CHAP. XLI.
JEHOVAH calls on the nations to consider his works for Israel, and describes the zeal of the idolaters about their idols, 1-7. He gives many promises and predictions of assistance, victory, and prosperity to his people; and of the conversion of the Gentiles, 8-20. He challenges the idols of the nations to
even by the way that he had not gone with his feet.
4 Who hath wrought and done it , calling the generations from the beginning? foretel future events and accomplish them, as he did; and pre-k I the LORD, the First, and with the last;
dicts the conquests of Cyrus, and the deliverance the Jews from captivity, 21-29.
EEP a silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.
2 d Who raised up *the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and gas driven stubble to his bow.
3 He pursued them, and passed safely;
a 49:1. Ps. 46:10. Hab. 2:20. 12:1-3. 17:1. Heb. 11:8-10. Zech. 2:13. *Heb. righteousness.
b 6,7,21,22 8:9,10. 40:7. Joel 3:10,11.
Job 38:3, e Gen. 14:14,15. Heb. 7:1.
c 1:18. Job 25:3-7. 31:35,36. 40:8-10 Mic. 6:1-3.
d 25. 45:13. 46:11. Gen. 11:31.
f 15,16. 2 Sam. 22:43. 2 Kings
13:7.
g 40:24.
Heb. in peace.
hopes in heaven, we shall be carried above all difficulties, and enabled to press forward, and lay hold of "the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus."
NOTES.
CHAP. XLI. V. 1. JEHOVAH speaks through the whole of this chapter. er. He here calls on the most distant nations, in reverent silence, to hearken to the proofs which
give, that he is the only true God, and that all their idols are nothing; and when they had attentively considered the subject, let them collect all their resolution, and draw near to plead their cause; that the controversy might at length be finally decided, whether JEHOVAH or their idols was entitled to their worship and service. ( Notes , 21-24. 1 Kings 18:21. Ps . 46:10. Hab . 2:18-20. Zech . 2:10-13.)- Islands .] "Those countries that were parted from Judea 'by the sea. Lowth.- People .] Or peoples ; לאמים ,plural.
V.2-4. Some eminent expositors suppose Cyrus to be here meant: but it is not likely that he should be called "the righteous man;" (or righteousness , Marg.) nor could the success of that monarch give any general alarm to idolaters.-JEHOVAH is pointing out to the nations the evidences of his being the only true God; and is about to predict those events, which will terminate in the extirpation of idolatry: but he previously calls the attention of mankind at large to the victories, which had already been obtained by his worshippers over idolaters.
The calling of Abraham, from the eastern country of Mesopotamia, was the first remarkable check, which God gave to idolatry after the flood, when it was about to become universal; and the opening of that grand design, by which the whole empire of Satan was in due time to be entirely subverted. (Notes, Gen. 12:1-3. 49:10.) As the pattern of all future believers, both in the manner of his justification and the effects of his faith, Abraham was properly distinguished as "the righteous man." The Lord called him "to his
I am he.
5 The misles saw it , and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
6 They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be + of good courage.
7 So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and
h 26. 40:12,26, 42:24.
i 44:7. 46:10. 48:3-7. Deut. 32:7,8. Acts 15:18. 17:26.
k 43:10. 44:6. 48:12. Rev. 1:11, 17. 2:8. 22:13.
1 46:3,4. Matt. 1:23. 28:20.
m Gen. 10:5. Ez. 26:15,16.
n Ex. 15:14,15. Josh. 2:10,11. 5:1. Ps. 65:8. 66:3,4. 67:7.
o 1 Sam. 4:7-9.5:3-5. Dan.
3:1-7. Acts 19:24-28.
Heb. strong. 35:4. Joel 3:9 -11.
p. 40:19. 44:12-15. 46:6,7. Jer. 10:3-5,9. Dan. 3:1,&c. Or, founder.
|| Or, the smiting.
