Govett On Isaiah

19/6/2015 GOVETTONISAIAH
http://www.themillennialkingdom.org.uk/GovettOnIsaiah.htm 1/269

PREFACE

ITmustappearanactofgreatdaring,foranyoftalentsandlearninginferiortothecelebratedLowth,
toattemptaversionoftheProphetIsaiahafterthatPrelatesadmiredcomposition.Butthoughthe
Prophetisgreatlyindebtedtohislaboursforarestorationinverymanyplacesofwhatwasevidently
the original text, it did appear to the author that though the Bishop had derived and
acknowledged much assistance from the Septuagint, there was yet much more concealed
beneaththattranslationwhichhasnotbeenwroughtasyetbyany.

HewasalsogrievedtoseesolittlenoticetakenofthescripturalquotationsofIsaiahsolittle
done towards manifesting the honesty of the citations made by the inspired writers, and the
justness of the testimonies they derive thence to their arguments. It is a subject but little
noticed,yetsurelyofconsiderableimportanceandmuchattentionispaidtoitinthepresent
work.Theinvestigationsonthispointhaveledtotheconvictionthatinmanyinstances
theJewshavewilfullycorruptedtheoraclesofGodcommittedtotheircarewhilein
othercasesmistakeshavearisenfromtheinaccuracyoftranscribers.The Septuagint
version most clearly establishes both these facts and the sentiments of such critics as
Kennicott,DeRossi,andBos,confirmtheconviction.Farbeitfromtheauthorunjustlytoaccuse
the Jews that first of the nations to whom pertained the adoption, and the glory, and the
covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service, and the promises, whose are the
fathers,andofwhom(mightiestprivilegeofall!)asconcerningthefleshChristcame,who
isoverall,Godblessedforever,Amen.Butafirmbeliefofthejusticeofthecharge,basedona
broadfoundationofevidence,hasledhimtomakeandtosustaintheaccusation. LetGodbetrue,
andeverymanaliar!HisinterpretationofIsaiahisascompletelyintheirfavouras,hesupposes,
anyJewbybirthcoulddesirehisexpectationoftheirfinalgloryasdistinctastheyarewonttoform.

ThefrequentuseoftheGreektranslationisvindicatedintheDissertation,withwhatsuccessthe
readermustdetermine.NotthatitwashisintentionalwaystoupholdtheGreekagainsttheHebrew
butsofartoestablishhisconclusion,astomakeitmanifestthattheHebrewisnotso,perfectbutthat
itmayandshouldaccepttheaidofancientMSS.andversions.Asterisksatthesideoftextsmarkthat
thereaderisreferredtothenotes*forthereversionsnotreceivedintothetext,butworthyofnotice.
TheyaregiveninEnglishfortheconvenienceofthegeneralreader.

[*NOTE. TheauthorsNotes(inthelatterpagesofhisbook)arenotincludedbecauseGreekletteringisnotavailable.
Thereaderisadvisedtopurchasethebookformitspublisher.Also,theformathereisnotasitissetoutinthebook:each
chaptertranslation,isimmediatelyfollowedbytheauthorsexpositionofthatchapter.Dissertations1.&2.aretobefoundat
theend,(D.V.)Ed.]

Itwasprimarilyhisintentiontoputforthsimplyanewversionwithnotescriticalandexplanatory
butfindingthatsomanyhadanticipatedhiminthis,andthatthoughthetextshouldbeperfectasit
camefromtheprophetspen,itmightstillleavehisoracleslittleunderstood,givingfullscopetothe
workofaninterpreter,hewasinducedtoofferanExposition.Tothishewasledbythebeliefthat
ancientandmodernwritershadcombinedtofurnishhimwithakeytoitsjustexplanation.Certainit
isthattheExpositionnowoffereddoesnotwittinglyomittofaceanydifficulty,andthereader
isrequestedtocomparetheCommentarywiththetextchapterbychapterasheproceeds.Let
himnotbestartledorthrowasidethebookifhefindsinterpretationsgivenwhichdiffergreatlyfrom
thoseofmoderncommentators,butsufferthewholeofitsbearingstobeseen.Foriftheauthorbe
notmistaken,hehaskeptthroughouttotheprincipleslaiddowninthecommencementthechiefof
whichisthatthetruekeyofScriptureprophecyisLITERAILITYofinterpretation,restrained,
bycommonsensefromrunningintoabsurdity,suchasattributingpassionstoinanimatethings.

The reader will, it is believed, receive much confirmation of his belief in the truth of the
Exposition given, if he will compare at large the passages cited as parallel from the Old
Testament,asmuchevidencethencededuciblewasnotcapableofbeingbroughtforward,lest
the discussion should become prolix and full of episode. And if it be found that the general
scheme of prophecy as exhibited here accords remarkably with the tenor of the Psalms, the
Prophets, and the Revelation, will not this be an argument of invincible power that it is the
true?ItcertainlyisagreeabletotheancientbeliefoftheChristianChurch,beforeOrigenand
Jerome by their spiritualizing mode of interpretation, turned the tide against the literal
acceptation.Itiswhichishighergroundstill,accordantwiththe literal fulfilments which, as
Evangelists and Apostles have shown, have already occurred. And if the principles here
advocated be just if a time be coming when the Christian, Church shall be beset with trials and
persecution,mightierandfiercerthanhasyetbeenrecorded,thenitbecomesustoturnwithzealously
inquiringeyetothesurewordofprophecy,thatinthesiftingthatshalltakeplace,ourfaithfailnot.
Is it not also an argument worth consideration, that if in the present day the key be found to
unlock the mysteries of prophecy that have been hid for so many generations from the
ChristianChurch,itmayinGodsmercyberestored,thathispeoplemaybefoundwakefuland
patientandthatthecry, Thebridegroomcometh,betokensthatthehourof midnight
isnotfaroff,andthetimeoftherevelationoftheLordJesusnotfaronwardinfuturity?

Iftheseprinciplesbetrue,thewriterisconfidentthattheywillmaketheirwayamongstallthe
real servants of the Redeemer for he is cheered by the promise vouchsafed of old to Daniel,
Thewiseshallunderstand.

***

ATRANSLATIONAND

EXPOSITIONOFISAIAH
TRANSLATION

CHAPTER1

1 THE VISION OF ISAIAH THE SON OF AMOS, WHICH HE SAW

CONCERNING JUDAH AND JERUSALEM IN THE DAYS OF UZZIAH,
JOTHAM,AHAZ,ANDHEZEKIAH,KINGSOFJUDAH.

2Hear,0heaven!andgiveear,0earth!
ForJEHOVAHspeaketh.
Ihavebegottenchildrenandbroughtthemup,
Buttheyhavesetmeatnought.
3Theoxknowethhisowner,
Andtheassthecribofhislord
ButIsraelknowethnotME,
Nordothmypeoplediscernme.
4Ahsinfulnation!Apeopleladenwithiniquity!
Anevilseed,corruptedchildren!
YehaveforsakenJEHOVAH,
YehaveprovokedtheHolyOneofIsrael.
5Onwhatpartshallyebesmittenagain,ifyerepeattransgression?
Thewholeheadissick,thewholeheartfaint,
6Fromthesoleofthefeettotheheadthereisnosoundnesstherein,
Butawound,abruise,andputrefyingsores:
*Theyhavenotbeenclosed,norboundup,
Normollifiedwithointment.
7Yourlandisdesolate,yourcitiesburntwithfire
Yourcountryoppressorsdevourinyourpresence,
Anditislaidwasteasoverthrownbystrangernations.
8AndthedaughterofZionisleftasatentinavineyard
Asashedinagardenofcucumbers,asacapturedcity.
9AndexceptJEHOVAHofhostshadleftusaseed,
WehadbeenasSodom,andbeenmadelikeuntoGomorrah.

10HearthewordOfJEHOVAH,yerulersofSodom!
GiveeartothelawofourGod,ohpeopleofGomorrah!
11WhatregardIthemultitudeofyoursacrifices?SaithJEHOVAH:
Iamfullofburntofferingsoframs,andthefatoffedbeasts,
Thebloodofbullocksandlambs,andhegoats,Idesirenot.
12Norcomeyetoappearbeforeme:
Forwhohathrequiredthisatyourhands?
Yeshalltreadmycourtsnomore.
13Ifyebringafloweroffering,itisvain
(Or)incense,itisanabominationtome:
14Yournewmoons,andSabbaths,andthecallingofassembliesIcannotendure
Thefast,andthedayofrestraint.
Yournewmoonsandyourfestivalsmysoulhateth
Yehavecloyedme:nolongerwillIendureyoursins.
15Whenyestretchforthyourhands,Iwillturnmineeyesfromyou,
Yea,whenyemultiplyyoursupplications,Iwillnotgiveear,
Foryourhandsarefullofblood.
16Washyou,makeyoucleantakeawaytheiniquityofyourdoings
17Frombeforemineeyes:ceasefromevildoing,learntodowell:
Seekoutjusticesuccourtheinjured
Dojusticetothefatherless,righttothewidow.
18Come,now,letuspleadtogether,saithJEHOVAH
Thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,Iwillmakethemwhiteassnow
Andthoughtheyberedascrimson,yetwillIwhitenthemaswool.
19Ifyebewillingandobeyme,
Yeshalleatthegoodoftheearth.
20Butifyerefuse,andwillnotobeyme,
Theswordshalldevouryou,
ForthemouthofJEHOVAHhathspokenit.

21HowisthefaithfulcityofZionbecomeanharlot!
Thereinoncelodgedrighteousness,butnowmurderers.
22Thysilverisbecomedross,thywinemixedwithwater.
23Thyprincesarerebellious,associatesofrobbers,
Everyonelovinggifts,andseekingrewards,
Theydonotjusticetothefatherlessthecauseofthewidowtheyregardnot.

24ThereforethussaithJEHOVAHofhosts,
WoetothemightyonesofIsrael!
Formywrathshallnotceaseagainstmineadversaries:
AndIwilldealvengeanceonmyfoes.
25AndIwillturnminehanduponthee,
Andwillrefinetheeuntilthouartpure
*AndIwillpurgethydross,
Andtakeawayallthytin
26ThenwillIrestorethyjudgesasatthefirst,
Andthycounsellors,asatthebeginning:
Andafterwardsthoushaltbecalled,Thecityofrighteousness
Thefaithfulmetropolis.
27ForwithjudgementshallZionberedeemed,
Andhercaptivitywithrighteousness.
28Andthetransgressorsandthesinnersshallbedestroyedtogether
AndtheythatforsakeJEHOVAHshallbecutoff.
29Fortheyshallbeashamedoftheidols,theyhavedesired
Andconfoundedatthegardens,theyhavechosen.
30Fortheyshallbeasanilexwhoseleavesfade
Andasagardenthathathnowater.
31Andthestrongshallbeastow,
Andtheirworkmanshipassparks
Andthelawlessandsinnersshallbeburntuptogether,
Norshallanyquenchthem.

***
[Page123]

EXPOSITIONOFISAIAH

In endeavouring to illustrate the prophecies of Isaiah, the principles on which the exposition is
conductedshallbebrieflystated.

First,Thatnoprophecyisofanyprivateinterpretation.Againstthisinspiredrulethoseoffend
who, like Grotius, interpret the prophecies as fulfilled in the person of Isaiah, David, or Solomon,
andineventswhichhavenoreferencetousatthepresentday.

Secondly,Thatas,intheaccomplishmentofthosepropheciesdeclaredbyScriptureitselftobe
fulfilled,theaccomplishmentwasliteral,sothefulfilmentofthoseyettobeaccomplishedwill
beliteralalso.Hencethetendencyofthepresentinterpretationwillbetoregardeveryaffirmationof
theprophetasintendedliterallywhich,whensotaken,doesnotinvolveabsurdity.Thisprincipleis,
in short, opposed to that popular mode of explaining prophecy, which interprets as many
passagesaspossibleinafigurativesense.ItisfoundedontheSavioursword,thatonejotor
tittleshallinnowisepassfromthelawtillallbefulfilled.(Matt.5:18.)Heretheword
law is to be taken in its fullest sense, as including the Old Testament, and, indeed, the sacred
Scriptures generally. That it comprehends more than the five books of Moses is evident from our
Saviourswords,John10:34,wherethepassagequotedisfromthePsalms.

Ontheseprinciplesweshallarriveattheconclusion,thatthegreaterpartofIsaiahsprophecies
haveyettobefulfilledandthatmuchwhichisgenerallysupposedtobeaccomplished,hadonlya
commencingfulfilmentintheeventsreferredto.Onthispointaccept,thetestimonyof[Page124] Bishop
Horsley: You are perfectly right in the opinion you maintain, that a far greater
proportionoftheprophecies,evenoftheOldTestament,thanisgenerallyimagined,
relatetothesecondadventofourLord.Few,comparatively,relatetothefirstadvent
by itself, without reference to the second. And of those that have been supposed to be
accomplished in the first, many had in that only an inchoate fulfilment, and have yet to
receivetheirfullcompletion.

SinceitisaprincipleintheScripturesoftheprophets,thattheHolyGhostinspiredthosepersonsto
prophesyoffutureevents,whosetimesandcircumstancesthenearestresembledthosescenesofthe
futurewhichtheywerecommissionedtopredict,itishighlyprobable,thatwhenIsaiahprophesied,
hehadbeforehiseyessomesuchscene,inmanypoints,asinthefourfirstchaptersisdepicted.Yet,
combined with the general outlines, were peculiar declarations, not to be understood of those
times,whichthereforecarriedonward,andwereintendedtocarryonward,thethoughtsofthe
hearers and readers to events yet future. For, in the days of Isaiah, the measure of Israels
iniquities was nearly full. They were nationally idolaters. Besides the golden calves at Dan and
Bethel, those snares which Jeroboam laid for Israel, we are also informed by sacred authority, that
theybuiltthemhighplaces(oraltars)inalltheircities,fromthetowerofthewatchmanto
thefencedcity.Andtheysetthemupimagesandgrovesineveryhighhill,andunderevery
greentree,andtheretheyburnedincenseinallthehighplaces,asdidtheheathen,whomthe
Lordcarriedawaybeforethem.(2Kings17:9.)

Isaiahprophesied,wearetold,inthereignsofUzziah,Jotham,AhazandHezekiah,kingsofJudah.
The reign of Uzziah was long and successful. He prevailed against several of the neighbouring
nationsand,byhisconquests,establishedonthebordersoftheRedSeathecityofElath,asastation
fortrade.But,attemptingtoassumethepriestlyfunctionsofburningincenseonthegoldenaltar,he
was smitten with leprosy, and so continued till his death. From the time of his affliction, his son
Jothamadministeredthegovernment.ThekingdomofIsraelduringthisperiodwasinastateofthe
utmostconfusion,throughtreasonandperpetualbloodshed.ButJothamsreignwasprosperous,for
he feared the Lord. In his days was [Page 125] Rome founded (B.C. 753) that city which should
afterwardsbetheespecialscourgeofIsrael.Ahazsucceeded,akingsodeeplysunkinidolatry,that
hesacrificedevenhisinfantchildren.Inhisreign,PekahofIsrael,andRezim,kingofSyria,came
against Jerusalem, designing to overthrow the succession of the throne of David. This event, as
foreshadowing in principle altogether, and partly in its circumstances, the great confederacy of the
kings and nations of the world against Christ,* in the latter days of the world, is the
opportunity made use of for delivering prophecies of the certainty of Messiahs
[millennial]reign,inspiteofallhumanopposition.

*Rev.19:19.

Ahaz, in his distress, applied to Tiglath Pileser, the monarch of Assyria, who accordingly took
Damascus,andslewRezimbuthisaiddidnotrestraintheEdomitesandPhilistines,whoplundered
Judaeawithimpunity,initsnowdefencelessstate.InTiglathPileserwemayrecognisethefeatures
ofAntichrist,whoisevidentlyprophesiedofinseveralplacesunderthetitleoftheAssyrian.And
intheapplicationofAhaztothismonarchforhelp,maybeseenthetypeofthefutureallianceofthe
Jewswiththelastgreatscourgeoftheirnation.

Inreferencetothisassociation,anditsdisastrousissue,theprophet,declaresbyinspiration,thatinthe
timeofIsraelsglory,they shallnomorestaythemselvesuponhimwhowillafterwardsbreak
his covenant, and smite them. Ahaz, having met Tiglath Pileser at Damascus, was, by his
example,confirmedinhisevilways,andsubstitutedanaltarofapatternderivedfromidolatersfor
thebrazenaltarofthetemple.Afterareignofsixteenyearshedied.TohimsucceededHezekiah:
and, like unto whom was there no king before him that turned to the Lord with all his
heart. He restored the assover, and invited Israel as well as Judah to keep this festival. Some
mocked,butagreatmultitudeassembledatJerusalemtocelebratethefeast.Therevivalofreligion
amongthenationthatatthistimetookplace,isprobablyatypeoftheconversionoftheelectJewsto
theMessiahwhomtheirfatherscrucifiedfor,whentheSavioursays,Yeshallnotseemehenceforth
tillyeshallsay,BlessedishethatcomethinthenameoftheLord,heclearlyimplies,thatwhenthey
dothusrecognisehim,hewillreturnandhence [Page 126]thepartialconversionoftheJewsbeforethe
greattribulation,willbeasignthattheSonofManisnear.

At this time the Assyrian empire had attained its height, and Israel was carried captive. Thus it is
foretold that the Jews have yet a third time, and finally, to be enslaved by their fierce and subtle
enemy,the ManofSin.ButinHezekiahsreign,wehaveawonderfullyexacttypeofthehistory
ofthefutureAntichristinthedestructionofthehostofSennacherib,afterhisdaringblasphemyand
theproudwordswhichheutteredbyhismessengerstoHezekiah.Tocheerthedespairingthoughtsof
theJewishkingandofhispeople,aseriesofprophecieswasdelivered,which,whileitdeclaredthe
terrorsofthatgreatdayoftheLord, yetdweltwithfulnessandtriumphonthe[millennial]
glorythatshallfollow.

Inaccordancewiththissketch,itwillbemyendeavourtopointoutwherethepropheciesbeforeus
resembledinthemainthestateofJerusalemandJudaea,inthedayswhentheyweredeliverednext,
thepointsinwhichtheyobtainedapartialcompletionatthefirstadventoftheSaviourandstillmore
fullyexplainthoseprophecieswhichyetexpecttheircompletedevelopmentinthetimespreceding,
attending,andsucceedinghisreturn.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER1

THEfirstchapteroftheprophetrebukesseverelytheJewsforthenationaldesertionofJehovah.But
thepatheticappeal,thattheoxknewitsowner,andthemoststupidofanimalshismasterscrib,yet
thatIsraelknewnotHIM,appliesinitsfullestforcetotheJewsrejectionofJesus,bywhomthey
werecreated,andforwhosepleasuretheyweremade.Theydidnotunderstand,saysProcopius,
who he was, who was seen even by their fathers in a human form. Therefore he saith,
Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it, and was glad. And,
Jerusalem,Jerusalem,howoftenwouldIhavegatheredthysons,andthouwouldstnot!
To which may be added, the Saviours own declaration, in words exactly resembling those of the
passagebeforeus:Jesusanswered,Yeneitherknowme,normyFatherifyehadknownme,
yeshouldhaveknownmyFatheralso.(John8:19.) On the complaint, that the whole body
was[Page127]diseased,thesamewriterremarks,Whatmorepowerfulmodeofcureremained,after
thatoftheSaviourstarryingwiththem,whowasabletohealeverysicknessandmalady,
both of souls and bodies, in them that believed? The desolation of the country was such as
characterizedthereignofAhaz,whentheneighbouringnations,attheirwill,insultedandplundered
Judaea.StillmorefullydoesitapplytothedestructionofJerusalem,anddevastationofJudaea by
the Romans, after the Saviours crucifixion? The comparison of Jerusalem to a cottage in a
vineyard,andalodgeinagardenofcucumbers,isbeautifullyillustratedbyEusebius.Inorder
to guard the fruits of the vineyards, sheds are set up for the watchmans convenience. Whilst,
then,hesays,thevineisfilledwithitsproperfruits,theshedistendedwitheverycareand
regard, that the watchman may diligently guard that no passerby rob it of its fruits but
whenthevineyardiswithoutfruit,hiswatchingplaceisdisregarded,asisfitting.Thusare
the Jews threatened that they should be abandoned, since they brought not forth
suitable fruits. Even so, when the Jews rejected Jesus, their house (and country) was left
untothemdesolate.

It was to the times bordering on this overthrow that Paul, guided by the sacred Spirit, applied the
succeeding verse, Except the Lord had left unto us a very little remnant, we had been as
Sodom, and had been make like unto Gomorrah. On which passage Procopius beautifully
observes, ThereshallbeasecondcalloftheJewishpeopleinthelastdays,eventhoughit
beonlyaremnantatfirst.Andthisprophecyhathdeclared,saying,ThechildrenofIsrael
shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and
without an altar, and without a priesthood, and without teraphim. Afterward shall the
childrenofIsraelreturn,andseekJehovahtheirGod,andDavidtheirking.(Hosea3:
4,5.)Andthisissignifiedtousalsoinanothermode.Forverilythepeopleofoldwere
disobedient,ofwhomhesaid,AsIhavesworninmywrath,iftheyshallenterintomy
rest.ButCalebandJoshuaenteredinwiththenewgeneration,theybeingafigureofthe
remnantofIsrael,savedbyobedienceandfaithinChrist,who,aftercrossingwithusthe
holyJordan*,shallinherithereafterthekingdomofheaven.Weknow [Page128]howtrulythe
wordsquotedbySt.Paulwerefulfilledinthatday.Butitstillremains,asappearsprobable,thatit
willreceiveafullerandfinalaccomplishmentinthedayofunparalleledtribulation.

[*Thatis,withreferencetothetimeofRESURRECTION:notthetimeofDEATH.]

By calling them Sodom and Gomorrah, Isaiah chastises their pride in regarding themselves as
surely the children of God, because of their natural descent from Abraham. On which Procopius
observes, They published and declared their sin, together with their injustice, as Sodom,
whentheydevisedtheevilcounsel,sayingamongthemselves,LetusbindtheJustOne,for
heisdispleasinguntous: which sin, truly, against him who alone is called Just, that is,
Christ,renderedthemworthyofsuchatitleasthatofSodomites.Andwhentheprophetagain
callsthem, thepeopleofGomorrah,headds, Theprophetjustlyuniteswiththerulersthe
people,for,astheyrefusedthejustjudge,Lot,sayingThouenteredsttosojourn,wasitto
judge also? so also they refused the just judge, saying, Away with him! Crucify him,
crucifyhim!TheyofSodom,indeed,wrongfullyentreatedstrangersbuttheJews,himthat
came to his own the one, angels: the others, God. Jerusalem, therefore, because of its
wickedness,becameSodom.

The Lord himself then attacks the next object of their dependence their rites and sacrifices. He
discoverstothemthatwhenthesewerenotofferedwithapreparedandcontritehearttheywereno
longeracceptable.But,besidethisgeneralsubjectofdisparagement,therewasayetdeepercauseof
dissatisfaction.ThesacrificeofJesusbeingnowoffered,thesignificanceofthetempleservicehad
departed,anditsvictimswerenolongerworthyofregardbutratheranabomination,sincetheycould
nolongerbeofferedinfaith.Anotherreasonassignedfordisregardingtheirmostsolemnritesand
prayers,is,thattheir handswerefullofblood.Andthisdoubtlesshadanespecialreferenceto
theSavioursdeath,asProcopiusalsoremarks. Hisbloodbeonusandonourchildren!was
thecrywhichfixedtheircondemnation.Thenceforththeirprayerswereabomination,fortheirhands
wereimbruedinthebloodoftheSonofGod.EventhistheSaviourhimselfthreatened: Behold,I
send unto you prophets and wise men and scribes and some of them ye shall kill, and
crucify,andsomeofthemyeshallscourgeinyour[Page129]synagogues,andpersecutefromcity
tocity:thatuponyoumaycomealltherighteousbloodshedupontheearth,fromtheblood
ofrighteousAbeluntothebloodofZachariasthesonofBarachias,whomyeslewbetween
thetempleandaltar.Thusthelawendedwithacurse:foritfounditsprofessedsubjects laden
withguilt.ButthentheprophetaddressesthemwithGospelexhortations,Washyou,makeyou
cleanputawaytheevilofyourdoings,ceasetodoevil,learntodowell:wordswhicharere
echoedbySt.PeterinhisexhortationsatPentecostRepent,andbebaptizedeveryoneofyou
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Repent ye, therefore, and be
converted, that your sins may be blotted [out] when the times of refreshing shall come
fromthepresenceoftheLord.Evenyettheirscarletsinsmightbemadewhitebytheblood
they had wickedly shed. But if not, the sword should devour them: and so it happened the
RomanarmieswithkeenseverityredeemedthepledgedfaithfulnessofJehovahsword.

The character given of Jerusalem by Josephus fully confirms the prophetic picture. Murderers
indeedlodgedinit: the bands of assassins that paraded Jerusalem filled it with murders.The
peoplewerewickedtososurpassingadegreethatJosephushimselfsays Iverilythinkthathad
theRomansforbornetopunishsogreatcriminals,eithertheearthwouldhaveswallowedthe
cityup,orsomedelugehaddrownedit,orelsethethunderandlightningwhichconsumed
Sodom,wouldhavelituponitforthepeopleofthecitywerefarmoreimpiousthanthe
Sodomites.

Butletusfillupmoredefinitelytheprophetssketch.

EusebiusagreeswithJeromeinexplainingtheexpressionin verse22,Thydealersmixwine
withwater(theversionoftheLXX.),assignifying that the Scribes and Pharisees adulterated
the true and pure word of the Most High with their puerile and corrupt traditions. Their
hypocrisytheSaviourexhibited, WoountoyouScribesandPharisees,hypocrites!Thattheir
princeswere rebellious,wasseenbytheirrevoltingfromRomethattheywere companionsof
thieves,wasfulfilled,asbothEusebiusandJeromeconceive,bytheirleaguewithJudas,thetraitor
andthief.Thatthey judgednotthecauseofthewidow,welearnfromtheSavioursreproach,
that [Page 130]theydevouredwidowshouses.Inconsequenceofallthesesins,thevengeanceof
God, it is threatened, should come upon them yet this judgement should destroy only the wicked.
His wrath accomplished, the remnant shall yet come forth, Isaiah assures us, purified as
goldwithoutalloy,andZionshallyetbecalled,Thefaithfulcity.*Theircomparisonto
anoakwhoseleaffadeth, was strikingly illustrated by the Saviours parable of the barren fig
tree,andbyhiswitheringthewaysidetreewhichpresentednothingbutleaves.

