CHAP. XL.
God commands his prophet and servants to comfort his people, by the assurance that their sins are forgiven, 1, 2. The minisiry of John the Baptist foretold, and described, 3-3. The glad tidings of the gospel proclaimed; and the tender care of the good Shepherd, 9-11. A sublime representation of the majesty of God, contrasted with the insignificancy and vanity of the human race, as exposing the folly of attempting to liken any to him, 12-26. A gentle rebuke of God's people, for desponding in trouble; and encouraging thoughts suggested to them, 27-31.
COMFORT MOMFORT ye, ye, com comfort ye my peo
2 Speak ye * comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
12 Kings 20:17-19. 24:13. 25: | Zeph. 3:14-17. Zech. 1:13: 13-15. 2 Chr. 36:10,18. Jer. 9:9. 2 Cor. 1:4. 1 Thes. 4:18. 20:5. 27:21,22. 52:17-19. Dan. Heb. to the heart. Gen. 34:3. 1:2. 2 Chr. 30:22. Hos. 2:14. marg. Or, appointed time. Ps. 102: 13,&c. Cant. 2:11-13. Jer. 29:11. Dan. 9:2,24-27. 11:35 12:4,9. Hab. 2:3. Acts 1:7 Gal. 4:4. Rev. 6:10,11. 11:15 -18.
m 2 Kings 24:12. 25:6,7. 2 Chr. 33:11. 36:10,20. Jer. 39:7. Ez. 17:12-20.
n Dan. 1:3-7.
o Lev. 10:3. 1 Sam. 3:18. 2 Sam. 15:26. Job 1:21. Ps. 39:9. Lam. 3:22,39. 1 Pet. 5:6. p 2 Chr. 34:28. Zech. 8:16,19. a 3:10. 35:3,4. 41:10-14,27. 49: 13-16.50:10. 51:3,12.57:1519. 60:1,&c. 61:1-3.62:11,12. 65:13,14. 66:10-14. Neh. 8: 10. Ps. 85:8. Jer. 31:10-14.
b 12:1. 33:24. 43:25. 44:22. Ps 32:1. Jer. 31:33,34. 33:8,9. 1 Cor. 6:9-11.
с 61:7. Job 42:10-12. Jer. 16: 18. 17:18. Dan. 9:12. Zech. 1:15. 9:12. Rev. 18:6.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Even eminent believers are apt to forget the mercies of God, and to be elated with pride when they ought to be animated in gratitude, and to adoring thanksgivings: ( P. 0.2 Chr . 32: 24-33. Note , 2 Cor . 12:1-6. P. 0. 1—10.) On some occasions also, they value too highly the friendly notice of ungodly men, in exalted stations. But such coalitions with the world ensure painful consequences; and the Lord will rebuke and correct those whom he loves. Their submission, however, to distressing appointments, shews that grace has regained the ascendency; and thus truth and peace shall yet be with them through time and to eternity.
NOTES.
CHAP. XL. V. 1, 2. We now enter upon the latter part of this book, in which the name of the prophet is not mentioned: but it proceeds, as in one continued discourse, is full of consolatory topics, and treats almost entirely, and most clearly, of Christ and evangelical subjects. The whole seems to have been writ ten after the deliverance of the Jews from the Assyrian invasion, and towards the close of the prophet's life; and the style and imagery are elegant, rich, and often most sublime: so that
it cannot be read without great delight, by one
3 The voice of him that crieth in||*straight, and the rough places + plain the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every & valley shall be exalted, and h every mountain and hill shall be made and the crooked shall be made
ow:
that relishes beauties of that kind; even should he be ignorant of the spiritual and prophetic meaning of the sacred writer. The narration in the preceding chapter, (which perhaps was here inserted, as introductory to these predictions,) had mentioned the Babylonish captivity in express terms: (39:6,7.) and the prophet was here employed to prepare comfort for the church in expectation of that affliction, and while groaning under it.
But though some reference is made in many places to the return of the Jews from Babylon; yet the prophet is so carried above all temporal deliverances, in the foresight of the great redemption of Christ and its most glorious effects, that it would often be absurd and vain to seek for any allusion to inferior events, in the language employed by him.
'The course of prophecies, which follow from hence to the end of the 'book, and which taken together constitute the 'most elegant part of the sacred writings of the 'Old Testament; interspersed also with many 'passages of the highest sublimity; was proba'bly delivered in the latter part of the reign of 'Hezekiah. The prophet in the foregoing 'chapter had delivered a very explicit declara'tion of the impending dissolution of the king'dom, and of the captivity of the royal house of 'David, and of the people, under the kings of 'Babylon.
As the subject of his subsequent 'prophecies was to be chiefly of the consolatory 'kind, he opens them with giving a promise of 'the Restoration of the kingdom, and the return 'of the people from that captivity, by the mer'ciful interposition of God in their favor.
