CHAP. LIV.
Predictions that the church shall be exceedingly enlarged by the
conversion of the Gentiles: with promises of great honor and happiness to her, as espoused by God, 1-5. Encouraging assurances of deliverance from affliction, perpetual mercy, prosperity, and victory over every enemy, to the church, and to every servant of God, 6-17.
bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate, than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
2a Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
3 For thou shalt break forth on the
a 62:4. Cant. 8:8. Gal. 4:27. b 42:10,11. 44:23. 49:13. 55:12, 13. Ps. 67:3-5.98:3-9. Zeph. 3:14. Zech. 9:9. Rev. 7:9,10. c 1 Sam. 2:5. Ps. 113:9. Heb. 11:11,12.
d 33:20. 49:19,20. Jer. 10:20. e 2:2-4. 11:9-12. 35:1,2. 42:1 -12. 43:5,6. 49:12. 60:3-11. Gen. 49:10. Ps. 72:8-11. Rom. 9:25,26. 10:18. 11:12. Col. 1:23.
atoning sufferings will secure a happy event to us, and to all those who bear his image and partake of his Spirit. Being now risen from the dead, and ever living to carry on his work and plead our cause; "the pleasure of the Father prospereth in his hand." Here is laid the firm foundation, on which the trembling sinner may rest his soul; for he beholds the true penitent, who humbly ventures nigh, to seek the benefit of his atoning blood by faith in his name, with that affection and complacency, with which the tender mother eyes her newborn infant, the fruit and recompense of all her anguish; he then "sees of the travail of his soul and is satisfied." These are the trophies of his victory, the purchase of his blood, the monuments of his grace: for this he "poured out his soul unto death," and "was numbered with transgressors;" for this he continually
versal. This was a subject of grief to the small remnant of believers: but the coming of Christ, and his sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascension, would introduce better times. Though the nation in general rejected him, and were cast off; yet numerous children were born unto the church: the Gentile converts were adopted into her family; and those nations which had been destitute of ordinances, and "strangers to the covenants of promise," produced a far larger increase of true believers, than the nation of Israel, which had been married to the Lord, by their national covenant and distinguished advantages had ever done. As these were all the true children of the church, she was called on to break forth into loud songs of joyful praise; notwithstanding the unbelief and rejection of that nation, of which her family had hitherto chiefly consist Gal . 4:21-31, ν. 27.)
cedes and prevails; thus he destroys the ed. ( Marg . Ref.--Notes, 49 18 21. 60:4 7.
works of the devil, and rescues the prey from the hands of that mighty one. Let us bless the Lord for the knowledge of Christ, by which numbers in every age are justified: let us pray and endeavor, that it may be extended to all our fellow sinners: and let us think no labor, hardship, or expense too great, by which we may promote that cause, for which the Redeemer shed his blood. Thus we shall prove ourselves partakers of his salvation, and make an acceptable return of gratitude for his unspeakable love.
NOTES.
V. 2, 3. The church is still addressed as a matron, who with her small family resided in a tent: but this tent would soon be found inca
pable of containing all her children. She must therefore prepare to occupy more room, and make much larger curtains and longer cords: and, as perpetuity, as well as enlargement, was to distinguish the Christian dispensation, she must also "strengthen the stakes, ' on which the curtains were suspended. (.Vole, 49:18-21.) And she need not fear making too large preparations: for immense accessions might be expected: and her family would be so increased, that it would spread abroad on every side, and at length occupy the countries and cities, which had been the most given up to idolatry, and strangers to the name and worship of JEHOVAH. (Notes, Zech. 8:20-23. Mal . 1:9--11, v . 11.)
CHAP. LIV. V. 1. In the foregoing chap'ter the prophet described the sufferings of 'Christ, and here he prophecies the increase 'and glory of the church, which should follow; which indeed were to commence from the 'time of Christ's passion, but would not be 'completed till after the Jews were again 'restored to God's favor.' Lowth . The connexion and language of the chapter necessarily lead our thoughts to the times of the gospel, with very little reference to previous deliverances. The church of Israel is here represented as a married woman, who, like Sarah, had long continued barren. Comparatively few real believers, the children of God and of the church, had been raised up in the nation. And about the time when Messiah should come, Pharisaical formality, Sadducean infidelity, fear being put to shame and confounded, by and open impiety, would become almost uni-|| the reproach of being left forlorn and destitute
V. 4, 5. The church, (or nation of Israel,) in her youth, had been basely enslaved in Egypt; and afterwards she had been greatly defiled by idolatries and debased by grievous oppressions. She also lay under the reproach of barrenness, and had been put away, as if rejected for unfaithfulness: but, by the introduction of the gospel-dispensation, and by that purity and prosperity which were intended and foretold, these reproaches would all be wiped off and forgotten; and she need no more
8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.