Or, saying of the solder, It is good .
a warrior on any other occasion; yet, relying on the power of JEHOVAH, he once marched forth at the head of a small company of his servants, against four victorious heathen kings and their armies: and God gave them before him, and made him victorious over them; so that they became as dust, or stubble driven by the wind, before his sword and bow: and he pursued them with entire safety, through those parts of the land, into which he had never before travelled. ( Notes , Gen. 14:14-20.) This, and other interpositions of God in his favor, gave him a great ascendency over kings and nations: and were earnests of the victories, which were promised to his posterity, and in due time granted them. The king and people of Egypt first fell before the God of Israel; and then Arad, Sihon, and Og, with their subjects; and then the inhabitants of Canaan: and
thus Abraham, in his seed, ruled over many kings and nations. These events were extensively known, and could not be denied; and they caused great alarms in the adjacent regions. ( Note , 5-7.) Now, who had effected these victories of Israel over the idolaters? Even He, who had also predicted them, and had from the beginning called the generations of Israel from among the rest of the nations, speaking of them as already existing.
And as JEHOVAH, the self-existent and eternal God, had been present with his people at first, so he would be to the last, to support them and render them triumphant. ( Notes , 44:6-8. Er . 3:14. Rev. 1:8-11. 2:8,9.) 'Some explain 'this of Abraham; others of Cyrus. I rather 'think that the former is meant, because the 'character of the righteous man, or righteous'ness, agrees better with Abraham, than with 'Cyrus.
Besides, immediately after the de'scription of the success given by God to Abra'ham, and his posterity, (who, I presume, are 'to be taken into the account,) the idolaters are 'introduced as greatly alarmed at this event. 'Abraham was called out of the east; and his 'posterity were introduced into the land of 'Canaan, in order to destroy the idolaters of 'that country; and they were established there,
foot," that is, to follow him in the most impli- 'on purpose to stand as a barrier against idolcit and unreserved confidence and obedience. 'atry, then prevailing, and threatening to over(Note, Heb . 11:8-10.) And, though he was not || 'run the whole face of the earth. Cyrus... had he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.
[Practical Observations.]
11 Behold all they that were incensed against thee, shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be fas nothing; and
8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of*they that strive with thee shall perish.
Abraham my friend.
9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; a for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
q 40:20. 46:7. Judg. 18:17,18,24. z 14. 12:2. 43:1,5. 44:2. 51:12,13. r 43:1. 44:1,2,21. 48:12. 49:3. Gen. 15:1. Deut. 20:1.31:6- Ex. 19:5,6. Lev. 25:42. Deut. 8. 7:6-8.10.15. 14:2. Ps. 33:12. 105:6,42-45. 135:4. Jer. 33:
24.
s Matt. 3:9. John 8:33-44. Rom. 4:12,13. 9:48. Gal. 3: 19. 4:22-31.
t 2 Chr. 20:7. John 15:14,15. Jam. 2:23.
u 2. Josh. 24:24. Neh. 9:7, &c. Ps. 107:2,3. Luke 13:29. Rev. 5:9.
Deut. 7:7. 1 Cor. 1:26-29. Jam. 2:5.
y 1 Sam. 12:22. Ps. 94:14. Jer. 33:25,26. Rom. 11:1,2.
12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, i Fear not; I will help thee.
14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy Redeemer, the Holy
One of Israel.
15 Behold, I will make thee a new
Josh. 1:9. 2 Chr. 20:17. sharp threshing instrument having teeth: ■ thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat
32:8. Ps. 27:1. 46:1,2,7,11. Luke 1:13,30. 2:10,11. Rom. 8:31 .
a 52:7. 60:19. 1 Chr. 12:18. Ps. 147:12 Hos. 1:9. Zech. 13: 9. John 8:54,55.
b 40:29-31. Deut. 33:27-29. Ps. 29:11. Zech. 10:12. 2 Cor. 12:9. Eph. 3:16. Phil.
4:13.
c Ps. 37:17,24. 41:12. 63:8. 145: 14.
d Ps. 65:5. 89:13,14. 99:4. 144:8,
11.