HerjudgesrestoredwouldbesuchmenasMosesandJoshua,orinthelattertimessuchasEzraandNehemiahor

moreproperlystill,suchastheApostlesoftheLord.

ThegeneralfeatureswhichthischapterexhibitsascharacteristicoftheJews,are,ahypocriticalshow
ofrighteousness,andattentiontoceremonies,joinedwitharealdisregardofGod,andaheartfullof
malice,envy,andavarice.HowtrulythiswasfulfilledintheJewsofourSaviourstimeweknow
fromtheEvangelists.Connectedwiththistheirsin,isthethreatwhichwasafterwardsexecuted,that
the temple and its service should be no longer continued to their nation. Tread my courts no
more,whichisnotsomuchaprohibition,asaprophecythatsoontheyshouldnotbeabletoenter
those courts which they had so profaned. And Procopius justly observes, The prophet does not
accusethematthistimeofidolatry,butofmurder,withwhichtheSaviourchargedthem, 0
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets! And Stephen reasserts it, Which of the
prophetshavenotyourfatherskilled?

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER2

1. THE WORD WHICH ISAIAH THE SON OF AMOS RECEIVED

CONCERNINGJUDJEAANDJERUSALEM.
2Itshallcometopassinthelastdays,
ThatthemountainofJEHOVAHshallbeconspicuous,
AndthehouseofGodonthetopofthemountains
Anditshallbeexaltedabovethehills:
Andallnationsshallflowuntoit.
3Andmanynationsshallgoandsay,
Come,andletusgouptothemountainofJEHOVAH
AndtothehouseoftheGodofJacob.
Andhewillteachusofhisways,
Andwewillwalkinhispaths:
ForoutofZionshallgoforththelaw,
AndthewordofJEHOVAHfromJerusalem.
4AndheshalljudgeamongtheGentiles
Andshallworkconvictionamongmanypeople:
Andtheyshallbeattheirswordsintoploughshares,
Andtheirspearsintopruninghooks.
Nationshallnotliftupswordagainstnation
Neithershalltheylearnwaranymore,

5Andnow,0houseofJacob,comeye,
LetuswalkinthelightofJEHOVAH.
6Forhehathforsakenhispeople,thehouseofJacob:
Becausetheircountryisfilledwithdivinersasofoldtime,
Andwithsoothsayerslikethe(landof)foreigners:
*Andtheymultiplyaspuriousbroodofstrangechildren.
7Theirlandalsoisfullofsilverandgold
Neitheristhereanynumberingoftheirtreasures
Andtheirlandisfilledwithhorses
Neitheristhereanyendoftheirchariots.
8Theirlandalsoisfilledwithidols,theworkoftheirownhands
Thatwhichtheirownfingershavemadetheyworship.
9Andthemeanmanbowethdown,
Andthegreatmanhumblethhimself
ThereforewillInotforgivethem.

10Andnowenterintotherocks,andhidethyselfinthedust,
FromtheterrorofJEHOVAHandthegloryofhismajesty,
Whenhearisethtosmiteterriblytheearth.
11Fortheloftylooksofmanshallbehumbled
Andthehaughtinessofmenboweddown
AndJEHOVAHaloneshallbeexaltedinthatday:
12ForadayisappointedbyJEHOVAHofhostsagainsteveryinsolentandhaughty
one,
Andagainsteveryonethatislofty,andheshallbebroughtlow.
13AndagainstallthecedarsofLebanonthatarehighandexalted,
AndagainstalltheoaksofBashan.
14Andagainstalltheloftymountains,
Andagainstallthehillsthatareliftedup
15Andagainsteveryhightower,
Andagainsteveryfencedwall.
16AndagainstalltheshipsofTarshish,
Andagainsteveryspectacleofbeauty.
17Andtheloftinessofmanshallbeboweddown,
Andthehaughtinessofmenbroughtlow.
AndJEHOVAHaloneexaltedinthatday.
18Andtheidolstheyshallutterlyabolish,
19Carryingthemintothecavernsandcleftsoftherocks,
Andintotheholesoftheearth
FromtheterrorofJEHOVAH,andthegloryofhismajesty,
Whenbearisethtosmiteterriblytheearth.
20Inthatdayamanshallhidehisidolsofsilver,
Andhisidolsofgold,whichtheymadetoworship,
21Toenterintothecavesoftherocks,andtheholesofthecraggyrocks
FromtheterrorofJEHOVAH,andthegloryofhismajesty,
Whenhearisethtosmiteterriblytheearth.
22Ceaseyefromman,whosebreathisinhisnostrils:
Forwhereinishetobeaccountedof?

***
[Page130]
EXPOSITION

CHAPTER2

JEROME,inthecommencementofthischapter,remarksuponthewords thelastdays,thatthis
may remind us of the blessing of Jacob recorded in Gen. 49., a prophetic blessing, which was to
revealtothemwhatshouldbe inthelastdays.SpeciallydoesherefertothepromisetoJudah,
that a lawgiver should not depart from between his feet, until he come for whom it is
reserved,andtohimshallbetheexpectationoftheGentiles.*Theblessedstatedescribedin
thischapterofIsaiahhascertainlynever[Page131]beenexhibitedonearth.Warhasnotceased,norwillit
ceasetillthetimeoftheSaviourspromised[millennial]reign.Thetimespecifiedhereinmustbethe
timeoftherestorationoftheJewsforfrom Zionisthelawtogoforth,andthewordofthe
LordfromJerusalem.Itmustbetheseasonprophesiedofwhenalltheearthshallbefilledwith
the knowledge of Jehovah for all nations shall flow into its rebuilt temple. Then follows an
invitationtotheJewstowalkinthelightofJehovah.Theprophetseemstospeakthisasiflivingin
thedayswhenJesuswasonearth:forhewasthelightoftheworldandthelightofJehovah,
andtothesameeffectdidChristhimselfexhortthemwhenhesaid, Yetalittlewhileisthelight
withyou.Walkwhileyehavethelight,lestdarknesscomeuponyouforhethatwalkethin
darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye
maybethechildrenoflight.(John12:35,36.)ButtheJewsrejectionoftheLordisnotedby
thenextverseThouhastforsakenthypeoplethehouseofJacob.

*Septuagint[LXX]versionHerethecorrectreading.

The consequences of this rejection the prophet traces in the state of the Jewish nation before that
sceneofmillennialglory,whiletheyareyetforsakenoftheLordfortheirsins,whichprovokethe
SonofManatlasttoappearwithhismightyangelsuntojudgment.Thefirstsinforwhichtheyare
reprovedisdivinationwhichisreiteratedinotherpassages.TheJewsofourSaviourstimewere
accordingtoLightfoot,addictedtomagic,andthisiscorroboratedbytheevidenceoftheTalmud
buttheaccusationofthepresentchapterappearsspeciallytorefertothetimesimmediatelypreceding
ourLordssecondadvent.And,strangeasitmaysoundtomanyanear,theScriptureprophesiesthat
thisshallbeoneofthesinsofthelastdays, Neitherrepentedtheyoftheirmurdersnoroftheir
sorceries.(Rev.9:21.)

The charge that many foreign children are born unto them, would seem to signify, that they
disregarded the command of God in marrying or committing fornication with the females of other
countries.Theirlandisdescribedasfullofsilver,andgold,andhorses.Thiswasprobablypartlythe
casewhenIsaiahprophesieditwasperhapsmorefullythecaseintheSaviourstime:butithasyetto
receiveitsfinalaccomplishmentwhentheJewsreturnto[Page132]theirownlandinunbelief,andbytheir
sinsdrawdownGodsvengeanceontheirheads.Theirland,itisalsosaid,is fullofidols: and
idolatrytheRevelationsinformus,willbethelastformofwickednesswhichshalldefiletheearth.
Absurd as this may appear to many, the means that shall bring it to pass are fully equal to its
accomplishmentthereigningofOnebythepowerofSatan,whoshallbyinfernalinfluencebeable
to work miracles, so as to deceive, if it were possible, even the very elect and who,
possessingauthoritythroughoutthehabitableworld,shallcommandalltoworshipordie.Butafuller
considerationoftheManofSinisreservedforthetenthandfourteenthchapters.Andforthiscause,
GodsaithbyIsaiah, Iwillnotforgivethem.Hearisestojudgementandtheprophetbidshis
foes hidethemintherocksforfearoftheLord,andforthegloryofhismajesty,whenhe
arisethtoshaketerriblytheearth.EventhusdidtheSaviourdescribehisreturn: Behold,the
daysarecoming,inthewhichtheyshallbegintosaytothemountains,Fallonusandtothe
hills,Coverus.(Luke23:29,30.)To a like effect does St. John describe that day, And the
kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the
mightymen,andeverybondmanandeveryfreeman,hidthemselvesinthedens,andinthe
rocksofthemountainsandsaiduntothemountainsandrocks,fallonus,andhideusfrom
the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: FOR THE
GREATDAYOFHISWRATHISCOMEandwhoshallbeabletostand?(Rev.6:16,
17.)Andwiththisaccordsthe 12thverse,ForadayisappointedbyJehovahofhostsagainst
everyinsolentandhaughtyonewhereAntichristisprobablyintendedprimarily,becauseofthe
expressions being in the singular number, though of course it does not exclude any who are his
followers.

Thereisnoreasonwhythecedars,andtowers,andships,andpictures,shouldnotbetakenliterally,
sincethegreatdayoftheLordsreturnshallproduce,theScripturetellsus,amightychangeinthe
faceofthewholeearth: Theearthshallberemoved,andthemountainscarriedintothemidst
of the sea the waters thereof roar and be troubled, and the mountains shake with the
swellingthereof.(Psalm46:2,3.)Thedeclarationthat [Page133] Jehovahaloneshallbeexalted
in that day, surely needs no further proof, than that on that day all [then living upon the earth*]
shall stand before the judgementseat of Christ, to give an account of the deeds done in the
body,whethertheybegoodorevil.Everyface,bothoftherisensaintsandofthelivingwicked,
must needs be then cast down for who will not be obliged not to confess himself a transgressor?
Nonebuthewhoshallalonebeconspicuousinthatday.ButatthattimetheSpiritshallbepoured
out on the remnant that remains upon earth, and thenceforth the idols during the Saviours
[millennial]reignofgloryshallbecastintodensandcaves,tothemolesandtothebats.

[*NOTE.TheremustbeajudgmentpriortothistimeajudgmentofthesoulsofthedeadnowintheunderworldofHades.
ThispriorjudgmentwilldeterminewhoshallbedeemedworthytoobtainTHATRESURRECTION[out]FROMTHE
DEAD(Luke20:35),whenourLordwillreturntoearth,(1Thess.4:16).SeealsoPhil.3:11Heb.11:35bRev.20:46.
Ed.]

Theconcludingversecontainsarebuketothemthatputtheirtrustinman,thoughthatmanshouldbe
one so exalted as Antichrist himself for heshallcometohisend,andnoneshallhelphim.
(Dan.11:45.)

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTERS3&4

1For,behold,theLordJEHOVAHofhosts
TakethawayfromJerusalem,andfromJudaea,
Thestrongbothmaleandfemale
Thewholestayofbread,andthewholestayofwater.
2Themightymanandthemanofwar,
Thejudge,andtheprophet,thediviner,andtheancient,
Thecaptainoffiftyandthehonourableman,
Andthecounsellor,andtheskilfulartificer,andtheskilfulinincantation.
3AndIwillmakeyouthstheirprinces,
Andscornersshallruleoverthem.
4Andthepeopleshallbeoppressed,everyonebyanother,
Andeveryoneagainsthisneighbourshallbehaveinsolently:
Thechildagainsttheancient,thebaseagainstthehonourable.
5Thenshallamanlayholdofhisbrother,
Orsomerelationofhisfathers,saying,
6Thouhastraiment,bethouourruler
Andletmyfoodbeunderthycontrol.
7Andheshallanswerandsayinthatday,
Iwillnotbeyourruler,
Forinmyhouseisneitherbreadnorraiment.
Iwillnotbetherulerofthispeople.
8ForJerusalemisabandoned,andJudaeahathfallen,
Becausetheirwordsarewithiniquity,
Andintheirinventions,theydisobeyJEHOVAH.
9Fornowistheirgloryhumbled
*Andtheconfusionoftheircountenancehatharisenagainstthem,
ButtheypublishedtheirsinasSodom,andmanifesteditopenly.
Woetotheirsouls!Fortheyhavedevisedawickedcounsel.
10Sayingamongthemselves,LetusdestroytheJustOne,
Forheisdispleasinguntous
Thereforeshalltheyeatthefruitoftheirdeeds.
11WoetotheWickedOne!Evil
Accordingtotheworksofhishandsshallbefallhim.
12Omypeople,oppressorsspoilyou,
Andexactorslorditoveryou
Omypeople,theythatflatteryou,causeyoutoerr,
Andpervertthepathofyourfeet.

13ButnowJEHOVAHshallariseuptojudgement,
Andshallcausethenationstostandfortrial.
14JEHOVAHhimselfcomethtojudgement
Withtheeldersofhispeople,andwithhisprinces:
Whereforenowhaveyesetonfiremyvineyard!
And(why)istheplunderofthepoorinyourhouses
15Whydoyeafflictmypeople?
*Andgrindthefacesofthepoor?

16Thusmoreover,saithJEHOVAH,
BecausethedaughtersofZionarehaughty,
Andwalkwithaloftyneckandwithwantoneyes,
Anddrawasweepingtrainastheygo,
Andmarchwithstatelystep.
17ThereforeJEHOVAHwillhumbletheheadofthedaughtersofZion,
AndJEHOVAHwillexposetheirnakedness.
18*AndinthatdayshallJEHOVAHtakefromthem,
Thebraveryofthetinklingornamentsabouttheirfeet,
Andtheircauls,androundtireslikethemoon,
19Thechains,andthebracelets,andthemufflers,
20Thebonnets,andornamentsofthelegs,
Andtheheadbands,andthetablets,andearrings,
21Theringsandnosejewels,
22Thechangeablesuitsofapparel,andthemantles,
Andthewimples,andthecrispingpins,
23Theglassesandthefinelinen,
Andthehoodsandthevails.
24Andthereshallbeinsteadofsweetsmell,astench
Andinsteadofagirdle,arent
Andinsteadofawellsethair,baldness
Andinsteadofastomacher,agirdingofsackcloth.
25Andthyverybeautifulsonwhomthoulovestshallfallbythesword,
Andthystrongmenbebroughtlowinthewar.
26Andthycoffersofjewelsshallmourn,
Andthoushaltbeleftsolitaryandsitontheground.


CHAPTER4

1Andsevenwomenshalllayholdofonemaninthatdaysaying,
Wewilleatourownbreadandwearourownapparel,
Onlyletusbecalledbythyname,
Totakeawayourreproach.

2*InthatdayshallthebranchofJEROVAHbebeautifulandglorious,
AndthefruitoftheearthexcellentandcomelyfortheescapedofIsrael.
3AnditshallbethattheremnantinZion,
AndtheescapedinJerusalem.
Shallbecalledholy,
EvenallthatareenrolleduntolifeinJerusalem.
4ForJEHOVAHshallwashawaythefilth
(Ofthesons)anddaughtersofZion.
AndshallpurgethebloodofJerusalemfromthemidstthereof
Withthespiritofjudgementandthespiritofburning.
5*AndJEHOVAHshallcreate
OneveryplaceofMountZion,
Andallthesurroundingparts,
Acloudandsmokebyday,
Andtheshiningofaburningfirebynight
ForwithallthegloryofJEHOVAHshallitbecovered.
6Anditshallbeatabernacleforshadefromtheheatbyday,
Andarefugeandacovertfromstormandrain.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTERS3&4
[Page133]

IN this chapter is described the utter overthrow of Jerusalem an overthrow so complete, that the
simpleopinionthatonewaspossessedoffoodandclothing,wouldcreateaneminencesufficientto
causeadesireinthedesolateremnanttoappointhimking.Thishadafirstaccomplishmentinthe
captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. Thus we read, 2 Kings 24: 14, 16, And he carried away all
Jerusalem,andalltheprinces,andallthemightymenofvalour,evententhousandcaptives,
andallthecraftsmenandsmiths:noneremained,savethepoorestsortofthepeopleofthe
land.Andallthemenofmight,evenseventhousand,andcraftsmenandsmithsathousand,
all that were strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to
Babylon. The persons thus described as led captive, are precisely those noticed by Isaiah the
mighty, the princes, the cunning workmen, the men of war. But it had a second fulfilment, and a
morecompleteone,atthedestructionofJerusalembyTitus. Thewholestayofbreadandthe
wholestayofwaterwastakenaway.HearwhatJosephussays, Manytherewereindeed
whosoldwhattheyhadforonemeasureitwasofwheat,iftheywereoftherichersortbut
of barley, if they were poorer. When these had so done, they shut themselves up in the
innermostroomsoftheirhouses,and[Page134]atethecorntheyhadgotten.(Bookv.,c.x.,
2.)Again,aftermentioningthecompletionofthecircumvallationmadebythearmyofTitus,he
says, Thendidthefaminewidenitsprogress,anddevouredthepeoplebywholefamilies
and houses the upper rooms were full of women and children dying by famine and the
lanesofthecitywerefullofthedeadbodiesoftheagedthechildrenalsoandtheyoung
menwanderedaboutthemarketplaceslikeshadows,allswelledwiththefamine,andfell
downdead,wheresoevertheirmiseryseizedthem.(Bookv.,c.xii.,4.)Inanotherplacehe
adds,Nowofthosethatperishedbythefamineinthecity,thenumberwasprodigious,and
themiseriestheyunderwentunspeakableforifsomuchastheshadowofanykindoffood
did any where appear, a war was commenced presently and the dearest friends fell a
fightingwithoneanotheraboutit,snatchingfromeachotherthemostmiserablesupportsof
life.Moreovertheirhungerwassointolerable,thatitobligedthemtocheweverything,
whiletheygatheredsuchthingsasthemostsordidanimalswouldnottouch,andenduredto
eatthemnordidtheyatlengthabstainfromgirdlesandshoesandtheveryleatherwhich
belongedtotheirshieldstheypulledoffandgnawedtheverywispsofoldhaybecamefood
tosomeandsomegatheredupfibresandsoldaverysmallweightofthemforfourAtric
drachmae.(Bookvi.,c.iv.,3.)Hethenproceedstotellofthewomanthatslewandeatherchild.
ThefaminethatprevailedduringNebuchadnezzarssiegeofJerusalemwasasnothingtothis.Inthe
captivitythatensuedonthecaptureofthecity,thesucceedingverseswereagainfulfilled,astheyhad
beenbeforebyNebuchadnezzar,butinamorefullandterriblemanner.

The curse of the 4th verse, that young men should rule over them, and scoffers be their lords, was
fulfilledinthevariousseditionsthatarosewithinthecity.Ayoungmanwasthecauseofthewar
with the Romans. At the same time, says Josephus, Eleazer the son of Ananias the high
priest,averyboldyouth,whowasatthattimegovernorofthetemple,persuadedthosethat
officiatedinthedivineservice,toreceivenogiftnorsacrificefromanyforeigner.Andthis
wasthetruebeginningofourwarwiththeRomansfortheyrejectedthesacrificeofCaesar
uponthisaccount,andwhenmanyofthehighpriestsand[Page135]principalmenbesoughtthem
nottoomitthesacrifice,whenitwascustomarytoofferfortheirprinces,theywouldnotbe
prevailed upon. That the people were oppressed, every one by another, is proved from
everypageofJosephus,thedailymurdersofJohnandSimon,andtheSicarii,andthefiercesearch
forprovisions,whichJosephusthusdescribes: Themadnessoftheseditiousdidalsoincrease
togetherwiththefamine,andboththesemiserieswereinflamedeverydaymoreandmore...
the robbers came running into and searched mens private houses and then if they found
any, they tormented them because they denied they had any: and if they found none, they
tormentedthemworse,becausetheysupposedthattheymorecarefullyconcealedit.(Book
v., c. x., . 2.) The following passage confirms what has been affirmed above: At the first this
quarrelsometempercaughtholdofprivatefamilies,whocouldnotagreeamongthemselves
after which, those people that were the dearest one to another, brake through all restraints
with regard to one another, and every one associated with those of his own opinion, and
began already to stand in opposition one to another so that seditious arose everywhere,
while those that were for innovations, and were desirous of war, by their youth and
boldness,weretoohardfortheagedandprudentmen.Addtothisthecharacterdrawnby
JosephusoftheZealots:anditwillbeseenhowatoncetheywerebothoppressorsand scorners.
Theylookeduponthedoingofmischieftostrangersonly,asaworkbeneaththeircourage,
butthoughttheirbarbaritytowardstheirnearestrelationswouldbeagloriousdemonstration
thereof. The Idumeans also strove with these men, who should be guilty of the greatest
madnessfortheyall,vilewretchesastheywere,cutthethroatsofthehighpriests,thatso
nopartofareligiousregardtoGodmightbepreservedunderwhichscene,thatsortof
peoplethatwerecalledZealotsgrewup,andwhoindeedcorrespondedtothename:forthey
imitatedeveryevilcourse.Noriftheirmemorysuggestedanyevilthingthatformerlyhad
beendone,didtheyavoidzealouslytopursuethesame,andalthoughtheygavethemselves
thatnamefromtheirzealforwhatwasgood,yetdiditagreetothemonlybywayofirony,
on account of those they had unjustly treated by their wild and brutish disposition, or as
thinkingthe[Page136]greatestmischieftobethegreatestgood.Theirutterdisregardofallreligious
feelingwaslikewiseshownbytheirjestingwithperjury,theirseizingonthetemple,appropriatingits
precinctsandvesselstotheiruse,anddefilingitscourtswithblood.Wellthereforemighttheprophet
callthemscorners.

AndwhatwasthereasonthatthusJerusalemwasabandoned,andJudahwasfallen?Andwhy
was theirgloryhumbled,andwhydidtheshameoftheirfaceariseagainstthem?Because,
remarksEusebius,oftheirbinding(orratherputting,todeath*)theJustOne.Thisisthecauseof
all these threats. These words I think unambiguously received their accomplishment after
the Saviours advent. In multitudes, and altogether, all these things failed, as the Prophet
haddeclared,andweretakenawaybothfromJerusalemandJudeafornootherreasonthan
theirplotagainstourSaviour. ToalikepurposeJeromecommentsthuson verses9 and 10
(quotingthemasheregiven,exceptthathehasthewordsletusbind,insteadofletusdestroy,
theJustOne):ThisisevidentlyspokenofthepassionoftheLord,becausetheydeviseda
mostwickedcounsel,notsomuchagainsttheJustOneasagainstthemselvesandtheirown
soul.TowhichletProcopiusalsoaddhistestimony: Afterspeakingofthedayofretribution,
henow,takinganotherpointofview,denouncesthewithdrawalofthegiftsofGodfromhis
formerpeople,notbecauseofidolatry,orforanyotherdeedsthanbecausetheydeviseda
device against the Just One. For having slain the prophets, at last they raged wickedly
againsttheLordofallthings,killing,asfarasinthemlay,thePrinceofLife.

Seenoteonthispassage.

Itwasthediscoveryoftheremarkableprophecyrestoredinthe9thand10th verses of this chapter,

that first induced the author to think of a new version of this prophet. For here is a clear
unambiguousprophecyoftheplotsoftheJewsagainstthelifeofourSaviour,whoiscalledtheJust
One:whichtitleisalsousedbytheApostles,whorefertothisverypassage,whenevertheyaccuse
the Jews of his death.YedeniedtheHolyOneandtheJust,anddesiredamurderertobe
granteduntoyou,andkilledthePrinceofLife.(Acts3:14,15.)Suchalsoistheaccusationof
Stephen: Theyhaveslainthem [Page 137] whichshowedbeforethecomingoftheJustOne: of
whomyehavebeennowthebetrayersandmurderers.(Acts7:52.)Itisnotwonderfulthen,
asthispassagesoclearlypointedouttheirsin,andwasdoubtlessoftenquotedagainstthembythe
early Christians, that the Jews should endeavour to corrupt it which they have done in the
Hebrewentirely,andintheGreekpartially:yetGod,jealousofthehonourofhissacredoracles,
has left us the means of detecting the fraud. But let the accuser speak for himself. But herein
consiststheexceedinggreatnessofyourwickednessthatyouhatethatJustOne,whomyou
have put to death, and those who have received from him, that they are what they are,
namely, just, righteous, and humane. Wherefore Woe unto their soul, saith the Lord,
because they have taken evil counsel against themselves, saying, Let us destroy the Just
One,becauseheisdispleasingtous. Andagain, Andastheystillremainedsilent,Isaid,I
will now quote the Scriptures as they are translated by the LXX.: for when I cited them
before,asyouhavethem,Ididittotrywhatwasyouropinion.ForinrecitingthatScripture
which saith, Woe unto them, because they have taken evil counsel against themselves,
saying, I added, according to the translation of the Septuagint, Let us destroy the Just
One,becauseheisdispleasingtous.WhenatthebeginningofthisconferenceIsaid,as
youwouldhaveittranslated,saying,Letusbind the Just One, because he is displeasing
untous.Just.Martyr,Dial.WithTrypho.

EusebiusalsotestifiesthattheoriginalwordsoftheLXX.Were, LetusdestroytheJustOne.
And which is very remarkable, the multitude demanding the death of Jesus made use of this very
word. And they all cried out at once, Away with this () man, and release unto us
Barabbas.(Luke23:18.)ExactlythesamewordismadeuseofbySt.Johndescribingtheircry,
Awaywithhim(apov),awaywithhim,Crucifyhim. And the Hebrew word whichwas
probably written by the Prophet, has a distinct reference to the kind of death which Jesus should
sufferbeinginfacttheveryformofexpressionwhichhehimselfusestodescribeit.As Moses
lifteduptheserpentinthewilderness,somusttheSonofManbeliftedup.(John3:14.)
Andagain,[Page138]I,ifIbeliftedup,willdrawallmenuntome.(John12:32.)

