CHAP. LXII. V. 1-5. Some commentators suppose that the prophet here speaks in his own name, andin that of the proph prophets and ministers of God in successive generations: generations: but he seems to have spoken, as the type of Christ, and in his name.
We may, therefore, consider the Son of God, assuring the church of his unfailing love and care of her, and of his intercession for her, under all trials and difficulties; and that he would never intermit his prevailing pleas, and powerful interpositions, in her behalf, till "her righteousness" and her "salvation shone" forth with the brightness of a lamp, lighted up and burning in a conspicuous place, for the use of all that were near unto it. ( Notes , 46:12,13. 51:4|| -8. 60:1-3. 61:10,11.) By Zion's "righteousness" we may understand, either the righteousness by which believers are justified, or the fruits of righteousness by which that justification is evidenced: and her "salvation" may mean the doctrine of salvation taught in the church; or the blessings enjoyed by believers, as the first fruits of eternal salvation.
These would at length be rendered so abundant and conspicuous, that "the Gentiles," yea, " all kings would behold her glory" in them; and
so Zion would be called by a new name, which the Lord would give her. Some understand this of the name of Christians, by which believers are called under the new dispensation: ( Notes , 65:13-15. Acts 11:25,26.) but perhaps it refers to that change, which was about to take place in their state, which is signified by the names afterwards mentioned. Then the church would become a crown, or diadem, which God would hold in his hand, to shew his delight in thus honoring her; and her peace, holiness, and happiness would be held forth, to allure others to come, and seek a share of her blessings.
She would no longer be looked upon, and spoken of, as a "forsaken" or divorced woman, nor "her land as left desolate," as Judah had been during the captivity: but the Lord would honor her by the name of "Hephzi-bah," or, My delight is in her : (Note, 2 Kings 21:1,2.) and her land, or the countries occupied by his people, would be called "Beulah," or Married: for the Lord would as openly avow his special favor to his church, as a man does for her whom he publicly espouses. ( Notes , 54:4-10. 61:10,11. Hos . 2:18-20.
Eph . 5:2227.), Indeed "as a young man marrieth a virgin," whom he greatly loves, so would Zion's Restorer marry her, and God would rejoice in his love to her, as the bridegroom over his bride. The word rendered "thy sons" sons" may be translated "thy restorer," by altering some of the vowel-points; or rather, "thy restorers;" for the verb is plural. ( Note , 49:17.) But, perhaps, even this is not necessary.
The church is sometimes spoken of as a matron, or as a widow, or a divorced woman, and then again as a virgin: so that it would not be unprecedented, if the members of the church should sometimes be considered as her duti ful sons; and at others, as standing in the relation of a husband to her.
Such variations of images must sometimes occur in a style so exceedingly figurative and highly poetical, (according to the bold genius of eastern poetry,) as that of Isaiah.--The conversion of Constantine, and the prosperity and peace of the Christian church, after the continued persecutions which she had endured, are supposed by some to be here predicted: and yet the language seems to indicate that far more glorious events are intended: and indeed in its most obvious meaning, it predicts the restoration, and honor, and felicity of Israel, as a nation.
A new name. (2) Notes, Gen. 17:5,6,15,16, 32:27, 28. Hos . 1:6-10. 2:1.
16 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence;
7 And give him no trest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
[Practical Observations.]
8 The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, + Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast labored.
9 But they that have gathered it
i 52:8.56:10. 2 Chr. 8:14. Cant. 3:3.5:7. Jer. 6:17. Ez. 3:17 -21.33:2-9. 1 Cor. 12:28. Eph. 4:11,12. Heb. 13:17.
k 1. Ps. 134:1,2. Rev. 4:6-8. * Or, are the LORD'S remem- brancers. 43:26. Gen. 32:12. Num. 14:17-19. Ps. 74:2,18. Acts 10:4,31.
Gen. 32:26. Matt. 15:22-27. Luke 11:5-13. 18:1-8,39. 1 Thes. 5:17. Rev. 6:10.
shall
Jer. 33:
Heb. silence. m See on 1--3-61:11. 9. Zeph. 3:19,20. Matt. 6:9, 10,13. Rev. 11:15.
n Deut. 32:40. Ez. 20:5.
Heb. If I give, &c.
0 65:21-23. Lev. 26:16. Deut. 22:31,33. Judg. 6:3-6. 5:17.
Jer.
p Deut. 12:7,12, 14:23-29. 16: 11,14.
eat it, and praise the Lord; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.
10 Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; 'lift up a standard for the people.
11 Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold thy Salvation cometh; behold, "his reward is with him, and his work before him.
12 And they shall call them, * The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city a not forsaken.
q 40:3. 48:20. 52:11.57:14. Matt. | x 60:21. Deut. 7:6. 26:19. 28:9. 22:9. Heb. 12:13.