'nothing in his character to cause such an 'alarm among the idolaters, 5-7.' Bp. Lowth.
V. 5-7. The success which attended the servants of JEHOVAH, is here represented, as exciting the apprehensions of the most distant nations, lest the cause of idolatry should be ruined. So that, being instigated by that ambitious spirit, who is worshipped by idolaters as "the god of this world," they combine together, and stimulate and encourage each other to support their senseless worship, and renderit prevalent against the cause of God and Israel. This was the case when Israel conquered Canaan, and in their wars with the Philistines and others.
It was still more remarkably so, when Christianity was establish ed on the ruins of Pagan idolatry; and we have reason to expect that a similar scene will be exhibited, when antichristian idolatry shall be extirpated. ( Notes , Ex . 15:14-16. 1 Sam . 4:7 -9. 5:3-12. 6:2-9. Acts 19:23-41.) -The word rendered "carpenter," is in the former chapter translated "workman," and joined with melteth . (40:19.) Some of the images were carved of wood, and covered with plates of gold. ( Notes , 40:18-20. 44:12-17.)
V. 8,9. The Lord seems in disdain, to leave the idolaters to weary themselves in forming their idols, and strengthening their cause: (Note, Hab . 2:12-14.) and addresses himself to his people, to encourage them with assurauces of support and victory. Israel was the servant and worshipper of JEHOVAH, through
e 45:24. 49:26. 54:17. 60:12-14. Ex. 11:8. 23:22. Zech. 12:3. Acts 13:8-11.16:39. Rev. 3:9. f 24,29. 40:17. Dan. 4:35. * Heb. the men of thy strife. g Job 20:7-9. Ps. 97:35,36. Heb. the men of thy con- tention.
† Heb. the men of thy war. 6 42:6. 45:1. 51:18. Ps. 63:8. 73:23. 109:31. 2 Tim. 4:17. i 10.
k Job 25:6. Ps. 22:6.
Or, few men. Deut. 7:7. Matt. 7:14. Luke 12:32. Rom. 9:27. 1 43:14. 44:6,24. 47:4. 48:17. 49: 7,26. 54:5,8. 59:20.60:18.63:16. Job 19:25. Ps. 19:14. Jer. 50: S4. Gal. 3:13. Tit. 2:14. Rev. 5:9.
m 21:10. 28:27. Hab. 3:12. || Heb. mouths.
n Ps. 18:42. Mic. 4:13. Zech. 4:7. 2 Cor. 10:4,5.
seed, who are brought from every part of the earth into this church, made the servants, the friends, and children of God, who will never reject them, or leave them to perish. ( Marg . Ref . x, y. Note, Deut. 7:6-8.)-The word )החזקתיך(, translated taken , seems equivalent to that used by St. Paul, concerning his own conversion: “for which also I am appre hended of Christ Jesus." ( Note , Phil . 3:12-14.) V. 10-14. "Fear not ... for I have strengthened thee, I have assisted thee, I have supported thee with my faithful right hand." Bp . Lowth .
Past deliverances are mentioned, to encourage the expectations of future protection and support. The security and victories of the church are, however, here predicted and promised: and the prophecy is couched in such terms, as can be fully accomplished only by the most complete triumph of true religion over all idolatry and iniquity; yet at the same time it consists of promises, suited to the encouragement of believers through successive ages.
