CHAP. LX. Predictions of glorious light, holiness, and prosperity to the church, and an immense accession of converts; till all kings and
the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and
nations should either serve her, or utterly perish, 1-14. All his glory shall be seen upon thee. her trials shall terminate in peace and felicity, resembling those of heaven, 15-22.
3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy
ARISE, shine; for ththy light is come, light, and kings to the brightness of thy
upon thee.
the glory
Lord is risen
2 For, behold, d the darkness shall cover
a 52:1,2. Matt. 5:16. Eph. 5: | 22:5. 14. Phil. 2:15.
* Or, be enlightened, for thy light cometh.
b 19,20. 9:2. Matt. 4:16. Luke 1:78:79. John 1:9.3:19. 8:12. 12:46. Eph. 5:8. Rev. 21:23.
c Luke 2:32. 1 Pet. 4:14. d Matt. 15:14. 23:19,24. John 8:55. Acts 14:16. 17:23,30,31. 26:18. Rom. 1:21-32. Eph. 4:17-20. 1 Pet. 2:9.
rising.
e Lev. 9:23. Num. 16:19. 1 Kings 8:11. Ps. 80:1. Ez. 10: 4. Hab. 3:3,4. Hag. 2:7-9. Mal. 4:2. John 1:1 14,18, 2 Cor. 3:18. 4:4-6. Heb. 1:2,3. f 2:2-5. 11:10. 19:23-25. 45:14. 49:6,12. 54:1-3. 66:12,19,20. Gen. 49:10. Ps. 22:27.67.14.72:17-19.98:2,3. 117: Am.
9:12. Mic. 4:1,2. Zech. 2:11. 8:20-23. Matt. 2:1-11. 28: 19. Luke 24:47. John 12:20, 21,32. Acts 13:47. 15:17. Rom 11:11-15.15:9-12. g 10,16. 49:7,23. Ps. 2:10. 68: 29. 72:11. 138:4. Rev. 11:15. 21:24.
lead them far aside from the way of peace and professing the doctrines of the reformation. salvation. ( Note , Ps . 119:155.)
V. 9-21.
When the general character of any church or community, where Christianity is professed, becomes corrupt and abandoned, it is reasonable to expect, that it will be left in the hands of its enemies: and vain will be the hope of deliverance or prosperity, without repentance. For their heinous crimes, men are given up to be deluded and infatuated; to grope, and stumble in the clearest and most obvious concerns; and to proceed from one delusion and calamity to another, till they sink into the dark pit of destruction. They may complain, and groan, and murmur, under their calamities, and make trial of many and varied methods of deliverance: but nothing will effectually profit them, so long as they reject Christ and his gospel, and go on in impenitent wickedness: and the few, who are not utterly God in all their miseries, whil blinded, will readily perceive the justice of
miseries, whilst they witness
land, testify against
such multiplied and continued iniquities. Should the Lord thus visit this protestant land, would not our transgressions testify against us? Could it be denied, that we have grievously offended "in transgressing, transgressing, and lying against the LORD, in departing from our God;" in oppression and rebellion; and in the most scandalous and base prevarication, or direct falsehood, in the most sacred ordinances, solemn professions and subscriptions? Alas! "judgment is," in many respects, "turned backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.
Yea, truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil" often "maketh himself a prey," or is deemed a prodigy and a derision: "this, the LORD seeth, and is displeased." But we have yet a considerable number of exceptions to the too general rule: many still venture to protest against the wickedness of the times, and present continual supplications, through our heavenly Advocate, for the revival of religion, and the purity and enlargement of the church.
What it may please God to do with us as a nation, we know not: but if none be left to intercede, his own arın will accomplish his predicted salvation, and "his righteousness will sustain him," in preserving and enlarging his church. Armed with "the breast-plate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation," and arrayed with the garments of vengeance and zeal, he will ere long go forth, crush his enemies, and spread his gospel from shore to shore, throughout the earth. ( Marg .
Ref .) So that, in every sense, when the enemy of our souls comes in like a flood, we may expect that the Spirit of God will lift up a standard against him. Let us then plead this promise in respect of the progress of infidelity, heresy, and impiety, which seem about to deluge our land, and the nations
Indeed the astonishing changes, which have taken place, in this land, and on the continent, and in the East, since these observations were first written, (1790,) and the establishment of Bible Societies, and Mission Societies, in such an extensive manner, since that crisis, are an evident fulfilment of this prophecy: especially by the British and Foreign Bible Society, the "Spirit of God has lifted up a standard" against the deluge of infidelity which preceded, and seemed ready to prevail against the kingdom of the Redeemer.