But 'the views of the prophet are not confined to 'this event: as the restoration of the royal fam'ily, and of the tribe of Judah, which would 'otherwise have soon become undistinguished, 'and have been irrecoverably lost, was neces'sary in the design and order of Providence, for 'the fulfilling of God's promises of establishing 'a more glorious and an everlasting kingdom, 'under the Messiah to be born of the tribe of 'Judah, and of the family of David; the proph'et connects these two events together, and 'hardly ever treats of the former, without 'throwing in some intimations of the latter; 'and sometimes is so fully possessed with the 'glories of the future more remote kingdom, 'that he seems to leave the more immediate 'subject of his commission almost out of the 'question.' Bp .
Lowth . The command, here given to the prophets and teachers of the church, (the Septuagint insert the words 'O 'priests,') to comfort the people of God and Jerusalem, with the assurance of the termination of their conflicts in victory and triumph; and of the pardon of their sins, may be consid
revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it .
6 The voice said, "Cry. And he said,
* Or, a straight place. ↑ Or, a plain place. k 6:3. 11:9.35:2.60:1.
Ps. 72:
19. 96:6. 102:16. Hab. 2:14. Luke 2:10-14. John 1:14. 12: 41. 2 Cor. 3:18.4:6. Heb. 1: 3. Rev. 21:23.
1 49:6. 52:10, 66:16,23. Jer. 32:
27. Joel 2:28. Zech. 2:13. Luke 2:32. 3:6. John 17:2. Acts 2:17.
m 1:20. 58:14. Jer. 9:12. Mic. 4:4.
n See on 3.-12:6. 58:1. 61:1,2 Jer. 2:2. 31:6. Ez. 33:2-9. Hos. 5:8.
their sins: and the sacrifice of Christ displayed the honor of his holiness and righteous government far more, than even the final condemnation of every transgressor could have done.As the church of Israel was to be comforted with the assurance of the Messiah's coming; so are Christians to be encouraged with the assurance of the final victory of his cause on earth; and of the church militant, and every member of it, soon becoming triumphant in heaven.-'Any state of servitude or hardship, 'is compared to a warfare in scripture. 2 Tim . 2:3,4. Thus the word is applied to the attend'ance of the Levites, in the service of the sanc'tuary. Num . 4:23. 8:24. The phrase here al'ludes likewise to the discharge given to sol'diers, after so many years' service. Job 7:1.' Lowth .
Double. (2) Notes, 61:7-9. Jer. 16:18. Dan . 9:12. Rev. 18:4-8. That is double in propor'tion to God's usual severity in punishing men's 'sins.' Lowth . The temporal punishments of Israel, during their several generations, seem especially meant.
V. 3-5.
It is generally supposed, that the prophet here refers to the proclamation of Cyrus, and to the return of the Jews to Jerusalem; as their fathers had come out of Egypt to Canaan, through a waste and dreary wilderness: and it is considered as a command to make all things ready for their safe and commodious passage. ( Notes , Ezra 1: 8:21-23.) But the coming of JEHOVAH to his people, not their return to Jerusalem, is predicted: and though his protecting presence with them on that occasion may be alluded to; yet this forms a feeble interpretation, compared with that of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.
John the Baptist, in the desert part of the land, (an apt einblem of the barren state of the Jewish church at that time,) was a herald sent to proclaim the approach of Christ, as JEHOVAH their God. When powerful or victorious monarchs, at the head of their armies, march through countries, where highways are not previously cast up; they are used to send pioneers before them, to level the country, to cut ways through impervious mountains and defiles, to make bridges over rivers, to cast up roads through morasses and deep valleys, and to make their marchas straight and unobstructed as possible.
'Diodorus's account of Semiramis's marches into Media and Persia, will give us a clear 'notion of the preparation of the way for a roy'al expedition. - In her march to Ecbatane she 'came to the Zarcean mountain, which, ex''tending many furlongs, and being full of ''craggy precipices and deep hollows, could ''not be passed without taking a great coming an everlasting memorial of herself, as 'well as of shortening the way, she ordered 'the precipices to be digged down, and the hollows to be filled up; and at a great ex'pense she made a shorter, and a more expe
ered as an introduction to the whole remain-pass about. Being therefore desirous of leav
ing prophecy, which indisputably extends to the consummation of all things. The sufferings of Israel and of Judah had abundantly vindicated the honor of the law and justice of God, seeing he thus punished his chosen people for
What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for
ever.
it up, the not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
10 Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand , and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
11 He shall a feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that || are with
9TO* Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high moun-young. tain; to Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength: lift
'ditious road, which to this day is called from 'her, the road of Semiramis. Bp. Lowth. A spiritual preparation, of a similar nature, was needful for the coming of Christ, and the setting up of his kingdom. John the Baptist's ministry was calculated to excite the attention of the people; to convince, alarm, and humble them; to subvert their self-confident prejudices and carnal expectations; to shew them their need of a spiritual redemption, and to raise their expectations of those blessings, which the Messiah was actually to bestow on them.