г 11:12. 49:22.
s Ps. 98:1-3. Mark 16:15, Rom. 10:11-18.
t 40:9. Zech. 9:9. Matt. 21:5. John 12:15.
11 Sec on 40:10. 49:4. Rev. 22:12. Or, recompense.
1 Pet. 2:9.
y 35:9. Ps. 107:2. 1 Pet. 1:18, 19. Rev. 5:9.
z 65:1. Ez. 34.11-16. Matt. 18:11-13. Luke 15:4,5. 19:10. John 10:16.
a See on 4.-Matt. 16:18. 28:20. Heb. 13:5.
V. 6, 7. There is no intimation of any change in the speaker; and if we consider the former verses as the words of the Messiah, these verses are the continuance of his discourse. The word shomerim , ' (translated watchmen,) doth properly signify those priests 'and Levites, who kept watch day and night 'about the temple, and some of them at cer'tain hours sung psalms of prayer and praise.' Lowth. (Notes, Ps. 134:1-3. 135:1,2.) An al lusion may be made to this custom: but "the walls of Jerusalem," not the courts of the temple, would be thus guarded: and the watch-ful manner. ( Marg . Ref .)
er they carried their peace-offerings, firstfruits, and other oblations. ( Notes , 65:21-23. Lev. 19:23-25. Deut . 12:5-18. 14:22-29. Zech . 9:13-17.) This implies the deliverance of the Christian church from those persecutors, who have often kept from them the word of God, and deprived them of the labors of their ministers, by putting them to death, immuring them in prisons, or driving them into foreign countries. But a blessed change is here predicted, which would be welcomed and improved in a holy and thank
men, on Zion's walls, evidently mean the prophets and faithful ministers of Christ, who are employed to give warning of the approach of an enemy, and also to look out for the coming of her expected Deliverer. ( Notes , 21:612. 56:9-12. Cant . 3:1-5. 5:7. Ez . 3:17-19.33: 2-9.) These watchmen would be instant in preaching the word, and constant in prayer for the prosperity of the church; and all believers are expected to join with them.
These "make mention of the LORD," ORD," or rather are "his remembrancers," ( marg .) to remind him of his promises: and they are exhorted not to take rest, nor to give him rest; but importunately to beseech him to perform his word; till till he shall establish his church, in righteousness, peace, and truth, and render her the praise and glory of the whole earth. ( Note , 61:10,11.)-This assuredly is addressed to us also, however we interpret the prophecy.
To us likewise it is said, "Let there be no silence to you; and allow no silence to him until, &c." according to the emphatical language of the original. 'He exhorteth the ministers never to cease to 'call on God for the deliverance of his 'church, and to teach others to do the same.' (Note, Luke 18:1-8, vr . 7,8.)
V. 10-12. The friends and ministers of the church are here peremptorily commanded, or most earnestly exhorted, to go through her gates, to cast up a highway, and to remove every obstruction, that the people might come to Zion from the ends of the earth; and to lift up a standard to give them notice, that the time was arrived. ( Notes , 40:3-5. 57:14.) For the proclamation was sent forth to the ends of the earth, that Zion's "Salvation," or rather Savior, was come. "Lo, thy Savior cometh." Bp . Lowth . ( Notes , 40:9 40:9-11.
Zech. 9:9,10.)-The Lord Jesus was about to receive his full recompense, in becoming "the Salvation of God to the ends of the earth," and to perform that great work which is before him: ( Note , 49:5, 6.) and thenceforth the church would be called, "A holy people, the redeemed of the LORD:" being "sought out" or greatly desired by him in her afflictions, and assured of being no more forsaken. Many events have been partial accomplishments of this prediction, especially that before-mentioned: but I apprehend these were only earnests of more glorious times which are yet to come.
The restoration of the converted Jews and Israelites to their own land does not seem to be exclusively intended, as some expositors think: but rather the general prevalence of religion, throughout the world, is predicted in figurative language; of which that restoration will form a most conspicuous part, and introductory to all that still remains to be accomplished.
V. 8, 9. The Lord is here said to have "sworn by his right hand, and the Arm of bis strength;" (Note, 53:1.) or to have pledged the honor of his omnipotence, that he will rescue his church from her enemies. The images are taken from the devastations which were made in Judah, when the enemies of the Jews seized their corn and wine: but when the invaders were vanquished, then the Jews reaped their harvest and vintage, and feasted upon part of them in the courts of the temple, whith-believing the unchangeable love of Christ
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-7.
