CHAP. LXI.
ed me, to preach good tidings unto the The Messiah declares his anointing his office and the effects of meek; he hath sent me d to bind up the
his fulfilling it, 1-3. The honor and excellency of his church, 4-9. Her joy in God's salvation, 10, 11.
ject of these prophecies; so they ought to be of our desires, exertions, and supplications.Ministers, and experienced Christians, should "lift up their eyes," and look around them, for such as are setting out in the ways of God, that they may encourage, caution, and instruct them; and that the children of God may be "nourished up in the words of sound doctrine," under their prudent and affectionate inspection. Our religious joys should always be
broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the
desire of their hearts to be enrolled as her citizens: the prayer of humble faith, to Zion's God and King, can never be unseasonable, night or day; and every true convert is an accession to the strength, beauty, and honor of our holy city, at which angels in heaven rejoice. ( .Vote , Luke 15:8-10.) Thus from every quarter some do, and more shortly will, come to beautify the sanctuary of God; and by them he "will glorify the house of his glory." - The
tempered with reverential, humble, and cau-children of persecutors, and even persecutors
tious fear: and increasing prosperity, or an enlarged sphere of usefulness, should be rejoiced in with trembling; lest we should be lifted up in pride, or betrayed into any dishonorable conduct. All who are truly converted to God, will dedicate their wealth and influence to him, and shew forth his praises in their use of them, and the improvement of their several talents, more or fewer, to the glory of his name.
Thus it behoves every one to evidence the sincerity of his faith and love: for we shall at last be adjudged to belong to that master, in whose service we have employed our time, abilities, or substance. ( Notes and P. O. Luke 16:1-12. Notes, Rom . 6:1623. 2 Cor . 8:6-9.)-The learned, the sagacious, the ingenious, the powerful, may each contribute, in different ways, to promote the glory of God, and the peace, purity, edification, and enlargement of his church: and when this is done in simple dependence dependence on Christ, and from love to his name, it will come up
with acceptance before our God. Happy will
Happy will
it be for themselves, and for multitudes, when merchants shall consider the conveyance of the light of divine truth to the most distant lands, and newly discovered countries, as a primary object of their attention. Then their ships may sail more richly freighted, than if they were laden with the gold of Ophir; they may safely be committed to his care, to whose
themselves, are welcomed to all the privileges of Zion's citizens: when they are humbled for their sins, and disposed to honor her, and join themselves to her, as "the city of the Holy One of Israel."
V. 15-22.
glory they are devoted; and he will surely non-ness! And how should all Christian kings en
or those who thus honor him.-Alas! we are not at present called on to inquire, "Who are these, that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?" Few, in comparison with the numbers of our land, will attend on the faithful preaching of the gospel: but much fewer make the name of the Lord their Refuge, and their Resting-place.
Yet let us be thankful, that there is a remnant, and hope and pray for better times: and let us see to ourselves, that the ordinances of God be to our souls, as the house and the nest to the timorous dove.It is a great honor and favor to us "sons of strangers," that we may be allowed, in any humble sphere, to build the walls of Zion: and it is a high privilege for kings to minister to that cause, for which "the King of kings" shed his precious blood.
He, in whose hand are the hearts of kings, can easily bring them all to minister to his church, without deviating in the least from the line of their peculiar duty and station: (Note, 2 Chr . 30:12.) and he will do it in his due time; for, though he has in his anger smitten her, he has manifold mercies and favors in reserve for her. Blessed be his name, the gates of Zion are ever open to receive returning sinners, who come with the VOL. IV.
The believer is often for a long time, afflicted, hated, and apparently deserted; yet the Lord will at length make him eternally excellent and happy.