They know themselves to be feeble, and see the cause of godliness destitute of external defence; but they are assured, that the Lord is with his church, and every true member of it: therefore they ought not to be dismayed by the number or power of their enemies. JEHOVAH himself will strengthen, assist, and uphold his people, with his powerful arm performing his faithful promises, and maintaining his righteous cause. The powerful monarchies which in succession have been in
his gracious choice, and as "the seed of Abra-censed against the church, and have contend
ham," whom he had favored and honored with the peculiar name and privileges of his friend, 'a lover of God.' ( Notes , 1 Chr . 16:12-22. John 15:12-16. Jam . 2:21-24.) Abraham had been called out of Mesopotamia, and the Israelites out of Egypt, from among the chief men of the earth; and the Lord still adhered to his choice: though he had corrected and proved them by many adversities, yet he had not cast them off. ( Notes , 1 Sam . 12:22. Rom . 11:25-32.)-But in these respects Israel was a type of the chosen
ed with her, and which have warred against the nation of Israel, have been put to shame, and brought to nothing: and this prediction has already been fulfilled, in the ruin of the Egyptian, Assyrian, Chaldean, Macedonian, and Roman empires, which we now may seek for in vain; for no vestiges of the three former, and scarcely any of the last, can be found; while the church still subsists, and the Jews still remain a distinct people! ( Notes , 27:7-11. 54:15–17. Ps . 37:10,11,35,36. Jer . 10:11. 30:10,
them small, and shall make the hills as chaff. || cedar, the shittah-tree, and the myrtle, and 16 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind the oil-tree: I will set in the desert the fir
shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them, and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.
17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them , I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
18 I will * open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
19 I will plant in the wilderness the
o 17:13. Ps. 1:4. Jer. 15:7.51: 2. Matt. 3:12.
p 12:6. 25:1-3. 45:24,25, 61:10, 11. 1 Sam. 2:1,2. Jer. 9:23,
16:24.
t 30:19. Judg. 15:18,19. Ps. 34:6, 50:15. 102:17. 107:5,6. 2 Cor. 12:9.
21* Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons , saith the King of Jacob.
22 Let them bring them forth, a and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be , that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them, or declare us things for to come. 23 Shew the things that are to come
24. Hab. 3:18. Luke 1:46,47, u 42:16. Gen. 28:15. Ps. 94:14. hereafter, that we may know that ye are
1 Cor. 1:30,31. Phil. 3:3. Greek.
q 61:1. 66:2. Ps. 68:9,10. 72:12, 13. 102:16,17. Matt. 5:3. r55.1. Ex. 17:3,6. Ps. 42:2. 63:1,2. Am. 8:11-13. Matt. 5:6. John 4:10-15. 7:37-39. Rev. 21:6. 22:17.
s Ps. 22:15. Lam. 4:4. Luke
Heb. 13:5,6. x 12:3. 30:25. 32:2. 35:6,7. 43:19, 20. 44:3. 48:21. 49:9,10. 58:11. Ps. 46:4. 78:15,16. 107:35. Ez. 47:1-8. Joel 3:18. Zech. 14: 8. Rev. 7:17. 22:1.
у 27:6. 32:15. 37:31,32. 51:3.55: 13. 60:21. 61:3,11. Ps. 92:13, 14. Ez. 17:22-24.47:12.
11. Dan . 2:40–45. 7:23-27. Zech . 12:2-5. 14: 1-3.) In like manner, all who now do, or hereafter shall, contend with his people, shall perish. For JEHOVAH leads them by the right | hand to the conflict; and both inspires them with courage and strength, and fights for them: and though they are as "worms," in the contempt poured upon them, in their own humble sense of their weakness and meanness, and in their low and abject condition, and few men in comparison with their enemies; ( Note , Ps . 22: 4-6, v . 6.) yet their "Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel," will render them victorious.-'God's 'truth shall at last prevail against all opposi
gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we
version of the Gentiles, and of spiritual blessings, under similar allusions. ( Notes , 12:3. 30: 23-25.35:5–7. 42:13-17. 43:14—21. 44:3-5. 49:9-13.) -The provision, which is made for the consolation of the poor and humble people of God, in all their distresses and persecutions from age to age, may be implied: but perhaps some intimation may also be given of the method, in which the Lord will accomplish his promises of spreading the gospel. By "the poor and needy, who seek water and find none," he may describe the case of people, destitute of the means of grace, yet brought to some indistinct, but anxious desires of instruc
'tion: and the kingdom of Christ shall subduetion and spiritual blessings. Cornelius and his
'and break in pieces all its adversaries.' Lowth .