This, their grievous crime, saith the prophet, they declare as Sodom, they hide it not. Their
demanding of the death of Jesus was open, public, national, reiterated. They publicly took on
themselvesalltheconsequencesofhisdeath. Hisbloodbeonus,andonourchildren!For
us, saith Procopius, the Sodomites demanding the men, published their licentiousness to
Lot,sodidthesealsopublishtheirsintoPilate,shouting,Awaywithhim,awaywithhim
Crucifyhim,crucifyhim.Buteveryonethatdevisesevil,devisesitagainsthimself:asthe
weaponsthatlightonhardbodiesreturntohimthathurlsthem.Butwhatisthecounsel?
LetusbindtheJustOne,forheisdispleasinguntous.ForhavingboundtheChrist,they
ledhimawaytoCaiaphas.Andtotheunrighteous,righteousnessisdispleasing,asthesun
todiseasedeyesight.Buttheyshalleatthefruitoftheirdoingscaptivity,dispersion,the
destruction of the temple, their fall from glory, their confusion of face, whereby they are
preventedfromlookinguptoGod,aftertransgressionagainsthisSon,forhavingboundthe
Word, the Truth, the Light, the Righteousness, the Saviour, the Physician, the Deliverer
(under which titles Christ is signified), they are deprived of the Word, Light, and Truth
reapingastheyhavesowed.Forwhatamansoweth,thatshallhealsoreap.Andasthey
deliveredJesustoPilate,andtotheunbridledpassionsofhissoldiery,sotheyalso,saiththe
prophet, shall be delivered to the Roman armies: agreeably whereto, Ezekiel saith, As I
havedone,soshallitbeuntothee.Thyrecompenseshallbereturnedonthineownhead.
Therefore theyeatthefruitoftheirdoing.TheLordJesusthusrepresentedittothem.In his
parable of the wicked husbandmen, after describing their slaughter of the son of the lord of the
vineyard,heproceedstodenounceitsjustconsequencessimilarlywiththeProphetIsaiah. What,
therefore,shallthelordofthevineyarddo?Hewillcomeanddestroythehusbandmen,and
givethevineyarduntoothers.(Mark12:9.)

But notwithstanding these fearful judgements thus fulfilling the Word of the Most High, other
passagesof[Page139]Scripture,andtheconcludingportionofthisprophecy,seemtoshowthatyetathird
andfinalaccomplishmentawaitsitinthetimesofAntichrist.Forthesucceedingverseaddressesthe
lawlessone,whoisdescribedbySt.Paulunderthisverytitle, 2Thess.2:8,Andthenshallthat
wicked(one)berevealedwhointhischapterofIsaiah,andinDaniel(chap.11.)ischaracterized
byhis flatteringfirst,andafterwardsoppressingthepeopleoftheJewsandbyhis perverting
thepathoftheirfeet,inassertinghimselftobethelonglookedforMessiah.Thattheiroppressors
andflatterersarespokenofinthepluralnumber,isdoubtlessowingtothefactmentionedbyDaniel,
thathe(Antichrist)shallcausethem(hisadherents) toruleovermany,anddividethelandfor
gain. Yet in spite of their oppression, both he and they shall pretend to serve the people they
oppress, as it is written, And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by
flatteries.Andmanyshallcleavetothemwithflatteries.(Dan.11:32,34.)ButasSt.Paul
threatens,that theLordwillconsumehimwiththespiritofhismouth,anddestroywiththe
brightness of his coming, so is the same here declared, But now Jehovah shall arise up to
judgement,andshallcausehispeopletostandfortrial.Moreover, the glorious array of the
Saviourisnoticedashecomestojudgement. Jehovahhimselfcomethtojudgementwiththe
eldersofhispeopleandwithhisprinces,orasourLorddifferentlyexpressesthesamething.
TheSonofManshallcomeinhisglory,andallhisholyangelswithhim,andthenshallhe
sitonthethroneofhisglory.(Matt.25:31.)Isaiahproceedstochargehisenemieswithburning
uphisvineyardandoppressinghissaintsevensothesameruleofjudgementisseentobeexhibited
inthisparableoftheLord, Iwasanhungered,andyegavemenomeatIwasthirsty,andye
gavemenodrinkIwasastranger,andyetookmenotinnaked,andyeclothedmenot
sick,andinprison,andyevisitedmenot.Departfromme,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire,
preparedforthedevilandhisangels. ItisquiteinkeepingsaysEusebius,thatafterhe
hadprophesiedthefirstcomingoftheSaviour,andtheoverthrowofthepeople,heshould
also hand down the knowledge of his second coming in these words: Jehovah himself
cometh to judgement with the elders of [Page 140] his people, and with his princes: wherefore
haveyesetonfiremyvineyard?Andwhyistheplunderofthepoorinyourhouses?(ver.
14)whomhechidesasifstandingbeforethejudgementseatoftheLord.

At the 16th verse begins a new subject, which is continued to the end of the fourth chapter, and
contains Gods threats against the daughters of Zion. These also received their partial
accomplishment in the desolations wrought on Jerusalem, but still I believe a fuller and severer
fulfilmentawaitsthem.Isaiahrepresentsastateofthehighestluxuryandhaughtiness,followedbya
timeoftheseveresttrouble.Andyetatthatverytimeshallthe branchofJehovahbebeautiful
and glorious to the escaped of Israel. (4: 2.) And even thus is it written in the prophecy on
Mount Olivet, Immediately after the tribulation of those days ... they shall see the Son of
Mancominginthecloudsofheavenwithpowerandgreatglory.Again,asitisaffirmedby
Isaiahthattheremnant shallbecalledholy,evenallthatarewrittenuntolifeinJerusalem,
soitiswritteninSt.Luke,Whenallthesethingsbegintocometopass,thenlookup,andlift
up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. It is also worthy of remark that the
expressionwrittenuntolife,answerstothephraseintheNewTestament,theelect,who,aswe
areinformed,shallbegatheredinthatdaybytheangelsfromtheoneendofheaventotheother.To
asimilareffect,Eusebius on this passage refers to Luke10:20, the names written in heaven.
The concluding promise alludes to the cloud and pillar of fire that went before Israel in the
wilderness, and here we are taught, that it shall be restored in that day of glory, and shall be a
tabernacle of a shade from the heat, and a covert from storm and rain testifying, that the
GodofJacobisinJerusalemashewasofoldpresentinthecampofIsrael,whilesojourninginthe
wilderness.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER5

1NowwillIsingtomybeloved,
Atendersongtouchingmyvineyard.
Thebelovedhadavineyardonaveryfruitfulhill,
2AndIfencedit,andgatheredoutthestonesthereof,
Andplanteditwiththechoicestvine,
Andbuiltatowerinthemidstthereof,
Anddugoutawinevattherein,
3AndIwaitedthatitshouldbringforthgrapes,
Butitproducedpoisonousberries.
Andnow,yeinhabitantsofJerusalem,andmenofJudah,
Judge,Iprayyou,betweenmeandmyvineyard.
4Whatcouldbedonemoreformyvineyard,
ThatIhavenotdoneforit?
ThereforeIexpectedthatitshouldbringforthgrapes,
Butitproducedpoisonousberries.
5Butnow,goto,willItellyouwhatIwilldotomyvineyard,
Iwilltakeawaythehedgethereof,anditshallbeeatenup
Iwillbreakdownthewallthereof,anditshallbetroddendown.
6AndIwillforsakeititshallnotbeprunednordigged,
Butthereshallcomeupthereonthornsandbriars.
Iwillalsocommandtheclouds,thattheyrainnorainuponit.
7ForthevineyardOfJEHOVAHofhostsisthehouseofIsrael,
AndthemenofJudahhisbelovedplant
Iexpectedthatitshouldbringforthjustice,butbeholdoppression
Andrighteousness,butbeholdacry.


8Woeuntothemthatjoinhousetohouse,
Andlayfieldtofield,tilltherebenoplace,
Wouldyedwellaloneupontheearth?
9AndJEHOVAHofhostsmademetohearthis(word)
Thoughtherebemanyhouses:theyshallbedesolate
Thoughfair,theyshallbewithoutinhabitant.
10*Yea,tenacresofvineyardsshallyieldonebath,
Andtheseedofanhomershallyieldanephah.
11Woeuntothemthatriseearlyinthemorning,tofollowstrongdrink,
Thatcontinueuntilnight,tillwineinflamethem!
12Fortheharpandtheviol,thetabretandthepipe,areintheirfeasts.
ButtheyregardnottheworkofJEHOVAH
Norconsidertheoperationsofhishands.
13Thereforemypeoplearegoneintocaptivity,
BecausetheyknownotJEHOVAH
*Andtheirhonourablemenarefamished,
Andtheirmultitudedriedupwiththirst.
14ThereforeHadeshathenlargedhisdesire,
Andhathopenedhismouthwithoutmeasure.
Andtheirgloriousones,andtheirmultitude,
Andtheirrichones,andtheythatexult,shalldescendintoit,
15Andthemeanmanshallbebroughtdown,
Andthemightymanshallbehumbled
Andtheeyesoftheloftyshallbehumbled.
16AndJEHOVAHofhostsshallbeexaltedinjudgement,
AndtheHolyGodshallbeglorifiedinrighteousness.
17Thenshalltheythathavebeenplunderedfeedlikeoxen,
Andthewastesofthetransgressorsshallstrangerseat.
18Woeuntothemthatdrawiniquityaswithalongcord,
Andsinsaswithacartrope!
19Whosay,Lethimmakespeed
Andhastenhiswork,thatwemayseeit:
AndletthecounseloftheHolyOneofIsrael
Drawnigh,andcome,thatwemayknowit!
20Woeuntothemthatcallevilgood,andgoodevil.
Thatputdarknessforlight,andlightfordarkness:
Thatputbitterforsweet,andsweetforbitter.
21Woeuntothemthatarewiseintheirowneyes
Andprudentintheirownsight!
22Woeuntoyourpowerfulones,thewinebibbers
Andthoseinauthority,mixersofstrongdrink!
23Thatjustifythewickedmanforreward,
Andtakeawaytherighteousofthejustmanfromhim.
24Thereforeasthefiredevoureththestubble,
Andtheflameconsumeththechaff,
Sotheirrootshallbeasrottenness,
Andtheirblossomshallgoupasdust.
BecausetheyhavecastawaythelawofJEHOVAHofhosts,
AnddespisedthewordoftheHolyOneofIsrael.
25ThereforetheangerofJEHOVAHofhostsiskindledagainsthispeople.
Andhehathlaidhishanduponthem,
Andhesmotethemandthemountainstrembled:
Andtheircarcasesbecameasdunginthemidstofthestreets
Yetforallthishisangerisnotturnedaway,
Buthishandisstretchedoutstill.
26Thereforeshallheliftanensigntothenationsafaroff,
Andshallhissforthemfromtheendsoftheearth:
Andbehold,theyshallcomewithspeedswiftly.
27Noneshallbeweary,norstumbleamongthem,
Noneshallslumber,norsleep
Norshallthegirdleoftheirloinsbeloosed,
Northelatchetoftheirshoesbebroken.
28Whosearrowsaresharp,andtheirbowbent,
Theirhorseshoofsshallbecountedaflint,
Andtheirchariotwheelslikeawhirlwind.
29Theyshallbeangryaslions,
Androaraslionswhelps
Andtheyshallroarandseizetheprey,
Andtheyshallcarryitaway,andnoneshalldeliverit.
30Inthatdaythereshallbeacrybecauseofthem,
Asthesoundofabillowysea
Andtheyshalllooktotheheavenabove,
Andtotheearthbeneath.
Andbeholddarkness,horribledarknes,intheir(timeof)distress.

***
[Page140]
EXPOSITION

CHAPTER5

THEstrongresemblancewhichexistsbetweenthissacredsongandourLordsparableofthewicked
husbandmenissuchasmuststrikeeveryreader:anditseemsbeyondadoubtthatourSaviourtook
his description from hence, by which means he identified himself as the Beloved, whose [Page 141]
vineyard,as,beingtheheir,itwas.AndthistitleoftheSaviourwastwicegivenhimfromheaven.
(Matt.3:17,and17:5.)InthischapterChristisrepresentedasperformingthosekindofficestothe
vineyardwhichintheparableareattributedtothehouseholder.Butthisdifferenceisnoobjectionas
the work of creation is, in various places, ascribed to Father, Son, and Spirit and the Son and the
Fatherareone.Nor are we left in doubt what is the vineyard: For the vineyard of Jehovah of
hostsisthehouseofIsrael,andthemenofJudahhispleasantplant.Heappointedforthema
land,thegloryofalllands,andhedgedtheminwithmountains,anddeserts,andthesea.Bythe
winevat Jerome and Eusebius both understand the temple and altar of Jerusalem, into which the
blood of the sacrifices was poured, as the juice of the grape flowed into the winevat. And I
waited,saystheLord, thatitshouldbringforthgrapes,butitproducedpoisonousberries.
Correspondentlywiththis,wehaveseenthestateoftheJewsattheSavioursadvent,bothfromthe
sacredEvangelists,andthepenofJosephus.As,then,itwasowingtononeglectonthepartofthe
owner,thatthevineyardproducedthesepoisonousfruits,for, whatcouldbedonemoreformy
vineyard,thatIhadnotdoneinit?thenceforthitwastobegivenuptodesolation.

Iwilltakeawaythehedgethereofthatis,accordingtoSt.Jerome,IwillwithdrawAngelic
aid: nor was that all its wall was to be broken down, and itself laid waste which was fearfully
accomplishedbyTitusandhisarmy.NorhasanyprophetormessengerofGodbeenvouchsafedto
them, which Jerome supposes is signified by the words, I will also command the clouds, that
theyrainnorainuponit.ForwhentheblessedSonofGodhaddeliveredhismessage,helooked
forjudgement,butbeholdoppression,ofhimselfandofthosethatbelievedonhimfor,evenduring
thetimeofhisownministry,thePhariseeshadagreedtogetherthat,ifanydidconfesshimtobethe
Christ,theyshouldbeputoutofthesynagogue.Helookedalso forrighteousness,butbeholda
cry.OnwhichbothEusebiusandJeromeremark,thatoursinssendupacryagainstustoGod,asit
wassaidofSodom,Iwillgodownnow,andseeiftheyhavedonealtogetheraccordingtothe
cryofit.(Gen.18:21.)Especially[Page142]theynoticethewordsoftheLordtoCain,Thevoiceof
thybrothersbloodcriethuntomefromtheground.AndJeromesupposesthatby thecry
here specified, is meant in a particular manner the shouts of the multitude against Jesus, Crucify
him,crucifyhim!

Then follow, in verses 8, 9, and 10, Gods curses against the avaricious and the desolation of
housesgreatandfair,andthediminutionoftheproduceoftheland,wereliterallyfulfilledtothe
JewsoftheApostlestimes,notonlybythefamineswhichtookplace,butalsobythedevastationof
Judaea,firstunderTitus,andfinallyunderHadrian.

The next woe is directed against the voluptuary and the drunkard, and it is regarded as his heavy
crimethatheforgetshisGod,amidsthismanybountiesbuthisendwillbeaccording,tothewords
ofthePsalmist,Thewickedshallbeturnedintohell,andallthepeoplethatforgetGod.

Thethreatofcaptivitywhichfollowswas,totheletter,fulfilled,and that, becausetheyknewnot

Jehovah.Theybeheldamongstthem theglory,asoftheonlybegottenoftheFather,fullof
graceandtruth,butbecausethey knewhimnot,butrejectedandcrucifiedhim,thereforethey
werenotonlyledintocaptivity,butweresmittenwithfamineandthirstduringthefearfulsiegeof
Jerusalem. And well might it be said, that Hades enlarged its desire, and opened his mouth
without measure, when we consider the vast multitude that, according to the accurate Josephus,
perishedinthewar,beingnolessthan1,100,000.

Verse17isprobablycorruptasseemsapparentfromthevarietyofreadingsproposedbytheancient
versions.TheChaldeeparaphrasegivesasitsmeaning, Thenshallthejustfeedasiswrittenof
them,andshallbemultiplied,andthejustshallpossessthesubstanceoftheungodly.

Thewoenextdenouncedfallsuponthelibertine,whoderidethethreatsofChristsreturn.Lethim
makespeed,andhastenhiswork,thatwemayseeit.Preciselyparalleltothisistheprophecy
ofSt.Jude, Thereshallbemockersinthelasttime,walkingaftertheirownungodlylusts.
SoalsoSt.Peter, Thereshallcomeinthelastdaysscoffers,walkingaftertheirownlusts,
andsaying,Whereisthepromiseofhiscoming?Forsincethe [Page 143]fathersfellasleep,all
thingscontinueastheywerefromthebeginningofthecreation.(2Pet.3:3,4.)

Those who endeavour to do away with the distinctions between right and wrong, then receive the
prophetscurse.JeromeandEusebiusapplyittotheJews,andremarkthattheycalledgoodevil,in
attributing the miracles of Christ to Beelzebub and put darkness for light, in choosing Barrabas
beforeJesus,andinturningtotheircorruptfablesratherthantotheholydoctrinesoftheGospel.But
the passage appears to have a wider scope, and to be levelled at the forms of evil that shall arise
especiallyattheendoftheworld[age],whenmenshallendeavourtomakeitappearthatthereisno
differencebetweengoodandevil,andmanyshallfollowtheirperniciousways.

Theprophetthensuccessively rebukespride,drunkenness,andabuseofpowerandpride
and covetousness are two of the features which the Apostle sketches as the
characteristicsofthelasttimes.(2Tim.3:2.)Thatdrunkennesswillalsobeincharacteristic
of the last days, is implied in the Saviours warning that his disciples hearts be not
overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness(Luke 21: 34) and his threat against his
servantthatshalleatanddrinkwiththedrunken.

Thewoethreatenedagainstthosewho takeawaytherighteousnessoftherighteousmanfrom
him,wasonceaccomplishedinthemocktrialofourblessedLord,andthefalsewitnessesbrought
againsthimandthecarcasesofthepeoplethatcondemnedhim,didindeedbecomeasdungin
themidstofthestreets.Thethreatofnationstocomefromafar,waspartiallyaccomplishedin
theadvanceofthedestroyingRomanforceagainstJerusalem.Butifwetaketheexpressionsintheir
full force, they can apply to supernatural beings only for such alone would neither be weary,
nor stumble, neither slumber nor sleep and of such beings St. John prophesies, where he
describesthearmyofEuphrateanhorsemen.(Rev.9:1421.)Iamnotunawarehowdifferentlythat
visionisusuallyinterpretedbutbelieving,asIdo,thatnojotortittleoftheScriptureshallfailof
itsaccomplishment,Iwouldratherbecontenttobereckonedsuperstitious,thanexplainexplainaway
theforceoftheWordofGod.ForthatWord,mostcertainly,iftakeninitsplainsense,announces
thatsupernaturalagencywillbewidelyexertedinthelattertimesof[Page143]theworld,whenaseriesof
ages of apparent indifference on the part of God shall have persuaded men that everything
supernaturalisimpossible.Butofthismorehereafter.


***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER6.

1IntheyearthatkingUzziahdied,IsawJEHOVAHsittinguponathronehighand
liftedup,andthehousewasfullofhisglory.2Abovehimstoodseraphimeachone
hadsixwingswithtwainhecoveredhisface,andwithtwainhecoveredhisfeet
andwithtwainhedidfly.
3Andtheycriedonetotheother,andsaid,
Holy,holy,holy,isJEHOVAHofhosts.
Thewholeearthisfilledwithhisglory.

4Andthepostsofthedoormovedatthesoundoftheircry:andthehousewasfilled
withsmoke.5AndIsaid,Woeisme,forIamundone:forIamaman,andhave
uncleanlips,andIdwellinthemidstofapeopleofuncleanlips,andmineeyeshave
seen the King, JEHOVAH of hosts. 6 Then was sent to me one of the seraphim,
havingalivecoalinhishand,whichhehadtakenwiththetongsfromthealtar.7
Andhelaiditonmymouth,andsaid,
Lo,thishathtouchedthylips:
Andthineiniquityispurged,andthysintakenaway.

8AndIheardthevoiceofJehovah,saying,WhomshallIsend,andwhowillgofor
us?9AndIsaid,HereamI:sendme.Andhesaid,
Go,andsaytothispeople,
Byhearingyeshallhear,andnotunderstand
Andseeingyeshallsee,andnotperceive:
10Forthispeoplesheartiswaxedgross,
Andtheirearsaredullofhearing:
Andtheirevestheyhaveclosed,
Lestatanytimetheyshouldseewiththeireyes,
Andhearwiththeirears,
Andunderstandwiththeirheart,
Andbeconverted,andIshouldhealthem.
11AndIsaid,Howlong,0JEHOVAH?Andhesaid,
Tillthecitiesbedesolatefromnotbeinginhabited,
Andthehouses,becausethereisnoman:
Andthelandbeutterlydesolate.
12AndafterthatGodshallremovementoadistance
Andtheythatareleftinthelandshallbemultiplied.
13Becauseyetinitshallbeatenth,
Andagainitshallbeforpreservation,
Asanoak,thatdropsitsleaf,
Andasanacorn,whenitfallsfromitscup,
Sotheholyseedshallbesupportthereof.

***
[Page144]
EXPOSITION

CHAPTER6

Thevisioncontainedinthischapterisdeeplymysterious,andyetequallyimportant.Initthemystery
oftheblessedTrinityisnotobscurelydeclaredandtheblindnessoftheJewsisexplicitlyforetold.

ThevisionopenswithdescribingJehovahasseenbytheprophetinthetemple,whenhisgloryfilled
itscourts.Abovehimstoodseraphim,whocriedthrice, Holyholy,holy,istheLordofhosts,
thusintimatingthetrinityofpersonsinOneJehovah.Accordingtotheremarksofanacutewriter,
TheinnerpartoftheJewishsanctuarywascalledtheHolyofHoliesthatis,theholyplaceofthe
HolyOnes.Andthenumberoftheseislimitedtothree,bytheactsofadorationmentionedabove.
It is further worthy of serious notice that a voice from that excellent glory responded in the same
languageofplurality.WhomshallIsend?Andwhoshallgoforus?Herethebeingaddressed
istheLordofhosts.ThisallacknowledgetoincludetheFather:buttheEvangelistJohn(12:41),
in manifest reference to this transaction, observes, These things spake Esaias, when he saw his
(Christs)glory,andspakeofhim.Inthisvision,therefore,wehavetheSonalso,whoseglory,on
this occasion, the prophet is said to have beheld. Acts 28: 25 determines that there was also the
presence of the Holy Ghost: Well spake the Holy Ghost, by Esaias the prophet, unto our
fathers,saying,Gountothispeople,andsay,Hearingshallhear,andnotunderstand.These
words quoted from Isaiah the Apostle Paul declares to have been spoken by the Holy Ghost, and
IsaiahdeclaresthemtohavebeenspokenonthisoccasionbytheLordofhosts.

The passage which follows this scene is one of the most remarkable in the Old Testament, being
quotedatleastfivetimesintheNew.ItisallegedbythefourEvangelistsbySt.Matthew(inthe
thirteenthchapter,and14thand15thverses),astheprincipalreasonwhyJesusdiscoursedinparables
tothemultitude.Thesame applicationismadebySt.MarkandSt.Lukeandthisnotbywayof
[Page145]
accommodation, but with just reason, and by the dictation of the sacred Spirit. For we see that
parableshadthiseffect:thepeopleunderstoodhimnot,aswemaybesure.SinceHisowndisciples
didnotandtheSaviourremarkedit,astheirpeculiarprivilege,thatuntothemthemysteriesofthe
kingdomweremanifested,whiletootherstheywereenvelopedinparablesofwhichtheyweretoo
idle,ortoofaithless,ortooproud,toseekthemeaning.

ThispassageisquotedbySt.Johnalso,whenafterhavingnowbroughttoaclosehisnarrativeofthe
Saviourspubliclife,hereviewstheresult.Howwasit,thatwheneverymiraclehadbeenperformed
which it was foretold the Messiah should perform, they did not believe?Because God would thus
fulfil his word by Isaiah, Lord, who hath believed our report? which expression of sad
complaintindicatedthefewnessofthosethatbelieved.Butheproceeds,Thereforetheycouldnot
believe, because that Esaias saith again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart that
theyshouldnotseewiththeireyes,norunderstandwiththeirheart,norbeconverted,andIshould
healthem.Thisisreiteratedbytheapostle (Rom.9:18), Thereforehehathmercyonwhom
he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. But if so, why does he rebuke, why
punishthem,whentheyhaveonlyaccomplishedhiswill?Wemighttakeshelterfromthisobjection,
whichistheveryreplywhichtheSpiritofGodforesawthatmanwouldmake,byasking,Howman
dareaccusethemajestyofJehovah?Howhedaresbringtohisbarthemanifestanddeclaredwilland
pleasureofGod?Howhispunyunderstandingpresumestocopewiththeunsearchabledepthsofthe
Divinecounsels,andtomeasurehisfeeblestrengthagainstthepoweroftheCreator?Butperhapsit
may be permitted with humility to suggest some observations which may clear up in part the
difficulty. Be it observed, then, that the usual idea of Gods hardening the heart is false. It is
conceivedthathe infusesevil.Butthiscannotbe.Theperfectionofholinesshimself, hecannot
betemptedofevil,neithertemptethheanyman.Itisforgotten,thatmanisevilhimself,and
that, situated as he is, in a world lying in wickedness, and subject to the temptations of apostate
spirits, his natural tendency is to proceed, with [Page 146] rapid and everincreasing speed, along the
downward course of wickedness, as the stone that begins to roll on the edge of a declivity, every
instantgathersspeedandfuryofdescent.ItisGods mercy alone,then,thatthisdownwardcourseis
checked: by the grace of His Spirit the restraints of laws, human and Divine, are so applied to his
conscience,thathedoesnotbreakoutintofierceandopenprofligacyofwickedness.Forwhatisthe
reason why the nations ..where Christianity is received, are more civilized, and their lives more
peaceful,andtheircountrylessdisfiguredbyhorriblecrimes,thanthenationsofold,orthesavages
ofmoderntimes?Shallwebetoldthatitisowingtocivilization?Butcivilizationisnotthecause,
buttheeffect.Whyaretheycivilized?Shallwebetold,Itisbecauseoftheincreaseofknowledge,
andtheretentionandthespreadofinformationbytheartofprinting.Butwerenotallthesethings
in France in their fullperfection when the reign of terror exhibited its ghastly doctrines, and
enacteditshideousscenesinthesightoftheworld?Rather,then,bethepeace,andcivilization,and
generalhonestyofthenation,inChristiancountries,attributedtotherestraininggraceofGod.

Itis,then,onlytowithdrawthisgrace,thatis, thisunmeritedfavour,fromeitheranationoran
individual, and the nation or the individual heart is hardened. Take an illustration. Our world
possessesneitherlightnorheatitself,toenlightenusinouroccupations,ortoripenitsproduce.All,
then, that were necessary to harden and darken it would be to withdraw the sun.No need to send
Planets of ice to hover above our atmosphere no need to surround the globe with a brazen wall:
simplylefttoitselfitwouldfreezetoironhardness,andbedarkwiththeblacknessofdarkness.Itis
even thus with man. Withdraw the sacred Spirit, that only source of light and warmth, and man
becomesdarkandcold.AndtheSpiritsaidisofgraceandgracemeansagiftduringpleasureand
agiftduringpleasuredependsuponthegivertocontinueortowithdraw.

