52, 53.). shall see-viz., the fulfilment of God's promises (v. 3, 6,), when He shall be a light to the Gentiles, arise-to reverence thee (Psalm 72. 10, 11; Philippians, 2. 10.). princes also-rather, for the parallelism, supply the ellipsis, thus, "Princes shall see and shall worship." faithful-viz., to His promises. choose thee-as God's elect (ch. 42. 1.). 8. Messiah is represented as having asked for the grace of God in behalf of sinners; this verse contains God the Father's favourable answer. au acceptable time-" In a time of grace." [HENGSTENBERG. A limited time (ch. 61. 2; 2 Corinthians, 6. 2.). The time judged by God to be the best fitted for effecting the purposes of His grace by Messiah. heard thee -(Psalm 2. 8; Hebrews, 5. 7.). day of salvation-when the fulness of time" (Galatians, 4. 4) shall have come. The day of salvation is "to-day" (Hebrews, 4. 7.). helped -given thee the help needed to enable thee, as man, to accomplish man's salvation. preserve-from the assaults and efforts of Satan, to divert thee from thy voluntary death to save man. covenant of the people (Note, ch. 42. 6.). "The people," in the singular, is always applied exclusively to Israel. establish the earth -rather, "to restore the land," viz., Canaan to Israel. Spiritually, the restoration of the church (the spiritual Israel) to the heavenly land forfeited by man's sin is also included. cause to inherit ... desolate heritagesimage from the desolate state of Judea during the Babylonish captivity. Spiritually, the Gentile world, a moral waste, shall become a garden of the Lord. Lit., Judea lying desolate for ages shall be possessed again by Israel (cf. ch. 61. 7, "in their land'). Jesus, rather, yet. give place-rather, stand close to me, viz. the antitype of, and bearing the same name as Joshua in order that we may be the more able to dwell in the (Hebrews, 4. 8,), shall, like him, divide the land among narrow place. [HORSLEY.] Cf. as to Israel's spiritual its true heirs (ch. 54. 3; 61. 4.). 9. (Ch. 42. 7; Zechariah, children, and the extension of the gospel-sphere. 9. 12.). prisoners-the Jews bound in legal bondage. Romans, 15. 19, 24; 2 Corinthians, 10. 14-16. But 2 them... in darkness-the Gentiles having no light as to (cf. ch. 66. 20) shows that her literal children are prithe one true God. [VITRINGA.] Show yourselves-not marily meant. GESENIUS translates, "Make room." only see but be seen (Matthew, 6. 16; Mark, 5. 19.). 21. Who? &c.-Zion's joyful wonder at the unexpected Come forth from the darkness of your prison into the restoration of the ten tribes. Secondarily, the accession light of the Sun of righteousness. in the ways, &c.-In of spiritual Israelites to the mother-church of Jerua desert there are no" ways," nor "high places," with salem from the Gentiles is meant. This created sur"pastures;" thus the sense is: They shall have their prise at first (Acts, 10. 45; 14. 27; 15. 3, 4.). lost...am pastures, not in deserts, but in cultivated and inhabited desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro rather, places. Laying aside the figure, the churches of Chris: "bereaved of have been barren, an exile and outat the first shall be gathered, not in obscure and cast." (HORSLEY.] She had been "put away" by Jehounknown regions, but in the most populous parts of vah, ber husband (ch. 60. 1;; hence her wonder at the the Roman empire, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, &c. children begotten to her. 22. lift... hand-i.e., beckon [VITRINGA.] Another sense probably is the right one, to (Note, ch. 13. 2.). standard-(ch. 11. 12.). bring... Israel, on its way back to the Holy Land, shall not sons in... arms-The Gentiles shall aid in restoring have to turn aside to devious paths in search of neces-Israel to its own land (ch. 60. 