V. 15, 16. Deep rooted idolatrous empires, and systems of idolatry, superstition, and imposture, are like impassable mountains; and form obstructions to the propagation of the gospel, insuperable to man: but the Lord will furnish his church, from time to time, with proper and adequate instruments to destroy, or remove out of the way, and even to disperse as chaff and dust, all remains of them. Or, "he will form and constitute the church to be such a threshing instrument, &c." Something of this kind was done, in the ruin of the Chaldean monarchy, in order to Israel's deliverance from captivity; and far more in the subversion of the Pagan Roman empire, in order to the establishment of Christianity: but future events will more signally illustrate the propriety of the strong metaphors here employed, which are taken from the methods of threshing and winnowing corn, that were then in use. ( Marg . Ref . Notes, 10-14. 28:23-29. Mic . 4:11-13.)
V. 17-20. The care taken to supply water and provisions for the poor Jews, and to defend them, when they returned from Babylon, as their fathers had been provided for in the wilderness; ( Notes , Ex . 16: 17:) and the reestablishment of their church and state, in the desolated land of Judah; form but feeble accomplishments of this remarkable prophecy. We meet with repeated predictions of the con
friends, (the first Gentile converts,) were thus prepared to receive the gospel, before it was sent to them: and Paul was called into Europe by "a vision of a man of Macedonia," who begged him to come over and help them. ( Notes , Acts 10:1-8. 16:6-12.) Indeed we know not in what degree the Lord may facilitate the promulgation ulgation of Christianity, in due time, by exciting desires of instruction and salvation, in the minds of those, who have not hitherto heard the gospel. 1.
Such desires will dictate earnest prayers, and the Lord will hear them, and not leave the suppliants destitute: and many effects of the late and present exertions, for making the word of God known to the most distant and ignorant nations, seem already to have produced, and are well calculated still more to produce, this kind of preparation for the gospel.
Thus rivers, fountains, and wells of salvation, shall be opened in the most unlikely places; and trees of righteousness, both ornamental and fruitful, shall flourish in abundance, throughout the barren desert of the Gentile world. ( Note , 55:11,12.) As these predictions shall be more and more accomplished, the power, truth, and love of God, will be seen, known, and considered more and more generally; and the progress of the gospel will be with accelerated motion, as the stone falls to the earth with increasing rapidity."I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, &c." 'as it were on purpose to shelter my people, in their return home, from the scorching heat of
'the sun.' Lowth . ( Notes , 25:3-5. 32:1,2. Cant . 2:3.)
V. 21-24. In these prophecies, JEHOVAH speaks to mankind through all generations; and as his predictions are accomplished, his conclusions become still more strictly demonstrative. Let the nations, in the mean time, plead for their idols, and produce their most cogent arguments.
Let them bring forth some ancient authenticated oracles, which had already received as signal an accomplishment, as the prophecies made to Abraham, or to Israel, had done: nay, let them give some satisfactory account of the creation of the world, and the transactions of former times, which might stand in competition with that given by Moses; and let them foretel the event of them.
Or let them now utter some prophecies, like these of JEHOVAH's prophets, which, coming to pass in process of time, might justify their claim to be worshipped as gods: yea, let them interpose to inflict miraculous judgments upon their despisers, or to effect miraculous deliverances for their worshippers; that the people of JEHOVAH might evidently behold it together, and be dismayed; as the Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines, and Assyrians had been, at the wonderful works of God. ( Notes , Ex . 12:3136. 15:14-16.
Josh . 2:8-16. 1 Sam . 4:7-9.2 Kings 19:35-37.) But indeed the idols and their works were alike nothing; and they who chose them in preference to the true God, were an abomination to him." "Let those of 'your idols, which ye think most powerful, 'approach." Jerom. I prefer this to all other 'interpretations of this place. (21) ... The false 'gods are called upon to come forth and appear 'in person, and to give evident demonstration 'of their foreknowledge and power, by foretel'ling future events, and exerting their power in 'doing good or evil. Bp . Lowth.