We ought to be much encouraged, by firmly
to his church, and his uninterrupted intercession in her behalf, in which he will steadily
joice over us and over his church, "as a bridegroom rejoiceth over his bride;" surely we
persevere, till her righteousness and salvation | should rejoice in his favor and service, and
are rendered most conspicuous and glorious: and we should in our several stations, and the due improvement of all our talents, imitate his example. The interests of true religion should be near our hearts, and we ought to be willing "to spend and be spent in promoting them," without seeking our own credit or emolument; and be unwearied in doing good, waiting for our rest in heaven. We must think nothing done, while so much remains undone; and we ought to expect and pray for greater, and still far greater success, by every degree which is vouchsafed us.
Our first object should be to promote the purity of the church, in doctrine and practice, and her internal peace and unity: for when the gospel of salvation, through the righteousness of Christ and by the sanctification of the Spirit, are clearly professed, and solidly preached and vindicated; and when the holy lives and mutual love of those, who profess and preach this salvation, “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things:" then "the righteousness of Zion shines forth, as a lamp that burneth;" and her brightness makes
desire no other happiness: and, as the true sons of the church, we should heartily espouse her interests, and seek her peace and prosperity. Some the Lord employs as watchmen to defend the walls of Zion: let us then be watchful and faithful, instant in preaching, fervent in prayer, patient in enduring hardship, wholly giving ourselves to the work of the ministry. Others are with them "the Lord's remembrancers:" let these recollect, that he loves to be reminded of his promises and predictions; that he delights in their importunity; and that he commands them "not to keep silence, and to give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth."
V. 8-12.
We should thankfully acknowledge, that the Lord has already, in a considerable degree, fulfilled the engagements which he in such a solemn manner entered into with his ancient servants. He has founded a church, to the honor of his name, in this our most remote part of the world; and at present, he pre
way for the wider diffusion of divine knowl-serves it from oppression and persecution: he
edge. But her glory and excellency must become very conspicuous, before all kings and nations can behold it: and therefore zealous endeavors to increase knowledge, holiness, and union among professed Christians, tend as much to bring forward the great triumphs of the Gospel, as promoting missions into the remote and benighted regions of the earth; and both should be attempted with active and steady perseverance.
When the scandals of the church shall be removed, and her breaches healed, she will appear as "the perfection of beauty," and be "called by a new name:" and all that behold her excellency and felicity, and the special favor of God to her, will find their hearts allured to seek a share in her privileges. Whilst we admire the happiness of the church, (constituted of redeemed sinners, yea, reconciled enemies,) in being the object of the Lord's "delight," and as "married” unto him; let us also adore his infinite condescension and love.
We may all aspire to these honors; and, coming in the name of Christ, we shall not be refused or forsaken: but we should well consider the reciprocal duties, which result from such high relations and obligations; that we may thence deduce motives to faith
no longer suffers our adversaries to lock up from us, in an unknown language, the holy scriptures, which are as food and cordials for our souls; or to pervert them to their own base purposes. We have the full comfort and benefit of public ordinances, of the labors of his ministers, and of every means of edification. Let us be thankful for these mercies, and for all our distinguished temporal advantages, and use them all in a holy manner.
Let us delight in attending on his courts, that we may enjoy the consolations of his Spirit: and let us remember that his almighty arm is engaged to effect all that yet remains to be done; and that he has confirmed it with an oath, for our fuller assurance. Let us also endeavor by our examples, prayers, and improvement of our talents, to open Zion's gates, to prepare her ways, to remove obstructions, to forward the admission of citizens, and the lifting up of the standard of the cross, to call them in.
Soon it shall be proclaimed in its fullest sense, "Say ye to the daughter of Zion, behold, thy Salvation cometh!" The Lord Jesus will accomplish his work, and his success will be his most valued recompense; ( Note , Heb . 12:2,3.) and then all, who name his name, shall be ac
fulness, obedience, submission, and the most knowledged to be a holy people, and his church entire and devoted attachment. If God re-l to be "sought out, a city ity not forsaken," as it 6 And I will
tread down the people in || toward the house of Israel, which he hath mine anger, and make them drunk in my bestowed on them, according to his mer
fury, and to the earth.
I will
7TI will
bring down their strength
[Practical Observations.]
mention the loving-kindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness
ο 2,3. 49:26.51:21-23. Job 21: 20. Ps. 60:3. 75:8. Jer. 25: 16,17,27. Lam. 3:15. Rev. 14:10. 16:6,19. 18:3-6. p 25:10-12. 26:5,6. Rev. 18: 21.
q 41:8,9, 51:2. Neh. 9:7-15,19
-21,27,31. Ps. 78:11, &c. 105: 5,&c. 107:8,15,21,31. 136:1,&c. 147:19,20. Ez. 16:6-14.
r1 Kings 8:66. 2 Chr. 7:10. Neh. 9:25,35. Zech. 9:17. Rom. 2:4.
has long appeared to be. And we are sure that he will never forsake one, whom he has redeemed and sanctified; and that the cause which he favors will surely prevail.
NOTES.