9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.
saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. 11 TO thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
13 And & all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 Inrighteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
a 49:10. Eph. 2:4,5. Tit. 3:5,
10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness b 6. 49:14. 51:17-19,23. 52:1shall not depart from thee, neither shall
the covenant of my peace be removed,
o Prov. 5:18. Ec. 9:9. Mal. 2:
14.
p 26:20. 60:10. Ps. 30:5. 2 Cor. 4:17. 2 Pet. 3:8.
q 11:11. 27:12. 40:11. 43:5,6, 56: 8. 60:4. 66:18. Deut. 30:3. Ps. 106:47. Ez. 36:24. Mic. 4:6. Matt. 23:37. Eph. 1:10. τ 47:6. 57:16,17. Zech. 1:15. 8 8:17.45:15. Ps. 13:1. 27:9. Ez. 39:23,24.
t 55:3. Ps. 103:17. Jer. 31:3.
2 Thes. 2:16. 1 Tim. 1:16. u 5. 48:17. 49:26.
12:1. Gen. 8:21,22. 9:11-16. Ps. 104:9. Jer. 31:35,36. 33: 20-26. Ez. 39.29. Heb. 6: 16-18.
y 51:6,7. Ps. 46:2. Matt. 5:18 16:18. 24:35. 2 Pet. 3:10-13. z 55:3. 2 Sam. 23:5. Ps. 89: 33,34. Mal. 2:5. Heb. 8 :6- 13. 13:20,21.
as a widow. (Notes, 6-10, v. 6. Lam. 1:1,2.) For "the LORD of Hosts," the Creator of the world, and of the church, would avow his relation to her as her Husband; and afford her all the protection, and shew her all the kindness, which that endeared relation implies. He had all along been spoken of as "the Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel;" but he would at length be acknowledged and worshipped, as "the God of the whole earth."Christ is the Redeemer and the Bridegroom of the church; and he is her Creator, and "the God of the whole earth." ( Marg . Ref .-- Notes , Zech. 9:9,10. 14:6-9, v. 9. Rom . 3:29-31.)
V. 6--10.
The church of Israel had been in the condition of a woman forsaken by her husband and "grieved in spirit;" having been espoused in her youth, and afterwards rejected with dislike for her misconduct: but the Lord was about to recal her into a state of more comfortable and intimate communion with him. (Notes, Hos . 3:)-The abominable idolatries and atrocious iniquities of Israel and Judah, the low estate of religion among them, and the repeated triumphs of their enemies, as if God had quite cast them off, and the grief that these things occasioned to believers, are here intended: probably with reference to the calamities and oppression of the Christian church, during the prevalence of antichristian corruptions and oppressions, and the state of the nation of Israel unto this day.
But this frown and hiding of God's countenance, and the consequent affliction of the church would be momentary, compared with the duration of her peace and prosperity: his little wrath, or wrath of very short continuance, would soon be pacified; and he would gather her and her increasing multitude of children, with everlasting kindness and abundant mercies. ( Note , Ps. 30:5.) His engagements to this effect were as irrevocable, as the covenant made with Noah, and confirmed with an oath, that he would never more drown the world; ( Note ,
5. 60:15. Ex. 2:23. 3:2,7. Deut. 31:17. Ps. 34:19.129:1-3. Jer. 30:17. John 16:20-22,33. Acts 14:22, Rev. 11:3-10、12:13- 17.
c Matt. 8:24. Acts 27:18-20. d Lam. 1:1,2,16,17,21.