V. 25. JEHOVAH here predicts the victories of Cyrus over the Chaldeans and their allies, at least a hundred and fifty years before that expedition was undertaken; as one instance of his foreknowledge and invincible power. (Notes, 13:17. 21:1-10.) Media lay north of Babylon, and Persia eastward, and Cyrus commanded the forces of these two nations. The Lord raised him up to great power, and formed him a man of extraordinary courage and capacity. It is not indeed recorded, that he renounced idolatry, to become the worshipper of God only; yet his decree proves, that he paid some honor and worship to his name, and thus may be said to have called on him: ( Note , Ezra 1:1-4.) and by his wonderful success he trampled down mighty monarchs, as mortar,
or as the potter treads the clay. It will appear, as we proceed, that the deliverance of the Jews was a typical event; and consequently Cyrus was a typical person. ( Notes , 44:25-28. 45:1-6.)
V. 26. ( Note , 21-24.) This is another challenge to idolaters, to prove that their idols had ever declared future events in this manner; that it might be confessed they had a righteous claim to adoration.
But, in fact, none of them ever shewed, or declared any thing of the kind; none ever heard their words to this effect. ( Notes , 1 Kings 18:26-29.)-It is probable, that the Sibylline books, and other pretended prophecies among the heathens, were framed in consequence of this challenge, through the subtlety of Satan, and to evade the force of this argument: and the most plausible part of them seems to have been pillaged from the prophecies of scripture.-Doubtless fallen angels possess vast conjectural foresight; and, if permitted, could give general intimations of future events, which might frequently come to pass accordingly.
But the certain knowledge of futurity must be peculiar to God, who has formed his whole plan, and in performing it fulfils at once his decrees and predictions. In fact all prophecies, except those of the Bible, have been couched in ambiguous terms, and the performance has been dubious and uncertain.
They have been exactly such, as might previously have been expected, from the subtlety, sagacity, and foresight of the highest created intelligence, apostatized from God, and excluded from all acquaintance with his secret purposes: and a few occasional instances, in which they have to come to pass, have been used to hide the shame of numerous failures; or their ambiguity has prevented the detection of them. But the prophecies of scripture form a regular system, which is fulfilling from age to age, without any failure, or appearance of it.
The time of accomplishment was in several instances named, and the exact performance may be demonstrated: and some evidently relate to future times; being so arranged that we can tell very nearly the period, in the series of predicted events, in which we live. And this forms the grand demonstration to mankind at large of the divine original of the scriptures, on which the Lord himself here evidently rests the weight of the argument: and it gathers strength in proportion as that from miracles may be supposed to lose some part of its energy. ( Notes , 42:8,9. 43:8-13.)
V. 27-29. JEHOVAH, the First and the Last, ( Note , 2-4.) first gave notice to Zion of future deliverers, the Medes and Persians: and he
mined infidels and idolaters be dismayed, at hearing and seeing such things: for all their efforts to uphold their tottering cause will be in vain; it will shortly be ruined, and every remaining prediction will also be performed. V.8-20.
sent his prophets to announce the glad tidings of their redemption, before the commencement of their captivity. Now which of the idols of the Gentiles ever had done, or could do the like? Which of them, or of their priests and oracles, had given any intimation of these events? The more the case was examined, Happy are the chosen and righteous servants
the plainer must it appear that they could give no counsel to their worshippers, or answer to their inquiries; for they were all vanity, wind, and confusion. (Notes, Hab. 2:18,19. 1 Cor . 12:1-3.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-7.
of the Lord, whom he has called to be his friends, and to walk with him by faith, and in holy obedience!
If we have thus been favored, let us not yield to fear, in the prospect of dangers or enemies: our God will be our Guide and Strength, in every service and difficulty: our conflict may be sharp, but our victory will be sure; all who hate, oppose, or harass us, shall be as nothing; and we shall shortly be out of their reach, and see them no more for ever. (Notes, Rom . 8:28-39.) Why then do we hesitate to pass through scenes of tribulation or persecution; or even through the gloomy valley of death, when the Lord God will hold our right hand, and both inspire courage and consolation?