Those who attend duly to the truths, precepts, and ordinances of scriptural Christianity, have long been "filled with the contempt of the scornful," and have been reviled or hated by the wise, the learned, and the powerful of the earth; so that the cross to be endured has made men averse to be connected with them: yet this very company shall be made "an eternal excellency, a excellency, a joy of many generations;" gen ons;" and powerful owerful kings and nations shall rejoice to promote their comfort and prosperity, and to serve their interest with their whole heart, soul, and strength; knowing that "their Savior and Redeemer is JEHOVAH, the mighty God of Jacob." If then, in those happy days, when "for brass the LORD will bring gold, and for iron, silver, &c." all the officers of the nations and of the church shall be peace, and their exactors righteousness: how should Christian magistrates, rulers, civil and ecclesiastical, and teachers, aim now to be patrons and examples of peace and righteousdeavor to terminate the effusion of human blood, and to avoid all violence, wasting, and destruction!
For in those days, men will be Christians indeed; and every one will do that, and no more than that, which is equally the duty of all, in this and every age, and from the neglect of which all our miseries arise. The people shall then be filled with knowledge, truth, and grace; they "shall all be righteous," as "the branch of God's planting, the work of his hands, that he may be glorified;" ( Notes , 19:23-25. 61:1-3. Ps . 92:13-15.) and this will render earth almost like heaven.
But if the church may, and shall in due season, be thus illuminated, sanctified, and enlarged, and prospered with such permanent joy and peace; if her "walls" may here "be called Salvation, and her gates Praise;" if she may be said to have done with mourning, even in this land of sorrow and death; what will the glory and happiness of heaven be, where "the LORD himself will indeed be our everlasting Light, and our God our Glory!" Let this hope cheer us under our present difficulties, and animate us to all diligence, that we may have "abundant entrance into this everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [217
captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, * the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, "that he might be glorified.
f Lev. 25:9-13. Luke 4:19. 2 Cor. 6:2.
g34:8. 35:4. 59:17,18. 63:1-6. Ps. 110:5,6. Jer. 46:10. Mal. 4:1-3. Luke 21:22-24. 1 Thes. 2:16. 2 Thes. 1:7-9. h 25:8.57:18.66:10-12. Jer. 31:13. Matt. 5:4. Luke 6:21. 7:44-50. John 16:20-22. 2 Cor. 1:4,5. 2 Thes. 2:16,17. 12:1. Esth. 4:1-3. 8:15. 9.22.
Ps. 30:11. Ez. 16:8-13.
k Ps. 23:5. 45:7. 104:15. Ec. 9:8.
1 10. Zech. 3:5. Luke 15:22. Rev. 7:9-14. m 60:21. Ps. 92:12-15. Jer. 17:7,8. Matt. 7:17-19.
n Matt. 5:16. John 15:8. 1 Cor. 6:20. Phil. 1:11. 2 Thes. J: 10. Pet. 2:9.4:9-11,14.
NOTES.
CHAP. LXI. V.1-3. The prophet, having declared in general both the troubles and deliverances of the church to the end of time, here returns to state some particulars more fully, which relate to those great events. This chapter refers to the coming of Christ, and the calling of the Gentiles.
The allusions may be taken from the release of the captive Jews, and their return to their cities and lands: but Christ himself has determined the interpretation to more spiritual and evangelical su al subjects. ( Note , Luke 4:16-19.) The M The Messiah himself is here introduced as the Speaker: and these first verses relate to his personal ministry, and the general tendency and effect of his gospel. "The Spirit of the LORD" rested on him to anoint, consecrate, and qualify him, as Man, for the work to which he was appointed. ( Notes , 11:1-5.42:1-4. 59:20,21. Matt . 3:16,17.
John 3:27-36, ν. 34. Acts 1:1-3. 10:36-43, ν. 38.) By virtue of his voluntary obedience and sacrifice, as our Surety and High Priest, he was authorized to preach the glad tidings of forgiveness, and free salvation, to the meek, the afflicted, "the poor in spirit,' in spirit," the penitent, who know their guilt, danger, and misery: for though the Gospel is proposed to all, yet it does not appear glad tidings to any but the convinced, humbled sinner. ( Notes , 57:15,16.