Thus,then,wehavearrivedattheconclusionwhichbearsuponthepresenttopic.God,inhisinfinite
wisdom,withdrewhisSpiritsaid.LongtimehadtheygrievedthatSpirit:nowdidHewithdraw.
This was an act of justice. The speaking in parables did not begin till after [Page 147] the memorable
blasphemy against the Holy Ghost which sealed the doom of the haughty, malignant Pharisees. It
was, in fact, a consequence of this. The Spirit, by whom alone man can be regenerated, being
insultedbeyondendurancebythedeclarationthatHewasthespiritofSatan,leftthosemiserablemen
forevertotheblindnessandinexorablehardnessoftheirownmalicioushearts.


ThispassageisquotedafifthtimebySt.Paul,in Acts28:26.Hehad,wearethereinformed,laid
beforetheJewsofRometheGospelofthegraceofGod,andsomebelievedthethingsthatwere
spoken, and some believed not. It gave rise to great disputings, instead of meek reception and
diligentsearch.Wherefore Paul, perceiving the hardness of their unbelief, quoted against them the
wordsofthisprophecy.Andsincetheywouldnotreceiveit, Beitknownthereforeuntoyou,
saithhe,thatthesalvationofGodissentuntotheGentiles,andtheywillhearit.

Inthistransaction,then,isrepresentedtousinminiaturethemaindealingsofGodconcerningthe
JewsandtheGentiles,thatmysteryintowhichPaulentersintheeleventhchapteroftheEpistletothe
Romans.DiditnotshowficklenessonthepartofGod,tocastoffhisancientpeople,andtaketo
himself the Gentiles? Did it not involve an annulling of the promises of God, made to Abraham,
Isaac,andJacob?Bynomeans.Godhad,
eventhen,duringIsraelsrejection,asecretfew,suchincharacterastheapostlehimself:such,also,
ashereservedduringthetimeofidolatrousAhab.Noeveninthatday,theelectionobtainedit,
therestwereblinded. ButwhythisblindingofIsrael?ThattotheGentilestheGospelmighthe
preached. For at the first the good news of salvation was for the lost sheep of the house of
Israelalone. It is not meet to take the childrens bread, and cast it to dogs! Had Israel
receivedJesusastheirlongexpectedChrist,theGospelhadnotbeenpreachedtotheGentiles.Had
thehusbandmengiventothelordthefruitsofthevineyard,thevineyardhadneverbeentaken
fromthem.Hadnottheinvitedguestsrefusedtocomewhenthesupperwasready,themessengers
hadneverbeensenttothestreetsandlanes,thehighwaysandhedges.But,sincetheyrejected
theGospel,thefeastmustnotbespreadinvain,othersmustbesentfortosupply[Page148]their.Place:
ItwasnecessarythattheWordofGodshouldfirsthavebeenspokentoyoubutseeingye
putitfromyou,andjudgeyourselvesunworthyofeternallife,lo,weturntotheGentiles.
Thiswasthereasonoftheprocedure,notoftheapostlesalone,butofGodalso.Astheywithwicked
hearts rejected his Son, so he in justice rejected them. As they with wicked hands and malignant
passions crucified the Lord of life, so he in his justice, according to the passage cited by St. Paul,
decided Thattheirtableshouldbemadeasnare,andatrap,andastumblingblock,anda
recompenseuntothem,thattheireyesshouldbedarkened,andtheirbackboweddownI.

ButthisunbeliefoftheJewsismade,inthewisdomofGod,apurposeofmercytotheGentiles.We
have obtained mercy through their unbelief: They are enemies to the Gospel for our
sakes,thatitmightnowbejustlypreachedtousforoursalvation.

Buthavetheystumbledthattheymayutterlybecastoff?Nothereisalimittotheirunbelief,fixed
bytwoindependentlandmarksinthecounselsofGod. ThensaidI,Lord,howlongshallthis
blindnesslast?Thisbeholdingthee,yetnotrecognisingtheeastheChristthishearingofthywords
suchasnevermanspake,yetnotunderstanding?Andheanswered,

Untilthecitiesbedesolatefromnotbeinginhabited,
Andthehousesbecausethereisnoman:
Andthelandbeutterlydesolate.
AndafterthatGodshallremovementoadistance
Andtheythatareleftinthelandshallbemultiplied,
Becauseyetinitshallbeatenth,
Andagainitshallbeforpreservation,
Asanoak(thatcastsitsleaf),
Andasanacornwhenitfallsfromitscup,
Sotheholyseedshallbethesupportthereof.

In spite of the many difficulties and varieties of reading that encompass this passage, we may yet
discernthegeneralmeaning,whichmustcertainlybethatofmercifulpromise.For the question of
theprophetis,HowlongshouldtheJewsthusbecastoff?Andthereplyis,thatitshalllasttilla
great desolation has taken place, either in the land or in the earth (for the word signifies both),
perhapsthelatter.Whenthisisaccomplished,itis [Page149]clearlyimpliedthatthemercyofGodshall
return.Norarewelefttotheforceofdeductionalone.ForSt.Paulassuresus, thatblindnessin
partishappeneduntoIsrael,untilthefulnessoftheGentilesiscomein.Andso(afterthat)
allIsraelshallbesaved.Accordantlywithwhatisherewritten,thattheholyseedshallbethe
supportthereof,theapostledeclares,thatastouchingtheelection,theyarebelovedfortheir
fatherssakes,forthegiftsandcallingofGodarewithoutrepentance.Atwhichspectaclethe
apostle bursts forth into just wonder and astonishment at the vastness and depth of the designs of
God. And it well becomes us Gentiles who, through the unbelief of the Jews, are grafted into the
good olive tree, to adore the goodness of God, who hath thus shown the natural unbelief of both
GentilesandJews,whenlefttothemselves,thatoneachinturnhemighthavemercy.Anotherlesson
tobederivedfromitis,thatasunbeliefwasthecauseoftherejectionoftheJewmuchmoreshallit
be of the Gentile, that worthless wild olivetree of nature! Letus,then,notbehighminded
but fear lest a promise being left us of entering into rest, any of us should seem to
comeshort.Ofit.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER7

1And it came to pass, in the days of Ahaz, the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah,
kingofJudah,thatRezin,kingofAssyria,andPekah,thesonofRemaliah,kingof
Israel,wentuptowardJerusalem,towaragainstit,butcouldnotprevailagainstit.2
AnditwastoldthehouseofDavid,saying,SyriaisconfederatewithEphraim.And
hisheartwasmoved,andtheheartofhispeople,asthetreesofthewoodaremoved
with the wind. 3 Then said JEHOVAII unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz,
thou and Shear Jashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the
highwayofthefullersfield.
4Andsayuntohim,
Takeheed,andbestill,fearnot,neitherbefainthearted,
Becauseofthetwotailsofthesesmokingfirebrands.
Forwhentheangerofmyindignationisceased,
AgainIwillhealthee.
5BecauseSyriahathdevisedanevildeviceagainstthee
Ephraim,andthesonofRemaliah,saying,
6LetusgoupagainstJudah,andharassit,
Andletusturnthemawayuntoourselves,
Andsetakingoverit,thesonofTabeal.
7ThussaithJEHOVAHofhosts,
Thiscounselshallnotstandnortakeeffect.
8ThoughtheheadofSyria,beDamascus
AndtheheadofDamascus,Rezin
9AndtheheadofEphraim,beSamaria,
AndtheheadofSamaria,Remaliahsson,
Yetwithinthreescoreandfiveyears
Ephraimshallbebroken,thathebenomoreapeople
*Ifyewillnotbelieveinme,yeshallnotbeestablished.

10MoreoverJEHOVAHspakeagainuntoAhaz,saying,
11AsktheeasignofJEROVAHthyGod,
GodeeptoHades,orhightoheavenabove.
12ButAbazsaid,Iwillnotask,neitherwillItemptJEHOVAH.
13Andhesaid,Hearyenow,0houseofDavid
Isitasmallthingforyoutocontendwithmen,
AndhowcanyecontendwithJEHOVAH?
14ThereforeJEHOVAHhimselfshallgiveyouasign,
BeholdtheVirginshallbewithchild,andshallbearason
AndtheyshallcallhisnameEmmanuel.
15Butterandhoneyshallheeat,
Beforeheknowtorefusetheevil,andchoosethegood.
16Forbeforethechildshallknowhowtorefusetheevil,andchoosethegood,
Thelandforwhichthoufearest,
Shallbeforsakenofthetwokings.
17ButJEHOVAHshallbringuponthee
Anduponthypeople,anduponthyfathershouse,
Days,suchasshallnotbe
*FromthedaythattheKingofAssyriashalltakeawayEphraimfromJudaea.

18Anditshallcometopassinthatday,
ThatJEHOVAIIshallhissforthefly,
ThatdwellethintheutmostpartoftheriverofEgypt.
Andforthebee,thatisinthelandofAssyria,
19Andtheyshallcomeandrestallofthem
Uponthedesolatevalleys,andintheholesoftherocks
Andonallthornytrees,andonallbushes.

20InthatdayJEHOVAHshallshavewithhishiredrazor,
(Even)bythekingofAssyriabeyondtheriver,
Thehead,andhairofthefeet,andmoreovershalltakeawaythebeard.

Thatamanshallfeedayoungcowandtwosheep,
22Anditshallbe,fromtheirproducingmuchmilk,
Thatheshalleatbutter
Forbutterandhoneyshalleveryoneeatthatre
mainethupontheland.

23Anditshallbeinthatday,thateveryplace
Wheretherewereathousandvines,atathousandpiecesofsilver,
Shallbeforawilderness,andforthorns.
24Witharrowsandbowsshalltheycomethither,
Forawildernessofthornsshallthewholelandbecome.
25Andoneverymountainoncetilledwiththemattock,
Thithershallnofearapproach,
Forbecauseofitsbriarsandthorns,
Itshallbeforthefeedingofsheep,andthetramplingoftheox.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER7
[Page149]
Wearrivenowatachapterbesetwithmanydifficulties,yetwhosegeneraltenourexhibitsthepower
andforeknowledgeofGod,andtheprideandunbeliefofman,surmountedbyagloriousprophecyof
theRedeemersadvent.

Weareinformed,atitscommencement,thatthekingofAssyriaandthekingofIsraelconfederated
together to make war against Jerusalem, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of
Tabeal.Nowthiswasnotanordinarywar,asofonenationoftheearthagainstanyothernationof
theearth.Itwasawarwhoseobject,ifcarried,wouldhavemadeGodaliarforhehad
predicted, that none but the family of David should rule over Judah. Even when, at
Solomonsdeath.Godrentthekingdom,helefttoRehoboamonetribe,thatDavidhisservant
mighthavealightalwaysbeforehiminJerusalem.(1Kings11:36.)Thattribewas
thetribeofJudah,towhichsomanypromiseswereattached.Toattempt,therefore,toset
uponeofanyotherfamilyaskinginJerusalem,was [Page 150]daringlytoendeavourtocontravenethe
pleasureoftheMostHigh.Itwasacontest,notmerelyagainstman,butagainstGod.

Yet idolatrous Ahaz and his people, who took no heed to the promises of God, were moved at the
tidingsofthiswar, asthetreesofthewoodaremovedbythewind.Theheartofthebeliever
iskeptinperfectpeace:theheartofthefaithlessisnotso.Hadtheybutrecalledtomindthewordsof
God,theywouldhaveperceivedthatwhilehelivedandruled,thedesignwasimpossible.

Buttoquiettheirfears, theprophetwasdirectedtotakehisson,perhapsaninfant,and
namedShearJashub,(theremnantshallreturn,)andtoassureAhazthatthesekingswere
now only two firebrands, no longer emitting flame but smoke, the signal of their being nearly
extinguished.Also,becauseEphraimmusthaveknowntheprophecyrespectingtheintegrityofthe
line of David, yet attempted to overthrow it therefore within sixtyfive years it should be smitten,
thatitbenotapeoplewhichwasaccomplishedbyShalmaneserscarryingcaptivethetribesof
Israeloutoftheirownland,sincewhichday,theyhavenomoreappearedasapeople,andtheirvery
localityisamatterofdoubt.

ButthefateofAhazwasnottobetriedbywaitingtotheendofsolongaperiodassixtyfiveyears.
SincethehonourofGodwasconcerned,theLordwaswillingtogiveanysignthathemightdevise,
either from Hades or from heaven. On which point take the following quotation from Jerome:
Wouldyouhave,sayshe,theearthtocleave,thatwithamightyyawning,Hades(whichissaidto
beintheheartoftheearth)shouldbelaidopen?Orthattheheavensshouldbeopened?Bothwhich
refertothetypeoftheSavioursdeathandresurrection.Forhethatdescendedisthesameashewho
ascended. Nowthatheascendedwhatisit,butthathedescendedfirstintothelowerparts
oftheearth?Hethatdescendedisthesamealsothatascendedfaraboveallheavensthathe
mightfillallthings.(Eph.4:9,10.)Andagain, Romans10:6,7,Saynotinthineheart,
Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above or, Who shall
descend,intothedeep?(thatis,tobringupChristagainfromthedead.)

ThissignAhazrefused,eitherfromsuperstitiousslavish [Page 151]fearorfrompride,lestthetrueGod

should show his superiority to the idols of his worship. For which sin the prophet uttered his just
rebuke:ofwhichthemeaningprobablyisthisAreyoufearfulwhenyouhaveonlytocontendwith
menlikeyourselves,whatthenmustitbetocontendwithGod?Forbythusrefusinghisoffer,youdo
infactopposehisgraciouspurposetowardsyou.

But since Ahaz thus refused, Jehovah himself would give them a miraculous sign. Behold, the
virginshallconceive.ThepromiseinEdendeclaredthattheRestorershouldbethe seedofthe
woman,butthisaddeddistinctnesstotheinformation.TheRestorershouldbea miraculous seed
ofthewoman,andofthefamilyofDavid.Ifso, thenthehouseofDavidcouldnotbutendure
tillthetimepredicted.Butitmaybeasked,Howcouldthatwhichwasnottotakeplaceformany
centuriesafterwardsaffordconsolationtoAhaz?Tothiscommentatorshavealwaysfounditdifficult
toreturnananswer.Butperhapstheforegoingremarkmeetsthebruntofthedifficulty.Stillfurther,
it should be observed, that as Ahaz had rfused the miracle, the miracle was no longer to be
vouchsafedtohim.Fortherealityofhisdeliverancefromthetwokingshemustnowrestonthebare
wordofJehovah.Yet,asitisthemannerofGodsdealings,whenhebestowsapromise,togivethen
orsoonafteranearnestofthegreaterthingspromised,bybestowingsomethingresemblingthefuture
grand accomplishment so it is not improbable that Isaiah might have pointed (as Dr. Kennicott
thinks)tohisinfantsonShearJashub,asthechildbeforewhosearrivalatthediscernmentofgood
andevil,thelandwhichhefearedshouldbeforsakenofboththekings.BothJeromeandEusebius
understand the declaration that the child should eat butter and honey, as an intimation of the
realityofChristsmanhood,sinceheshouldbesustainedbyfoodsuchasisthesupportofordinary
men,thoughhisbirthshouldbesupernatural,andthoughtohimshouldbelongthosemajestictitles,
Immanuel,(Godwithus,)andtheMightyGod.ThequotationofthispassagebySt.Matthew
isexactlyinaccordancewiththeGreekasrestoredbythevariousreadingstherepresentedandwith
thequotationsoftheFathers.Thatitwasexactlyfulfilledthesacredhistorianshows.Onwhichpoint
JustinMartyr,arguingwiththeJewTrypho,hasthis[Page152]observation:Nowthatthereneverwas
any one of the race of Abraham, according to the flesh, either born, or said to be born of a virgin,
exceptthisChristofours,isevidenttoalltheworld.

The succeeding verses contain the intimation of a great desolation that was to befall the land of
Judaea, in spite of this promise, and seem to be an expansion of the prophecy in the preceding
chapter,whereitwassaidthatthecitiesshouldbedesolatewithoutinhabitantandthat,owing
toadoubleinflictionofwrathbythekingofAssyriaontheonehand,andaplagueofinsectsonthe
otherasofoldtimetheAlmightythreatenedtosendthehornetastheinstrumentofhisvengeance
againsttheCanaanites. And so great should be the desolation of the poor remnant, that instead of
theirpossessingherdsofoxenandflocksofsheep,asinthedaysoftheirprosperity,amanshouldbut
possess a single cow and two sheep. Also, instead of the provisions being of the finest wheat
flour,thewildproductionsofthecountrywouldbetheonlysustenance,forthevineyardsshouldbe
desolatewithbriersandthorns,andthesurvivorsshouldbeobligedtogoforthwitharrowsandbows
to obtain the wild animals necessary to their subsistence. Procopius further supposes that this
passageimpliesthefearofthesurvivors.Thesmallremnantshallbesopossessedwithfearasto
takeuptheirabodesinthemountains,woods,andthickets,accordingtotheSaviourswords,Then
letthemwhichareinJudaeafleetothemountains.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER8

1AndJEHOVAHsaiduntome,Takeuntotheealargeroll,andwriteonitwitha
mans tool,Quickly take the spoil, haste to the prey. 2 And I took me faithful
witnesses,Uriahthepriest,andZechariahthesonofBaruchiah.3AndIwentunto
theprophetess,andsheconceived,andbareason.AndJEHOVAHsaiduntome,
Callhisname,Quicklyspoil,withspeedtaketheprey:
4Forbeforethechildshallknow
Tocall,MyfatherandMymother,
ThepowerofDamascusshallbetakenaway,
AndthespoilofSamaria,beforethekingofAssyria.

5JEHOVAHspakealsountomeagain,saving,
6Becausethispeoplerefuseth
ThewatersofSiloamthatflowsoftly,
AnddesiretohaveRezin,
AndthesonofRemaliahaskingoverthem:
7ThereforebeholdtheLordbringethuponthem,
Thewatersoftheriver,thestrongandmighty
(Even)thekingofAssyriaandallhisglory.
Andheshallcomeuponalltheirvalleys,
Andmarchoveralltheirwalls.
8*AndheshallpassthroughJudaea,
Heshalloverflowandgoover,heshallreacheventotheneck
Andthebreadthofhiswingsshallevenfill
Theextentofthyland,0Immanuel

9Confederateyourselves,yeGentiles,andyeshallbedefeated.
Giveear,fromtheendsoftheearth
Strengthenyourselves,andyeshallbedefeated
Andifagainyestrengthenyourselves,
Againshallyebedefeated.
10Andwhatcounselsoeveryedevise,JEHOVAHshallscatterit,
Andwhatwordsoeveryespeak,itshallnotstand,
ForGodiswithus.
11ForthussaidJEHOVAHuntome,
Aswiththestrengthofhishandheturnedmeaside,
Fromwalkinginthewayofthepeople,saying,
12Saynotye,Aconfederacy,
Toalltowhomthispeopleshallsay,Aconfederacy.
Neitherfear,norbetroubled.
13ButJEHOVAHofhosts,sanctifyhim,
Andlethimbeyourfear.
14Andifthoutrustinhim,heshallbetotheeasanctuary,
Butastoneofstumblingandarockofoffence
TothetwohousesofIsrael
AndaginandasnaretotheinhabitantsofJerusalem.
15Formanyamongthemshallstumbleandfall,
Andbebrokenandsnaredandtaken.

16*Bindupthetestimony,andsealthelawamongmydisciples.
17Andthoushaltsay,IwillwaitfortheLord
ThatturnethawayhisfacefromthehouseofJacob,
AndIwilltrustinhim.
18*BeholdIandthechildrenwhomGodhathgivenme,
AreforsignsandforwonderstoIsrael,
FromJehovahofhosts,whodwellethinMountZion.

19Andiftheysayuntoyou,
Seekuntothemthathavefamiliarspirits,
Andtowizardsthatspeakspellsandmutter,
ShouldnotanationseekuntotheirGod?
Whyenquiretheyofthedeadconcerningtheliving?
20Tothelawandtothetestimony,
Iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword,
Thereshallbetothemnoreward.
21Andthereshallcomeunonyouseverefamine.
Anditshallbethatwhenyehunger,
YeshallfretandblasphemeyourkingandyourfathersGod,
Andyeshalllooktoheavenabove,
22Andtotheearthbeneathshallyelook,
Andbehold,straitsanddarkness!
Affliction,misery,anddarkness,sothatyecannotsee!
Forheshallnotseewhoisindarkness,
TillthetimewhentheyshallalsoturntotheLord:
ThiswillIperformveryspeedily.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER8
[Page152]

Thisseriesofprophecydoesnotendwiththelastchapter:thesamesubjectiscontinuedthroughout
chaptertheeighth.ThechildtobebornwasnotonlytobenamedEmmanuel,butalsoMahershalal
Hashbaz,orHastetothespoil,Quicktotheprey,asBishopLowthexpressesthename.

Jeromesupposesthatamysteryiscontainedinthenamesofthewitnessestothistransaction.Isaiah
signifying the Salvation of God Uriah, the Light of God Zechariah, the Remembrance of God,
whosesonwasBarachias,ortheBlessingofGod.Thatthelastofthesewasafaithfulwitness,our
Lordhimselfinformsus,where,speakingoftherighteousbloodshedbytheJews,hementions [Page153]
ZechariahthesonofBarachiasasbeingslainbythembetweenthetempleandaltar.

Inthisprophecy,ashasbeenremarkedabove,therewasgivenanearnestatthetimethenpresent,of
the greater things in store. The prophetess conceived and bore a son, whose name was called, in
obediencetotheLordscommand,Mahershalal,Hashbaz.And within three years Tiglath Pileser
wentupagainstDamascusandtookit,andcarriedcaptiveofthespoilofIsrael.Butintheopinionof
Jerome and Eusebius (and probably the reader will agree with them), it was intended to conceal
beneath the apparently simple words of verse3, an intimation of the miraculous conception of the
Saviour. God pledges his perfections as witnesses to the truth of the promise, and then adds I
approacheduntotheprophetess,andsheconceivedandbareason.Parallelcertainlywiththis
are the words of the angel to Mary, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the
Highest shall overshadow thee, therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be
calledtheSonofGod.AndthatMarywasaprophetess,wearesurefromherpropheticsongin
the same chapter of St. Luke. Nor is the mystical meaning deserted at this point. For it was
threatened, that as the illdisposed Jews of that day refused the waters of Shiloah that flowed
softly,thatis,asafterwardsexplained,theheirofDavidfortheirkingandwouldratherhavehad
RezinandPekahsucceedintheirproject,thereforetheyshouldnotonlynotattaintheirdesire,butthe
Lordwouldbringonthemthewatersoftheriverstrongandmany,eventhekingofAssyria
andallhisglory.Theyrefusedthegentle,brookoftheirownland,thereforeGodshouldbringon
themthedevastatingwatersofaforeignriver.Nowthepoolof Siloamismentionedalsointhe
gospelbySt.John,whereJesusbidthemanblindfromhisbirth,GowashinthepoolofSiloam
to which is added the Evangelists remark, Which is by interpretation, Sent. Now no end is
answeredbythisinformationrespectingtheinterpretationofthenameoftheplace,unlessbeneaththe
obviousmeaningwasalsocouchedonethatdidnotstrikethemindatoncewhichmeaningisthus
presentedbyJerome.WereadintheGospelaccordingtoJohn,thattheLordsenttothewatersof
Siloamthemanblindfromhisbirth, [Page154]inwhichwhentheblindhadwashedhereceivedtheclear
lightoftheeyes:whichbesidethegreatnessofthemiracle,signifiesthattheblindnessoftheJews
can be healed only by the doctrine of Christ, the Shiloh or SENT of God, whom St. Pau1 as
Procopiusnotices,callstheApostleofSalvation. Apply the same remark to the prophecy before
us.Thispeople(oftheJews)refuseththewatersofShilohthatgosoftly(Jesusthe SentorApostle
of God, whose life both by prophecy and fulfilment was meek like a gentle brook). Therefore,
behold,theLordbringethuponthemthewatersoftheriverstrongandmany,eventheking
ofAssyria,thatis.Antichristandhishost,inwhomtheJewswillbelieveaccordingtotheimplied
meaning of our Lords words, I am come in my Fathers name (his Shiloh. Or Sent), and ye
receivemenotifanothershouldcomeinhisownname,himyewillreceive.(John5:43.)
ThatAntichristisheresignifiedunderthetitleofkingofAssyria,maybeprovedbymanypassages,
andwillbecomeclearasweproceed.Hisarmyshallbesomighty,thatlikeatorrentitshallfloodthe
landandhiscampshallfillthebreadthoftheSavioursland.Hishostiscomposed(aswelearn
fromthenextverse),ofaconfederacyofthenationsorGentiles,athingprophesiedofinverymany
placesofHolyScripture.ThuswereadinthesecondPsalm,

Whydotheheathen(orGentiles)rage,andthepeoples(ornations)imagineavainthing?Thekings
oftheearthsetthemselves,andtherulerstakecounselagainsttheLord.YethaveIsetmykingupon
myholyhillofZion,where,fromtheverselastquoted,weseethattheconfederacyofthenationsis
againstthereignofJesus,Andthisalso,weareinformedintheRevelations,istheobjectoftheGreat
Confederacy. I saw the beast (Antichrist) and the kings of the earth, and their armies,
gatheredtogethertomakewaragainsthimthatsatonthehorse(whoisinverse13calledthe
WordofGod) andhisarmy.Andastheissueoftheconfederacyisdeclaredtobethatthenations
shallbebrokeninpieces,soisitassertedinthesecondPsalm, Thoushaltbreakthemwitharod
ofiron,thoushaltdashtheminpieceslikeapottersvessel.Sointhepassagequotedfromthe
Revelationsthesequelisthesame.Andthebeastwastakenandwithhimthefalseprophet...
Andthe [Page155]remnantwereslainwiththeswordofhimthatsatuponthehorse.Again,as
the camp of the Assyrian is here said to fill the breadth of Emmanuels land, so in the fourteenth
chapterofthisbookandthe25thverse,itisdeclared, IwillbreaktheAssyrianinmyland,and
upon my mountains tread him under foot. This is the purpose that is purposed upon the
wholeearth,andthisisthehandthatisstretchedoutonallthenations.