And though we are weak and vile as worms, and the church consists hitherto of but a few despised men, struggling with difficulties like the strong mountains; yet our God will carry us above them all: he will provide for the subverting of every empire on earth, which supports the great empire of Satan, and they shall all be reduced to nothing, or driven away as chaff by the whirlwind; that "we may rejoice in the LORD, and glory in the Holy One of Israel." These are the blessings reserved for "the poor in spirit," and such as "hunger and thirst after righteousness;" who are become acquainted with their own character, situation, wants, and true interests, and who long for divine illumination, pardon, holiness, and spiritual consolation.
Wherever they are placed, or how long soever the desired blessings are delayed, and "they seek water, and find none, and their tongue faileth for thirst;" or however, through conscious guilt, or weakness of faith, they may think that the Lord will leave them destitute; yet he will hear their prayers, and answer them, and not forsake them.
In his infinite truth, power, wisdom, and mercy, and in "the unsearchable riches of Christ," they have a never-failing resource: and the Lord will supply all their wants, by means as unexpected, as if rivers should be opened on the tops of mountains, and fountains in the valleys.
And, as he has planted "trees of righteousness" in the barren Gentile lands; so will he render our barren souls fruitful in all the precious, ornamental, and pleasant fruits of his Spirit; that all, all, who behold, "may consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it."
When the religion of the Bible, and the ground on which it rests, have been reverently and carefully investigated, they are found to have undoubted reason and argument on their side. But the enmity of men's hearts, against the humbling, holy truths and precepts of this precious book, disposes them rather to strengthen themselves, and collect together every apparent argument and plausible objection, which they can devise against them; than impartially to examine with a disposition to be convinced and governed by them.
Yet the question must be decided at length: and, however men now plead in behalf of infidelity, or impiety, or heresy, they will have nothing to say, when they draw near together to meet the Lord upon his judgment seat.--Every work of God, in accomplishing the prophecies and promises of his word, irrefragably proves his right to our confidence and obedience. and it is well worth our while minutely to consider all that he has done, from the beginning to this day, in fulfilling the antecedent revelations of his word.
We should begin from the calling of righteous Abraham, and consider his care of that patriarch, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, and of Joseph: we should review his wonders in Egypt, at the Red sea, in the wilderness, and in Canaan: we should meditate on "the wars of the LORD" under Joshua, the Judges, Samuel, and David; and on the wonders performed for Israel during the reigns of Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah: and remember, that the authenticity of these histories is fully ascertained, by the concurring prophecies fulfilling at this day.
We should next reflect on the return of the captive Jews from Babylon, and their preservation during the prevalence of successive conquerors and oppressors, until the birth of the promised Seed of the woman, the Seed of Abraham, and Son of David.
We should compare with these ancient prophecies the history tory of his character, miracles, doctrine, life, death, resurrection, and kingdom; the establishment of his religion gion in the world, and its continuance hitherto; 8; notwithstanding notwithstanding the opposition against inst it from without, without, and the various methods within, which have been emLet the advocates for infidelity, or other docployed to corrupt it.
We should also turn trines than that of God our Savior, now proaside to contemplate the desolations of Nine- duce their cause, and bring forth their strong veh, Babylon, and Tyre; and even of Jerusa- arguments. Can they shew such effects from lem, when the Savior had been rejected by his their so soothing and self-flattering systems, as professed worshippers: and whilst the New have been, and constantly are produced by Testament authenticates all these predictions; genuine Christianity?