Yet the enemy practises and prospers, in divers forms: and we should deeply lament the evils which still prevail; but we need not despond: the covenant stands sure with our Redeemer and his whole family; and every one, whom he has "turned from transgression," may take comfort from it.
His Spirit shall be coinmunicated and his truth continued in his church, to the end of the world, in defiance of all the power, subtlety, and malice of earth and hell: and his cause shall as certainly gain a complete victory on earth; as every true believer becomes more than conqueror, when the Lord receives him to his glory in heaven.
NOTES.
CHAP. LX. V. 1-3. ( Notes , 30:23-26. 49:18 -23.) Nothing occurs in the history of the Jews after the captivity, which at all accomplished the prophecy in this chapter. That nation never enjoyed such permanent peace and prosperity, as it had done in the days of David and Solomon: but in this chapter events are predicted inexpressibly more glorious. Even the happy change, which took place on the coming of Christ, and after his ascension, did not by any means answer to this description.
The church was indeed greatly enlarged and purified; but it remained in great tribulation, and passed through successive persecutions, till the conversion of Constantine. Then it had a short season of external prosperity: but its purity had previously been greatly tarnished, and soon became much more so: it was speedily filled with time-serving hypocrites, split into furious parties, deformed with grievous heresies, and disgraced with abominable wickedness.
And, not long after, the Roman empire was overwhelmed, and the church was afflicted with dire calamities, which continued with little intermission, till antichristian idolatry and superstition had gained a complete ascendency in the western, and Mohammedism greatly entrenched on the eastern, division of the church. ( Notes , Rev. 8:9:12:-14:) So that nothing has yet occurred which corresponds with these predictions; and they are therefore reasonably concluded to relate principally to future events. - 'The subject of this chapter is 'the great increase and flourishing state of the
4h Lift up thine eyes round about, and thee, the dromedaries of Midian and
see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.
5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the * abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
6 The multitude of camels shall cover
h 49:18. John 4:35. Acts 13:44. i 42:6. 49:20-22. 66:11,12. Matt. 8:11. Gal. 3:28,29. Jer. 33:9. Hos. 1:10,11. 3:5. Acts 10:45. 11:17.
54:2. 1 Sam. 2:1. 2 Cor. 6: 1-13. 10:15, Rev. 21:26.
* Or, noise of the sea shall be turned towards thee. 24:14, 15. 42:10. Ps. 96:7-9.98:7-9. Or, wealth . 11. 23:18. 61:6. Acts 24:17. Rom. 15:26.
m 30:6. Judg. 6:5. 7:12. 1 Kings 10:2. 2 Kings 8:9.
'church of God, by the conversion and acces'sion of the heathen nations to it, which is set 'forth in such ample and exalted terms, as 'plainly shew, that the full completion of this 'prophecy is reserved for future times.
This 'subject is displayed in the most splendid col'ors, under a great variety of images highly 'poetical, designed to give a general idea of 'the glories of that perfect of that perfect state of the church 'of God, wh which we are taught to expect in the 'latter times; when the fulness of the Gentiles 'shall come in, and the Jews shall be converted 'and gathered from their dispersions; and "the kingdoms of this world shall become the 'kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ."" Bp . Lowth .
The church is here addressed as a disconsolate female, sitting on the ground, in a dark place and obscure situation: this female is the emblem of Zion, or Jerusalem, and the imagery is taken from the walls and gates of that city; and from the temple and its ornaments, treasures, sacrifices, and worship, all of which were "shadows of good things to come." God calls upon her to arise from the dust, that she may be enlightened, and shine by that light, which was now arrived; "for the glory of the LORD was risen upon her." When Christ came in human nature, "the Light of the world," "the Sun of Righteousness," and the Glory of the Lord, arose on the church: but his bright beams have for ages been strangely obstructed, and at some times almost eclipsed, by interposing clouds: and his church has almost constantly been harassed with tribulations and persecutions; so that she has mourned as desolate, and her few witnesses have prophesied in sackcloth. ( Notes , Rev. 11:3-14.) Not only did gross darkness envelope both the Gentile world, and the land of Israel, when Christ came in the flesh: but darkness, equally intense, has covered the visible Christian church, as well as the Mohammedan and Pagan nations; and we have intimations of a still more gloomy scene, just before the Lord shall arise in his meridian brightness, most gloriously to irradiate mankind with his beams of truth and righteousness.