ItwasintheforesightofthisconfederacyoftheGentiles,andthecounselagainsttheLordJesus,that
theprophetwasinstructedbyGodtowarnthepeopleofIsraelagainstthefuturebandingtogetherof
thenations.Sayyenot,Aconfederacy,toalltowhomthispeopleshallsay,Aconfederacy:
neitherfearyetheirfear.(Antichrist,theobjectoftheirdread.)ButJehovahofhostslethim
beyourfear. Similar was Bishop Horsleys opinion on this passage, who adds, that included in
thesewordswasawarningagainsttheunionoftheheathenandscribesandpeopleagainstChrist.
And that they should not fear their fear, lest the Romans come and take away our place and
nation.Thisopinionisinentireaccordancewiththeformer,sincewearetoldbyinspiredauthority
thatthesecondPsalmreceivedacommencingfulfilmentinthebandingofHerodandPilateandthe
ScribesandPhariseeswiththepeopleagainstJesus.Iftheapplicationbecontinued,thepromisethat
heshouldbetothemforasanctuary,borereferencetothedestructionoftheworldlysanctuary,the
temple when men should no longer at Jerusalem worship the Father, but the raising up of another
insteadofit,eventhespiritualforyearethetempleofGod,ifsobetheSpiritofGoddwellin
you.YetasSimeoninthetempleforetold,thatthechildJesusshouldbesetforthefall,aswell
asthe risingagainofmanyinIsraelevensoisitherepredicted,thattheSaviourshouldbea
stoneofstumbling,andarockofoffencetoboththehousesofIsrael.Agreeablywiththis,
St.PeterdividesthehearersoftheGospelintotwoclassesUntoyouthereforewhichbelieveheis
preciousbut a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence even to them which stumble at the word
beingdisobedient,whereuntoalsotheywereappointed.AndSt.Paulmoreparticularlyappliesitto
the Jews, of whom it is primarily spoken. We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a [Page 156]
stumblingblock,andtotheGreeksfoolishness.Again,whereasitissaid,that manyamong
themshallstumble,andfall,andhebroken,andsnared,andtaken,itisdeclaredofAntichrist,
Andallthatdwellupontheearthshallworshiphim,whosenamesarenotwritteninthe
bookoflife: as also St. Paul, speaking of the same person under the title of themanofSin,
says, Wherefore also God shall send them strong delusion that they may believe a lie.
Coincidentlywiththisitiswritteninthenextverseofthischapter, Bindupthetestimony,and
sealthelawamongmydisciples. AsDanielalsowrites, Manyshallbepurifiedandmade
whiteandtried,butthewickedshalldowickedly,andnoneofthewickedshallunderstand,
but the wise shall understand. In such a state of affairs therefore, the Christian look for the
Saviour appearing as saith the apostle, to wait for his Son from heaven, for when these
thingsbegintocometopassheisnear,evenatthedoors.ThenextverseiscitedbySt.Paulin
theEpistletotheHebrews,2:13,toprovethatastheSaviourandthosewhomheredeemsareboth
sonsofthesameFather,thoughtheyaresoinaninferiorsensetothatinwhichheis,yetastheyare
sons, he is not ashamed to call them brethren. The words succeeding received their primary
fulfilment in the signs and wonders wrought by the early Christians in their miraculous healings,
speakingwithtongues,andothersimilarpowers.Buttheultimateaccomplishmentseemstointend
thattheLordwillmakehisreturnwithhissaintsmemorablewithsignsandwonders.

At this time we are moreover informed that men shall advise to seek counsel of them that have
familiar spirits and wizards. Even as Christ declared that false Christs and false prophets
shouldarise,anddogreatsignsandwonders,soastodeceive,ifitwerepossible,eventhe
veryelect.Inreferencetowhichtimeshegavehisdisciplesthiswarning,Whereforeiftheysay
unto you, Behold, he is in the desert, go not forth behold, he is in the secret chamber,
believeitnot.(Matt.24:26)Ratherthanbetakethemselvestothedelusivespiritsofevil,asdid
Saulinhisdespair,theyweretoconsultthelawandtheirtestimony,assaiththeapostle,Yehave
also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed until the day
dawn.

[Page157]
The concluding verses describe that period called by the Saviour and his Apostle John the Great
Tribulation,whichimmediatelyprecedethecomingoftheLord,whenthesunshallbedarkened,
andthemoonshallnotgiveherlight days, which, except they should be shortenedforthe
electssake,thereshouldnofleshbesaved. And in this time, it is prophesied, that the Jews
shallcurseChristtheirking,andtheGodoftheirfathers,andthereshallbedarknessintheheavens
and affliction upon the earth affliction, which shall not cease till they believe in Jesus as their
Messiah. Now that the effect of Gods last plagues shall be, that they shall curse, instead of
repenting, we are informed also by St. John, when, in the chapter which describes the seven last
plagues of the wrath of God, it is written, And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the
sun,andpowerwasgivenuntohimtoscorchmenwithfire.Andmenwerescorchedwith
greatheat,andblasphemedthenameofGod(theLordJesus,calledinIsaiah, theirKingand
theirGod,) whichhadpowerovertheseplagues,andtheyrepentednottogivehimglory.
(Rev.16:8,9.)Whymaynotthisbetakenliterally?Itis,Isuppose,inthepowerofGodtomake
thesunscorchaseasilyastomakehimshine.Again,ver.10,Andthefifthangelpouredouthis
vialupontheseatofthebeast,(wehaveseenalreadythattheAntichristandhisconfederacyis
describedinthischapter,thesucceedingversesinSt.Johndescribeit,) andhiskingdomwasfull
ofdarkness,andtheygnawedtheirtonguesforpain.Andblasphemedthe God of heaven
becauseoftheirpainsandtheirsores:andrepentednotoftheirdeeds.(Ver.10,11.)Again,
Andtherefelluponmenagreathailoutofheaven,(whynotliteral?)everystoneaboutthe
weight of a talent and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for the
plaguethereofwasexceedinggreat.(Ver.21.) YetonsomeoftheJews(andperhapsalsoof
theGentiles)theLordwillpourhisSpirit,andtheyshallbelieveonhimwhomtheyhavepierced
andmourn.AndthenshalltheSaviourreturnaccordingtohisimpliedpromise,Yeshallnotsee
mehenceforthtillyesay,BlessedishethatcomethinthenameoftheLord.And to this
impliedpromiseisaddedthewarningofhisspeedyapproach.ThiswillIperformveryspeedily,as
in[Page158]St.Johnnoticesofalikekindareseveraltimesgiven.Behold!Icomequickly.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER9

1ThelandofZabulon,andthelandofNaphthali,
Bywayofthesea,beyondJordan,GalileeoftheGentiles.
2Thepeoplewhichsatindarknesshaveseengreatlight,
Andtothemwhichsatintheregionandshadowofdeath
Lightissprungup.
3Thou,OCod,hastmultipliedthenation,andincreasedthejoy
Theyjoybeforetheeaccordingtothejoyinharvest,
Andasmenrejoicewhentheydividethespoil.
4Forthouhastbrokentheyoke,hisburthen
Andthestaffthatwasuponhisshoulder,
Therodoftheiroppressor,JEHOVAHhathbroken,
AsinthedayofMidian.
5*Foreverybattleofthewarrioriswithconfusednoise,
Andgarmentsrolledinblood,
Butthisshallbewithburningandfueloffire.
6Foruntousachildisborn,untousasonisgiven,
Andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder,
AndhisnameshallbecalledWonderful,Counsellor,
TheMightyGod,theFatherofthefutureage,the
PrinceofPeace.
7Mightyshallbehisdominion,andofhispeacenoend:
HeshallascenthethroneofDavid,andhiskingdom.
Toorderit,andestablishwithjudgment,
Andwithrighteousness,henceforthandforever.
ThezealoftheJEHOVAHofhostswillperformthis.

8JehovahhathsentaworduponJacob,
AndithathlighteduponIsrael
9Andallthenationshavebecomewicked,
Ephraim,andtheinhabitantsofSamaria,
Whosayintheirprideandloftinessofheart,
10Thebrickshavefallen,butcome,letushewstone:
Thesycamoresarecutdown,butwewillreplacethemwithcedars
Andwewillbuildourselvesatower.
11ThereforeGodshallsmiteonMountZionthosethatriseagainsthim,
AndatJerusalemshallhescatterhisenemies:
12TheSyriansontheeast,andtheGreeksonthewest,
ThatdevourIsraelwithopenmouth.
Forallthishisangerisnotturnedaway,

13Yetthispeoplereturnednottohimthatsmotethem.
AndJEHOVAHofhostshavetheynotsought.
14ThereroreshallJEHOVAHcutofffromIsrael
Theheadandthetail,thelittleandthegreat,inoneday.
15Theancientandvenerable,heisthehead
Andtheprophetthatteachethlies,heisthetail.
16Fortheythatflatterthispeopleshallbedeceivers,
Andtheyshalldeceive,thattheymayswallowthemup.
17ThereforeintheiryoungmenshallJEHOVAHhavenojoy,
Andontheirfatherlessandwidowsnopity.
Fortheyarealllawlessandevil,
Andeverymouthspeakethfalsity.
Forallthesethingshiswrathisnotturnedaway,

18Andwickednessshallbedevouredaswithfire
Andasdrygrassshallitbeconsumedbyflame
(Afire)shallbekindledinthethicketsoftheforest,
Andallthingsaroundthehillsshallbedevouredtogether.
19BythewrathofJEHOVAHofhostsisthewholelandburnt,
Andthepeopleshallbeasburnedbythefire,
Nomanshallhavepityonhisbrother.
20Butheshallsnatchontheright,yetbehungry,
Andeatontheleft,yetnotbefilled
Yea,amanshalleatthefleshofhischildren.
21ManassehshalldevourEphraim,
AndEphraimManasseh
AndtheytogethershallbesiegeJudah.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER9

The passage with which this chapter commences is quoted by St. Matt. 4: 16, as a prophecy of
Christs residence in Capernaum, a town situated on the borders of Zabulon and Naphtali, on the
westernsideofJordan,lyingonthecoastoftheseaofGennesaret,andsituatediiiGalilee,calledalso
GalileeoftheGentiles.*Nowitwasprophesiedthatthisregionespecially,shouldseeagreatlight,
and the town where Christ was to reside was definitely marked out, by all the conditions above
mentionedmeetinginCapernaum.

*GalileewascalledoftheGentilesbecauseinthispartforeignersweremoremixedwithnativeJewsthaninanyotherpart
of Judaea. This was in consequence of the captivity of Israel to Babylon, to supply whose place the Assyrian King sent
foreignersthither,whoeverafterremainedintheland.

Itisimportanttoremark,thatthoughprophecyisdeliveredabsolutely,withoutassigningthereason
whyitshallthustakeplace,yetwhenitisaccomplishingoraccomplished,itseemsmostnaturallyor
evennecessarilyaccomplishedinconsequenceofthestateofcircumstancesatthattime.Thusitwas
prophesiedoftheSaviour, OutofEgypthaveIcalledmySon.Thisisputabsolutely,andno
reasonwhyitshouldbesoisgiven.Yet,wheninthecourseofourLordssojournonearthitwas
accomplished,itwasinconsequenceofpressingnecessity,sothatunderthecircumstancesitwasthe
mostnaturalandbeststepthatcouldbetaken.Animperiouscrueltyrantwasabouttoslaughterthe
children of Bethlehem: it became necessary, therefore, that the Saviour should be removed to a
distancetosomeplaceofsecurity,andwhatlandwassosecurefromthepowerofHerodandsonear
tothesouthofJudaeaasEgypt?Hadtherebeennosuchnecessity,buthadJosephwhilethechild
was courted and honoured by all, been told to conduct him into Egypt, we could not have so
remarkablyperceivedtheexpediencyandbeautyanduseofprophecy.

Thesameremarkappliestothepresentinstance.Had [Page159]Jesus,afterdwellingatNazarethduring
thefirstthirtyyearsofhislife,suddenlyandwithoutanyfurtherreasonthanthathemightaccomplish
prophecy, left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, though we should have acknowledged the
predictionfulfilled,itwouldnothavestruckthemindwiththeforceandbeautywithwhichitnow
does, viewing it the just and righteous consequence of the Saviours rejection by the people of
Nazareth,andtheirdaringattempttocasthimheadlongdownthehillonwhichtheircitywasbuilt.
ButthisbehaviourclearlyobligedourLordtochangehisresidence,andhencetheaccomplishmentof
theprophecynaturallyfollowed.Norwereotherreasonswantingtoshowthatthiswasafitspotfor
thesojournoftheLord:(asGreswellhasshowninhissecondvolumeofDissertations:)thechief
ofwhichwas,itsnearnesstothelakeorseaofGennesaret,acrosswhichhecouldeasilypass,and
thusescapetheimportunitiesofthevastmultitudes,ortheobservationofhismalignantenemies,the
Pharisees.

ThewordsofTheodoretonthispassageareworthyofnotice: ZabulonandNaphtaliobtained
thatinheritance(thegreatlightmentionedinverse1).InthatregiontheLordwroughtthe
chiefofhismiraclestherehecleansedtheleperthereherestoredhealthtothecenturions
servant there he quenched the fever of Peters wifes mother: there he restored to life the
deceaseddaughterofJairustherehecalmedthewavesoftheseatherehemultipliedthe
loavestherehechangedthewaterintowine,whichwasthebeginningofallhismiracles,as
JohntheEvangelistteaches.

Butanothertopicopensuponusfromthispassage.Thequotation,asgivenbytheapostle,runsthus:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of
Zabulon and the land of Nephthalim, by way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the
Gentiles,thepeoplethatsatindarknesshaveseenagreatlightandtothemwhichsatinthe
region and shadow of death light is sprung up. But when we refer to the prophet Isaiah for
confirmationoftheabove,wefinditwritten,Neverthelessthedimnessshallnotbesuchaswas
in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted, the land of Zabulon and the land of
Naphtali, and after did more previously afflict her by the way of the sea, [Page 160] beyond
Jordan,inGalileeofthenations. What vexation? What dimness?Isthisthepassagetowhich
theEvangelistreferred?TheEvangelistspeaksnotofvexation,butofjoy,notofaffliction,butofa
greatblessing!Howisthis?DidtheEvangelistforgeaprophecyforIsaiah?forherearenotonlynot
thesamewords,butanoppositesense?Ianswer,whichismostprobable,thattheEvangelist,writing
byinspirationoftheSpiritoftruth,shouldhavefalsifiedthispassage,orthat theJewscorrupted
it?IfwesupposethattheOldTestament,aswenowhaveit,isabsolutelyperfect,anduncorruptedin
everypoint,whoshalldefendtheNewTestamentfromthechargeofforgery?Butifitbebeyondall
doubt,thattheJewshavewilfullycorruptedtheoraclesofGodinthosepassageswhichborehardest
ontheirunbelief,thenletusbyallmeansrestorethemastheywerequotedbytheSpiritthatwrote
them!Thismightbesaid,thoughwehadnofurtherevidencetoproducethanthefactthattheyare
thus quoted by the Evangelists. To Christians, who admit the inspiration of Holy Scripture, the
questionmustbedecidedatonce.Butthereisalsodocumentaryevidenceinalmosteverycase,to
provethiscorruption.It is so with the present passage.The Arabic begins this chapter with the
words, ThelandofZabulon,andthelandofNephtali,&c.,verynearlyinthesamewordsas
theEvangelist,anddiscoverstousthatthewordsdimnessandvexationdo,infact,belongtothe
formerchapter,thecloseofwhichpredicteddistressoftheseverestkind.

But to proceed. As Bishop Horsley observes, the first and second advent are here brought
togetherwhichremark,indeed,therewillbefrequentoccasiontorepeat,asitisthepracticeof
the Sacred Spirit so to blend them and this was partly the occasion of the blindness of the
Jews to the pretensions of Jesus since they did not separate, in their minds, the various
prophecies which spoke of the Messiah at one time, as humbled below the ordinary lot of
manandatanother,asvictoriousanddominantaboveallthekingsoftheearth.Butweknow
thattheLordsfirstcomingwastobethatofhishumiliationandweareassured,by
abundant passages, that the second advent is the time of his glory, and of that of his
people.Hencethetwofirstversesofthischapter,andthelighttheypredict,mayyet [Page 161]havea
furtheraccomplishment asitisclearthatthethirdhasyettobefulfilled.Itrepresentsthe
joyoftheJewishnation,comparedtothatof harvest,whichisthecontinualemblemofthe
ingatheringoftherighteousintothegarneroftheLord,at theconsummationofthisage
ordispensation,astheparableofthetaresandthewheatdeclares. Thatitwasnotfulfilled
atChristsfirstcomingisevident,fromthehistory.Therewas,indeed,apartialrejoicingat
Christs entry into Jerusalem, and their joy manifested itself in appropriate acts. But the fourth
verseintroducesasentimentwhichhadthennoaccomplishment. Thouhastbroken
the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. If we regard the Roman power as the
oppressor, (and what other was there?) there was no breaking of his yoke, much less a miraculous
vengeance, as in the day of Midian, when Gideon, with his lamps and trumpets, routed the host of
Israels enemies. But all this is prophesied of Christs return that an oppressor shall
ariseoverthechildrenofIsrael,thefalseMessiah,whomtheLordwilldestroybyhis
supernaturalpowerathiscomingandatthistheJewsshallrejoice,astheythatdivide
thespoil.Thoughthenextversebenotcertain,asthevariousreadingsinalltheversionstestify,yet
as given in the authorized translation, it carries on the true sense.This battle shall be, not only as
every battle of the warrior, with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood, but with
burningandfueloffire.AndeventhusdoestheScriptureinmanyapassagedeclare, The
Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them
that know not God. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence, a fire shall
devourbeforehim.(Ps.50:3.)

Again,theprophetreturnstothefirstadvent,anddiscoverstous,thathewhoshallaccomplishthis
shouldonedaybepresentedtomanintheformofachild,yetwiththemightytitlesthatdistinguish
him so far above all of mortal kind, that Jerome supposed the Greek interpreters were afraid to
translatethem.HerethedivineandhumannaturesofChristareseenunited.

Foruntousachildisborn,untousasonisgiven:
Andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder:
Andhisnameshallbecalled,Wonderful,Counsellor,
ThemightyGod,theFatherofthefutureage,the
Princeofpeace.

Christ'shumannatureisdescribedwhereheisspokenofasachild,andalsowherethegovernmentis
promised to him for only as Son of Man can this be said as God, he is coeternal in power and
authority with the Father. The angel that appeared to Manoah, who was doubtless the Lord Jesus
Christ,declaredhisnametobeSecret,thewordintheHebrewbeingthesameasinthisplace,and
signifying, Wonderful,aswellashidden.ThathisnameisalsoCounsellor,theeighthchapterof
Proverbs will instruct us, where the Lord Jesus describes himself under the title of the Wisdom or
Logos of the Father. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding, have
strength.(Ver.14.)TheLordpossessedmeinthebeginningofhisway,beforehisworks
ofold.Iwassetupfromeverlasting,fromthebeginning,orevertheearthwas.(Ver.22,
23.)Thatheisalso theMightyGod,variouspassagesofHolyWritdoplainlyassert. Thatwe
mayknowhimthatistrue,eveninhisSonJesusChrist.HeisthetrueGod,andeverlasting
life.(1John5:20.)

Thenexttitle,theFatherofthefutureagedescribesthekingdomoftheSonofMan,
thatperiodofblessednessofwhichtheprophetshavespokenfromthebeginning. Of
this future age or dispensation, our Lord spake when he answered the Sadducees
question, respecting the resurrection. The children of this AGE () marry, and are
given in marriage, but they which are accounted worthy to attain that AGE and the
resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage, neither can they die
anymore,butareequaluntotheangels.(Luke20:3436.)Andagain,in Heb.2:5:Unto
the angels hath he not put into subjection the world to come (the habitable earth in its
future state, ) but, as the apostle proceeds to show, from the eighth Psalm, this power and
governmentiscommittedtotheSonofMan,whois,accordingly,herestyled theFatherofthe
futureage,of theearthinitsfuturestateofbliss.Inconnexionwiththis,heiscalledalso
thePrinceofpeace.AndSt.Paulnoticesthisasoneofhistitles,wherehediscoverstous,that
Melchisedec was a type of the Son of God, first being by interpretation king of righteousness,
first being by interpretation king of righteousness, (Melech, in Hebrew, signifying king, and
Zedek, righteousness) and afterwards king of Salem, which is, King of peace. Thus it is with
Jesus,hisfirstadventmadehimkingofrighteousnessbyhisobservanceanddeath hissecond
adventshallrevealhimasPrinceofpeace.

Cananyseriouslyconsiderthatthepromisewhichaccompaniesthisannouncement,that he
shall ascend the throne of David, is fulfilled? Yet it was affirmed again and again by
God,andreechoedbytheangeltoMary: TheLordGodshallgivehimthethroneof
his father David. (Luke 1: 32.) Now, if Davids was not a spiritual throne if the throne of
Davidwerenotavisiblethrone,norathroneintheheavens,(and,weknow,oninspiredauthority,
that David is not (even) ascended into the heavens,) then must the throne here
specifiedbetheruleofChristinJerusalemoverthepeopleoftheJews,andfromthe
rivertotheendsoftheearth.(SeetheseventysecondandeightyninthPsalms)

FromtheeighthversetotheconclusionofthechapterisdescribedthewickednessofIsrael,andof
the Gentiles, in the last days, and the judgements of God that shall overtake them.The remark of
Procopiusuponthetenthverseisworthyofnotice.InsteadofthetemplewhichSolomonbuilt
(theywillsay),Letuserectatower,devisingaplansimilartotheattemptatCalno.For
theyalsosaid,Come,letusmakebricks,andburntheminthefire.Andagain,Come,let
usbuildourselvesacityandtower,whosetopmayreachuntoheaven.(Gen.11:3,4.)The
riseoffalseChristsandfalseprophetsisforetoldinthefifteenthverse,andtheflatteriesof
Antichristandhissubjectsinthesucceeding,wherebytheunbelievingoftheJewsshallbe
deceivedtotheirruin:forthisDeceiver,astheScripturesays,shalllayhishandsonsuch
as be at peace with him, and, breaking his covenant, shall destroy and carry captive
JerusalemandJudaea.

Followingwhich,afterthewilfulkinghasthuswroughtGodsvengeanceonIsraelfortheir
sins, the Lord himself shall appear to repay the wicked to their face with flaming fire
and wickedness shall be devoured as with fire, and as dry grass shall it be consumed by
flame.

Bythe20thverseseemstobedescribedthatdreadfultimeofgreattribulation,predictedtotheJews
inDeuteronomychap.28:4968,whereitisforetold[Page164]thatinthefamine,Thoushalteatthe
fruitofthineownbody,thefleshofthysons,andofthydaughters,whichtheLordthyGod
hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness wherewith thine enemies shall distress
thee.IamawarethatthisisgenerallyunderstoodofthesiegeofJerusalembytheRomans,andit
was doubtless partially accomplished then, but other passages, as, for instance, the sixtyfourth
verse, which foretells that they shall serve wood and stone in the countries whither they are
carriedcaptive,shouldleadustobelievethatthereisyetacompletionmoreterribleeventhan
thatoftheRomansiege.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER10

1Woeuntothemthatdecreeunrighteousdecrees,
Untothescribes,thatprescribeoppression.
2Thatturnasidethejudgementoftheneedy
Thatsnatchawaytherightofthepoorofmypeople
Thatthewidowmaybecometheirprey,
Andthattheymayrobthefatherless.
3Andwhatwillyedointhedayofvisitation?
Andinthedesolationthatshallcomefromafar?
Towhomwillyefleeforsuccour?
Andwherewillyeleaveyourglory?
4Thatyebenotcarriedintocaptivity,
Andthatyefallnotundertheslain?

5Ho!totheAsrian,therodofmineanger!
Andinwhosehandsisthestaffofmineindignation.
6AgainstalawlessnationwillIsendhim,
AndagainstthepeopleofmywrathwillIgivehimacharge,
Totakethespoil,andtogathertheprey:
Andtotreadunderfoottheircities,
Andtomakethemasthemireofthestreets.
7Howbeit,hemeanethnotso,
Neitherinhisheartdothhesopurpose:
Buttodestroyisinhisheart,
Andtocutoffnationsnotafew.
8Andiftheysayuntohim,ArtthounottheonlyKing?
9Heshallsay,IhavenottakenthecountryaboveBabylon,
AndCalno,wherethetowerwasbuilt,
ButIhavetakenArabia,andDamascus,andSamaria.
10AsIhavetakenthese,sowillItakeallkingdoms,
Howl,yegravenimagesinJerusalemandSamaria!
11ForasIhavedonetoSamariaandheridols,
SowillIdotoJerusalemalso,andtoherimages.
12Anditshallbe,thatwhenIJEHOVAH,haveperformed
thewholework,
UponMountZion,andJerusalem,
IwillpunishtheproudheartofthekingofAssyria,
Andtheloftinessofhishaughtyeyes,
13Forhehathsaid,BythestrengthofmyhandIhavedoneit,
Andbythewisdomofmyunderstanding
Iwilltakeawaytheboundariesofthenations,
AndtheirstrengthIwillspoil.
14AndIwillshakecitieswiththeirinhabitants,
AndthewholeworldwillIseizelikeanestinmyhand,
AndlikedesertedeggswillItakethem,
Andnoneshallescapeme,norcontradict
Noranyopenthebeakorchirp.
15Shalltheaxeboastitselfagainsthimthatheweththerewith?
Shallthesawmagnifyitselfagainsthimthatmovethit?
Orshallthestaffbeproudagainsthimwhohewethit?

16WhereforeJEHOVAHofhostsshallsend
Uponthyhonour,dishonour
Anduponthygloryaburningfireshallbekindled.
17AndthelightofIsraelshallbeafire,
AndhisHolyOneaburningflame
Anditshallconsumethebriersandthornsinthatday.
18Andthemountainsandthehillsandtheforests
Shallbeconsumed,andthefireshalldevourbothsoulandbody,
Andhethatfleethshallbeasonefleeingfromburningflame.
19Andtheremnantofthetreesofhisforestshallbefew,
Sothatachildshallnumberthem.

20Anditshallcometopass,inthatday,
ThatnolongertheremnantofIsrael,
AndtheescapedofthehouseofJacob,
Trustinhimthatsmotethem:
ButshalltrustinJEHOVAH
TheHolvOneofIsraelintruth.
21Theremnantshallreturn,theremnantofJacob,
UntothemightyGod
22ForthoughthenumberofthechildrenofIsraelbeasthesandofthesea,
Theremnant(only)shallbesaved:
23Forhewillfinishthework,andcutitshortinrighteousness,
BecauseashortworkwillJEHOVAHmakeupontheearth.

24ForthussaithJEHOVAHofhosts:
Fearnot,mypeople,thatdwellinZion,
BecauseoftheAssyrian,becauseheshallsmitetheewithastaff,
AndshallliftuphisrodagainsttheeafterthemannerofEgypt.
25Foryetalittlewhile,andmineangershallcease,
Andmineindignationagainsttheirdesigns.
26AndGodshallraiseupagainsthimascourge,
AccordingtotheslaughterofMidianattherockofOreb:
Andliketherodwhichheliftedupoverthesea,
HeshallliftitupinthewayofEgypt.
Thathisyokeshallberemovedfromthyshoulder,
Andhisfearshallbetakenawayfromthee
Andtheyokeshallbebrokenfromyourshoulders.

