CHAP. L.
their obstinate wickedness and unbelief; declares his
and stuess for his work; and speaks of his voluntary humiliation
and patient sufferings, as assured of being delivered, justified, afflicted and tempted believers, and denounces the ruin of pre
and rendered over all enemies, 1-9. He encourages
sumptuous transgressors, 10, 11.
we have scriptural evidence, that we belong to this ransomed flock, we may be as sure that he will never forsake us, as that he will never forget his Zion. Our names are engraven on his hands and on his heart; and he has not only assured us, that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against his church," but that none shall ever pluck his sheep out of his almighty hands. Let us then "give diligence to make our calling and election sure," and "rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."-And let us wait and pray, and use our whole influence, and concur earnestly with those, who having more influence employ it, in using proper means for promoting the fulfilment of all these glorious prophecies. By faith and in hope we may lift up our eyes, and behold multitudes from every land, gathering together to replenish and adorn the church. We may view the whole of those nations, where Christianity is professed, (which at present are in many pla
destruction,")
ces very "desolate, and a land of destruction,") filled with true believers: we may behold these bounds of the Redeemer's kingdom broken down, in answer to the prayers of of Zion Zion's chil
answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, & at my rebuke I dry up the sea; I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
3 Ik clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.
4 The Lord God hath given me the
d 59:16. 65:12. 66:4. Prov. 1: 24. Jer. 5:1. 7:13. 8:6, 35:15. Hos. 11:2,7. John 1:11. 3:19. e 59:1. Gen. 18:14. Num. 11: 23.
f 36:20. 2 Chr. 32:15. 3:15,29. 6:20,27.
Dan.
g Ps. 106:9. Nah. 1:4. Mark 4:39.
h 42:15. 43:16.51:10.63:13. Ex. 14.21,29. Josh. 3:16. Ps. 107: 33. 114:3-7.
i Ex. 7:18,21.
k Ex. 10:21. Ps. 18:11,12. Matt. 27:45. Rev. 6:12.
1 Ex. 4:11, 12. Ps. 45:2. Jer 1:9. Matt. 22:46. Luke 4:22. 21:15. John 7:46.
increasing joy in heaven to holy angels, and to "the spirits of just men made perfect."
NOTES.
CHAP. L. V. 1-3. The preceding chapter concluded with predictions, which refer to the recovery of Israel from their present dispersions, as well as to the deliverance of the church from antichristian tyranny. (Notes, 49:18-23.) This relates to the cause of that dispersion. The Lord had espoused the church of Israel, (the mother of the individuals of that nation,) by the covenant ratified with her at mount Sinai: but she has long been like a divorced woman; especially since the nation "crucified the Lord of glory." The law required him who put away his wife, to give her a bill of divorcement, assigning the causes of her dismission, which frequently were very frivolous. (Notes, Deut . 24:1-4. Jer. 3:1.) But if the Jews should produce the bill of of their mother's divorcement, it would appear, that she was not put away on trivial pretences; but for her violation of the covenant, for her idolatries and iniquities, especially for crucifying
despised and ing his gospel, and
dren, complaining that "the place is too strait the promised Messiah, and obstinately opposfor them:" we may imagine the despised gospel, and persecuting his disciples. forlorn condition of the church exchanged for It was also customary, on some occasions, for
such liberty, prosperity, light, ho holiness, and honor, as baffle description. We may hear the signal given, the ensign erected, the sons and daughters of the church brought in from every quarter; and kings, and queens, and all the nobles of the earth, vying with each other, who shall shew most honor to true godliness, and do most service to the cause of Christ their Lord.
We may view Satan, that mighty and terrible one, deprived of his prey, seized, bound, cast into the bottomless pit, and not allowed to "deceive the nations any more:" (Note, Rev. 20:1-6.) and all those powers, that have combined to enslave, corrupt, and persecute the church, made to "feed on their own flesh, and to be drunken with their own blood," by his power, who will contend with all that contend with his people, and avenge them upon their enemies; es; that all the earth may know, that our Savior and Redeemer is JEHOVAH, the mighty One of Jacob.-Let us therefore seek for ourselves complete redemption from the power of Satan, "the god of this world:" then we may rejoice both in the hope of our own final salvation, and also of the final victory on earth, of that cause which we favor.
And we may consider every effort that we make, to rescue our fellow-sinners, as in a small and remote degree, helping to bring forward that great revolution, which will cause VOL. IV.
And
children to be sold into slavery, by the parent's consent to satisfy his creditors, or by a judicial sentence. ( Marg . Ref . b.- Notes , b.- Notes , Ex . 21:211.2 Kings 4:1. Neh . 5:1-5.) Thus the Jews were sold into the hands of the Romans, and have been enslaved and oppressed ever since: but it cannot be imagined that the Lord had sold them on any such account: indeed they were punished as criminals for their iniquities, and had none to blame but themselves for their miseries.