This tended to "prepare the way of the LORD," and to make all straight and level for his reception, and the success of his gospel. ( Notes , Matt . 3:1-4,7-12. Mark 1:1-11. Luke 1:1117,76-79.3:2-18. John 1:6-9,15-28. 3:2536.
Acts 13:24-37.) And the first Jewish converts to Christianity seem to have been in general prepared by John's ministry, for that of Christ and his apostles. ( Notes , John 1:3551.) Thus "the glory of the LORD was revealed" to them, and through them to the Gentiles; this light has hitherto been continued to many nations, and at length "all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." -The Septuagint here read, "All flesh shall see the salvation of our God;" and this is quoted by the evangelist. ( Note , Luke 3:4-6, v. 6.) - The Jewish church, to 'which John was sent to announce the coming 'of the Messiah, was at that time in a barren 'and desert condition, unfit, without reforma'tion, for the reception of her King.
It was in 'this desert country, at that time destitute of all 'religious instruction, in true piety and good 'works unfruitful, that John was sent to pre'pare the way of the Lord by preaching re'pentance. Bp . Lowth.
V. 6-8. To understand rightly this passage 'is a matter of importance: for it seems design'ed to give us the true key to the remaining 'part of Isaiah's prophecies; the general subject 'of which is the restoration of the people and 'church of God. The prophet opens the subject with great clearness and elegance. He then introduces a voice commanding him to 'make a solemn proclamation; And what is the 'import of it? That the people, the flesh, is of a 'vain temporary nature; that all its glory fadeth 'and is soon gone; but that the word of God 'endureth for ever. What is this but a plain 'opposition of the ... carnal Israel to the spirit'ual; of the temporary Mosaic economy to the
[Practical Observations.]
t 35:34. 51:7,12. Acts 4:13,29.1 22. Phil. 2:10,11. Rev. 2:26,
5:41,42. Eph. 6:19. 28,29. 1 Pet. 3:14.
Phil. 1:
u 12:2.25:9. 1 Tim. 3:16. 1 John 5:20,21.
x 9:6,7. 59:15-21. 60:1, &c. Zech. 2:8-11. Mal. 3:1. John 12:13,15.
Or, against the strong. 49:24, 25. 53:12. Heb. 2:14. 1 John 3.8.
a 49:9,10. 63:11. Gen. 49:24. Ps. 23:1,&c. 78:71,72. 80:1. Ez. 34:12--14,23,31. 37:24. Mic. 5:4. John 10:11-16. Heb. 13:20. 1 Pet. 2:25. 5:4.
b 42:3. Gen. 33:13. Ez. 34:16. John 21:15-17. 1 Cor. 3:1,2.
y 59:16. Ps. 2:8,9, 66:3. 110:1,2, 6. Matt. 28:18. Eph. 1;20- | || Or, give suck.
'eternal Christian dispensation?
You may be 'ready to conclude, (the prophet may be sup'posed to say,) by this introduction to my dis'course, that my commission is only to comfort 'you with a promise of the restoration of your 'religion and polity, of Jerusalem, and the tem'ple, and its services and worship in all its an'cient splendor: these are earthly, temporary, 'shadowy, fading things: ... these are not wor'thy to engage your attention, in comparison of the greater blessings, the spiritual redemp'tion, the eternal inheritance, covered under "the veil of the former, which I have it in charge 'to unfold unto you.
The law is only the 'shadow of good things, the substance is the 'gospel, ... which shall never be done away, but 'shall endure for ever.' Bp . Lowth . The impotency of man, in all his glory, to oppose the purposes of God, seems also to be intended. Thus the Chaldean prosperity withered when the time came for the Jews to be delivered; and the Jews lost all their honors and privileges, when the kingdom of Christ was to be established. The carnal expectations of the Jews, respecting the nature of the Redeemer's kingdom may likewise be adverted to.
The word translated "goodliness" properly signifies excellency , moral excellency, even piety, justice, truth, and mercy: and thus the passage shews the vanity and insufficiency of all human virtues, as well as of human power, accomplishments, and splendors, without the word of the gospel which endureth for ever, and without that regeneration which alone can render it effectual. ( Notes , Ps . 103:15-18. Zech . 4:4-7. 1 Cor . 1:26-31. Jam . 1:9—11.1 Pet . 1:22-25.)
The Spirit , &c. (7) "The wind of JEHOVAH." ( Ps . 103:16.) 'As wind and storms deface the 'beauty of the grass and flowers; so the breath 'of God's displeasure blasts the counsels of 'men, and brings them and their designs to 'nought.' Lowth .