Matt. 5:3.) He was also commissioned effectually to bind up and heal the broken-hearted; to proclaim liberty to the slaves and captives of Satan and sin, and effectually to free them from the bondage of their lusts, evil habits, and strong temptations. Thus he would announce the year of jubilee, "the acceptable year of the LORD," the time of his especial grace, when he would pardon sins, remit debts, restore forfeited inheritances, receive offenders to full favor, and grant all requests and petitions. ( Notes and P. O. Lev . 25:8–55.
Notes , Jer. 34:8-17.) But this would be connected with the day of his vengeance on those, who opposed or "neglected so great salvation." (Notes, Matt . 3:7-10. 23:34-36. Luke 21:20 -24, ν. 22. 1 Thes . 2:13-16, υυ . 15,16. Heb. 2:1-4.10:28-31. 12:22-25.) This seems especially to predict the respite granted to the Jewish nation, from the coming of Christ to the vengeance executed on them by the Romans. ( Note , Luke 21:20-24.) Yet this day of vengeance did not in the least interfere with
their afflictions. ( Note , Matt . 5:4.) He came to appoint gladness to all Zion's mourners, to give those, who lay self-abased before God, as in sackcloth and ashes, the joy of acceptance and the beauty of holiness; to exchange their mourning and dejection for the consolations of the Holy Spirit, and for those garments of praise, which were used on festive occasions. And that, (adopting another figure,) they might be planted, watered, and made to grow vigorously, as "trees of righteousness," in the courts of the Lord, being the planting of his hand, and bearing fruit to his glory.
The need ony advert to the encouragement which Christ gave to the humble and broken-hearted publicans and sinners, in his po personal ministry; and to the severity, which he shewed to proud Sadducees and Pharisees, to see the force of these expressions, and the genuine nature and tendency of his Gospel.
It is observable that our Lord, in applying this passage to his own ministry, omitted the words, "the day of vengeance of our God;" no doubt, because he would not, at the first address, say any thing needlessly to offend his coun countrymen. ( Notes , Luke 4:16-22.) The Septuagint render the clause here translated, "the opening of the prison to them that are bound;" (1) "the recovering of sight to the blind;" and thus it is quoted by St. Luke. ( Luke 4:18. Notes , 35:5 -7. 42:13-17, v. 16. Acts 26:16-18, v. 18.)
Trees of righteousness. (3) "Trees approv'ed." Heb. Oaks of righteousness: ... that is, 'such as by their flourishing condition, should 'shew, that they were "the cion of God's plant'ing, and the work of his hands;"... 'that is,' 'says Vitringa... 'commendable for the strength of their faith, their durability, and firmness." Bp . Lowth . ( Notes , 60:15-22, v. 21. John 15: 1-8.)
V. 4-6. Zerubbabel, Joshua the high priest, Nehemiah, and others, rebuilt Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, after the captivity; and some think, that this passage predicts the return of the converted Jews to their own land, and settling again in it: ( Notes , Ezra 3:-6: Neh. 3: Hag. 1: 2: Zech . 1:-6:) but it seems rather, from the context, to be a figurative description of the happy effects produced by the preaching of the gospel in the primitive times. Spiritual worship and true holiness had been at a very low ebb for some ages, when our Lord entered on his ministry. Those "blind his commission, to "comfort all, who mourn-guides," the Scribes and Pharisees, had made "void the commandments of God by their tra
ed" for sin, or in a gracious manner under
and for confusion they shall rejoice in their || 9 And their seed shall be known among portion: therefore in their land they shall the Gentiles, and their offspring among the possess the double: "everlasting joy shall people: all that see them shall acknowledge be unto them.
8 For XI the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt-offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
u 35:10. 51:11.60:19,20. Ps. 16: -11. Matt. 25:46. 2 Thes. 2: 16.