4; 66, 20.). Children able saries, but shall find them in all places wherever their route lies; so ROSENMULLER. God will supply them as if He should make the grass grow in the trodden ways and on the barren high places. 10. Messiah will to support themselves are carried on the shoulders in the East; but infants, in the arms, or astride on one haunch (ch. 60. 12.). "Thy sons" must be distinct from "the Gentiles," who carry them; and therefore cannot The Judgments on Israel were CHAPTER L. ... primarily refer to converts among the Gentiles. 23. foes into adversity. fish stinketh-the very judgment lick... dust-i.e., kiss thy feet in token of humble sub- inflicted on their Egyptian enemies at the first exodus mission. for they... not... ashamed... wait for me- (Exodus, 7. 18, 21.). 3. heavens blackness-another The restoration of Israel shall be in answer to their of the judgments on Egypt to be repeated hereafter on prayerful waiting on the Lord (ch. 30. 18, 19; Psalm 102. the last enemy of God's people (Exodus, 10. 21.). sack16, 17; Zechariab, 12. 10; 14. 3.). 31. the prey-Israel, cloth-(Revelation, 6. 12.). 4. Messiah, as "the servant long a prey to mighty Gentile nations, whose oppression of Jehovah" (ch. 42. 1.), declares that the office has of her shall reach its highest point under antichrist been assigned to Him of encouraging the "weary" (Daniel, 11. 36, 37, 41, 45.). lawful captive-the Jews exiles of Israel by "words in season" suited to their justly consigned for their sins (ch. 50. 1) as captives to case; and that, whatever sufferings it is to cost Himthe foe. Secondarily, Satan and Death are "the self, He does not shrink from it (v. 5, 6), for that He mighty" conquerors of man, upon whom his sin gives knows His cause will triumph at last (v. 7, 8.). learned them their lawful" claim. Christ answers that claim not in mere human learning, but in divinely-taught for the sinners, and so the captive is set free (Job, 19. modes of instruction and eloquence (ch. 49. 2; Exodus, 25; 14. 14; Matthew, 12. 29; Hosea, 6. 2, where v. 4 shows | 4. 11; Matthew, 7. 28, 29; 13. 54.). speak a word in seasonthe primary reference is to Israel's restoration, to (Proverbs, 15, 23; 25. 11.). Lit., "to succour by words," which the resurrection corresponds; Isaiah, 26. 19; viz., in their season of need, the "weary" dispersed Ephesians, 4.8; Hebrews, 2. 14, 15.). Others not so well ones of Israel (Deuteronomy, 28. 65-67.). Also, the translate, "the captives taken from among the just spiritual "weary" (ch. 42. 3; Matthew, 11. 28.). wakenIsraelites." 25. (Ch. 53. 12; Psalm 68. 18; Colossians, eth [me] morning, &c. cf. "daily rising up early" 2. 15.). contend with him, &c.-(ch. 54. 17.). 26. feed... (Jeremiah, 7. 25; Mark, 1. 35.). The image is drawn own flesh-A phrase for internal strifes (ch. 9. 20.). own from a master wakening his pupils early for instrucblood-A just retribution for their having shed the tion, wakeneth... ear-prepares me for receiving His blood of God's servants (Revelation, 16. 6.). sweet wine divine instructions. as the learned-as one taught by -i.e., must, or new wine, the pure juice which flows Him. He "learned obedience," experimentally, "by from the heap of grapes before they are pressed; the the things which He suffered" thus gaining that pracancients could preserve it for a long time, so as to re- tical learning which adapted Him for "speaking a word tain its flavour. It was so mild that it required a large in season" to suffering men (Hebrews, 5. 8.). 5. opened quantity to intoxicate; thus the idea here is that very ...ear-(see Note, ch. 42. 20; 48. 8;; i.e., hath made me much blood would be shed (Revelation, 14. 