V. 9-11. The former part of this paragraph is rendered by some, and by by Bishop Lowth in particular, "O thou, that bringest good tidings to Zion, &c." And, as it is in the feminine gender, it is supposed to allude to the custom of women leading con companies, with songs and dances, to celebrate great deliverances; as in the cases of Miriam and Jephthah's daughter. ( Notes , Ex . 15:20,21. Judg. 5:1. 11:34-40. 1 Sam . 18:6-9. Ps . 68:11,12.) Zion, or "the daughter of Zion" as the announcer of the
12 Who hath measured the waters in knowledge, and shewed to him the way
the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and d weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or, being this counsellor, hath taught him?
14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him
c 48:13. Job 11:7-9.38:4-11. Ps. 102:25,26. 104:2,3. Prov. 8:26-28.30:4. Heb. 1:10-12. Rev. 20.11.
* Heb. tierce. d Job 28:25.
e Job 21:22. 36:22,23. Luke 10: 22. John 1:13. Rom. 11:34. 1 Cor. 2:16. Eph. 1:11. † Heb. man of his counsel. Heb. made him understand.
of sunderstanding?
15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up & the isles as a very little thing.
16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, "nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt-offering.
17 All nations before him are i as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.
the honor of all the divine perfections through his mediatorial work,) was with him; ( Notes , 49:3-6. Heb . 12:2,3.) or, he came prepared to
glad tidings, being feminine, may account for that particularity. Indeed, not only Wisdom in Proverbs, but the word rendered "the Preacher," in Ecclesiastes, is feminine. ( Notes , reward his true disciples, and punish his obsti- Prov. 1:20. Ec . 1:1.)-But as Zion and Jeru-nate enemies. "His work was before him," salem evidently mean the inhabitants of Zion; and he was fully purposed and qualified to go and as the glad tidings are ordered to be de- through with it. His condescension and ten- clared to the cities of Judah; this interpreta-derness, to his flock of redeemed sinners, would
tion, though not requiring any alteration of the text, seems inadmissible. When any of the inhabitants of Zion brought glad tidings from the court of Persia; they were required stren- nously to publish them to the cities of Judah, encouraging them with the assurance of the presence and help of Israel's God. But this is only a shadow of the real meaning. The glad tidings of the advent of Christ was not only brought to Zion; but was from thence sent forth into the cities of Judah, and to all the ends of the earth.
The first preachers of the gospel, after the day of Pentecost, published the glad tidings with all boldness, beginning at Jerusa- lem, proceeding to the cities of Judah, and then to the Gentiles. ( Notes , 2:2-5. Ez . 47: 1-10. Luke 24:44-49.
Acts 1:4-8.) The church, the true Zion, ought from age to age thus strenuously to disseminate the glad ti- dings of salvation; and the most distinguished Christians should animate those who are less eminent and more timid.-The Jews were di- rected thus to encourage each other to expect their promised Messiah, until he came: and we ought thus to excite one another to expect his coming render his universally versally tri- umphant; and at the appointed period to judge
equal his power and wrath against his ene- mies.
He would "as a Shepherd" supply all their wants, and watch over their souls, and consider all their infirmities, maladies, and dangers: he would collect together young con- verts, feeble believers, and tempted and afflict- ed persons, with especial care; affording them adequate protection and consolation, and mod- erating their trials: even as the tender shep- herd takes the feeble lamb, when benumbed with wet and cold, and cherishes it in his bosom; and is peculiarly careful not to over- drive or injure the pregnant ewes, or those that have lately brought forth their young.
As this is an evident prophecy of Christ, and as he is the good Shepherd and the chief Shep- herd; so he must be Israel's God, and the Lord JEHOVAH: nor can these prophecies be otherwise interpreted, without obscuring and wresting their plain meaning, and causing this most elegant and sublime of all writers to express himself in a very improper and dis- cordant manner; or rather, without represent- ing the language of the Ho Holy Spirit, as calcu- lated to mislead the simple and honest reader. (Notes, 63:11-14. Ps . 23:1-3, v. 1. Ez . 34: 23-31. Mic . 5:2-4. Zech. 13:7. Matt . 26: 30-35.
John 10:10-18. Heb . 13:20,21 Pet . 5:1-4.)
23-31.