In the primitive times the Gentiles came to this light: but we do not find, that kings did, till the light became considerably obscured: but ere long "all kings shall fall down before" the divine Savior, and do him service. As he is "the Sun of righteousness," and "the Light of the world," and "the Light of the Gentiles," he must be JEHOVAH; for "JEHOVAH shall arise" upon the church, "and his glory shall be seen upon her." ( Notes , 49:5-8,22,23. Mal . 4:2,3. John 1:4,5. 8:12. Rev. 21:22-27.)
Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and incense, and they shall shew forth the praises of the
LORD.
7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.
n Gen. 25:4.
2:5,9. Rev. 5:9,10.7:9-12.
ο 45:14. Gen. 10:7.25:3. 2 r 42:11. Gen. 25:13. Chr. 9:1. p Mal. 1:11.
Ps. 72:10,15. Matt. 2:11.
s 56:7. Job 42:8. Rom. 12:1. 15:16. Heb. 13:10,15,16.
q Rom. 15:9. Phil. 2:17. 1 Pet. t Hag. 2:7-9.
downcast eyes, to behold the blessed effects of her extraordinary irradiation. On every side converts were seen flocking to her, as her sons and daughters, from the most remote regions, to be nursed at her side, under her care and tuition, and fed upon her spiritual provisions. ( Notes , 49:18-21. 54:1-5. 66:7—14,19— 23.) At this sight she would "overflow” with joy ; her heart would be dilated with gratitude combined with reverence of God, and humble fear of acting wrong in such unexpected unexpected prosperity. (Notes, Jer. 33:6-9.
Matt . 28:1-8, v. 8.) 8.) For the multitudes, which dwelt in the most distant countries, separated from her by the sea, would be converted; and all their treasures, and all the wealth and power of the Gentile world, would be brought to her.
This would be as surprising to the remnant of poor believers, as it would have been to the Jews, after their successive oppressions, to have seen all the kings, rulers, and grandees of Persia, Greece, Rome, and Tyre, crowding into Jerusalem with their immense revenues, in order to enlarge and beautify that holy city, and to support the worship at the temple of JEHOVAH. In order to bring such immense treasures to Jerusalem, the city must have been filled and surrounded with beasts of burden, such as the Midianites carried their merchandise upon.
Thus they and the Arabians are represented, as bringing gold for tribute to Zion's King, and incense to be used in his worship as their God; that they might shew forth his praises with all their power. ( Notes , Ps . 72:8-15. Hag . 2:6-9. Matt . 2:912.) All the flocks of Kedar and Nebaioth, other districts of Arabia, would be brought for acceptable sacrifices on God's altar: and thus he would honor and beautify, more than ever, his temple, where his name had so long been glorified.
All this is evidently a figurative prediction of the purity and enlargement of the church; of the alacrity and zeal, with which different nations will dedicate themselves, and their substance, to the service of God; and of the multitude of spiritual sacrifices, which will in every place be presented to the Father with acceptance, through Christ our Temple, Altar, and great High Priest.-'Nothing is 'more usual, than for the prophets to describe 'the state of the Christian church, by repre'sentations taken from the Jewish temple and 'service.' Lowth . ( Notes , 66:19-23.
Ez . 40:2.) -'It is, I think, a mark of a right understand'ing, in the language of prophecy, and in the 'design of prophecy, to keep to what appears 'the design and meaning of the prophecy 'in general, and what the whole of it laid to
V. 4-7. Zion is here called on to lift up her || 'gether, points out to us; and not to suffer a
8 Who are these that "fly as a cloud, || the box together, 'to beautify the place of and as the doves to their windows?
9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.
10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee; for & in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favor have I had mercy on thee.
11 Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the * forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.
12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.
13 The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir-tree, the pine-tree, and
บ 4. 45:22. Luke 13:29. Rev. Jer. 30:19. Luke 2:32. 7:9. e 61:5. 66:21. Zech. 6:15.
x Heb. 12:1.
y Gen.8:8-11.
z 42:4,10. 49:1. 51:5. 66:19,20. Gen. 9:27. 10:2-5. Ps. 72:10. Zeph. 2:11.
a See on 2:16. 1 Kings 10:22.