10, 20.). all obediently attentive (but MAURER, "hath informed me flesh shall, &c.-the effect on the world of God's judg- of my duty"), as a servant to his master (cf. Psalm 40. ments (ch. 66. 15, 16, 18, 19; Revelation, 15. 3, 4.). 6-8, with Philippians, 2. 7; ch. 42. 1; 49. 3, 6; 52, 13; 63, 11; Matthew, 20, 28; Luke, 22. 27.). not rebellious-but, on Ver. 1-11. THE JUDGMENTS ON ISRAEL WERE PRO- the contrary, most willing to do the Father's will in VOKED BY THEIR CRIMES, YET THEY ARE NOT FINALLY proclaiming and procuring salvation for man, at the CAST OFF BY GOD. 1. Where ... mother's divorcement cost of His own sufferings (Hebrews, 10. 6-10.). 6. -Zion is "the mother" the Jews are the children; smiters-with scourges and with the open hand (ch. 62. and God the Husband and Father (ch. 54. 5; 62. 5; 14; Mark, 14. 65.). Lit. fulfilled (Matthew, 27. 26; 26. 67; Jeremiah, 3. 14.). GESENIUS thinks, God means by the Luke, 18. 33.). To "pluck the hair" is the highest insult question to deny that He had given " a bill of divorce- that can be offered an Oriental (2 Samuel, 10. 4;. ment" to her, as was often done on slight pretexts by a Lamentations, 3. 30.). "I gave" implies the voluntary husband (Deuteronomy, 24. 1,), or that He had "sold" nature of His sufferings; His example corresponded to His and her "children," as a poor parent sometimes His precept (Matthew, 5. 39.). spitting-to spit in did (Exodus, 21. 7; 2 Kings, 4. 1; Nehemiah, 5. 5) under another's presence is an insult in the East, much more pressure of his "creditors" that it was they who sold on one; most of all in the face (Job, 30. 10; Matthew, 27. themselves through their own sins. MAURER ex- 30; Luke, 18. 32.). 7. Sample of His not being "displains, "Show the bill of your mother's divorcement, couraged" (ch. 42. 4; 49. 6.). set... face like... Sintwhom, &c.; produce the creditors to whom ye have set myself resolutely, not to be daunted from my work been sold; so it will be seen that it was not from any of love by shame or suffering (Ezekiel, 3. 8, 9.). 8. (Ch. caprice of mine, but through your own fault, your 49. 4.). The believer, by virtue of his oneness with mother has been put away, and you sold" (ch. 52. 3.). Christ, uses the same language (Psalm 138. 8; Romans, HORSLEY best explains (as the antithesis between "I" 8. 32-34.). But "justify" in His case, is God's judicial and "yourselves" shows, though LowтH translates, acceptance and vindication of Him on the ground of **Ye are sold") I have never given your mother a regular His own righteousness (Luke, 23. 44-47; Romans, 1.4; bill of divorcement, I have merely "put her away" for 1 Timothy, 3. 16, with which cf. 1 Peter, 3. 18,), in their a time, and can, therefore, by my right as her husband case, on the ground of His righteousness and meristill take her back on her submission; I have not made torious death imputed to them (Romans, 5. 19.). stand you, the children, over to any "creditor" to satisfy a together-in judgment, to try the issue. adversary-lit.. debt; I therefore still have the right of a father over master of my cause, i.e., who has real ground of accuyou, and can take you back on repentance, though as sation against me, so that he can demand judgment to rebellious children you have sold yourselves to sin and be given in his favour (cf. Zechariah, 3. 1, &c.; Revelaits penalty (1 Kings, 21. 25.). bill whom-rather, tion, 12. 10.). 9. (Cf. ch. 52. 13, Margin; ch. 53. 10; "the bill with which I have put her away." [MAURER.] Psalm 118. 6; Jeremiah, 23. 5.). as a garment-(ch. 51. 2. I-Messiah. no man-willing to believe in and obey 6, 8; Psalm 102. 26.). A leading constituent of wealth me (ch. 63. 