Or can the infidel anwe may behold its divine authority demon-swer the arguments from prophecy for the strated, in the dispersion and preservation of divine original of the scriptures? Can he match
the Jews as a distinct people; ( Note , Luke 21: 20-24.) in the long continued corruptions of popery; and in a variety of other events, which cannot here be particularized. Now, who has wrought and done all these things, according to these ancient predictions, but
V. 21-29.
them with equal predictions from 'the oracles 'of reason?" Or satisfactorily explain the appearances of the natural and moral world? Can he prescribe an effectual cure for human depravity? Or give proof to a reflecting mind, that he is competent to establish any system
"the everlasting God," who has also predicted of equal value, with that which he labors to the ruin of idolaters and unbelievers, and the degrade? Until he evidently does these things, full salvation of his people? Well may deter-we must aver, that his cavils spring from
pride, and enmity to God and holiness, and are as irrational as they are impious; that they are worse than "nothing, and vanity;" and "those who choose them are an abomination."
3 Ab bruised reed shall he not break, and the * smoking flax shall he not † quench he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail, nor be + discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: 'and the isles shall wait for his law.
5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that
created the heavens, and stretched them out; "he that spread forth the earth, and
that which cometh out of it; he that giveth
h 35:3,4. 40:11,29-31. 50:4,10. 57:15-18.61:1-3. 66:2. Ps. 103:13,14. 147:3. Jer. 30:12- 17. 31:18-20,25. Ez. 34:16. Matt. 11:28. 18:11-14. Luke 22:31,32. John 20:19-21,27. Heb. 2:17, 18.
* Or, dimly burning. Heb. quench it.
i 11:3,4. Ps. 72:2-4. 96:13. 98: 9. Mic. 7:9. John 5:30. Rev. 19:11.
Heb. broken.
1 12. 2:24. 11:9-12. 24:15,16. 41:5. 55:5. 60:9. 66:19. Gen. 49:10. Ps. 22:27.72:8-11.98: 2,3. Mic. 4:1-3. Zech. 2:11. Rom. 16:26. 1 Сог. 9:21.
m 40:12,22,28. 44:24. 45:12,18. 48:13. Ps. 102:25,26. 104:2,&c. Jer. 10:12. 32:17. Am. 9:6. Zech. 12:1. Heb. 1:2,10-12. n Gen. 1:10-12,24,25. Ps. 24: 1,2.
k 9:7. 49:5-10. 52:13-15. 53:20 Gen. 2:7. Job 12:10. 27:3.33: -12. John 17:4,5. Heb. 12: 4. 34:14. Ps. 33:6. Dan. 5:23. 2-4. 1 Pet. 2:22-24. Acts 17:25.
resteth upon him," and is through him communicated to the church: ( Notes , 11:1-5. 59: 20,21. 61:1-3.) and he "brings forth judgment to the Gentiles;" or makes known unto them
-But a Deliverer is raised up for us of nobler the truths, precepts, and ordinances of God, name and greater power, than the deliverer of that they may become accepted believers, obethe captive Jews: he will trample all his pow-dient servants, and spiritual worshippers of erful enemies under his feet, that when He, him. He did not appear on earth with exter
who from the beginning has declared these things, shall fulfil them, all may acknowledge that he is righteous. He alone sends those, who "bring good tidings unto Zion;" and all that are not employed by him, can give no good counsel or instruction; nor solve the difficulties of distressed sinners, or speak one word to the purpose. May we then receive his salvation, cast away all our idols, and turn away our ears from hearing, and our eyes from beholding vanity; may we be numbered among his obedient servants and faithful friends, and rejoice in his holy consolation, in life, in death, and through eternal ages.
NOTES.
nal pomp, attraction, and honor; or to establish his kingdom by the violence and tumult of war and contention: but he was outwardly mean, and behaved with humility, gentleness, and kindness; and acquired his peaceful victories by beneficent miracles, convincing instructions, a holy example, patient sufferings, and a divine power accompanying his words. He is peculiarly tender to the broken-hearted, and those whom temptations and afflictions have almost crushed, like "the bruised reed;" and will by no means break them: he encourages the first beginning of holy desires in the young convert; and revives the almost expiring spark in the baffled and backsliding be