Ps. 11:7. 33:5. 37:28. 45:7. 99: 4. Jer. 9:24. Zech. 2:16,17. y1:11-13. 1 Sam. 15:21-24.
them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of sal
Jer. 7:8-11. Am. 5:21-24. b 44:3. Gen. 22:18. Zech. 3:13. Phil. 31 3.4:4. 1 Pet. 1:8. Matt. 23:14.
z Ps. 25:3-12.32:8. Prov. 3: 6.8:20, 2 Thes. 3:5,
a 55:3. Gen. 17:7. 2 Sam. 22: 5. Jer. 32:40. Heb. 13:20,21.
ditions" and interpretations. The Sadducees also, by their infidel principles, had increased these desolations. But the apostles and primitive evangelists, having been en humbled, comforted, and sanctified, by our Lord's ministry, and by the pouring out of his Spirit, were employed to build up what was decayed and gone to ruins. By the blessing of God on their labors, "many tens of thousands," among the Jews, became humble disciples of Christ, and spiritual worshippers of God through him.
And by the conversion of the Gentiles, the church was replenished with multitudes of believers, immensely greater than had ever been known, even before "the desolations of many generations." Thus Zion was built up, and her desolated cities rose from their ruins; according to the figurative language often used even in the New Testament. ( Notes , 49:7,8. 58:8-12. 1 Cor. 3:10-15. Eph . 2:19-22.) The strangers and aliens, thus brought into the church, were not only useful to the apostles, evangelists, and Jewish converts, by "their temporal things" and outward services, to
22.)
Rom. 9:3,4.
c 65:23. Ps. 115:14. Acts 3:26, Rom. 11:16-24.
d. 35:10. 51:11. 1 Sam. 2:1. Ps. 28:7. Hab. 3:18. Zech. 10:7. Luke 1:46,47. Rom. 5:11.
Rev 19.7.
e 3: 52:1. 2 Chr. 6:41. Ps. 132:9,16. Luke 15:22. Rom. 3:22. 13:14. Gal. 3:27. Phil. 3:9. Rev. 4:4.7.9-14.
nation, and been made known to them by their teachers. (Notes, Jer. 16:19-21. Zech. 8:20 -23.)
The desolations of many generations. (4) 'It 'we suppose the Jews, after their conversion 'to return into their own land..., we may fitly 'explain this text, of their re-edifying their an'cient habitations.' Lowth . This, however, does not appear to be the direct subject of the prophecy.
V. 7-9. These verses may predict in gencral the extensive and permanent success of the Gospel in the world. Instead of that contempt, which the worshippers of JEHOVAH had experienced erienced from their neighbors, they would receive a double portion of honor and respect, from the Gentile converts to Christianity: ( Note , 60:15-22, v . 15.) Believers and preachers of the Jewish nation would be peculiarly regarded even in those lands, where they had formerly met with in injury and ignominy; and this joyful change would endure to the end, and for ever. As "the Lord loveth judgment, and hates robbery" and injustice, even when
regarded
which the language next used seems restrict-varnished over with a profession of godliness,
ed: ( Notes , 60:4-14. 66:10-14.) but they were ordained as elders over the churches planted by the apostles and evangelists; and thus, in a spiritual sense, fed their flocks, and became their plowmen and vine-dressers; that is, they were stated pastors over the sheep of Christ, and laborers in his husbandry and vineyard. Yet some peculiar distinctions were reserved to the Jewish converts.
All the apostles, and all the writers of the New Testament, were of that nation, unless Luke were an exception, as it is probable he was. ( Preface to Luke .) The first pastors and ministers from among the Gentiles, were ordained to that office, by the apostles and Jewish evangelists, and were under their immediate superintendency.
This distinction might be figuratively alluded to, when it was said, "Ye shall be named the priests of the Lord; men shall call you the ministers of our God." The priests of Aaron's line were set aside; and the apostles and evangelists succeeded to as much of their office and authority, as accorded to the nature of the Christian dispensation. But perhaps the verse, in general, means that all true Christians would be more honored, and admitted nearer to God, than the priests and Levites among the Jews. ( Marg .