For when the Lord came, even the eternal "Word, who from the beginning was with God, and was God," to his own people, "his own received him not:" (Notes, John 1:1-3,10-13.) when he called them to follow him, they answered him not. wherefore were they thus regardless and disobedient? because they expected a ed a mighty temporal prince and conqueror; and he appeared "in the form of a servant," to be their spiritual Redeemer: whence they concluded, that he was not able to deliver them, or to defend them against the Romans.
But could they behold his unparalleled miracles, and think that his hand was so shortened that it could not redeem? or that he had no power to deliver? ( Note , 59:1,2.) These proved him to be the same JEHOVAH, and to possess the same power, which had formerly dried up the Red Sea and desolated the rivers of Egypt, turning [177
tongue of the learned, that I should know || therefore shall I not be confounded: there
how to speak ma word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
5 The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
6 IP gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; 1 hid not my face from shame and spitting.
7 For the Lord God will help me;
m 57:15-19. Prov. 15:23. 25: | 5:39. 26:67. 27:26. Mark 14: 11. Matt. 11:28. 65. 15:19. Luke 22:63,64. John 18:22. Heb. 12:2.
n John 7:15-17.
• 48:8. Ps. 40:6-8. Matt. 26: 39. John 8 29. 14:31. 15:10. Phil. 2:8. Heb. 5:8. 10:7-9. pLam. 3:30. Mic. 5:1. Matt.
their waters into blood, and causing the fish to die and putrefy: the same power, which caused the tremendous plague of hail, and the more tremendous plague of darkness: and which was able at any time to repeat or vary these miracles, and to clothe the heavens with darkness, and make sackcloth their covering. This may refer to the darkness which covered the land, during ing Christ's crucifixion; as that was an apt emblem of the dreadful vengeance, about to be poured out on his crucifiers. (Notes. Matt . 27:45. Mark 15:33.) The power which rebuked the tempestuous winds and waves, extorted obedience from legions of unclean spirits, and called the dead out of their graves, was evidently adequate to effect any deliverance, and to equal and exceed all which had been done for Israel by the Lord, from the beginning to that day.
V. 4. In the preceding verses, it is here supposed, that Christ spake as JEHOVAH; here he speaks as Mediator: for there is not the least intimation of any change in the Speaker; and the things spoken in the following verses are inapplicable in many respects to Isaiah; for they refer to distant events, and evidently accord to Christ. ( Note , 5,6.) If indeed we believe Jesus to be God and Man in one person, we shall not be surprised to find him sometimes speaking, or spoken of, as the Lord God, and at other times as Man, and the Servant of JEHOVAH.
This is frequent in the New Testament, and there are undeniable instances of it in the Old. ( Notes , 40:9-17. 42:1-4. Zech . 2: 6-9.)-The encouraging nature and tendency of our Lord's ministry, his condescension, and his unrivalled qualifications as a Teacher, rendered the obstinate unbelief of the Jews inexcusable. He was especially qualified and commissioned by the Father, to declare those truths, which give seasonable comfort to the broken heart and wounded conscience, and to those who are weary of sin, or harassed with temptations and afflictions. ( Notes , 61:1-3.
Matt. 11:28-30.) This characterized his ministry, and the gospel-dispensation. And as "the Spirit of the Lord God was upon him," that he might "speak as never man spake,"
fore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
8 He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? "let us stand together; who is mine adversary let him come near to me.
9 Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his
cannot tell, as nothing of the kind is recorded concerning him. ( Note , 1:1.) But the history of Jesus compels us to explain the whole of him exclusively.-Spitting in any one's presence has, in the East, been always considered, as an intolerable expression of contempt: how much more to spit in a man's face! Before the high priest, chief priests, and rulers, the servants and others repeatedly spat in the face of our adorable Redeemer.
Redeemer. ( Notes , Matt. 26: 63-68. 27:27-31.)-The perfect holiness of the Savior disposed him to open his ears to every commandment of the Father, and to render absolute obedience, through difficulties, temptations, and sufferings, even to the death upon the cross. ( Notes , Ps . 40:6-8. Heb . 10:5-10. 12:2,3.) So that he turned not back, but willingly submitted to repeated scourgings, and to the insults of the officers of the high priest, and of the soldiers of Herod and Pilate, who plucked off his beard, and spat in his face, as the utmost expressions of their scorn and derision. ( Marg .
Ref . p.)