1, 3.). The same Divine Person had "come" in the East is change of raiment, which is always by His prophets in the Old Testament (appealing to liable to the inroads of the moth; hence the frequency them, but in vain, Jeremiah, 7. 25, 26,), who was about of the image in Scripture. 10. Messiah exhorts the to come under the New Testament. hand shortened-godly after His example (ch. 49. 4, 5; 42. 4) when in cirthe Oriental emblem of weakness, as the long stretched cumstances of trial (“darkness," ch. 47. 5,), to trust in out hand is of power (ch. 59. 1.). Notwithstanding your sins, I can still "redeem" you from your bondage and dispersion. dry up... sea-(Exodus, 14. 21.). The second exodus shall exceed, whilst it resembles in wonders, the first (ch. 11. 11, 15; 51. 15.). make... rivers... wilderness-turn the prosperity of Israel's the arm of Jehovah alone. Who is there-i.e., Whosoever (Judges, 7. 3.). obeyeth... servant-viz., Messiah. The godly "honour the Son, even as they honour the Father" (John, 5. 23.). darkness-(Micah, 7. 8,9.). God never had a son who was not sometimes in the dark. For even Christ, His only Son, cried out, "My God, Encouragement to the Faithful CHAPTER LI. ISAIAH, LI. Remnant of Israel to trust, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" light-rather, | (Ch. 40. 6, 8; Psalm 102, 26; Hebrews, 1. 11, 12.). vanish splendour: bright sunshine; for the servant of God is away-lit., shall be torn asunder, as a garment never wholly without "light." [VITRINGA.] A godly [MAURER]: which accords with the context. in like man's way may be dark, but his end shall be peace and manner-But GESENIUS, "Like a gnat," like the smalllight. A wicked man's way may be bright, but his end est and vilest insect. JEROME translates, as English shall be utter darkness (Psalm 112. 4; 97. 11; 37. 24.). let Version, and infers that "in like manner" as man, the him trust, &c.-as Messiah did (v. 8, 9.). 11. In con- heavens (i.e., the sky) and earth are not to be annihitrast to the godly (v. 10,), the wicked, in times of dark-lated, but changed for the better (ch, 65. 17.). righteousness, instead of trusting in God, trust in themselves ness-my faithfully-fulfilled promise (Note, v. 5). 7. (kindle a light for themselves to walk by) (Ecclesiastes, know righteousness (Note, v. 1.). 8. (Note, ch. 50. 9; 11. 9.). The image is continued from v. 10, "darkness," Job, 4. 18-20.). Not that the moth eats men up, but they human devices for salvation (ch. 19. 21; 16. 9, 25) are shall be destroyed by as insignificant instrumentality like the spark that goes out in an instant in darkness as the moth that eats a garment. 9. Impassioned (cf. Job, 18. 6; 21. 17, with Psalm 18. 28.). sparks-not prayer of the exiled Jews. ancient days-(Psalm 44. a steady light, but blazing sparks extinguished in a 1.). Rahab-poetical name for Egypt (Note, ch. 30. 7.). moment. walk-not a command, but implying that as dragon-Hebrew, tannin. The crocodile, an emb'em of surely as they would do so, they should lie down in sor- Egypt, as represented on coins struck after the conrow (Jeremiah, 3. 25.). In exact proportion to mystic quest of Egypt by Augustus; or rather here, its king, Babylon's previous “glorifying" of herself shall be her Pharaoh (Note, ch. 27, 1; Psalm 74. 13, 14; Ezekiel, 32. sorrow (Matthew, 25. 30; 8. 12; Revelation, 18. 7.). 2, Margin; 29. 3.). 10. it the arm. Art not thou the same Almighty power that, &c.? dried the sea-the Red Ver. 1-23. ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE FAITHFUL sea (ch. 43. 16; Exodus, 14, 21.). 11. (Ch. 35. 10.). thereREMNANT OF ISRAEL TO TRUST IN GOD FOR DELIVER fore-assurance of faith; or else the answer of Jehovah ANCE, BOTH FROM THEIR LONG BABYLONIAN EXILE, corresponding to their prayer. As surely as God reAND FROM THEIR PRESENT DISPERSION. 