Ref . q.)-Thus the riches of the Gentiles were brought into the church, and the poor converts of the Jews possessed the substance of all, in which these had gloried; whilst the Gentiles were admitted to share their spiritual things. Yet the Jews had some ground of triumph and exultation, when their despisers and enemies joined with them in the
and especially when the gains are impiously consecrated to his worship as if he were a sharer in the robbery; ( Notes , Prov . 21:27. Jer. 7:8-11.) so he had determined to reject the hypocritical Jewish nation, and to replenish his church with believers from among the Gentiles. He would "direct the works" of his people and ministers in truth and uprightness, and make a new covenant with them which should endure to the end; and their believing posterity, from age to age, should be known and acknowledged among the nations, as a holy people, happy in the favor of God, and sanctified by his grace. ( Notes , 26:12-18.43: 22-25. 44:3-5.65:21-23. Deut . 30:1-10. Jer . 31:31-34, 32:39-41. Ez . 11:17-20. 36: 25-27. Zech . 12:9-14.)
Ye shall have double . (7) 'An allusion to God's blessing Job after his afflictions, when he gave 'him double to what he had before. ( Job 42:10. 'Comp. Zech . 9:12.) As the first born had a 'double share in his father's estate; ( Deut . 21: '17.) so the Jews, when converted to the Chris'tian faith, will recover their birth-right, which 'they had forfeited by their infidelity, as Esau 'did, and be esteemed as the first-born, or elder brethren in the church of God. Lowth . The apostle and Jewish converts to Christianity had this birth-right or precedency, in the primitive times: and indeed the scriptures, almost all written by Israelites, and in every age received by Christians of all nations as "the oracles of God," give this double honor to them. The restoration also of the converted Jews to their own land, where they shall
worship of JEHOVAH, and in receiving and permanently enjoy their double, seems to be submitting to the Messiah, who had been pre- predicted. "Ye shall inherit the land the secdicted by their prophets, and had arisen of their || ond time." Sept.
I will direct, &c. (8) "I will give them the reward of their work with faithfulness." Bp . Lowth. This translation does not well accord to the context, or the language of coincident prophecies. I will give them grace to serve me in spirit and in truth. Lowth .
V. 10, 11. The church here answers to those gracious assurances, which had been given her, declaring that she greatly and inwardly rejoiced in the LORD her God, and anticipated the glorious times which had been predicted. For he had arrayed her with his salvation and righteousness, as her covering and ornament, in order to her espousals to himself; for which he thus made preparation, as the bridegroom was used to deck himself with ornaments, and the bride to adorn herself with the jewels presented to her. ( Notes , 13. 52:1. Ps . 132:7-9. Luke 15:22-24. Rom . 3: 21-26, v . 22.
Gal . 3:26-29.) And she expressed the fullest assurance, that as the earth, or even as the well-cultivated garden, yields an increase of the seed sown in it, so surely would the Lord cause righteousness for his people, and praise and glory for himself, to spring forth before all the nations of the earth. ( Notes , 55:10,11. Ps . 35:10-13. Mark 4:26-29.)-The word rendered "ornaments" is supposed to mean a crown like those worn by the priests; indeed the whole alludes to the "garments for glory and beauty," worn by the high priest, and the white linen worn by all the priests.
The word rendered decketh himself, properly signifies a priest's habiting himself with the ornaments proper for his office: ( Notes , Ex . 28:2,40,41. 29:1-7. Rev. 19:7,8.) and this language is peculiarly applicable to the case of Christians; who, adorned with the robe of righteousness, conferred on them by their great High Priest, are through him "made kings and priests to our God." ( Marg . Ref. Notes, Zech. 3:1-7. 1 Pet . 3:4-6. Rev. 1:4-6. 5:8-10.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-6.