22:48.
b See on 4.-7.ech. 14:14. 2 Cor. 8:4,5. Gal. 3:26.
c Ex. 33:19. 34:5-7. Josh. 9: 9. 1 Kings 8:41. 10:1. Prov. 18:10. John 17:26. Acts 9:15. d14:1,2. 43:4. 52:1-6. 55:5.
f See on 3.49:23. Ezra 6:3- 12. 7:12-28. Neh. 2:7--9. Rev. 21:24.
g 12:1. 54:7,8. 57:17,18. Ps. 30:5.
h Neh.13:19. Rev. 21:25. *Or, wealth. 5. marg. i41:11.54:15. Ps. 2:12. Dan. 2:35,44,45. Zech. 12:2-4.14: 12-19. Matt. 21:44. Luke 19:27. Rev. 2:26,27.
k 35:2. 41:19,20.55.13.
'warm imagination to mislead us from the 'real intention of the Spirit of prophecy, by 'following uncertain applications of the parts 'of it.' Lowman on the Revelation , quoted by Bp. Lowth.
Revelation
V. 8, 9. The multitude of converts is here represented under another figure. The church sees immense numbers, from every quarter, thronging to her with one consent, as large flights of birds darken the air like a cloud, and as doves hasten to the windows of the dovehouse; and she inquires, Who are these?
To this the Lord answers, that surely the isles of the Gentiles would wait for him, to give them admission into his family: and that it would become the first use of the ships of Tarshish, which traded to the most remote regions, to bring her children, and all their wealth with them, to Zion, that they might worship the name of Zion's God, who thus glorified her: or they would be among the first that did so. (Note, 66:19-23.) This prediction will be accomplished, when Christians shall unanimously agree to make commerce and navigation subservient to the preaching of the gospel, in every country with which they trade.
For the locality of the emblem, taken from the temple and worship at Jerusalem, rendered it necessary that it should be predicted in this man
my sanctuary: and I will make the place of my feet glorious.
14 The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
[Practical Observations.]
15 Whereas P thou hast been forsaken
and hated, so that no man went through thee , I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.
16 Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
17 For 'brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron; I will also "make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteous
by the sons of strangers: and kings would minister to the formerly despised church, when God, who had afflicted her in fatherly displeasure, should favor her in his mercy and peculiar favor. But as no enemies would be dreaded, her gates would not be shut, even by night; night; and converts would continually throng into her, and meet with free admission: so that the forces and kings of the nations would be brought into her; and those that refused this subjection would be utterly wasted and perish. ( Notes , 14:1,2. 45:14. 49:22,23. Mic . 7:14-17. Zech . 8:20-23. 14:16-21.
Rev. 3:8,9.)-But when has this ever been verified, in its obvi- ous meaning? And why should we attempt to enervate the language of inspiration; as if the Lord could not, or would not, fulfil all his pre- dictions, because he has not yet done it?- 'This must relate to the latter days, ... when 'the church shall become "a great mountain, 'and break in pieces all the kingdoms of the 'earth," according to Daniel's prophecy.
Dan . 12:35-44.' Lowth As the choice timber of Lebanon beautified Solomon's temple, that footstool of JEHOVAH; ( Note , 1 Kings 5:13- 18.) so shall the peculiar advantages of every nation, and of every description of men, con- cur to beautify the church of Christ, which he has determined to make glorious. The descend-ner; rather than as the setting up of the wor-ants of those nations, which have persecuted
her, shall humbly submit, and supplicate her favor: yea, the very persons who have despised her, shall prostrate themselves before her, acknowledging her relation to JEHOVAH, the Holy One of Israel. ( Notes , Dan . 2:34,35, 44,45.)- Place of my feet . (13) Or, Foot -stool. ( Marg . Ref . m.)- They shall call , &c. (14) Notes , 1:25-27. 61:4-6. Jer. 31:23-26, v. 23. Zech.
ship of JEHOVAH in those distant lands. The restoration of Israel, and the assistance ren- dered them by commercial powers, may also be predicted. ( Note , 11:11-16.)- Ships of Tar- shish . (9) Notes , 2:10-18, v . 16. 1 Kings 10:22. V. 10-14. The imagery is here varied, but the meaning is nearly the same. The protec- tion given to the church is represented by the building of Zion's walls. This would be done 18:3.
in thy land, wasting nor destruction within || and the days of thy mourning shall be thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting Light, and *thy God thy Glory.
20 Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself; for the LORD shall be thine everlasting Light,
ended.
21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, & that I may be glorified.
22 Ah little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: 'I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
с 25:8. 30:19, 35:10. Rev. 7:15 | g 43:21. 44:23.49:3. Eph. 1:6,
-17. 21:4.