V. 12-17. There is no intimation of any change of person in the transition, from the
the world. In all these respects Zion is com- manded to proclaim m to all her children, and to all the earth, "Behold your God!" "O Zion and 'Jerusalem, do ye proclaim to all the world 'the goodness of your God to you, and there-tender "Shepherd," to this most sublime rep- highest moun-resentation of JEHOVAH: so that this divine
'fore take all advantage of the high
tains to publish it. Since it is to you that 'God imparts the first tid tidings of a a Savior, do 'ye gladly and zealously divulge it to all the 'earth; and say to the other cities of Judah, 'concerning the Messiah to be exhibited in the 'flesh, "Behold your God." Bp . Hall . ( Notes , Matt. 28:18-20. Mark 16:14-16. Acts 13:42 -48.) For the Lord God, (or the Lord JEHOVAH, as in the original,) would come "with a strong hand," or, "against a strong one," even that potent enemy of the church, of whom persecuting tyrants have always been both types and agents: his own arm would both establish his authority, and administer his kingdom: the recompense of his humiliation and sufferings, (namely, the exaltation of his human nature, the salvation of his people, and
majesty is evidently ascribed to the Son equally ly with the Father; Father; for "He and the Father are One." ( Note , ( Note , ote , John 10:26-31.) This seems especially introduced, to remind the Jews of JEHOVAH'S power to effect their deliverance from Babylon, and that spiritual redemption typified by it. The grandeur of this passage, in sentiment and expression, as much exceeds all the admired sublimity of minspired writers, as the light of the sun does that of a taper; and we should not only consider it in the sublimity of a poet ; but also that of a prophet , speaking of the infinite God, in language worthy of his subject, as far as human language possibly can be so. No representations of this kind in the writings of men, which have not evidently been taken from the scripture,
18 To whom then will ye liken God? 22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle
or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
19 The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. 20 He that is so impoverished, that he hath no oblation, m chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image that shall not be moved.
21 Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
k 25. 46:5,9. Ex. 3:10. 9:14. 15:
11. 20.4. Deut. 33:26. 1 Sam. 2:2. Job 40:9. Ps. 86:8-10. 89:6,8. 113:5. Jer. 10:6,16. Mic. 7:18. Acts 17:29. Col. 1:15. Heb. 1:3.
1 37:18,19. 41:6,7. 44:10-12.46: 6,7. Ex. 32:2-4. Judg. 17: Ps. 115:4-8. 135:15,18.
give satisfaction to the reflecting mind, but always appear to degrade the subject. But here the mind grasps at the majestic sentiments, yet cannot contain them; and the reflecting reader is satisfied, that thus it becomes JEHOVAH to speak of himself, if he would convey any ideas of his incomprehensible perfections to our narrow and clouded understandings.
To determine the quantity of water for the earth and ocean, by meting it out in the hollow of his hand, and the extent of the heavens by his span; to give out the dust, of which the whole of dry land is formed, by a small measure; and to weigh the hills and mountains in a balance, when he proportioned them in creation:what thoughts are these, and how do they lead the mind to enlarged apprehensions of the greatness of the Creator, and cause all created beings to shrink, as it were, to nothing in the comparison! Could this glorious Lord want any counsellor, or coadjutor?
Did it behove any of his creatures to dictate to him, how he ought to act with wisdom and justice? or could any pretend that they had thus instructed him? (Notes, Job 21:17-22, v. 22. Rom . 11:33-36. 1 Cor . 2:14-16.) Indeed all the nations of the earth are to him, but as a drop of water from the bucket, to the immensity of the ocean; or as the small disregarded dust upon the balance, to the whole earth.
He removes all the isles of the sea as an atom; and all the cedars of Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor all its cattle for a burnt-offering, if a sacrifice worthy of his majesty shou attempted: much less could such an oblation atone for the sins committed against him. But no illustration can reach the truth: for all nations before God, are "as nothing;" they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity; and so are all their magnificence, and their ostentatious superstitions.
should be
V. 18-20. Contrasted with the view of the divine glory above given, how abominable and absurd must the wor worship of images appear! what similitude can be made of God which is not infinitely dishonorable to him? Yet how general, how nearly universal, has this absurd and impious practice been among men! ( Notes , Ex . 15:11. 20:4,5.) The more wealthy and liberal of the Gentiles cast the image indeed of inferior metal, but employed the goldsmith to plate it with gold, and both to adorn and
of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in;
23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
24 Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown; yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and "he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, * and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.
† Or, Him that sitteth , &c. P 19:1.66:1. Ps. 2:4. 29:10. 68:33. q 15,17. Num. 13:33.
г 42:5. 44:24. 51:13. Job 9:8. 37: 18. 38:4-9. Ps. 102:25,26. 104:2. Jer. 10:12. Zech. 12: 1. Heb. 1:10-12
s 19:13,14. 23:9. 24:21,22. Job 12:21. 34:19,20. Ps. 76:12. 107: 40. Jer. 25:18-27. Luke 1:
51,52. Rev. 19:18-20.
t 14:21,22. 17:11. 1 Kings 21: 21,22. 2 Kings 10:11. Job 15: 30-33.18:16-19. Jer. 22:30. Nah. 1:14.
u 7. 11:4. 30:33. 37:7. 2 Sam. 22:16. Job 4:9. Hag. 1:9. x 17:13.41:16. Job 21:18. Ps. 58:9. Prov. 1:27. Jer. 23:19. Hos. 13:3,15. Zech. 7:14. 9:14.
fasten it with silver chains: and this was intended as the likeness and visible representative of their god, the object of their worship! Nay, the poor man, who could scarcely afford an oblation, or he who chose to be penurious in his religion, must yet have an idol, though it were but a block of durable wood, skilfully carved, and fixed up in his house.