28ForheshallcometoAiath,heshallpassontoMegiddo:
AtMichmashheshalldeposithisbagerage.
29Heshallpassthestrait(ofMichniath)
Gebashallbehislodgingforthenight
FearshallseizeRamah,GibeahofSaulshallflee.
30Crywiththyvoice,0daughterofGallim!
Hearken,0Laishanswerher,0Anathoth.
31Madmenahisstupefied,andtheinhabitantsofGebimflee.
32Thereisyetdaylight,thathemaystayinNob,
HeshallshakehishandoverthemountofthedaughterofZion,
AndagainstthehillofJerusalem.

33BelioldJEHOVAH,theLordofhosts,
Shalltroublethemightywithstrength,
Andtheloftythatriseupagainsthimshallbebroken,
Andthehaughtyshallbehumbled.
34Andthethickforestshallbelaidlowwiththeaxe,
AndLebanon,withitsloftyones,shallfall.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER10
[Page164]

Thetenthchaptercontainsaclearprophecyofthegreatandwilfulking,ofDanielsvision,whois
hererepresentedasambitioustoextendhisswayoverallthenationsoftheworld,andsetbyGodfor
thepurposeofavengingthewickednessoftheworld,andespeciallyofhispeopletheJews.

Theyareheredescribedasreturnedtotheirownland,butstillavariciousandunjust,forwhichsins
theyareagaintobecarriedcaptive,andto fallundertheslain.ForthiscauseJehovahcallsto
the Assyrian to execute his wrath, togathertheprey,andtreadunderfoottheircities.Not
thatitishisdesigntofulfilthepurposesofGodfarfromit,hisownlustofpowerandofbloodshall
leadhimon.SowasitofoldwithPharaohsowithHerodandPontiusPilate,theGentiles,and
thepeopleofIsrael, theyweregatheredtogether,bytheirownevilpassions,andwiththeir
own fruitless purposes, to do, says the Evangelist, whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel
determinedbeforetobedone.WhichremarkssolveafancieddifficultyproposedbyArminians,
how God can punish those who have all along been fulfilling his will? To which the answer is
readyitistheintentionthatmakestheactgoodorevil,andtheintentionofthewickedistoplease
themselves,andtoopposeGod.Trueitisthatalltheirdeedsanddesignsshallfurtherhiswillbutno
thanksareduetothem.Suchanissuewasthefarthestfromtheirthoughtsanddesires.

The same announcement is made in other words by Daniel, respecting the Wilful King: And the
kingshall [Page 165]doaccordingtohiswill,andheshallexalthimselfandshallprosperuntil
theindignationbeaccomplished:forthatthatisdeterminedshallbedone. (Dan. 11: 36.)
Another point of resemblance between the two pictures is, that of Isaiahs king it is said, that to
destroyisinhisheartandtocutoffnationsnotafew.Coincidentlywereadin Danielverse
44,that tidingsoutoftheeastandoutofthenorthshalltroublehimthereforeheshallgo
forthwithgreatfurytodestroyandutterlytomakeawaymany!

Attheconcludingclauseofversetenth,God,Iapprehend,beginstospeak,

Howl,yegravenimages,inJerusalemandSamaria
For,asIhavedonetoJerusalemandheridols,
SowillIdotoJerusalemalso,andherimages.

AndaftertheAssyrianhasthusaccomplishedthewrathofJehovah,hehimselfalsoshallbepunished
forhispride.Of which pride a specimen is given us in the 13th verse: By the strength of my
handhaveIdoneit,andbythewisdomofmyunderstanding. Inthesamestrainhedeclares
hisambitiouspurposeofsubduingthewholeworld.Hisflatterers,astonishedathisprowess,callhim
theonlysovereign,but,asEusebiusobserves,hereplies,thatsolongasanykingdomsremain
uncaptured, he will not so consider himself. The case with which he expects to perform it, is
comparedtoamanseizinganestwhentheparentbirdisdeparted,abeautiful,original,andhighly
expressive image.* The whole picture strongly resembles the ambitious and boastful message of
SennacheribtoHezekiah: Behold,thouhastheardwhatthekingsofAssyriahavedonetoall
lands,bydestroyingthemutterly,andshaltthoubedelivered?Havethegodsofthenations
deliveredthemwhichmyfathershavedestroyed,asGozanandHaran,andthechildrenof
Eden, which dwelt in Telassar? As, then, in his boasting, ambition, and blasphemy, he shall
resembleSennacheribsoshallhe,intheendofhispride,andthemightyslaughterofhishost,slain
notbythepowerofman,butbythevengeanceoftheSavioursreturn.Moreover, as Sennacherib
was rebuked of Jehovah, because of his boasting that by the multitude of his chariots he had
comeuptotheheight[Page168]ofthemountain,andthatwiththesoleofhisfeethehaddriedup
alltheriversofthebesiegedplacesastheLordbidshimknow,that HEhaddoneit,that
HEhadbroughtittopass,inordertodesolatethenationsintheirstrongholds,andthedwellersin
fencedcities,sodoeshescornfullyreprovetheWilfulKing,

Shalltheaxeboastitselfagainsthimthatheweththerewith?
Shallthesawmagnifyitselfagainsthimthatmovethit?

Dostthou,onlytheinstrumentofmyanger,fancythatthouarttheprimemover?

Wherefore(forthisthypride)JEHOVAHshallsend
Uponthinehonourdishonour,
Anduponthygloryaburningfireshallbekindled.

* Inanoteonver.23,Eusebinssays,thisishisboastingstyle,whoiscalledAntichrist.BishopHorsleyalsoconsiders
thatthischapterreferstohim.

ThusisitalsowritteninDaniel,ofthe littlehorn,whomallcommentatorsagreeinregardingas
identicalwithAntichrist,ortheWilfulKing. Ibeheld,then,becauseofthevoiceofthegreat
words(ofprideandblasphemy,ver.25) whichthehornspakeIbeheldeventillthebeastwas
slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. And the time of this his
destructionisalsothetimeoftheSaviourscoming,asisevidentfromthenextwords:

AndthelightofIsraelshallbeafire,
AndhisHolyOneaburningflame...
Andthefireshalldevourbothsoulandbody,
Andhethatfleethshallbeasonefleeingfromburningflame.

Moreover,thesequelprovesthejustnessofthisconclusionfortheremnantofIsraelshallnomore
trustinhimthatsmotethem(i.e.,Antichrist,asremarkedabove),butshalltrustintheHolyOneof
Israelintruth.

This inference is further confirmed by the 22nd and 23rd verses, which are quoted by St. Paul in
Romans 9: 27, 28, who there applies them to the small elect remnant that shall be saved out of
Israel,thoughitsnumbersbeasthesandofthesea,andatthetimewhenGodshallfinishthe
work,andcutitshortinrighteousness,evenwhenJehovahshallmakeashortwork upon
theearth,whichseemsevidentlytorefertothattimeoftroubleofwhichChristsaid,thatexcept
thosedaysshouldbeshortened,[Page167] thereshouldnofleshbesaved,butfortheelectssake
thosedaysshallbeshortened.

Forthesakeofthiselectremnanttheprophetproceedstospeakwordsofcomfort.Trueitis,thatthe
Assyrianmustcomeandsmitewitharodbut,yetalittlewhile,andGodsangershallcease.For
whenhistimeshallcome,GodshalldestroyhimashedestroyedPharaohandhishostbytheuplifting
oftherodofMosesoverthesea,whenthewaters,beforesuspendedlikewallsoneitherside,rolled
downupontheencircledbraveryoftheEgyptianandhisforces.Itshallalso,belikethedestruction
oftheMidianites,recordedinthe7thand8thofJudges,whenGideon,withhisfewfollowers,routed
theinvadersofIsrael, theMidianitesandtheAmalekites,andallthechildrenoftheeastthat
layalonginthevalleylikegrasshoppersformultitude.

Atthe 28thversebeginsthespiriteddescriptionofthatgreatinvasionofJudaeabyAntichrist,when
theSaviourcounselsallthemthatareinJudaea,tofleetothemountainsatonce,withoutlooking
back, lest they perish, like Lots wife, being overtaken by his speedy march. The celerity of his
movementisbeautifullyshownbytheperturbationofsomanycities.Itisimpliedbythenamesof
the cities mentioned, that the invaders march will be directed from the north, and that part of his
army would be detached to the westward of it, in order to surround it, and cut off escape. The
places here mentioned, says Lowth, are all in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem from Ai
northward, to Nob westward of it. Anathoth was within three Roman miles of Jerusalem,
accordingtoEusebius,Jerome,andJosephus.Nobprobablystillnearer.

Yetinspiteofthishisresistlessattack,whentheindignationshallbeaccomplished,theLordhimself
shalldescendfromheaventosmitethemighty,andthehaughtyshallbehumbledtothedust.


***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER11

1ButthereshallcomefortharodoutofthestemofJesse,
Andabranchshallcomeupoutofhisroots.
2AndtheSpiritofJEHOVAHshallrestuponhim
Thespiritofwisdomandunderstanding
Thespiritofcounselandmight
Thespiritofknowleandpiety.
3AndthespiritofthefearofJEHOVAHshallfillhim
Notaccordingtothesightofhiseyesshallhejudge,
Notaccordingtothehearingofhisearsshallhereprove:
4Butheshalljudgejudgementforthepoor,
Andreprovewithequityforthemeekoftheearth
Andheshallsmitetheearthwiththeblastofhismouth,
AndwiththebreathofhislipsshallheslaytheWickedOne.
5Andrighteousnessshallbethegirdleofhisloins,
Andfaithfulnessthecinctureofhisreins.
6Andthewolfshallfeedwiththelamb,
Andtheleopardliedownwiththekid
Andthecalf,andthelion,andthefatlingshallfeedtogether
Andalittlechildshallleadthem.
7Andthecowandthebearshallfeedtogether:
Theiryoungonesshallliedowntogether
Andthelionshalleatstrawliketheox.
8Andthesuckingchildshallplayontheholeoftheasp,
Andtheweanedchildshallputhishandonthecockatriceden.
9Theyshallnothurt,nordestroy,
Uponmyholymountain:
FortheearthshallbefilledwiththeknowledgeofJEHOVAH,
Asthemightywaterscoverthesea.
ThereshallbetherootofJesse
AndhethatshallrisetoreignovertheGentiles,
InhimshalltheGentilestrust,
Andhisrestshallbeglorious.

11Anditshallcometopassinthatinthatday,
ThatJEHOVAHshallmanifesthishandthesecondtime,
Torecovertheremnantofhispeoplethatareleft,
FromAssyriaandfromEgypt,
AndfromPathros,andfromEthiopia,
AndfromElam,andfromtheShinar,
AndfromArabia,andfromtheregionsofthewest.
12AndheshallliftupastandardfortheGentiles,
AndshallassembletheoutcastsofIsrael,.
AndgatherthedispersedofJudahfromthefourcornersoftheearth.
13TheenvyalsoofEphraimshalldepart,
AndtheadversariesofJudahshallbecutoff:
EphraimshallnotenvyJudah,
AndJudahshallnotvexEphraim.
14Buttheyshallflyintheshipsofstrangersoverthesea,
Togethershalltheyspoilthesonsoftheeast:
UponEdomandMoabshalltheyfirstlaytheirhands,
ButthechildrenofAmmonshallfirstobeythem.
15AndJEHOVAHshalldryupthetongueoftheEgyptiansea.
Andwithamightywindshallhelayhishandontheriver,
Andshallsmiteitintosevenstreams,
Sothatmenshallpassitdryshod.
16Andthereshallbeanhighway
FortheremnantofmypeoplefromAssyria
AnditshallhappenuntoIsrael
AsinthedaywhenhecameupoutofthelandofEgypt.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER11
[Page167]

Nordoesthesubjectceaseinthelastchapter.AfterthedestructionofAntichrist,theprophetbeholds
theriseoftheChrist,expressivelydescribedasarodfromthestemorratherstumpofJesse.For,as
Bishop Horsley observes, the word made use of signifies the stump of a tree [Page 168] after being cut
downanemblemexactlyfulfilledbythecuttingoffofDavidslinefromthethroneofJudah,andthe
apparentdestructionandrealpovertyofhisfamilyatthetimewhentheSaviourwastoappear.In
thispassage,again,thefirstandsecondappearancesoftheLordJesusareblended:forapartofthis
was fulfilled in the days of his sojourn on earth at the first. How emphatically true was it, The
Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him! This was the very sign given to John the Baptist by
express revelation, He that sent me to baptize, with water, the same said unto me, Upon
whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he which
baptizethwiththeHolyGhost. AndJohn barerecord,saying,IsawtheSpiritdescending
fromheavenlikeadove,anditabodeonhim.(John1:32,33.)TheSpiritwasbestowedupon
himwithoutmeasureinallhisvariedgifts.Andhowtruewasitthathejudgednotafterthesightof
hiseyes!Had he done so, he had been deceived by the fair appearances of the Pharisees, to think
them,ashisnationbelievedthem,prodigiesofsanctity.ButwefindfromtheGospelsthathejudged
fromreadingthethoughtsoftheirhearts.Hadhedecidedfromappearance,hebeendeceivedbythe
fairpromiseswithwhichhisministrycommencedbut,itiswritten,thatthoughmany,believedin
hisname,whentheysawthemiracleswhichhedid,yetJesusdidnotcommithimselfunto
them,becauseheknewallmen,Andneedednotthatanyshouldtestifyofman:forheknew
whatwasinman.Thathedidnotjudgeafterthehearingofhisears,amemorableinstanceis
offeredwhenthePharisees watchedhimandsentforthspies,whichshouldfeignthemselves
justmen,thattheymighttakeholdofhiswords,thatsotheymightdeliverhimtothepower
and authority of the governor. And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou
sayestandteachestrightly,neitheracceptestthepersonofany,butteachestthewayofGod
truly:IsitlawfulforustogivetributeuntoCaesar?Butheperceivedtheircraftiness,and
said unto them, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? (Luke 20: 120, 21.) Had he judged
accordingtothehearingofhisears,hewouldhavereceivedthisflatteryasrealpraise.Thusfar,then,
wasthisprophecyaccomplishedathisfirstsojournonearth.

Butthesucceedingwordscanonlyrefertothesecond [Page169]presence()onearth.Atthefirst,he
camenottojudgetheworld,buttosavetheworld:butthenheshallreprovewithequity
forthemeekoftheearth,andwiththebreathofhislipsshallheslaytheWickedOne.

Here is a declaration of Christs giving salvation to the remnant of his people that shall escape the
persecutionofAntichrist,whoisherementionedunderthesametitlethatSt.Pauluses, Andthen
shall that Wicked (One) be revealed. It is scarcely necessary to prove that the word poor
betokens the people of the Lord, as it so often occurs in the Psalms in this sense, and especially
denotes them in their last scattered and persecuted state. That the coming of Christ is for the
deliveranceofthese,manyversesofthePsalmsassert,as Psalm12:35, TheLordshallcutoff
allflatteringlips,andthetonguethatspeakethproudthings(ofwhomthisisspokenhasalready
beennoticed):Whohavesaid,Withourtongueswillweprevailourlipsareourown:whois
Lordoverus?Fortheoppressionofthepoor,forthesighingoftheneedy,nowwillIarise,
saiththeLordIwillsethiminsafetyfromhimthatpuffethathim.

Noristheideanovel,thatbecausethewordwickedisinthesingularnumber,italludestotheMan
of Sin. The Chaldee and many Jews, says Dodson, suppose their last cruel enemy to be
intended,whomtheycallArmillus.Butthereisaproofmuchstrongerthanthis,arisingfromSt.
Paulswords,whichseemtakenfromthepassagebeforeus.For,speakingofthatWickedOne,he
,says, Whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and destroy with the
brightnessofhiscoming.(2Thess.2:8.)

ItneedsnocommenttoshowthatperfectjusticeshallsignalizetheLordsadvent,asthe 5thverse
announcestous.Butthe 6thhasgivenoccasiontomuchdoubt.Jerome,whodenouncestheliteral
meaning, and finds a figurative interpretation wherever he can, yet confesses that the majority of
Christiansofhisdayreceivedthispassageliterally,

Thewolfshallliedownwiththelamb,
Andtheleopardliedownwiththekid.

Thesethings,sayshe,theJewsandourJudaizers(i.e.theMillenarians)contendwilltake
placeliterally,thatatthesplendourofChristsappearance,who,theythink,[Page170]willcome
intheendoftheworld,allthebeastswillbereducedtotameness,andthatlayingasidetheir
ancientferocity,thewolfandthelambwillfeedtogether,andtheotheranimalswiththose
others which we now see to be contrary to them. His arguments against the Millenarians,
whomhethusscornfullycallsJudaizers,havebeensatisfactorilymetbyGreswell,inhisworkon
theParables.But,thattheseversesarenotfigurative,Iconceive,followseasilyonouradmittingthe
principlethatwearenottorejecttheliteralsense,unlessitleadsustoanabsurdity.Buthereisno
absurditynonecessityfortakingthewordsfiguratively. Nordoesitaccordeitherwiththe
Old Testament or with the New to regard it as figurative. For the prophecies that have
preceded,andthosethatfollow,joinindeclaring,thatattheSavioursreturn,allthewickedshallbe
judged and removed from the earth: therefore it cannot signify the harmonious intercourse of the
wicked with the righteous. Neither again shall the wicked be found upon the earth, because a
succeedingverseannounces,that theearthshallbefilledwiththeknowledgeofJehovah,
asthemightywaterscoverthesea, evenly,uninterruptedly,universally.To the same
truth theNewTestamentrespondsfortheRedeemerdeclares,thatattheharvest, the
end of the age, the Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and shall gather out of his
kingdomallthingsthatoffend,andthemthatdoiniquity,andshallcastthemintoafurnace
offire:thereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth.Butstillfurther theNewTestament
declares,thattheLordJesusshallremaininheaventillthetimesofrestitutionofall
things which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets which have heen
sincetheworldbegan.Coincidently,therefore,withthereturnofJesus,therewillbe
arestitutionorrestorationofallthings.Butarestorationsupposesapriorstateof
things to which return is made. And what can that state be, but the condition of
Paradisiacalinnocence?Atthattime,(withdeferencetothegeologistsbeitspoken!)
before the curse, there was no death, either amongst animals or men nor had the
fierceandvoraciousinstinctsofanimalsbeenexcitedorimplantedbytheMostHigh.
Tothatstate,then,thereshallbeareturn.Butwhatshallbethefoodofthebeastsofprey? The
lion shall eat straw like the ox. But his stomach is not capacitated for such food! It is
written.IsheaChristianwhocannotbelievethatwhattheCreatorwillstodohehas
powertoeffect?Andasthereisnohappinesswhilethereissin,soattherestorationofpeaceshall
be a destruction of sin by the outpouring of holiness. The earth shall be filled with the
knowledge of the Lord, and that shall take place, not by the means now in use (though it is
perfectlyrighttomakeuseofeverymeans),butbecause,assaidtheLordbyJoel,Itshallcome
topassafterwards,thatIwillpouroutmySpirituponallflesh.

Now the Sacred Spirit bloweth where he listeth: his gracious rain falls but here and there: then it
shallbeuniversaluponallflesh.

Anditshallcometopassinthatday,
ThatthereshallbearootofJesse,
AndhethatshallrisetoreignovertheGentiles,
InhimshalltheGentilestrust.

HeretheSaviourispromisedas arulernotonlytotheJewsbuttotheGentilesalso,assaith
Paul,whoquotesthisversein Romans15:12,whereheobserves,thatthoughJesusChristwasa
ministertotheJewsespecially, toconfirmthepromisesmadetothefathers,yetitwasalso
intended that the Gentiles should glorify God for his mercy, according to the tenour of
variouspassageswhichexpresslypredictsuchathing.Thus,also,inthesecondPsalmitiswritten,
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen (Gentiles, LXX.) for thine
inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession. And thus all the
promise to Abraham be fulfilled, In thy seed (which says the apostle, is Christ,) shall
ALLTHENATIONSOFTHEEARTHBEBLESSED.TheverseofIsaiahjustquoted, is
anotherofthetextscorruptedintheHebrew,butcorrectintheSeptuagint.

Atthe11thversebeginsthepromiseoftherestorationofIsraeltotheirownland.TheLordsreturn
shall be the signal for that of his people also from the various countries into which they shall be
scatteredattheirlastdispersion.Jeromeremarks,withhisusualnoteofdisapprobation,thatitwas
the opinion of the majority of Christians of his day, that this should take place at the end of the
world,whenthefulnessoftheGentilesiscomein.

The means of return shall be afforded by the eagerness [Page 172] of the Gentiles: as formerly in their
departure from Egypt, the Egyptians, seeing the signs and wonders God wrought on their behalf,
lent,orrathergave,themsuchthingsastheyrequiredsoatthistime,theGentilesshallbringto
Palestine,inthevariousmodesdescribedinthelastchapterofIsaiah,thesonsofJacob,asanoffering
totheLord.AndhenceforththeenmitybetweenthetwokingdomsofJudahandIsraelshallcease
theyshallbenomoretwo,butonepeople,aswassignifiedtoEzekielwhowasdirectedtotaketwo
sticks,andcuttingtheminhalf,touniteonehalfofeach,whichshouldbecomereallyonestickinhis
hand,thoroughlycoheringthroughout. Sayuntothem,Behold,IwilltakethestickofJoseph
whichisinthehandofEphraim,andthetribesofIsraelhisfellows,andwillputthemwith
him,evenwiththestickofJudah,andmakethemonestick,andtheyshallbeonein
mine hand. And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of
Israel,andonekingshallbekingtothemall.(Ezek.37:19,22.)

Thisreturnintotheirlandshallbemoresignalizedbywondersthantheirfirstpassageintoitforat
theirfirstleavingofEgypt,theRedSeawascleftfortheirpassage:butattheirfinalreturn,thetongue
oftheEgyptianSea,(inmoderngeographytheArabianGulf,)shallbepermanentlydriedup.Andthe
LordshallalsodividetheriverEuphratesintosevenchannels,thatitmaybeeasilyfordablebyhis
people.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER12

1Andinthatdaythoushaltsay,
Iwillgivethanksuntothee,OJEHOVAH!
Thoughthouwastangrywithme.
Andthouhastcompassiononme.
2Behold,Godismysalvation
Iwilltrustinhim,andnotbeafraid.
ForJehovahismystrengthandmysong,
AndhehathbecomemySaviour.
3Thereforewithjoyshallyedrawwaterfromthewellsofsalvation.
4Andthoushaltsayinthatday,
PraiseyeJEHOVAH,calluponhisname
DeclarehisgloriousdoingsamongtheGentiles
Makementionthathisnameisexalted,
5SinguntoJEHOVAHSname:forhehathdonemightythings:
Publishthisinalltheearth
Rejoiceandshoutforjoy,yeinhabitantsofZion,
ForexaltedistheHolyOneofIsraelinthemidstofthee.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER12

Thesubjectisstillcarriedon.Inthatdaythoushaltsay.Hence,asBishopHorsleyobserves.it
is a song for the Jewish Church (though not for them alone, but for the risen saints also) after the
destructionofAntichrist.AfterfirstmentioningGodswrathagainsthispeople,pouredoutonthem
duringtheGreatTribulation,theChurchofferspraiseforChristsmerciesreturnedtothem. With
joyshallyedrawwateroutofthewellsofsalvation.TheJewshadaremarkablecustomwhich
theyreferredtothisverse.OnthelastdayoftheFeastofTabernaclestheydrewwaterfromagolden
pitcheratthefountainofShiloh,andbringingitintothetemple,mixeditwithwineandpourediton
thesac[Page173]onthealtar. ThisceremonyourLordappliedtohimself. Inthelastday,that
great day of the Feast (of Tabernacles) Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let
himcomeuntome,anddrink. AndJeromeremarks,that itmightbetranslated,outof
thefountainsofJesus,becausetheHebrewwordforsalvationisJoshua,orinGreek,
Jesus.

This chapter the Jews understand of the times of the Messiah. The great deeds here
mentioned are his last triumph over the Apostates of the last days. And these being
destroyed,Zionisnowcalledontorejoice,becausegreatistheHolyOneofIsrael inthe
midstofthee.SwearnotbyJerusalemforitisthecityofthe,GreatKing.


***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER13

1 THE VISION AGAINST BABYLON WHICH ISAIAH THE SON OF AMOS

SAW.

2Uponamountainoftheplainliftupabanner,
Exaltthevoiceuntothem(fearnot)
Beckonwiththehandopenthegates,yerulers!
3Ihavecommanded:theyaresetapart:
Ihavecalledthemthegiantscometofulfilmywrath,
Exultingandinsultingtogether.
4Thenoiseofamultitudeonthemountains,asofmanynations
Asoundofthetumultofkingdoms,andnationsgatheredtogether!
JEHOVAHofhostshathcommandedawarriornation
5Tocomefromacountryafar,fromtheendofheaven,
JEHOVAH,andtheweaponsofhiswrath,todestroythewholeearth.
6Howlye,forthedayofJEHOVAHisnigh,
AnddestructionfromtheAlmightyshallcome
7Forthiscauseallhandsshallfaint
8Andeverymansheartshallmeltandtheyshallbeterrified
Pangsandsorrowsshallseizethem,asofawomanintravail,
Theyshallbeamazedoneatanother.
Theircountenancesshallchangelikeflames.
9Forbehold,thedayOfJEHOVAHcometh.
Inexorablewithwrathandindignation,
Tolaytheworlddesolate,
Andtodestroythesinnersoutofit.
10Forthestarsofheaven,andtheconstellationsthereof,
Shallnotgivetheirlight.,
Thesunshallbedarkenedinhisgoingforth,
Andthemoonshallnotcauseherlighttoshine.
11And1willpunishtheworldfortheirevil,
Andthewickedfortheiriniquity
AndIwilldestroythearrogancyoftheproud,
Andlaylowthehaughtinessoftheterrible.
12Andtheremnantofmenshallbemorepreciousthangold,
Evenaman,thanthegoldenwedgeofOphir.
13Fortheheavenshallbeshaken,
Andtheearthremovedfromherfoundations:
ThroughtheangerofJEHOVAHofhosts
Inthedaywhenhiswrathisaccomplished.
14Andtheremnantshallbeasthechasedroe,
Andasthewanderingsheep,andthereshallbenonetogatherthem.
Sothatamanshallreturntohisownpeople
Andshallfleeeveryoneintohisownland.
15Forwhosoeveristaken,shallbethrustthrough
Andtheythataremarshalled,shallfallbythesword.
16Theirchildrenalsoshallbedashedinpiecesbeforetheireyes:
Theirhousesshallbespoiled,andtheirwivesravished.
17Behold,IstirupagainstthemtheMedes:
Whoshallnotregardsilver,
Andgold,theyshallnotdelightin.
18Thebowsoftheyoungmentheyshallbreak,
Theirchildrentheyshallnotpity:
Northeireyehavecompassiononthebabe.
19AndBabylon,thegloryofkingdoms,
ThebeautyoftheChaldeesexcellency,
ShallbeaswhenGodoverthrewSodomandGomorrah.
20Itshallnotbeinhabitedforever.
NordweltIfromgenerationtogeneration:
NeithershalltheArabianpitchtentthere,
Norshalltheshepherdsmaketheirfoldtherein,
21Butwildbeastsofthedesertshallliethere,
Andtheirhousesshallbefullofhowlings:
Andthereshallthedaughtersoftheostrichdwell,
Anddemonsshalldancethere:
22Andwolvesshallhowlonetoanotherintheirpalaces,
Andporcupinesintheirhousesofluxury.
Alsohertimeisneartocome,
Andherdaysshallnotbeprolonged.