1. me-the deemed Israel out of Egypt, He shall redeem them God of your fathers. ye... follow after righteousness- from Babylon, both the literal in the age following, the godly portion of the nation; v. 7 shows this (Pro- and mystical in the last ages (Revelation, 18. 20, 21). verbs, 15. 9; 1 Timothy, 6. 11.). "Ye follow righteous- There shall be a second exodus (ch. 11. 11-16; 27. 12, 13.). ness," seek it therefore from me, who "bring it near,' singing-image from the custom of singing on a journey and that a righteousness "not about to be abolished" when a caravan is passing along the extended plains in (v. 6, 73; look to Abraham, your father (v.2), as a sample the East. everlasting joy-(Jude, 24.). sorrow... fies of how righteousness before me is to be obtained; I, away-(Revelation, 21. 4.). 12. comforteth-v. 3; ch. 40, the same God who blessed him, will bless you at last 1.). thou - Zion. son of man-frail and dying as his . 3;); therefore trust in me, and fear not man's opposi-parent Adam. be made as grass-wither as grass ch. tion (v. 7, 8, 12, 13.). The mistake of the Jews, hereto- 40. 6, 7.). 13. (Ch. 40. 12, 26, 28,), the same argument of fore, has been, not in that they "followed after right- comfort drawn from the omnipotence of the Creator. eousness," but in that they followed it "by the works as if... ready, &c. — lit., "when he directs," viz., his of the law," instead of "by faith," as Abraham (Ro- arrow, to destroy (Psalm 21. 12; 7. 13; 11. 2.). [MAURER.] mans, 9. 31, 32; 10. 3, 4; 4. 2-5.). hole of... pit-The 14. captive exile-lit., one bowed down as a captive (ch. idea is not, as it is often quoted, the inculcation of 10. 4.). [MAURER.] The scene is primarily Babylon, humility, by reminding men of the fallen state from and the time near the close of the captivity. Seconda which they have been taken, but that as Abraham, the rily, and antitypically, the mystical Babylon, the last quarry, as it were (cf. ch. 48. 1,), whence their nation enemy of Israel and the church, in which they have was hewn, had been called out of a strange land to long suffered, but from which they are to be gloriously the inheritance of Canaan, and blessed by God, the delivered. pit- such as were many of the ancient same God is able to deliver and restore them also (cf. dungeons (cf. Jeremiah, 38. 6, 11, 13; Genesis, 37. 20.1 Matthew, 3. 9.). 2. alone-translate, "I called him when nor... bread... fail-(ch. 33. 16; Jeremiah, 37. 21.). he was but one" (Ezekiel, 33. 24.). The argument is, the 15. divided... sea-The Red sea. The same Hebrew same God who had so blessed "one" individual, as to word as "make to rest" (v. 4.). Rather, "that terrify become a mighty nation (Genesis, 12. 1; 22. 17,), can also the sea," i.e., restrain it by my rebuke, "when its increase and bless the small remnant of Israel, both that waves roar." [GESENIUS. The Hebrew favours left in the Babylonish captivity, and that left in the MAURER, "that terrify the sea so that the waves roar?" present and latter days (Zechariah, 14. 2:): "the residue" The sense favours GESENIUS (Jeremiah, 5, 22; 31. 35). (ch. 13. 8, 9.). 3. For-See for the argument, last note. or English Version (v. 9, 10, which favours the special the garden of the Lord-restoration of the primeval reference to the exodus from Egypt). 16. Addressed paradise (Genesis, 2. 8; Ezekiel, 28. 13; Revelation, 2. 7.). to Israel, embodied in "the servant of Jehovah" (ch. melody-Hebrew, psalm. God's praises shall again be 42. 1,), Messiah, its ideal and representative Head, heard. 