V.7-9. Our blessed Savior steadily went through his complicated and most intense sufferings, by faith in the promises of the Father. He was assured of support and deliverance, and that he should effect the purpose for which he suffered, and not be confounded by disappointment. Therefore he "set his face like a flint," in immoveable constancy and intrepidity. ( Notes , Jer. 1:17-19. 15:19-21. Ez . 2:6-8. 3:4-11, υυ . 8,9.) He knew that his cause was good and his righteousness perfect, and that all his accusers would be found liars; for the Lord was at hand to justify him.
Who then would dare to contend with him, or to lay any thing to his charge? Let them come forward, and stand together before Him, whose right it was to decide the cause: for he knew, that God would not condemn him; and who else could? Every one therefore that attempted it would soon lose all his credit and distinction, and become contemptible as an old moth-eaten garment. This was verified in the resurrection and ascension of Christ, and by the pouring out of the Spirit upon his disciples; in the entire abolition of the author
the same divine influence wakened him morn-ity of the Jewish high priest and council, who
first condemned Christ; and in the subversion of the Roman empire, by whose authority he was delivered up to be crucified. The justification of Christ, our Surety, was an earnest of the justification of that whole body which he represented; and every true believer may on
ing by morning, to pour out his prayers, to preach the gospel, and to receive and deliver the whole will of the Father, with that exact attention which the learner pays, or he that is learned has paid, to the voice of the teacher. V. 5, 6. How far Isaiah, as the type of Christ, was exposed to these indignities, well this ground give a similar challenge to all his
d e
Servant , a that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? blet him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.
11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire,
a 9.2. 59:9. Job 29:3. Ps. 23: 4. Lam. 3:2. John 8:12. 12: 46.
b 26:3,4. 1 Sam. 30:6. 1 Chr. 5:20. 2 Chr. 20:12,20. Job 13:15.23:6-10. Ps. 27:13,14. 28:7.40:1-4. 42:11.62:8. 145;
that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand, fye shall lie down
21. -9. 2 Cor. 1:8-10. 1 Pet. 5:7.
Lam. 3:25,26. Mic. 7:7 in sorrow.
c 28:15-20.30:15,16. 55:2. Ps. 20.7,8. Jer. 17:5-7. Jon. 2: 8. Matt. 15:6-8. Rom. 1:21,
22. 10.3.
enemies. (Notes, Ps. 143:2. Rom. 8:35- 39.)
V. 10, 11. The darkness of temptation, and the anguish of body and mind, through which the Redeemer passed to his glory, forms a proper ground of consolation to his suffering people. ( Notes , Heb . 2:16-18. 4:14-16.) He here addresses especially the Christian church, or the Jewish converts, in the midst of the ca- lamities which befel them, about the time when Jerusalem was desolated: but the words are equally applicable to afflicted and distress- ed and tempted Christians in every age.
They fear the Lord, and obey the voice of Christ, his elect Servant, ( Note , 42:1-4.) as made known to them by his word and ministers; and ac- cordingly repent and believe, and follow after holiness: yet they often walk in darkness; they may be exposed to continued afflictions, and unkind treatment from the world; and experi- ence distressing temptations, conflicts, fears, and discouragements; and not be able to ob- tain the light of prosperity or consolation.
But let them trust in the mercy, truth, power, and wisdom of the Lord; and stay themselves upon him as their covenanted Friend, for direction, support, and deliverance; let them wait for him, and he will not fail their expectations. 'This shews, that it is a rare thing, that any 'should obey aright God's true ministers, 'though they labor to bring them from hell to 'heaven.
On the other hand, those who amuse themselves with their own devices; who rely on their own wisdom, strength, or right- eousness; who exult in worldly prosperity, or sensual pleasures; or who are pleased with schemes of infidelity, hypocrisy, superstition, or enthusiasm; refuse the light of the divine word, and kindle a fire of their own in its stead.
They compass themselves about with its sparks, and walk by the glimmering light of its blaze: but these will soon be extinguished together; and, by the power and wrath of Christ, they will lie down in sorrow, outer darkness, and despair.-'More particularly, as Vitringa explains it, it may mean the designs 'of the turbulent and factious Jews, in the 'times succeeding those of Christ; who in pur- 'suit of their own desperate schemes, stirred 'up the war against the Romans, and kindled 'a fire which consumed their city and nation.' Bp. Lowth. ( Notes , John 11:49-53.
Rom . 9:30 -33. 10:1-4.)- Walk in , &c. (11) Notes , 1 Kings 18:17,27-29. Ec . 11:9,10. Ez . 20:39. Am. 4:4,5. Matt . 26:42-46, ν . 45.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. It will appear, in the great day of account, that the destruction of sinners was chargeable upon themselves alone. God never deprived any of his rational creatures of their advanta-d. Ec. 11:9,10. Ez. 20:39. Am. 4:4,5.
e John 9:39.