e 1 Kings 5:17. 1 Chr. 29:2. Ez. 40: 41: 42: Eph. 2:20, 1 Pet. 2:4-6. Rev. 21:19-21. f Ex. 24:10. 28:17-20.39:10- 14. Cant. 5:14. Ez. 1:26. 10:1. g 2:3. Ps. 25:8-12.71:17. Jer. 31:34. Matt, 11.25-29.16:17. Luke 10:21,22. 24:45. John 6:
45. 14:26. Eph. 4:21. 1 Thes 4:9. Heb. 8:10,11. 1 John 2 20,27.
h 26:3.32:15-18. 48:18. 55:12, Ps. 119:165. Jer. 33:6. Ez. 34:25,28. 37:26. Hos. 2:18. John 14:27. 16:33. Rom. 5:1. 14:17. 15:13. Gal. 5:22. Phil 4:7.
i 1:26,27. 45:24. 52:1. 60:21. 61: 10,11. 62:1. Jer. 31:23. Ez. 36:27,28. 37:23-26. Joel 3:17 -21. Zech. 8:3. 2 Pet. 3:13. k 51:13. Zech. 9:8. 1 2:4. Jer. 23:3,4. 30:10. Mic. 4:3,4. Zeph. 3:13-16. Zech. 2 :4,5.
self never to rebuke and be wroth with his church, as in times past, or so as to cast her off: for his covenant of peace, the result of his tender mercies, would be more durable than the mountains, and abide in full force, and in its glorious and happy effects, when they shall remove and be seen no more.--This may also relate to the calling of Abraham, and the covenant made with him and his posterity. ( Notes , 11:11-16. 12:56:8.60:1-3. Gen. 49:10. Jer. 33: 17--26. Mic . 7:18--20. Mal . 2:13-16. Rom . 11: 22--32. Rev. 20:11-15.)
V. 11--14. The church is here again considered, as a woman in great distress; as a person at sea in a storm, and in danger of being shipwrecked; or as dwelling in a tent, which was ready to be overturned by a furious tempest; and in short, as bereft of every comfort. All the persecutions and calamities of the church, as well as the temptations, afflictions, and discouragements of believers, seem to be intended.--But she is assured, that all these will end in great felicity and honor.
Instead of her mean, uncomfortable tent, the Lord promises to build her a most glorious city or palace, whose foundations, windows, walls, and towers, should be formed of precious stones, most beautiful and durable.
These are emblems of the light, purity, and prosperity, which the church on earth shall at length enjoy, resembling those of heaven. (Notes, Rev. 21:9--27.) 'These seem to be general images 'to express beauty, magnificence, purity, 'strength, and solidity, agreeably to the ideas of the eastern nations; and to have never been 'intended to be strictly scrutinized, or minutely and particularly explained, as if each of 'them had some precise moral or spiritual 'meaning.' Bp.
Lowth .--Numbers of the children of the church had in past ages been uninstructed, or ill-instructed; but it is promised, that all her "children shall be taught of the LORD," by his Spirit, and according to his word. (Notes, Jer. 31:31-34. John 6:41--46, [193
Gen. 9:9--17.) for he had also sworn by him-v. 45,60--65, v. 65. 1 John 2:20-25, v. 20,26VOL IV.
В. С. 706.
15 Behold mthey shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee, shall fall for thy sake.
16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work: and I have created the waster to destroy.
m Ez. 38:8-23. Joel 3:9-14.0 10:5,6,15. 37:26. 46:11. Rev. 16:14. 19:19-21.20:8,9.
n 43:3,4,14. Ps. 37:12,13. Zech. 2:8. 12:3,9. 14:2,3.
Ex.
9:16. Prov. 16:4. Dan. 4:34, 35. John 19:11.
29, v. 27.) This may be understood of the true Israel, as distinguished from Israel according to the flesh: yet it seems to relate especially to those glorious times, which are to succeed the tribulations of the church. Then her children will have great peace, both outward and inward: she shall be established in righteousness, and delivered from oppression, and even from the fear of it. ( Notes , 60:15-22. 66:10--14. Jer . 23:5,6. Ez . 34:23-31. 37:1522. 39:23-29. Rev. 20:1-6.)