***

EXPOSITION


CHAPTER13
[Page173]

Withthethirteenthchapteranewsubjectbegins.AvisionofIsaiahagainstBabylon.

What is meant by the mountain of the plain is difficult to say. It appears to refer to some
mountainintheneighbourhoodofBabylon, the whole country adjacent to which is one vast desert
plain.On this God gives command that his ensign is to be exalted, as a signal to his army to take
revengeonBabylon, not here the literal, because that has now been destroyed, but on the mystical
BabylonofSt.John.Theensignlifted,thevoiceofcommandisgiventothearmyofwrathtocome
forth:andthereisabeckoningwiththehand,stillfurthertoenforceit.Acommandisgiventosome
leadersorrulerstoopenbutwhoaretheleaders,andwhatistobeopened?Theanswer,Ifear,will
startlemanyyettheinterpretationisfromtheScriptures.Iftherebeanymeaninginmanypassages
of the Word of God, they certainly declare that in the latter days, when the wickedness of man is
cometothefull,seducingspirits,devils,uncleanspirits,shallbeletlooseamongstmen,as
theywereinthetimes ofPharaoh,whichwearetoldwereatypeofthesetimes.He cast
upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, indignation, and trouble, by sending evil
angelsamongthem.So was it also, as I cannot but believe, at the flood, and that the Sons of
Godwereangels,thatraisedthetideofwickednesstofearfulheightbeforethatdreadfuldesolation
oftheflood,(towhichthecoming [Page174]oftheSonofManiscompared,)felluponthewholeworld.
Butforfurtherobservationsonthispoint,seetheDissertationontheRephaim,orGiants!

If this be granted, then the answer to the question, Who are these thus addressed, and what is that
whichisopened?willbelessincredible.Forthereply,then,letusturntoRev.9:1,Andthefifth
angelsounded,and1sawastarfallfromheavenuntotheearthandtohimwasgiventhe
keyofthebottomlesspit.Bythestarwecannotunderstandaliteralstar,becauseitisadded, to
himwasgiventhekeyofthebottomlesspit.Thisstarthusfallingfromheaventotheearthis,it
wouldseem,Satan,whoshallbecastoutofheavenwhen Michaelstandsupforthechildrenof
thepeopleoftheJews.Thatthiswarisliteralandfuture,seeBurghontheRevelation.Thusthen,
tohimandhisangelsisgivenachargetoopenthebottomlesspit. Open,yeprinces.Andhe
openedthebottomlesspitandtherearoseasmokeoutofthepitandthesunandairwere
darkenedbyreasonofthesmokeofthepit.Andtherecameoutofthesmokelocustsupon
theearth.Anditwascommandedthemthattheyshouldhurt onlythosemenwhohave
notthesealofGodintheirforeheads.InIsaiahthesearerepresentedasgiants:andinsteadof
the agency of Satan in loosing them, which is remarked in Revelation, we are directed to the all
ordainingwordofJehovahinthisplaceastheMightyOne,fromwhomthedesignofwrathoriginally
proceeds,andofwhichSatanisbuttheinstrument.

Ihavecommanded:theyaresetapart:
AndIbringthemthegiantscometofulfilmywrath,
Exultingandinsultingtogether.

ThepassagequotedfromRevelation,mentionstheseas locusts:therebyreferringusto Joel1:1,

wherethesameevilspiritsareinlikemannerdescribedaslocusts.Hearyethis,yeoldmen,and
giveear,allyeinhabitantsoftheland(oroftheearth),Haththisbeeninyourdays,oreven
in the days of your fathers? That which the palmerworm hath left hath the LOCUST
eaten. Thatthisisnotaliterallocust,weareledtosuppose,bothfromthequestion,whetherthey
ortheirfathershadeverheardofsuchathing?whichwouldnotbetrueoftheliterallocust,andalso
fromthesucceedingdescription. Foranationiscomeupuponmyland,strong,andwithout
number, [Page 175] whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, (agreeing with the description in Revelation,)
andhehaththecheekteethofagreatlion.Inthesecondchapterthisdescriptioniscontinued,
and the introduction is so very similar to that of the chapter of Isaiah now before its, that it would
perhapsleadtothebeliefthatthe mountainoftheplainofIsaiahmaybeZion,asitexpresslyis
mentioned in this chapter of Joel. Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my
holy mountain let all the inhabitants of the land (earth) tremble. Then, as in the
Revelationsitissaid,thatthesunandairweredarkenedbythesmokeofthebottomlesspit,sohere
itisadded,Aday,ofdarknessandofglominess,adayofcloudsandthickdarkness,asthe
morningspreaduponthemountains.ButtoreturntoIsaiah.Thattheopinionhereexpressedis
not a novel conceit, but a revival of the old belief, may perhaps appear from the comment of
Eusebiusuponthewords, Open,yerulers. Isthis,sayshe, thatabyssofwhichitissaid
Yedragonsandalldeeps.Therefore,also,thedemonsbesoughttheSaviourthathewould
notsendthemthither,knowingthattherewasatimewhentheymustenterit. Again, he,
remarks on the words, Giants come, exulting and insulting together: Thus he calls those
avenging Powers by whom his anger and revenge should be executed on the impious.
ConfirmatoryistheopinionofProcopius. Bygiants,itisprobablethatwearetounderstand
those whom David (Psalm 78: 49) calls evil angels, who, from their cruelty, rejoice at
seeinguspunished,andregardourmiseryastheirenjoyment,whobehavewithinsolence,
thoughtheycaneffectonlywhatGodpermits.Thecommand,toliftupthestandardona
mountain of the plain, the prophet put forth as in the person of God, who commands the
angelsabouthimtoopenthecloseddoors,andtosendforth,exhort,andhastenthosewithin
tovengeanceontheungodly.Inwhichwordsitisprobablethatsomeregion,appropriated
tohostilePowersastheirprison,issignified.Andmaynotthisbethatabyss,whichisfilled
with dragons, as it is said, Ye dragons, and all abysses, (Psalm 148: 7,) whereunto the
demonsexhortedtheSaviournottosendthembeforethetime,aswellawarethatthetime
wouldcome?AndthesePowershecallsgiants,eitheraspossessingthesoulsofGiants,or
as being of the number [Page 176] of those angels that came down from heaven, of whom the
giantswerebornbytheirconnexionwiththedaughtersofmenorotherrevoltedPowers,
boundtheretillthetimeofjudgement.ButwhenthejudgementofGodshallhavecome,
Heshallsend,ashehimselfsays,hisangelswithagreattrumpet,andtheyshallgatherhis
electfromtheoneendofheaventotheother,andheshallinflictpunishmentsonthosewho
aretobepunishedbyhostilePowers,asbymeansofexecutioners.Hegivescommandment
totheangelsabouthimtoopentheirprisonthattheymaydepart,andexecutevengeanceon
theungodly.Andhecallssomeadjacentspotofearthandthewholehabitationofman,the
mountain of the plain. It is manifest that they are enclosed in outer darkness [from the
command and exhortation given] whence they could not have issued, had not this Judge
commandedthem.

TheirmightysoundwhengatheredtogetheristhendescribedapointalsotouchedonbyJoel: Like
thenoiseofchariotsonthetopsofmountainstheyshallleap,likethenoiseofaflameoffire
thatdevoureththestubble,asastrongpeoplesetinbattlearray.Theircommission,asgiven
inIsaiah,istodestroythewholeearthasgivenbySt.John,to hurtthosementhathavenot
thesealofGodintheirforeheads. Theirtimeofpower,thesameauthorityinformsus,shallbe
fivemonths:andwhynotliterally?Isnotthistimelongenoughtoletloosesofearfulascourge?
Butthereisonepointwhichidentifiesthethreevisionsherecomparedtogether. Howlye, saith
Isaiah,forthedayofJehovahisnigh,anddestructionfromtheAlmightyshallcome. Let
alltheinhabitantsoftheland(earth)tremble,saithJoel, forthedayoftheLordcometh,
for it is nigh at hand. That the day of the Lord must be regarded as near in the vision of
Revelationisevidentfromthis,thattheplagueoflocustsformsthesubjectofthefifthtrumpetthe
plague of horsemen (recognised in Isaiah5:2630) the sixth and it is added, In the days of the
voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God shall be
finished.(Rev.10:7.)

Theeffectofthisterriblevisitationnextfallsbeneaththeprophetsnoticeastonishmentmixedwith
terror,andincapacitytoresist,renderingmensfaceslivid.Eventhus[Page177]theProphetJoel,Before
theirfacethepeopleshallbemuchpained:allfacesshallgatherblackness.(Joel2:6.)

The next striking feature, marking the near advance of that day of the lord, is the signs in heaven,
The sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to
shine.Itisusual,indeed,toregardtheseasfigurativebutwhereisthenecessityforsodoing?This
passageevidentlyrefersustotheprophecyoftheLordJesusonMountOlivet,whichisconceivedin
almost the same terms, Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven.
(Matthew24:29.)Thewordsinitalicsdiscoverthatthesignsinheavensucceedtheperiodofgreat
tribulationintheprophecyoftheLordJesus,astheydoalsoinIsaiah,forminganotherpowerfullink
of coincidence between the two prophecies. To the same effect is the vision of the seven seals in
Rev.6.Thefifthsealpresentstoournoticethesoulsoftheslainunderthealtar,evidentlydisclosing
tousthatthatisatimeoftribulationtothepeopleofGod.Andtheanswerthattheyshouldwaittill
therestoftheirbrethrenthatshouldbekilledevidencesthesameconclusion.Keepingprecisely
thesameorder,thesixthsealrevealsthesignsinheaven,Thesunbecameblackassackclothof
hair,andthemoonbecameasblood, and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth and the
nationsareterrifiedandmourn,astheprophecyofSt.Matthewalsodeclares:fortheGreatDayof
his (the Lambs) wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand? (Rev. 6: 917.) Whoever
wishes to see reasons why these signs should be considered literal, will do well to peruse Beggs
LettersontheComingofChrist.Willnotthesignsinthegreatluminariesformafarbettersignal
to the whole world than any other that could be devised? But if any tell us that from the
discoveriesofmoderndaysthethingisimpossible,ourreplymustbe,Shallscience(so
called)driveGodfromthegovernmentofhisownworld?Shalltheregisterofhisacts
ofthepast,andthejournalsofthepresentpleasureoftheAlmightysobindhimthat
hecannotfulfilhiswill?TheChristianhasamoresurewordofprophecy,whereunto
hedothwelltotakeheed.Heavenandearthshallpassaway,butmywordshallnot
passaway.TheChristians[Page178]staffmustbethatwhichwastheSaviourssword, It
iswritten.

Close following on the signs in the heavenly bodies, as St. Matthew also testifies, is the day of
recompense. I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity. On
whichJeromeremarks,thatsomeregardedthisasapredictionconcerningtheconsummationofthe
world (or age). This conclusion is capable of being established on the firmest evidence. The
commencement of the vision is, indeed, respecting Babylons visitation, but the Saviours return
follows hard upon it, as we learn from the Apocalypse. For the eighteenth chapter describes the
downfall of the mystical city of Babylon, or Rome and the commencement of the nineteenth the
rejoicinginheavenoverher,immediatelyonwhich(verse7)itissaid,themarriageoftheLamb
iscomeandagain (verse9),Blessedaretheythatarecalleduntothemarriagesupperof
theLamb.Jesushimselfappearsinthe 11thverse,goingforth totreadthewinepressofthe
fiercenessandwrathofAlmightyGod.(Verse15.)Thenfollowsaninvitationtothefowlsto
eatthefleshofkingsandmightymen,andtheAntichristandhisarmiesareslain.Howtrulydoesall
thiscorrespondwiththeversesofIsaiahnowbeforeus!Herewearetaughtthatsogreatshallbethe
slaughter that the remnant shall be more precious than gold, even a man than the golden
wedge of Ophir: where reference is made to the pomp and wealth with which the forces of the
Wilful King shall be laden when destroyed at Jerusalem. But the collateral and fully confirming
prophecy of Joel must not be forgotten. The sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars
shall withdraw their shining. And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army for his
campisverygreat:forheisstrongthatexecutethhiswordforthedayoftheLordisgreat
andveryterribleandwhocanabideit?(Joel2:10,11.)

Inthe14thand15thversesIsaiahappearstoreturntothemoreimmediatesubjectofthevisionthe
effect of the terrible army of spirits, desolating the earth. Whoever is taken shall be thrust
through, and they that are marshalled shall fall by the sword. The further horrors of their
invasionaredescribedinthedestructionoftheyoung,theabuseofthewomen,thespoilingofthe
houses.AsimilarthreateningispredictedagainstBabylonin [Page179] Psalm137.AstheMedeswere
theavengersonliteralBabylon,sothesemysticalMedesonmysticBabylon.Itsdesolationisthen
finely described. It shall never be inhabited, nor even passed through, but birds and beasts that
delightinsolitudeanddesertsshalldwellthere.Respectingthesignificationofthewordtranslated
satyrs,inourauthorizedversion,therehasbeenmuchdoubt.Ihaverenderedit daemons,as
dotheLXX.,Arabic,Eusebius,Syriac,Chaldee,andOldItalic.Butallthisauthorityisconfirmed
withtenfoldpowerbythetestimonyofSt.John.HisdescriptionofthedesolationofBabylon (Rev.
18:2124),isquiteparallelwiththisofIsaiahbutthewordsoftheangel, Babylonthegreatis
fallen,isfallen,andisbecomethehabitationofdevils,andtheholdofeveryfoulspirit,
andthecageofeveryuncleanandhatefulbird,aresoexact,astomakeitcertainthatthisisthe
truerendering.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER14

1ForJEHOVAHwillhavemercyonJacob,
AndwillyetchooseIsrael,
Andwillgivethemrestintheirownland.
Andthestrangershallbejoinedtothem
AndshallcleavetothehouseofJacob.
2AndtheGentilesshalltakethem,
Andbringthemuntotheirplace
AndthechildrenofIsraelshallpossessthem,
AndtheyshallbeincreasedinthelandoftheLord,
Forservantsandhandmaids
Andtheyshalltakethemcaptiveswhosecaptivestheywere,
Andtheyshallruleovertheiroppressors.

3AnditshallcometointhatdaythatJEHOVAHshallgivetheerestfromthy
sorrow,
Andfromthyfear,andfromthehardbondage,
Whereinthouwastmadetoserve.
4ThatthoushaltraisethisdirgeoverthekingofBabylon,andsay,
Howhaththeoppressorceased,andthehaughtyoneceased!
5JEHOVAHhathbrokentheyokeofthewicked,thestaffoftherulers.
6Hethatsmotethenationinanger,withaninexorablestroke
HethatsubduedtheGentilesinwrath,thecruelpersecutor,hathceased.
7Alltheearthisatrest,andquietitbreaksforthintosinging.
8Yea,thefirtreesrejoiceoverthee,andthecedarsofLibanussay,
Sincethouartlaidtosleep,nofellerhascomeupagainstus.
9Hadesfrombelowismovedtomeettheeatthycoming
AlltheGiants,therulersoftheearth,haverisenuptothee,
Eventheythatshookfromtheirthronesallthekingsofthenations.
10Alltheyshallspeakandsayuntothee,
Artthoualsocapturedaswe?
Artthoubecomelikeuntous?
11ThygloryhathdescendedintoHadesthygreatrejoicing:
Beneaththeeisstrewedcorruption,andthewormisthycovering.
12Howhastthoufallen,0Lucifer,sonofthemorning!
(How)artthoucrushedtotheearth,whodidstwoundallthenations!
13Forthousaidstinthineheart,Iwillascendintoheaven
IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod.
Iwillalsositonthemountofthecovenant,inthesidesofthenorth:
14Iwillascendabovetheheightsoftheclouds:IwillbeliketheMostHigh!
15ButnowthoushaltdescendintoHadestothefoundationsoftheearth.
16Theythatseeshallwonderatthee,andmeditateonthee,andsay,
Isthisthemanthatmadetheearthtotremble,thatshookkingdoms?
17Thatmadethewholeworldawilderness,anddestroyedthecities!
Thatopenednotthehouseofhisprisoners!
18 All the kings of the nations are laid to sleep in honour, every one in his own
house.
19Butthouartcastoutamongthemountains,asadefiledcarcase,
With many corpses pierced through with the sword, of them that go down into
Hades.
20Asagarmentsmearedwithbloodisnotclean,
Soneithershaltthoubeclean,
Becausethouhastdestroyedmyland,andslainmypeople,
Thoushaltnotremainforever,thouseedofwickedness!
21Preparethychildrentobeslainfortheiniquitiesoftheirfather,
Thattheymaynotriseupandpossesstheearth,
Andfillthefaceoftheworldwithwars.
22ForIwillriseupagainstthem,saithJEHOVAHofhosts,
Anddestroytheirname,andremnant,andseed,saithJEHOVAH.
23AndIwillmakeBabylondesolate,adwellingforporcupinesandpoolsofwater
AndIwillmakeitamirygulphofdestruction,saithJEHOVAHofhosts.
24ThusJEHOVAHofhostshathsworn,saying,
SurelyasIhavespoken,soshallitbe,
AndasIhavepurposed,soshallitstand,
25ThatIwilldestroytheAssyrianonmyland,
Andhisburdenonmymountainstreadhimunderfoot:
Thenshallhisyokebetakenfromoffthem,
Andhisburdenbetakenfromofftheirshoulders.
26ThisisthepurposewhichJEHOVAHhathpurposedonthewholeearth
Andthisisthehandwhichisstretchedoutinallnations.
27ForwhatGodtheholyhathpurposed,whoshalldisannul?
Andhishandoutstretched,whoshallturnback?

28INTHEYEARINWHICHKINGAHAZDIEDWASTHISPROPHECY.
29REJOICEnot,allyeforeign(nations),becausetherodofhimthatsmoteyouis
broken,
Forfromtheserpentsseedshallcomeforthacockatrice
Anditsprogenyshallbeflyingserpents.
30ButthepoorofJEHOVAHshallfeedthroughhim,
Andtheneedyshallrestinsafety,
Butheshallslaythyrootwithfamine
Andthyremnantheshallcutoff.
31Howl,yegatesletthecitiescryaloud
Betroubled,allyeforeignersforfromthenorthcomethasmoke
Norshalloneescapehisarmy.
32Whatshalltheyanswer,then,totheangelsofthenation?
ThatJEHOVAHhathfoundedZion,
Andthepoorofhispeopleshallbesavedbyhim.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER14
[Page179]

The subject is not concluded with the thirteenth chapter, but continued throughout the present.
Babylonbeingdestroyed,theLordshallhavemercyonJudah.ItwassowiththeliteralBabylon,
after its capture, by the Medes and Persians, Cyrus dismissed the Jews to settle in their land, and
rebuildtheirtemple.Onthispoint,also,thereisJewishtradition,thatwhenRomeisoverthrown,the
redemptionofIsraelshallcome.InMassechetSanhedrim,oneoftheirRabbieswrites,Thesonof
David (i.e. Messiah), shall not come till a wicked kingdom (Rabbi Solomon interprets it, the
Roman) shall prevail over Israel nine mouths, as it is said in Mic. 5: 2, He shall give them
(RabbiSolomoninterpretsthemtosignifyIsrael)uptillthepregnanthaveborne(thatis,says
R. Solomon, nine months.) Afterwards he adds, that this kingdom shall, for the same space of
time,ruleoverthewholeworld.

AtthistimeJehovahshallgivetoIsrael restintheirownland,whichpromiseisrepeatedin verse

3.ViewedinconnexionwiththeargumentoftheApostlePaulinthefourthchapterofHebrews,this
isnoinsignificantannouncement.Intheformerchaptertheapostleremarks,thatGodswaretothe
unbelievingthattheyshouldnot[Page180] enterintohisrest.Inthebeginningofthefourthchapter
he declares the unexpected truth that this promise () by implication, made to Israel while in the
wilderness,ispreachednottotheJewsonly,buttous:eventhoughGentileslivinginGospeltimes.
For,asheargues,thispromisewasnotfulfilledbytherestofGodontheseventhday,forthathad
passedlongbeforethepromisewasmade.Norwasitthe restwonfortheJewsbyJoshua,else
Davidwouldnot,solongatimeafter,havespokenofitasfuture.Hencethereremainetharest
to be enjoyed: for Gods word must needs be accomplished. And since it is declared that the
unbelievershall notenjoyit,converselyitisimplied,thatthe believer,beheJeworGentile shall
attain it. Moreover this rest promise shall be similar to the rest of God on the Sabbathday a
ceasingfromwork,andcomplacencyinthethingscreated,aswhenGodsurveyedthewholeofhis
workmanship, andbeholditwasverygood.Henceourthoughtsarenaturallyledtoconclude,
that the six days of creation were typical of six thousand years of the worlds history, and as the
SabbathwasthetimeofGodsrestandcomplacencyinhiswork,sotheseventhmillenniumshallbe
atimeofblissandjoyforallthatarepermittedtoenterintoit,anda ceasingfromworkasGod
did from his. In accordance with this, as Greswel remarks a prophecy has long been current,
ascribedbysometoElijah,thattheworldshouldexistsixthousandyears:twothousand,avoidtwo
thousand,thelawtwothousand,Christ.TheJewsalsobelieve,asRaymundMartinassuresusthat
theMessiahshallreignintheseventhmillenniumoftheworldwiththejust.AndasSt.
Paul in his argument fixes on those passages of the Scripture which contain the word rest, and
decidesboththatthispromiseisreal,future,andopentoGentilesaswellasJews,somaywe,from
thepassagesnowbeforeus,whereitisexpresslypromisedasthentotakeplace,veryjustlybelieve
thatthisisthetimefixedforitsfulfilment.

ButthisconclusionisyetpowerfullycorroboratedbytheApocalypseandtheActs.In Acts3:19
mention is made of times of refreshing to come from the presence of the Lord in which
Jesus,whoisnowinheaven,theretoremaintilltherestitution(restoration)ofallthings,shall
be sent to the Jews. These times of refreshing are evidently coincident with the rest here
promisedalsototheJews,anditshallbeafterthegreatandterrible dayoftheLord,welearn
from the preceding chapter. But the Apocalypse is full to the point. This rest, we learn from
verse3ofthechapterbeforeus,istobegivenwhenthehardruleofthekingofBabylon(whowill
beshortlyprovedtosignifyAntichrist),ismadetocease.Thenshallthedirgeofthischapterbesung
overhisfallwhereinisdeclared,thatthe wholeearthnowatrestandquiet,andbreaksforth
intosinging.Accordantlywiththis,whilethenineteenthofRevelationdescribesthedestructionof
Antichristandhishostasnoticedabove,thebeginningofthetwentiethchapterdescribesthebinding
orSatan,andthegloriousreignoftheMillennium.

ThesecondverseofthischapterofIsaiahannouncesthattheGentilesshallrestoretheJewsfromtheir
captivity,andbringthembackinvariousconveyancestotheirownlandafeatureofprophecywhich
willbenoticedagainintheconcludingchapterofIsaiah.

We come, then, to the consideration of the dirge over the fallen king of Babylon. That by him is
signifiedAntichrist,letusoffer,first,theauthorityofBishopHorsley. Theschemesofimpious
ambitionascribedinthisverse[heiscommentingonverse13] totheBabyloniandespot,suit
exactlywiththecharacteroftheManofSin,asdelineatedbyDanielandSt.Paul,andseem
to indicate, that the prophecy extends to much later times than that of the Babylonian
empire.WiththisthesentimentsofVitringaaccord.

But the conclusion here to be established need not rest on authority, for it can be made good by
argument. It would appear that Antichrist is called the King of Babylon for two reasons first,
becausehewillgreatlyresembleNebuchadnezzar,KingofBabylon,inthevastnessofhisdominion,
inhiscarryingcaptivetheJews,hiserectinganimagetobeworshipped,inhisarrogance,andinhis
fall.Andsecondly,itwouldappear,thatasbyBabylonintheRevelationissignifiedRome,sohere
wemayunderstandthatKingofRomewillbeoneofthetitlesofAntichrist.Forthough,fromthe
Apocalypse(17:12),itappearsthatthe tenkingswhichreceivepoweraskingsonehourwith
thebeast,shalldestroyRomewithfire,thusfulfillingthewillandvengeanceofGod,yetitisnot
[Page182]improbablethattheeast,afterthedestructionofthecity,whichcontainedtheonlysystemand
powercapableofcopingwithhisown,willtaketohimselfthenameofKingofRome.

Butbethisasitmay,thecharacteristicsoftheKingofBabylon,asheresetforth,agreeexactlywith
thoselaiddownbyDanielandSt.PaulasthefeaturesofAntichristandtheWilfulKing.Andfirsthe
isdepictedastheoppressor.Thusishedescribedin Isaiah51:12,13asexercisinghispowerfor
thedestructionofthesaintsandJewishpeopleafterwhichGodbestowscomfortonthemwhenthe
oppressorisremovedbythewrathofGod.

I,evenI,amhethatcomfortethyou:
Whoartthouthatthoushouldestbeafraidofamanthatshalldie,
Andthesonofmanthatshalldryupasgrass?
AnddidstforgetJEHOVAHthyMaker,
Whostretchestforththeheavensandlaidthefoundationsoftheearth,
AndfearedstcontinuallyeverydaythewrathfulfaceoftheOPPRESSOR,
Becausehedevisedtodestroythee:
AndwhereisnowthefuryofthineOPPRESSOR?