4. my people-the Jews. This reading is better through whom the elect remuant is to be restored. than that of GESENIUS: "O peoples... nations," viz., put my words in thy mouth-true of Israel, the deposi the Gentiles. The Jews are called on to hear and re- tory of true religion, but fully realised only in Israel's joice in the extension of the true religion to the nations; Head and antitype, Messiah (ch. 49. 2; 50. 4, 5; 59, 21; for, at the first preaching of the gospel, as in the final Deuteronomy, 18. 18; John, 3. 34.). covered...in... age to come, it was from Jerusalem that the gospel shadow of hand--protected thee (Note, ch. 49.2. law was, and is, to go forth (ch. 2. 3.). law...judg-plant- rather, "fix" as a tabernacle; so it ought to be ment-the gospel dispensation and institutions (ch. 42. 1, "judgment."). make ... to rest-establish firmly; found. light, &c.-(ch. 42. 6.). 5. righteousness ... near -i.e., faithful fulfilment of the promised deliverance, answering to "salvation" in the parallel clause (ch. 46. 13; 56. 1; Romans, 10. 8, 9.). Ye follow after" righteousness," seek it, therefore, from me, and you will not have far to go for it (v. 1.). arms-put for Himself: I by my might. judge-(ch. 2. 3, 4; Psalm 98. 9.). isles, &c. -ch. 60. 9.). arm-(Romans, 1. 16,)," the power of God unto (the Gentiles' as well as the Jews') salvation." 6. ... rendered (Daniel, 11. 45.). The "new creation," now juice mixed with intoxicating drugs). of trembling-I Promise of Free Redemption. see note) demands my interposition. they that ruleor tyrannize, viz., Babylon, literal and mystical, make ... to howlor, raise a cry of exultation over them. [MAURER.] blasphemed-viz., in Babylon: God's reason for delivering His people, not their goodness, but for the sake of His holy name (Ezekiel, 20. 9. 14.). 6. shall know in that day-(when Christ shall reveal Himself to Israel sensibly; the only means whereby their obstinate unbelief shall be overcome (Psalm 102. 16; Zechariah, 12. 10; 14. 5.). 7. beautiful feet-i.e.. The advent of such a herald seen on the distant "mountains" (Notes, ch. 40. 9: 41. 27; 25. 6, 7; Song of Solomon, 2. 17) running in haste with the long-expected good tidings, is most grateful to the desolated city (Nahum, 1. 15.). good tidings-only partially applying to the return from Baby. lon. Fully, and antitypically, the gospel (Luke, 2. 10, 11,). "beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke, 24. 47,), "the city of the great King" (Matthew, 5. 35,,where Messiah shall at the final restoration of Israel, "reign" as peculiarly Zion's God ("Thy God reigneth;" cf. Psalm 2. 6.). 8. watchmen-set on towers separated by intervals to give the earliest notice of the approach of any messenger with tidings (cf. ch. 21. 6-8.). The Hebrew is more forcible than English Version, "The voice of thy watchmen" (exclamatory as in Song of Solomon, 2, 8)! "They lift up their voice! together they sing." eye to eye-i... close at hand, and so clearly [GESENIUS]; Numbers, 14, 14, "face to face," Numbers, 12. 8, "mouth to mouth." Cf. 1 Corinthians, 13. 12; Revelation, 22. 4, of which Simeon's sight of the Saviour was a prefiguration (Luke, 2. 30.). The watchmen, spiritually, are ministers and others who pray for the peace of Jerusalem (ch. 62, 6, 7.). bring again-i.e., restore. Or else, "return to." [MAURER.] 9. (Ch. 14, 7, 8; 42. 11.). redeemed-spiritually and nationally (ch. 48. 20.). 10. made bare... arm metaphor from warriors who bare their arm for battle (Ezekiel, 4. 7.). all... earth... see... salvation of... God-The deliverance wrought by God for Israel will cause all nations to acknowledge the Lord (ch. 66. Ver. 1-15. VERSES 1-13 CONNECTED WITH CHAP. 18-20.). The partial fulfilment (Luke, 3. 6) is a foreLI. Zion long in bondage (ch. 51. 17-20) is called to put runner of the future complete fulfilment. 