The office of the great Redeemer, and the tenor of his gospel, are peculiarly encouraging to the humble and teachable, to those who are burdened with a guilty conscience, and fears ⚫ of deserved wrath; and who are distressed, through the power of inbred sins and strong temptations. Let such discouraged souls then attend to the voice of Christ; for he was "anointed and sent to bind up the broken heart," to pardon the self-condemned, to break off the fetters from the enslaved, to break open the prison door, and to give "liberty to the captives." But large as his commission is, the proud, impenitent, and stout-hearted, continuing such, exclude themselves from the benefit of it; for, unless they are brought by the holy
bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and * praise to spring forth before all the nations.
i 45:8. 62:1. Ps. 72:3,16.85:11. k 60:18. (2:7. 1 Pet. 2:9.
which was lost;" nor at all desire them.Whilst the gospel is preached to us, "the ac ceptable year of the LORD continues:" let then such, as have feared to know the worst of themselves, recollect that if they be but humbled and rendered contrite in heart, and “submit to the righteousness of God," Christ will assuredly relieve and comfort them: but let the careless, the infidel, the profligate, the hypocritical, take notice, that "the day of vengeance of our God" is intimately connected with his "acceptable year." Let none delay; for their limited time of mercy and grace may soon expire: let none despond, who are mourning before God in deep self-abasement; for the gracious Savior will surely comfort them, and render them both joyful and holy: but let none rest in false joy and carnal confidence; for the rejoicing of every true penitent is connected with love and praise; and they are made "trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified."-God is pleased, from age to age, to employ those, who have been thus convinced, humbled, pardoned, and sanctified by his grace, to execute "the ministry of reconciliation" between him and their fellow-sinners. (Notes, 2 Cor . 5:17-21. 6:1,2.) They too are sent to comfort the mourners, and to bind up the broken-hearted, and to copy the example, as well as to proclaim the gospel, of their Lord and Savior.
He even employs such persons as instruments of extensive usefulness to his church: and thus we poor sinners of the Gentiles, are honored to be "workers together with God," for the good of his redeemed people.
But we should desire the good and useful, though laborious work of the ministry, more than the honor of being "named the priests of the LORD," or than the emolu ment of "eating the riches of the Gentiles." Indeed all believers may glory in being "the priests of the LORD," separated and consecrated to offer him spiritual sacrifices, and to draw near to him: but let none boast themselves in this glory, or even affect to glory in God on this account, who do not endeavor to maintain the sanctity, and to do the duty of their important character.
V. 7-11.
True believers will at length be doubly honored for all their confusion and self-abasement before God, and for all the shame and disgrace which they have suffered from the world; and those who have most despised sed them, em, will behold them, (perhaps from afar,) rejoicing in their portion with everlasting joy. - The just and heart-searching God cannot be imposed upon by specious hypocrites; or be induced to accept the most costly oblations from those, who would thus make atonements for their injustice: and large donations to pious and char itable uses must be honestly obtained, in order
But
law, the ministration of death and condemna- to be accepted of him; or, restitution must first tion to transgressors, and by by the convictions | be made to those who have been defrauded. of the Holy Spirit, to know themselves, and ( Note and P. O. Luke 19:1-10, v. 8.) humbly submit to God; they will neither un- he will not reject the feeblest attempt of the derstand the nature of the blessings conferred upright believer: he will direct him and his by him, "who came to seek and save that works, in the way of his precepts and prom
ises, and teach him how to perform his wellmcant services acceptably; and he will ratify and seal unto him his everlasting covenant. This chosen generation continues as "a peculiar people" distinguished by their piety, and zeal for good works, as well as for their joy and confidence in God; and all who impartially observe them may perceive, and should acknowledge, "that they are a seed which the LORD hath blessed." They may also cheerfully expect that their offspring, which they dedicate to him, and bring up for him, shall inherit the same blessings, and be distinguished in the same manner.
Every one of them may therefore rejoice greatly in the LORD his God, who "hath clothed him with the garments of salvation," even the robe of the Redeemer's righteousness; and admitted him to a union and relation to him, of which the most endeared relations on earth are feeble shadows; and which death, that dissolves all our other unions, shall eternally perfect. ( Notes , 1 Pet . 1:23-25.) Let us seek first these blessings, rejoice in them, and aim to walk worthy of them: and let us gladly anticipate the time, when "righteousness and praise shall spring
forth before ali the nations" of the earth.
NOTES.