12. 2:7. 2 Thes. 1:10.
much that state will resemble heaven. ( Notes , 2 Pet . 3:10-13. Rev. 20:1-6.21:1-4,9-27.22:2 -5.)- Thou shalt suck , &c. (16) Ye shall be 'nourished with their riches, as the child is 'with the breast. (6.61:6. 66:12. 49:23.)' Lowth . -The branch of my planting . (21) Notes , 29:22 -24, v. 23. 61:1-3, v. 3. Matt . 15:12-14. John 15:2.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-14.
V. 15-22. The language here grows still more energetic; and the images employed more grand and magnificent.
Zion had been forsaken and hated, and almost universally shunned by the haughty and victorious idolaters, on every side: but now nations and kings should delight to contribute, with all their ability, to her comfort and prosperity, as much as the tender mother does to suckle her beloved infant: and thus she will know that her "Savior and Redeemer is JEHOVAH, the mighty One of Jacob." ( Notes , 49:22,23. 61:4-6.66: 10-14.) The increase of knowledge, holiness, comfort, and prosperity, in the church, shall be so great, that it shall resemble a new building erected in the place of an old one, in which gold is used instead of brass, and silver instead of iron, &c. or, like a city, whose magistrates had been grievous oppressors, but were now become equitable equitable and peaceable, in the greatest degree, and sought nothing but the quiet and prosperity of the public; the public; and whose taxgatherers had been oppressive exactors, but were now become most just and equitable.
This represents the internal peace and purity of the church, and the excellency of her rulers and teachers. ( Notes , 1:25-27. 56:9-12.) Along with this, external peace will be connected: so that no wars, invasions, or persecu-lief and love of sin. ( Notes , 2 Cor. 4:3-6.)
ever.
The whole earth, from the full of Adam to the end of time, would have been deeply covered with ignorance, error, wickedness, and misry, if the Son of God had not come a "Light into the world." ( Note , John 12:44-50.) This "Sun of righteousness" communicated much heavenly light to mankind, even long before he actually arose: but his bright beams have been diffused far more vigorously and widely, since that joyful event. Yet, after all, men in general have hitherto been greatly enveloped in gross destructive darkness; and are so at this day, wherever the light of revelation and the faithful preaching of God's word, are not afforded: nay, multitudes have the outward light, but are yet in darkness, because their eyes are blinded by Satan, through their unbe
tions will disturb her repose; but the very walls of Zion will be justly called "Salvation," and her gates inscribed with "praise" to her God and Protector. ( Note , 26:1.) The Lord himself will shine upon the church, with so glorious and enduring a light, as shall eclipse all which has heretofore been enjoyed by her, from the word and Spirit of God. And this light shall no more be withdrawn or obscured; for the days of Zion's "mourning shall then be ended;" and this heavenly light and glory, and joy on earth, shall usher in the light, glory, and joy of the eternal world.
"Her people shall then be all righteous;" they shall inherit the earth as long as it endures, and heaven for The church shall take root and grow, and flourish as "a branch which God hath planted;" and prosper as the work of his hands, that he may be glorified. From very small numbers and feeble beginnings, the people of God shall multiply, and become exceedingly numerous and powerful: ( Notes , Dan . 2:44,45. Matt . 13:31-33.) this the Lord will hasten with all due speed, when the appointed season shall arrive.
We can conceive nothing more glorious than this description: and nothing can answer to it, but some future glorious state of the church on earth, or the state of the church triumphant in heaven. But several expressions limit our interpretation to the state of the church here below: though many bold metaphors, and sublime images, remind us howl and prosperity of the church is the grand suh
While we therefore bless our God, that this light is come unto us, we should beseech him to "shine into our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ." This mercy, when vouchsafed, is shewn us, in order that we may arise from the dust and debasement of our worldly pursuits, and "let our light shine before men," in our holy profession and conversation; that we may reflect the bright beams, with which "the LORD hath risen upon us," that "his glory may be seen upon us," and that "men may see our good works, and glorify his name." ( Notes , Matt . 5:14-16.
Phil . 2:14-18.) We should therefore "watch and be sober," and "walk as children of the light:" and thus they, who have been strangers and enemies, will be allured to that light, which has made so excellent a change in our conduct and character.
Our peaceful and joyous walk may be as conducive to this end, as our conscientious integrity: when Christians live up to their privileges, and enjoy much divine consolation, love sweetly constrains them to zealous obedience and close conformity to their Lord; then they appear both holy and happy, and attract the attention of others to their most excellent religion. ( Note , Acts 9:31.) As this must yield high satisfaction to the benevolent heart, it forms an additional motive to diligence, watchfulness, and fervency in prayer: and as the purity, increase,