V. 15-17. This may be considered as a
general promise to the church, through suc-expectations, to "lengthen her cords and
cessive ages. Many assailants would combine against her; but, the Lord being on her side, they would without exception, "fall for her sake." The Redeemer of the church is the Creator even of those who forge weapons of war, yea of the great destroyers of mankind, and persecutors of his people; both are in his hands, and employed or restrained at his pleasure: and he engages to take care, that no weapons formed against her should prosper, and that all her accusers and enemies should be condemned.
This full security and final victory were to be considered, as the heritage of each of the faithful "servants of the LORD," as well as of the whole collective body: ( Note , Ps . 125:1.) while the righteousness, in which they are justified, and the grace by which they are sanctified, are the gift of God, and the effect of his special love. ( Notes , 10:5-11. 45:23 --25.50:7-9. Ps . 24:3-6, v. 5. Zech. 3:1--4. Rom . 5:15-19, v . 17. 8:28-39. Rev. 12:7--12.) Shall fall for thy sake. (15) Or, "Shall fall to
'thee;" "shall come over to thy side." Whosoever comes against thee; instead of 'continuing thy enemy, shall become thy con'vert, as St. Paul was at the beginning of 'Christianity.' Lowth . Bp. Lowth also gives the same translation. This indeed has been, and will be the case, as to numerous individuals: but it cannot possibly answer to the general language of the passage. ( Notes , Ez . 38: 39: Joel 3:9-17. Zech . 14: Rev. 19:11-21.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-5.
All, who love God and man, will rejoice and be thankful, when sinners are converted; for then the prayers of the church are answered, and the sufferings of Christ are made effectual, to his glory in the salvation of souls. ( Notes and P. O. Luke 15:1-10.)-Frequently, those places and congregations, where means and appearances of religion most abound, are wretchedly destitute of the life and power of it; the Lord has often many more children in places comparatively desolate; and the gospel is commonly most successful where it has newly been sent. When sinners repent and believe, they are numbered among the children of God and of the church; and should be received by us as brethren, even though they belong not to our party. Though very great
multitudes have accepted of the invitations of the gospel, there is yet room for immensely more in the kingdom of Christ: and we should expect large accessions to the church under the Christian dispensation; and be instant in prayer, that her seed may inherit the nations, and replenish all the dark and desolate places of the earth.
Much has already been done, in fulfilling these predictions, for which we should praise the Lord: but we are still called on to enlarge the place of Zion's tabernacle, to "stretch forth her curtains," and, with vast strengthen her stakes;" assured that she shall yet "break forth on the right hand and on the left," till the earth be filled with truth and righteousness.- Ministers, rulers, merchants, wealthy persons, and every description of men, will find very much to do in this impor- tant concern, if they improve their talents and watch for opportunities: and we need not fear, but that God will accept our prayers and sec- ond our endeavors, when they are regulated by his precepts and promises.
The believer also should endeavor to rise superior to those fears, which originate from reflecting on his evil nature, or from reviewing "the shame of his youth," or those former instances of un- faithfulness, of which he now humbly repents.
The Lord will blot out his transgressions, and wipe away his reproach, and he will never forsake those who trust in his mercy: nay, he will receive them into the most honorable and happy relation to himself; "their Maker the LORD of Hosts, the God of the whole earth," will become their Husband and Re- deemer. ( Notes , John 3:27-36, v. 29. 2 Cor. 11:1-6, v. 2. Eph . 5:22-27.
Rev. 19:7,8.) We never can sufficiently admire this condescen- sion, or estimate this privilege: we cannot ex- pect too much from his love, confide too en- tirely in his protection, glory too much in this honor, or take too much delight in commun- ion with this our loving Friend.
To form this union and to encourage our confidence, he dwells in human nature, and is called Imman- uel: he shed his blood for our ransom, and en- dows us with all his unsearchable riches; he will cleanse us from all our sins, adorn us with suitable decorations, and shortly take us to himself, to rejoice for ever with him in this sacred union. Let us then walk in simplicity of heart with him, centering all our affections on him, and expecting all our happiness from him alone.
V. 6-17.
Even real Christians often give cause of jealousy to their gracious Lord; and then he frowns, hides his face, and seems as if he would reject them according to their deservings. Then they fear being forsaken, and are "grieved in spirit:" but when duly Lumbled they seek his face, he recals ther into his presence, and renews the tokens of his love And to all, who really love and trust in him.