11. (Ch. 48. on beautiful garments appropriate to its future pros- 20; Zechariah, 2. 6, 7.). Long residence in Babylon made perity. 1. strength-as thy adornment; answering to many loath to leave it; so as to mystical Babylon (Re"beautiful garments" in the parallel clause. Arouse velation, 18. 4.). ye... that bear... vessels of the Lordthyself from dejection and assume confidence, the holy the priests and Levites, whose office it was to carry the city-(Nehemiah, 11. 1; Revelation, 21. 2.). no more... vessels of the temple (Jeremiah, 27. 18.). Nebuchadunclean (ch. 35. 8; 60. 21; Joel, 3. 17; Revelation, 21. nezzar had carried them to Babylon (2 Chronicles, 36. 27.). A prophecy never yet fulfilled. uncircumcised- 18.). Cyrus restored them (Ezra, 1. 7-11.). be... cleanspiritually (Ezekiel, 44. 9; Acts, 7. 51.). 2. from the dust by separating yourselves wholly from Babylonian idola-the seat of mourners (Job, 2. 12, 13.). arise, and sitters, mystical and literal. 12. not with hasteviz., in a more dignified place: on a divan, or a throne as when ye left Egypt (Exodus, 12. 33, 39; Deuteronomy, [LOWTH), after having shaken off the dust gathered up 16. 3; cf. Note, ch. 28. 16.). Ye shall have time to cleanse by the flowing dress when seated on the ground; or sim- yourselves and make deliberate preparation for deparply, "Arise, and sit erect." [MAURER.] bands of...ture. Lord-Jehovah, as your Leader in front (ch. 40. 3; neck-the yoke of thy captivity. 3. As you became your Exodus, 23. 20; Micah, 2. 13.). rereward-lit., gather up. foes' servants, without their paying any price for you i.e., bring up the rear of your host. The transition is (Jeremiah, 15. 13,), so they shall release you without frequent from the glory of Messiah in His advent to demanding any price or reward ch. 45. 13,, (where Cyrus reign, to His humiliation in His advent to suffer. Inis represented as doing so: a type of their final resto deed, so are both advents accounted one, that He is ration gratuitously in like manner). So the spiritual not said, in His second coming, to be about to return, Israel, "soid under sin," gratuitously (Romans, 7, 14,), but to come. 13. Here ch. 53. ought to begin, and ch. shall be redeemed also gratuitously (ch. 55. 1.). 4. My 52. end with v. 12. This section, from here to end of people-Jacob and his sons. went down-Judea was an ch. 63., settles the controversy with the Jews, if Messiah elevated country compared with Egypt. scjourn-They be the person meant; and with infidels, if written by went there to stay only till the famine in Canaan Isaiah, or at any time before Christ. The correspondshould have ceased. Assyrian-Sennacherib. Reinem-ence with the life and death of Jesus Christ is so ber how I delivered you from Egypt and the Assyrian; what, then, is to prevent me from delivering you out of Babylon (and the mystical Babylon and antichrist in the last days? without cause-answering to "for nought" in v. 5; it was an act of gratuitous oppression in the present case, as in that case. 5.what have I here -i.e., what am I called on to do? The fact that my people is taken away (into captivity; ch. 49. 24, 25) for nought" (by gratuitous oppression, v. 4; also v. 3, where CHAPTER LII. minute, that it could not have resulted from conjecture or accident. An impostor could not have shaped the course of events so as to have made his character and life appear to be a fulfilment of it. The writing is, moreover, declaredly prophetic. The quotations of it in the New Testament show (1.) that it was, before the time of Jesus, a recognised part of the Old Testament: (2.) that it refers to Messiah (Matthew, 8. 17; Mark, 15. 28; Luke, 22. 37; John, 12. 38; Acts, 8. 28-35; Romans, 10. |