Even the Israelites, and the Jews, when the ten tribes had separated from them, notwithstanding all their religious advantages, were surprisingly prone to the same irrational and senseless practice: because they disliked the holy character and spiritual worship and service of JEHOVAH.
But as they had no reason to fear either idols or idolaters, when God came to effect their promised deliverances; so nothing could so much provoke God to jealousy, and bring ruin upon them, as this abomination.Hereby he armeth them against the idolatry, 'wherewith they should be tempted at Babylon.' ( Notes , 41:5-7. 44:9-20. Ex . 32:1. Ps . 115:3-7. Jer. 10:3--11. Dan. 5:18-24. Hab . 2:18-20. Acts 17:22--31.)
V. 21--24. "Will ye not know? Will ye not hear? Hath it not been declared to you from the beginning? &c." Bp . Lowth . This is more literal than our version.--Would not the people after all understand? Would they not hearken to the word of God, which approved itself so fully to their minds and consciences? Had not the Jews known, and heard from the beginning? Nay, had not the Gentiles sufficient information, from the foundations of the earth, and in the things created, concerning the "eternal power and Godhead" of the Creator? ( Marg .
Ref . o.- Notes , Rom . 1:18--23.) He sitteth upon his throne in the heavens, which environ the earth as a circle: thence he beholds the puny efforts of all its inhabitants, like those of insignificant grasshoppers.
He has veiled himself with the vast expanse of the firmament, as with a curtain; and dwells beyond it, in invisible glory, as in a pavilion. ( Notes , Ps . 104:2,3.)--Disdaining the vain ambition, and the daring but impotent rebellion of wicked princes, he brings them and their devices to nothing; so that they cannot establish themselves, or their posterity, as they purpose and expect to do: for he will not suffer them to be planted or sown, or to take root: but in anger he blows on them, and they with
yond
25 To whom then will ye liken me, || LORD, the Creator of the ends of the or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and is k no searching of his understanding.
behold a who hath created these things , 29 He giveth power to the faint; and that bringeth out their host by number: to them that have no might he increaseth he calleth them all by names, by the strength. greatness of his might, for that he is strong an power; not one faileth.
27 Why d sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the
18. Deut. 4:15-18.5:8.
z 51:6. Deut. 4:19. Job 31:26 -28. Ps. 8:3,4. 19:1.
a 44.24. 45:7.48:13. Gen. 2:1, 2. Ps. 102:25. 148:3-6. Jer. 10:11,12. Col. 1:16,17.
b Ps. 147:4,5.
c Ps. 89:11-13. Jer. 32:17- 19 .
d 49:14,15. 54:6-8. 60:15. 1 Sam. 12:22. Job 3:23. Ps.
31:22. 77:7-10. Jer. 33:24. Ez. 37:11. Rom. 11:1,2.
e 49:4. Job 27:2. 34:5. Mal. 2: 17. Luke 18:7,8.
f Jer. 4:22. Mark 8:17,18. 9: 19. 16:14. Luke 24:25. John 14:9. 1 Cor. 6:3-5,9,16,19. g 57:15. Gen. 21:33. Deut. 33: 27. Jer. 10:10. Rom. 16:26. 1 Tim. 1:17. Heb. 9:14.
er, and are driven away as the stubble by the whirlwind. (Notes, 14:21-23. 1 Sam . 2:4--8. Ps . 75:4--8.)--The revolutions in the great empires of the world are intended, especially the subversion of the Babylonish empire by Cyrus, which made way for the restoration of the Jews. (Notes, Dan . 4:) Nebuchadnezzar and his successors had attempted to perpetu- ate the grandeur of their family; but the Lord blew upon it, and it all came to nothing.
V. 25, 26. (Notes, 18-20. Ps . 89:6-12.) Nothing could be mentioned, which might with the least appearance of propriety be lik- ened to JEHOVAH, except the sun, moon, and stars: and these appear to have been adored as deities, in one form or other, from the earliest ages, and almost in every nation; though a few of the philosophers of Greece or Rome, saw, or seemed to see, a superior Intelligence directing them, which however produced in them no practical effects. But the Lord says by his prophet, Who hath created these splen- did luminaries? They are the host, or army of Israel's God, numbered, marshalled, and com- manded by him, as if he spake to them by name: and because of the exceeding greatness of his mighty power, not one of them failed to fulfil his will, and shine in its appointed season, from age to age. ( Notes , 45:7.51:4-6. Gen. 2: 1,2. Deut . 4:19 . Job 31:24–28. 38:12—15,31-41. Ps . 8:3-9.148:1-5.)