18:22.65:13-16. Ps. 16:4. 32:
10. Matt. 8:12. 22:13. John 8:24.2 Thes. 1:8,9. Rev. 19: 20. 20:15.
of the divine law, we shall yet be happy if we do not reject the gospel: for he, who might have come with irresistible power to execute vengeance upon us, has graciously appeared, in our nature and as our Brother, to save sinners; and he calls upon each of us to believe and follow him. Wherefore then are men so backward to hear and obey his call? Has he not power to save and to destroy? Did not his miracles proclaim his authority over all nature and all creatures, even during his humiliation on earth?
The darkness and prodigies, which attended his sufferings and death, proclaimed that "truly this was the Son of God," and anticipated the evidence of his glorious resurrection.
Has his exaltation to the throne of glory at all shortened his hand that he cannot redeem, or deprived him of power to deliver? and cannot he, who shall shortly shortly raise the dead, d destroy by fire this visible world, and destroy the wicked with everlasting perdition; make up to us all we can lose, and support us under all we can suffer for his sake?His mercy and condescension also are equal to his power and majesty. He received from the Father those encouraging words, which he once spoke in person, and now delivers to us by his ministers.
Still he calls "the weary and heavy-laden to come to him, that they may find rest to their souls:" his word affords seasonable cordials for the mourning, the tempted, and the discouraged; he knows how to apply them to their hearts by his comforting Spirit: and he is ready, from day to day, to hear their prayers and alleviate their distressIn many of these things, he is the pattern for his ministers to follow.
They should seek to the Lord God to "give them the tongue of the learned that they may know how to speak" seasonably to the afflicted and brokenhearted: they must "awake morning by morning," that they may study and learn, and then teach, the word of God, and become "workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Their ear also must be opened to hear, and their heart prepared to obey, the commandments of God, that they may become examples to the flock.
And, as the incarnate Son of God was not rebellious, and shrunk not back from obedience in his arduous undertaking, which required him to endure pains, shame, and agonies unknown; surely we should be willing to endure hardship as his soldiers, and not decline any obedience as too self-denying, or any suffering as too sharp, to which he calls us. "Let us then go forth with him out of the camp, bearing his reproach:" and if we trust in his righteousness, copy his example, and suffer for his sake, the Lord God will help us too; and we may "set our faces as a flint," assured "that God
es.
ges, except for sin. This was the cause of an-will justify" and deliver us, and confound all
gels being cast out of heaven, and man out of paradise; and it is the only source of all the miseries which we feel or fear. For this we are, as it were, sold into slavery to Satan and our lusts, and "sin reigneth unto death." ( Marg . Ref . b, c.) But, after all our violations
our adversaries and persecutors. Let then the Christian, "who feareth the LORD, and obeyeth the voice" of his beloved Son, take courage, even if he walk in darkness, and have no light:" let him confide in God to conduct him through every gloomy scene of affliction,
a 4,7. 46:3,4. 48:12. 55:2,3.
b 7. Ps. 94:15. Prov. 15:9. 21: 21. Matt. 5:6. 6:33. Rom. 9: 30-32.14:19. Phil. 3:13. 1 Tim. 6:11. 2 Tim. 2:22. Heb. 12:14.
с 45:19. 55:6. Ps. 24:6. 105:3,4. Am. 5:6. Zeph. 2:3.
d Gen. 17:15-17. Eph. 2:11, 12.
• Gen. 15:1,2. 18:11-13. Josh. 24:3. Rom. 4:1-5,16-24.
f Gen. 12:1-3. 13:14-17. 15:4,
5. 22:17. 24:1,35. Neh. 9:7,8. Ez. 33:24. Gal. 3:9-14. Heb. 11:8-12.
g 12. 12:1. 40:1,2, 49:13.54:6-8. 61:1-3.66:10-14. Jer. 31:12 -14,25. Zeph. 3:14-20. 2 Cor. 1:3,4.
h 44:26. 49:8. 52:9. 61:4. Ps. 102:14. Jer. 33:12,13.
i See on 35:1,2,7-10. 41:18,19. k Gen. 2:8,9. 13:10. Ez. 31:8 -10. Joel 2:3.
temptation, and disconsolation; and through the vale of death, to the everlasting light and joy of heaven. But as for those, who oppose, neglect, despise, or pervert this great salvation; their prosperity, confidence, and joy will be only as the expiring blaze, and the vanishing sparks of a fire of thorns: and their boasted illuminations will light them down to the regions of darkness and despair. ( Notes , Prov . 4:18,19. Ес . 7:2-6. 11:9,10.)
NOTES.