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall * renew their strength; they shall P mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and a not faint.
h 45:22. 1 Sam. 2:10. Acts 13: 1 n 8:17. 25:9.30:18. Ps. 25:3,5, 47. 21. 27:14. 37:34. 40:1. 123:2. Lam. 3:25,26. Rom. 8:25. 1 Thes. 1:10.
i 66:9. Ps. 138:8. John 5:17. Phil. 1:6,
k 55:8,9. Ps. 139:6. 147:5. Rom. 11:33,34. 1 Cor. 2:16.
1 41:10. Gen. 49:24. Deut. 33: 25. Ps. 29:11. Zech. 10:12. 2 Cor. 12:9,10. Phil. 4:13. Col. 1:11. Heb. 11:34.
m 9:17. 13:18. Ps. 33:16. 34:10. 39:5. Ec. 9:11. Am. 2:14.
o Judg. 16:28. Job 17:9. 33:24 -26. Ps. 103:5. 138:3. 2 Cor. 1:8-10.4:8-10,16. 12:9,10. * Heb. change. p Ex. 19:4. Ps. 84:7. Cant. 8: 5. Zech. 10:12. Rev. 4:7. q Ps. 27:13. Luke 18:1. 2 Cor. 4:1,16. Gal. 6:9. Rev. 2:3
out of his understanding:" and therefore he could not be disconcerted by unforeseen ob- structions, or for want of resources to obviate difficulties. ( Marg . Ref . k. Notes , 55:8,9.
Ps. 138:8.) When his wisdom should see the proper season to be arrived, he would certainly effect their deliverance: by his help, the most feeble and intimidated instruments would acquire great and increasing strength and courage And whilst men of superior abilities and res olution, who confided in their own vigor, (as young men are apt to do,) would faint and be wearied out, in all their attempts to save them selves, or effect their purposes; those "who waited on the Lord," and relied on him for wisdom and support, should repair the decays of their spiritual strength after every conflict, and make continual accessions to it; till they mounted aloft, as on eagles' wings, out of the reach of their enemies: nor would they grow weary in their race, or faint in their walk, till they reached the glorious goal, and received the conqueror's crown. ( Marg .
Ref . m.-q.- Notes , Ps. 73:23-28, v. 26. 138:3. 2 Cor . 4:13- 18, v. 16. 12:7-10.) "They shall put forth fresh feathers, like the moulting eagle." It has 'been a common and popular opinion, that the eagle lives and retains his vigor to a great 'age; and that, beyond the common lot of oth- 'er birds, he moults in his old age, and re- 'news his feathers, and with them his youth....
Whether the notion of the eagle's renewing 'his youth is in any degree well founded or not, I need not inquire: it is enough for a poet, 'whether sacred or profane, to have the au- 'thority of popular opinion to support an image introduced for illustration or ornament.' Bp . Lowth . (Note, Ps . 103:5.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-11.
V. 27-31. Jacob is here introduced as in great and permanent affliction: as was the case with the Jews in the captivity; as it is with Israel at present; and with the church under antichristian persecution.
Every external appearance was discouraging: and they were apt to forget or distrust the power and promise of God, through long delays, many disappointments, and unbelief; and to conclude that he either disregarded them, and was not able to deliver them, or that he neglected to Those who walk with God need comforting, judge between them and their oppressors. especially when iniquity abounds, and the ( Notes , 49:14–16. Jer . 33:23-26.
Rom . 11:1-6.) church is in tribulation: accordingly he has But why should they harbor such gloomy commanded his ministers to "encourage the thoughts? why judge so dishonorably of God? broken-hearted," as well as "to warn the unHad they never heard, or known, that "the ruly:" and should the servant neglect or miseverlasting God, JEHOVAH," (Note, Ex . 3:14.) take his duty, the Lord himself will speak comthe Creator of the world, was incapable of be- fortably to them.
All effectual deliverances ing wearied out, or fainting, or leaving his are connected with the pardon of iniquity; and work unfinished? There was no "searching in the great atonement of the death of Christ, VOL. IV. 18 [137
V. 12-31.
the mercy of God is exercised to the exceedIng glory of his justice and holiness. This is As we cannot comprehend the mysterious the fountain of all our consolations, and en-nature, and the majesty of the Lord our God;
sures a ha happy event to the warfare of the church, and of every real believer.
Even in this desert world, where nothing but noxious creatures and productions, through man's apostacy, would otherwise have been found, a voice is heard calling on us to "prepare the way of the LORD;" for he comes "to bless us, in turning away every one from his iniquities." ( Note , Acts 3:24-26.) May he prepare our hearts, by the instructions of his word, and the convictions of his Spirit, cordially to welcome his salvation, and submit to his authority; that, every prejudice being removed, every proud and ambitious thought brought down, every grovelling passion passion subdued, the desire of things truly excellent and honorable implanted, our crooked and rugged tempers softened, and all obstructions removed; "the glory of the Lord may be revealed" to our souls; and we may be made ready for his whole will on earth, and for his heavenly kingdom.
And may his power remove all hindrances to the establishment of his kingdom throughout the earth; that "his glory may be revealed, and that all flesh may see it together." - The Lord alone is worthy of unreserved fear and confidence: and what are all the connexions, pos
let us learn to admire and adore those displays of his perfections, which are made in his works, and in his word. Let us abase ourselves before him, deeply sensible of our meanness as creatures, and our vileness as sinners: and let us never presume to object to his appointments or decisions, as if we were qualified to "teach Him knowledge," before whom "all nations are as nothing and vanity." And what are all man's attempts to expiate his own sins, and merit an eternal inheritance?
It costs more than the whole creation to ransom our souls; and "must have been let alone for ever," if "the only begotten of the Father" had not given himself for us, a sacrifice of infinite vaiue. With this God is well pleased: but all the power, wisdom, pride, and ostentation of sinful creatures, are with him "less than nothing;" abominable, as well as vain. Surely fallen man's boasted reason is a blind guide in religion: when he has always been prone to represent God, by images made like to corruptible man, or the inferior creatures!
And though we do not now , and in this our land, generally make images of gold, silver, wood, or stone, to worship them; we are still apt to conceive of God, as being such a one as our
sessions, distinctions, attainments, or perform-selves. Yet, we at least have abundant oppor
ances of fallen man, but "as the grass and the flower of the field?" When the Lord blows upon them with the breath of his displeasure, how soon they wither and fade! And what will the envied and admired titles and accomplish ments of a dying sinner avail him, when they leave him under condemnation, and "a vessel of wrath fitted for destruction?" But those, who rely on the word of God, which endureth for ever, shall possess unfading and eternal distinctions and treasures, however poor and despised they may be here on earth.
These are the glad tidings brought unto us by Zion's harbingers: may we gladly receive the word, and diligently diffuse it all around! All, who know this joyful sound, should thus endeavor by their bold and open profession of the truth, their holy examples, their fervent prayers, and all their influence, to communicate the blessing to others.
And let ministers especially "cry aloud and not spare," ," and point out to all, who inquire after salvation, the divine Redeemer, saying, "Behold your God!" "Behold, JEHOVAH 'has come in the flesh to "destroy the works of 'the devil:"" he has finished his work on earth; he has ascended his mediatorial throne in heaven; all power is in his hands, and "his Arm shall rule for him, his reward is with him, and his work before him." Whilst he crushes his obstinate foes under his feet, he feeds his purchased flock with inexpressible tenderness and care; and he is ever ready to gather in the new convert, to cherish the feeble, the tempted, and afflicted; and to proportion the strength of every one to the trials allotted him.
May we know our Shepherd's voice, and follow him, and by our gentle, harmless conduct prove ourselves to be the sheep of his pasture: may he gather our children and relations, as his "lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom:" and may numbers of those, who "are as sheep going astray," be continually "brought back to this Shepherd and Bishop of our souls!" For who is he, but Israel's Shepherd, "that measured the waters in the hollow of his hand?" This is the support of all our hopes, that, with the Father and the blessed Spirit, our Jesus is JEHOVAH, "God over all blessed for evermore."
tunity of becoming so acquainted with his per- fections, (were not our carnal minds at enmity against him,) as to be convinced, that we can conceive nothing in the smallest degree proper to represent him to our minds; except it be his holy image renewed upon the soul of be- lievers, which gives us some faint idea of his moral excellency: but of his infinite majesty we can form no conception. (Note, Job 26:14.) Wretched then are the mightiest princes, who rebel against him: he will soon reduce them to the most abject contempt and misery; and all their schemes of aggrandizing themselves and their descendants, will be as vain, as if the stubble should attempt resistance to the furious whirlwind.
But though "we cannot find out the Almighty to perfection," it behoves us to look about us, and to view his glory, in the works of his hands. The heavens, and all the host of them, proclaim "his eternal power and Godhead;" and the strength th of his arm continues them in their settled orders, with a punctuality which can never be sufficiently ad- mired. Nor let us forget, that he, who retains the planets in their orbits, spake all the prom- ises, and stands engaged to perform them. Why then should believers despond, either respecting themselves, or the common cause of godliness?
Their way, though dark to them, cannot be hid from him, and he will plead their cause and execute judgment for them.
When the everlasting God has begun his work of grace, he will never faint, nor be weary, nor withdraw his hand, till he has perfected it. ( Notes , Phil . 1:3-8.) But we should confide in his unsearchable wisdom, to perform his promises to us and to his church, in his own time and manner; neither discouraged by the sense of our own weakness, nor by a view of the power of our enemies: as "the LORD giv- eth power to the faint," nay, to those who have no might he causeth strength to abound. ( Notes , Phil . 4:10--13.
Col. 1:9–14, v. 11.) Let us then watch against unbelief, pride, and self- confidence: for if we go forth in our own strength, we "shall faint, and utterly fall," how- ever strong we may think ourselves. But if we wait on the Lord, out of weakness we shall be made strong; and having our hearts and