InthePsalmscontinualmentionismadeofhimunderthischaracter.IntheseventysecondPsalmthe
LordJesusispresentedtousinhiskinglyoffice,andtheobjectofhisruleisstatedin verse4tobe,
Heshalljudgethepoorofthepeople,heshallsavethechildrenoftheneedy,andbreakinpiecesthe
Oppressor.Hishaughtinesswillbeconsideredatthe13thand14thverses.

He is next presented as smiting the nation (of the Jews) with an inexorable stroke, and
subduingthenationsinwrath. ThathewillbeacruelfoetotheJewsmanyScripturesforetell:
thusIsaiah10:20,

NolongershalltheremnantofIsrael,
AndtheescapedofthehouseofJacob,
Trustinhimthatsmotethem.

Again,inthe24thverse:

FearnotmypeoplethatdwellinZion,
BecauseoftheAssyrian,becauseheshallsmiletheewithastaff.

That he shall be a tyrannical ruler of the nations his subjects, is also capable of being proved from
otherpassages, Heshallgoforth,saysDanielinapassagealreadyquoted, withgreatfury,to
destroyandutterlytomakeawaymany.Todestroy,addsIsaiah, isinhisheart,andto
cutoffnationsnotafew.

Again,heisentitled, thecruelPersecutor.Soisherepresentedin Dan.7:21,Ibeheld,and

the same" (little) horn made war with the saints and prevailed against them. He shall
prosperandpractise,anddestroythemightyandtheholypeople.(Dan.8:24.)Heshall
wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: they shall be
givenintohishandforatimeandtimesandthedividingoftime.(Dan.7:25.)
SimilaristhetestimonyofthePsalms.Thouhastgivenuslikesheepappointedformeatand
hast scattered us among the heathen. ... My confusion is continually before me: and the
shame of my face hath covered me. For the voice of him that reproacheth and
blasphemethbyreasonoftheEnemyandAvenger.(Psalm44:11,15,16.)

Inaccordancewiththis,St.Johnforetelsofthebeast, Itwasgiventohimtomakewarwiththe
saints,andtoovercomethem.(Rev.13:7.)Ofhiscoadjutor,thefalseprophet,itisalsowritten,
ver. 15, He caused that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be
killed.ThesepassagesthenidentifyhimasthePersecutingAntichrist.

But what is the meaning of the eighth verse? Most appear to regard the firtrees and cedars as
figurativelyspokenofthenoblesandprincesoftheearth.Butalikepassageoccursintheprophecy
against Sennacherib. By the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the heights of the
mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the
choicefirtreesthereofandIwillenterintotheheightofhisborder,andintotheforestof
his Carmel. In both passages what reason is there why we should not take the words literally?
Sennacheribmighthavedevisedtosecureforhimselfthecostlyandcelebratedcedarsoftheforestof
Lebanon for the purpose of building himself a palace, as did King Solomon and the design of
Antichristmaybesimilar,eitherinrepairingorrebuildingthetempleofGodatJerusalem,where
Daniel,Isaiah,andSt.Paulconjointlyassureusthatheshall sitshowinghimselfthatheis [Page184]
God.(2Thess.2:4.)Itistruethatwemusttaketherejoicingofthefirtrees,andthespeechof
thecedars,aspoetical:andwhynotthen,itmaybesaid,makethewholeversefigurative?Becauseit
is easier to admit a metaphor, than an allegory. And because it is the custom of Scripture
frequently, especially in poetry, to use prosopopceia, as where it is said, that all the trees of the
fieldshallclaptheirhands.Fromthebloodoftheslain,fromthefatofthemighty,the
bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. (2 Sam. 1:
22.)Butcomparativelyverysparinglyisallegoryintroduced.Attheninthversethesoulofthe
slainkingispresentedtous,notfiguratively,butliterally,descendingintoHades:(,
which never signifies the grave) that is, the intermediate state, or, rather place,
where all the souls of the dead are gathered before the final judgement shall reunite
bodyandsoul.Andasheenters,theRephaim*meethim,withscornfulamazement

*VideDissertation1
Artthoualsocapturedaswe?
Artthoubecomelikeuntous?

Allwriterspossessedofanytastehavejustlycommendedthispassageassublimepoetryyetitwill
benotlessfulfilledtotheletter.Themightyspiritsthatinthegreatnessoftheirpowershookfrom
thethronesallthekingsofthenations,butweresweptawaybytheflood,evenasmortalmen,
may well say with emphasis, Art thou also captured as we were by the flood? Art thou
becomelikeuntous,inthydescentintoTartarus?Toalikeeffect,St.Johnrepresentsthecloseof
thecareeroftheBeast. TheBeastwastaken,andwithhimthefalseprophet...Theseboth
were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Rev. 19: 20) Eusebius thus
corroborates this view of the passage, They who are upon earth shall say the thing spoken
above(ver. 48), but they who have passed through mortal life, and are detained in the
regions of Hades as in chains, these also at his destruction shall speak the words
following.(Ver.10.)The 12thversedescribesthedepthofhisfall: Howartthoufallenfrom
heaven,0Lucifer,sonofthemorning!Thesewordswouldleadustoconclude,whatGreswell
hasshowntheancient [Page 185] Church believed that Antichrist should be an incarnation of one of the
spiritsofevil.Forheisherepresentedasonewhosehabitationoncewastheheaven,butafterwards
castoutintotheearth.Andthiscarriesourthoughtstothattime(yetfuture)whenthereshallbewar
in heaven, and the accusing spirits shall be finally ejected from the presence of God. unto the
earth.(Rev.12:9.SeeBurghonRevelation,p.131.)HenceourSaviour,propheticallyspeaking
ofthethingsthatarenotasthoughtheywere,observedtohisdisciplesconcerningthattime,I
beheldSatanaslightningfallfromheaven.(Luke10:I8.)

ThesucceedingwordsdescribetheextravagantambitionofthisSonofthemorning.

Iwillascendintoheaven
IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod
Iwillalsositinthemountofthecovenant,onthesidesofthenorth.

BythestarsofGod,isprobablymeanttheangelsorarchangelsattendantonGod,aswefindthem
calledbyalikenameinJob38:7,Whenthemorningstarssangtogether,andallthesonsof
Godshoutedforjoy!By themountofthecovenantismeantMountZion,thesiteofGods
temple,theplace,asitisoftenexpressed,whichtheLordchosetoplacehisnamethere.(1
Kings14:21.)ThisisalsothetestimonyofJerome. Themountofthecovenant,thatisinthe
temple, where the statutes of the Lord were instituted. The side of the north, that is
Jerusalem.Foritiswritten(Ps.67:1),ThemountainsofZionarethesidesofthenorth.*
Again,agreeablywithwhatisherestatedasthedespotsambition,St.PaulbytheSpiritforeshows
thatheshallsitasGodinthetempleofGodatJerusalem.OnwhichseeBurghontheSecond
Advent. In precise accordance therewith, Daniel writes, He shall plant the tabernacles of his
palacebetweentheseasinthegloriousholymountain.(Dan.11:45.)

*LXX.translation.

Hislastassumptionofblasphemyis, IwillbeliketheMostHigh.Intoxicated with a power,

which none of the nations of earth can resist, supported by the energy of Satan, and capable of
working miracles, this will be his final height of arrogance. Thus St. Paul, in words exactly [Page 186]
parallel,Thatmanofsin(shall)berevealed,thesonofperdition,whoopposethandexalted
himselfaboveallthatiscalledGod,orthatisworshippedsothatheasGodsittethinthe
templeofGod,showinghimselfthatheisGod.HearalsothewitnessoftheSpiritbyDaniel.
Hehadamouthspeakinggreatthings.(Dan.7:8.)Ibeheldthenbecauseofthevoiceof
thegreatwordswhichthehornspake:Ibeheldeventillthebeastwasslain,andhisbody
destroyed, and given to the burning flame. (Ver. 11.) And he shall speak great words
against the Most High. (Ver. 25.) And the King shall do according to his will and he
shallexaltandmagnifyhimselfaboveeveryGod,andshallspeakmarvellousthingsagainst
theGodofgods.(Dan.11:36.)ConfirmatoryisalsothetestimonyofSt.John, Andtherewas
givenuntohimamouthspeakinggreatthingsandblasphemies.Andheopenedhismouth
inblasphemyagainstGod,toblasphemehisnameandhistabernacle,andthemthatdwell
inheaven.(Rev.13:5,6.)

ButthereisyetoneprophecymoreofAntichrist,inhisfullblowniniquity,astheManoftheSin
(ofblasphemy,aswemaysuppose),which,havingreceivedlittleornoattentionbyotherwriters,is
given here at length, as strongly corroborative of all that has been advanced, the text amended
fromtheSeptuagintwheretheoriginalhassufferedvariation,orisunintelligible.Heis
describedasthekingofTyrusandTyrus,apparently,signifiesthesamecityastheBabylonofthe
Apocalypse,apointexaminedatlargehereafter,chapter23.This remarkable portrait of him who
shallconsummateiniquity,andsealuptoutterperditionthosewhowillnotbelievethetruth,isfound
inEzekiel28:119:

1ThewordofJEHOVAHcameagainuntome,saying,
2Sonofman,sayuntotheprinceofTyrus,
ThussaiththeLordGod,
Becausethineheartisliftedup,
Andthouhastsaid,IamGod,
IsitinthehabitationofGod,betweentheseas.
Yetartthouaman,andnotGod,
ThoughthouhastsetthineheartastheheartofGod.
3ArtthouwiserthanDaniel?
Istherenosecretthattheycanhidefromthee?
4Hastthoubythywisdomandunderstandinggottenriches?
Hastthouprocuredgoldandsilverinthytreasures?[Page188]
5Bythygreatwisdomandthytraffichastthouincreasedthypower?
Andisthyheartliftedupbecauseofthypower?
6ThereforethussaithJEHOVAH,
BecausethouhastsetthineheartastheheartofGod,
7Behold,therefore,Iwillbringstrangersonthee,theterribleofthenations:
Andtheyshalldrawtheirswordsagainstthee,
Andagainstthebeautyofthywisdom
Andtheyshalllaywastethybrightness,evenuntoperdition.
8Andtheyshallbringtheedowntothepit,
Andthoushaltdiethedeathofthemthatareslainbetweentheseas.
9Wiltthousaybeforethemthatslaythee,IamGod?
Butthoushaltbeasaman,andnotGod,
Inthehandsofthemthatslaythee.
10Amidstthemultitudeoftheuncircumcisedthoushaltdie,
BythehandsofstrangersforIhavespokenit,saiththeLordGod.
11Moreover,thewordofJEHOVAHcameagainuntome,saying,
12Sonofman,takeupadirgeupontheprinceofTyrus,andsaytohim,
ThussaiththeLordGod,
Thouartthesealingupoftheterm(oftime),
Fullofwisdom,perfectinbeauty.
13ThouwastinEden,theparadiseofGod
Witheverypreciousstoneartthoucovered,
Thesardius,topaz,andthediamond,
Theberyl,theonyx,andthejasper,
Thesapphire,theemerald,thecarbuncle
Andwithsilverhastthoufilledthytreasures,
Andwithgoldthystorehousesthatarewiththee.
14Fromthedaythouwertcreated,thouwastwiththecherub
IstationedtheeintheholymountainofGod:
Thouhastbeeninthemidstofthestonesoffire.
15Thouwertperfectinthyways,fromthedayofthycreation,
Untiliniquitywasfoundinthee.
16Bythemultitudeofthymerchandise
Thoudidstfillthystoreswithiniquity
Thoudidstsin,andwertwoundedfromthemountofGod
Andthecherubdraggedtheefromthemidstofthestonesoffire.
17Thyheartwasliftedup,becauseofthybeauty,
Thywisdom,togetherwiththybrightness,iscorrupted:
ForthemultitudeofthysinsIhavecasttheetotheearth.
Ihavecausedtheebeforekingstobemadeapublicexample(ofwrath).
18Forthemultitudeofthytransgressions,
Andthelawlessnessofthytraffic,
Ihavedefiledthysanctuaries,
AndIwillbringfirefromthemidstofthee,
Itshalldevourthee:
AndIwillbringtheetoashesontheearth,
Inthesightofallthemthatbeholdthee.
19AlltheythatknowtheeamongtheGentilesshallbeastonishedatthee
Thouartbecomeperdition,andshaltbenomore(found)forever.

Here the coincidences are so numerous, that it seems highly probable that they refer to the same
personwhoformsthesubjectofthepresentchapterofIsaiah.Hisboast,IamGod,seemsatonce
toidentifyhim.His sittinginthehabitation(temple)ofGodbetweentheseas,confirmsit.
HiswisdomiscomparedtoDaniels:andDanielhadunderstandinginallvisionsanddreams
wascontinuallyvisitedbyangels,andpossessedofunderstandingintheinterpretationofmysteries.
Inperfectharmonywiththis,DanielprophesiesofArmillus, Akingoffiercecountenance,and
understandingdarksentences,shallstandup.Andhispowershallbemighty,butnotby
his own power (Dan. 8: 23, 24), that is, as Burgh well understands it, by Satanic agency and
supernaturalpowersheshallreachhisheightofdominion.Hiswealthoffersthenextfeature.This
alsoispredictedbyDaniel. Heshallhavepoweroverthetreasuresofgoldandsilver,and
overallthepreciousthingsofEgypt.(Dan.11:43.) Andbeforethis,Thenshallhereturn
into his land with [Page 189] great riches. (Ver. 28.) Again, He shall cause them to rule over
many,andshalldividetheland(earth)forgain.(Ver.39.)Bythestrangers,theterribleofthe
nations,thatshalldrawtheirswordsagainsthim,maybemeanttheJews(see Zech.12:6,814:
14)apositionwhichwillbeconfirmedbytheconsiderationofchap.18.

Theyshalllaywastethybrightness,evenuntoperdition,
Theyshallbringtheedowntothepit,(saithEzekiel).
ThygloryhathdescendedintoHades,(saithIsaiah).
Thoushaltdiethedeathofthemthatareslainbetweentheseas,(saithEzekiel).
TheLordofhostshathsworn,saying,IwillbreaktheAssyrianinmyland,andupon
mymountainstreadhimunderfoot,

istheburthenoftheLordagainsthimbyIsaiah.So,likewise,Daniel,afterdeclaringthatheshallset
histabernacle betweentheseas(DeadSea,Mediterranean,andSeaofGalilee), in the glorious
holy mountain, adds, yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (Dan. 11:
45.)Thatheshalldieamongst themultitudeoftheuncircumcised,hasbeennoticedalready,
whereithasbeenshownthatallnationsshallbegatheredtogetherbyhisorderagainstJerusalem.
ButthisthreateningisagainamplifiedinthethirtysecondchapterofEzekiel.

Stillfurther,adirgeisraisedoverthekingofTyrus,asoverthekingofBabylon.And,asitseemed
probable,fromthewordswhichhavebeennoticedabove,thatthedreadedoppressoroftheChurch
should be a fallen angel, this exactly teaches it, tells us his station in Eden, his glory, his original
rectitude,hisfall,hisconsequentejectionfromhispostofhappinessandpower,andlastly,hisfinal
sceneofwealthandpowerontheearth.Andthisarosefromaheartliftedup:ifthen,evenanangel
fellbypride,hownecessaryforman towalkhumblywithhisGod! Heisrepresentedagainas
casttotheearth,inexactaccordancewithwhathasbeenremarkedaboveandhisbeingmadea
publicexampleisthusprophesied:ForTophetisordainedofold:yea,forTHEKINGisit
prepared:hehathmadeitdeepandlargethepilethereofisfireandmuchwoodthebreath
of Jehovah like a stream of fire doth kindle it. (Is. 30: 33.) The astonishment [Page 190] of the
beholdersisparalleledinthischapterofIsaiah,verse16:

Theythatseetheeshallwonderatthee,andmeditateonthee,andsay,
Isthisthemanthatmadetheearthtoshake,thatshookkingdoms?

The spectators cannot but remark the greatness of his might during his three years and a half of
empire,andthefiercenessofhisdestructiveambition,thatmadethewholeworldawilderness,ashas
beenalreadynoticed.

Hisstateofpunishmentisnextdescribed,asnotburiedwithhonour,likekingsingeneral,butcast
into Tophet, amongst the mountains of Jerusalem, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire,
becausehehaddestroyedthelandofImmanuel,andslainhispeople.Hence,also,hischildrenareto
be slain for their fathers iniquity, and, doubtless, for their own also for it is added, lest they
riseup,andfillthefaceoftheworldwithwars.Thiscannotbeallowed,forasitisthetimeof
Christs[millennial]reign, allenemiesmustbeputunderhisfeetandall hisfoesmadehis
footstool.ThenfollowsthecurseonRome,whichhasbeenalreadyconsidered.

Tocompletetheaweandimportanceofthesubject,isaddedtheoathofGod,thatthebelieversofthat
day, when ready to faint, and almost supposing that God has forsaken the earth, may have strong
consolation in the midst of their suffering, even unto death. As soon as Antichrist is destroyed in
Palestine,thenshalltheyokeforeverbebrokenfromtheneckoftheJews.Nordoesitconcernthem
alone. ThisisthepurposethatispurposedontheWHOLEEARTHAndthisisthehand
whichisstretchedoutonallnations.

The new prophecy following this was given in the last year of king Ahaz. Its first sentiment is a
commandtoallnationsnottorejoice(thatis,notwithoutfearandtrembling),because,evenafterthe
mightyevilthathadbeenpredicted,somethingyetmoreterribleshouldarise.Whatcanthisbe,but
the scene presented by St.John?We have traced his prophecies, up to the glories of the thousand
years, during which Satan is bound, and the earth is full of righteousness. But afterwards we are
informed,whenthethousandyearsareexpired,Satanshallbeloosedoutofhisprison,and
shallgoouttodeceivethe [Page191] nationsthatareinthefourquartersoftheearth,Gogand
Magog,togatherthemtogethertothebattle:thenumberofwhomisasthesandofthesea.
Andtheywentuponthebreadthoftheearth,andcompassedthecampofthesaintsabout,
andthebelovedcity(Jerusalem):andfirecamedownfromGodoutofheaven,anddevoured
them. (Rev.20:79.)Bythisfireitwouldappearthattheearthisburntupandthenthegeneral
resurrectiontakesplace.Nowonder,then,thatawarningisgiventoallforeignnations,sincethey
allareindangerofagainbeingdeceivedbySatan,andperishingbythesuddenandimmediatestroke
ofthewrathofGod.

Afterthisfinaldestructionofthewicked,whatremainsbutthattheprophetspeakofthatcitywhich
hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God, which, as St. John informs us. shall
descend,ontheearthwhichshallbecreatedafterthishathpassedaway?Andwhatanswershallthen
bemadetothoseangelswhomGodhathsetovervariousnationsandkingdoms?(SeeDan.10.)That
itisthepleasureofGodtofoundthisNewJerusalem,andtogiveeternalrestandsalvationthereinto
thepoorofhispeople!

From the foregoing interpretation (if correct, and it invites examination), it will follow, 1st, That
Antichristwillbeanindividual,notasuccessionofmen:2ndly,Thatheissomeoneyettoarise.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER15

1THEORACLEAGAINSTMOAB.

BynightMoabisundone,forbynightisArofMoabdestroyed!
2Grieveyeoverthem,becauseBethDibonalsoisdestroyed:
Whereyouraltarwasbuilt,thereshallyegouptoweep:
OverNebo,andoverMedeba,shallMoabhowl:
Oneveryheadisbaldness,everybeardisshorn.
3Inherstreetsbeyecladwithsackcloth:
Lamentyeonherhousetops,andintoherstreets
Leteveryonehowlanddescendwithweeping.
4AndHeshbonandElealehhavecriedaloud:
EvenuntoJassaistheirvoiceheard:
Yea,theveryloinsofMoabshallcryout
Herverysoulshallcry.
5TheheartofMoabcriethoutinher
UntoSegorshecriethoutlikeayoungheifer
Yea,theascentofLuhithwithweepingshalltheyascend
InthewayofHoronaimshalltheyraiseacryofdestruction.
6ThewatersofNimrimshallbedesolate
Anditsgrasswithereththetenderplantfaileth,thegreenherbisnomore.
7Butshallsheeventhusescape?
(Nay:)forIwillbringArabiansintothevalley,andtheyshalltakeher.
8ForthecryisgoneroundthebordersofMoab:
ThehowlingthereofuntoEglaim
(Yea)untothewellofElimshallbeherhowling.
9AndthewaterofDimonshallbefullofblood,
ForIwillbringuponDimonArabians,
AndIwilldestroytheseedofMoab
AndAriel,andtheremnantofAdmah.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER15
[Page191]

ThefifteenthchapterbeginsanewsubjectthejudgementsuponMoabbutitissoobscure,thatitis
difficulttosayanythingwithcertainty.Itisprobablethatithasyettobefulfilled:asnogreatand
notoriousaccomplishmentoftheprophecyhastakenplace.Itwouldalsoappearlikelythatitshallbe
fulfilledbythe DestroyeroftheGentiles,asAntichristiscalled, Jer.4:7.Yetthustoaffirm
appears to contradict a declaration of Daniel: He (the Wilful King) shall enter also into the
glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown but there shall escape out of his
hand,evenEdomandMOAB,andthechiefofthechildrenofAmmon.(Dan.11:41.)Yet
perhaps there will be no contradiction if we suppose that the country of Moab shall, indeed,
escapebutthatits [Page 192]armies,assaultinghim,shallbesoutterlydestroyedthatitshallcausethe
wholebreadthofthecountrytosenduponecryofweepingandwailing.ThecityofJassa,says
Jerome,bordersontheDeadSea,whichistheboundaryoftheprovinceofMoab.This,therefore,
signifiesthateventoitsextremeborders,thehowlingoftheprovinceshallreach.Procopiusadds,
AllthesecitiesandvillagesofMoabwhicharenamed,areknowneventothepresenttime,allof
whichweretoexperiencecapturebytheAssyrians.Arielalsoremains(liketherest)tothepresent
day,beingtheconsiderablevillagecalledAreopolis.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER16

1IwillsendforththeLAMBofJEHOVAHtoberulerovertheearth,
Fromtherockofthewilderness,tothemountofthedaughterofZion.
2Foritshallbethatasawanderingbird,castoutofthenest.
Somydaughters,0Moab,shallbeatthefordsofArnon.
3Takecounsel,exercisejustice
Makethyshadowasnightinthemidstofthenoonday:
Hidetheoutcastsdiscovernothimthatwandereth.
4Letmineoutcastsdwellwiththee,Moab
BethouacoverttothemfromthefaceoftheDestroyer
FortheOppressorisatanendtheDestroyerceaseth
TheRulerperisheththattrampledunderfoottheearth.
5Andinmercyshallthethronebeestablished,
AndmyExaltedOneshallsituponitintruth,
InthetabernacleofDavid,aJudge,
Seekingjudgement,andhastingrighteousness.
6IhaveheardoftheprideofMoab,
Hisloftinesshehathgreatlyexalted,
HisprideofheartIhaveseenIhaveknownhisdeeds,saithJEHOVAH.
Notaccordingtohisnecessityshallbehisstrength.
7ThereforehowlyeinMoab
InMoabshallallcryout.
TotheinhabitantsofKirheresshallbemoanings,
Theyshallsingamournfuldirge
TheplainsofHeshbonshallbeashamed.
8Ohyelordsofthenations,treaddownthevineofSibmah!
HershootsreachedevenuntoJazer,
Herbranchesroamedthedesert,
Theyextendedbeyondthesea.
9ThereforewillIbewail,withtheweepingofJazer,thevineofSibmah
Iwillwatertheewithmytears,0HeshbonandElealeh:
ForuponthyvintageandsummerfruitstheDestroyerhathfallen.
10Andjoyandgladnessistakenawayfromthefruitfulfield.
Andinthevineyardsthereshallbenosinging
Neithershalltheytreadwineintothevats[inthemorning,]
Nor[atevening]shalltheyraisethevintageshouting.
11ThereforetheheartofMoabshallsoundlikepipes,
AndherbowelslikeapipeforthemenofKirheres.
12Anditshallcometopass,thatwhenMoabisashamed,
Becauseheisweariedathisaltars,
Thatheshallentertohisshrines,
Topray:butheshallnotprevailtoextricatehimself.
13ThisisthewordwhichJEHOVAHspake
ConcerningMoablongagobutnowJEHOVAHhathspoken,saying,
Afterthreeyearsastheyearsofanhireling,
ThegloryofMoabshallbedebasedwithallhisgreatmultitude
Andtheremnantshallbeleftsmallandwithouthonour.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER16

IwillsendforththeLAMBofJehovahtoberulerovertheearth.Topreparethewayfor
thefollowinginterpretation,letustakethewordsofJerome:Thisisthesense:0Moab,against
whom the lion will rage, and of whom not even the remnant will be saved, receive this
consolation.Fromtheeshallcomethespotless Lamb that shall take away the sins of the
world, and rule over the whole world. That Christ should come from Moab he afterwards
explains,bynoticingthatRuthwasaMoabitess,ofwhosefamilysprangDavid,and,throughDavid,
JesustheLord.

ThattheopeningverseofthischaptershouldpredictthereignofChrist,isperfectlyinaccordance
withwhatfollowsinthefifthverse,wherethethroneispromisedtoanExaltedOneoftheseedof
David,whoshouldruleinjusticeThatheshouldbecalledtheLambofJehovahisagreeablewith
Scriptures, especially with his designation by his forerunner, Behold the Lamb of God! His
dominionshallbeuniversal,aswereadinmanyScriptures,especiallyintheseventysecondPsalm,
inwhichis,exactlyparallelwiththis, Heshallhavedominionalsofromseatosea,andfrom
therivereven,totheendsoftheearth.(Ver.8.)Undertheverytitlegiveninthischapteris
universal dominion ascribed to the Saviour in the Revelation. Worthy is the LAMB that slain to
receivepower. Blessing,andhonour,andglory,andpowerbeuntohimthatsittethupon
thethrone,andtotheLAMBforeverandever.(Rev.5:12,13.) These [Page 193] shall make
warontheLamb(thetenkingsandAntichrist,theirchief),andtheLAMBshallovercome
themforheisLordoflords,andKingofkings.(Rev.17:14.)

Thesecondverserefers,Ibelieve,nottothedaughtersofMoab,buttothedaughtersofZion,which
ismentionedjustbefore.Thisappearshighlyprobable,fromtheprecedingandfollowingcontext.
Fromtheprecedingbecause,ifitbeprovedthatthefirstverserelatestotheSavioursreturnandrule,
the second will, with far greater probability, refer to the daughters of his people. But from the
subsequentcontext,theargumentisfarstronger.Thesamepartieshererepresentedas castoutof
the nest, are addressed as my outcasts, which can signify nothing but the Jews the fellow
citizensofhimwhoisdesignated,atthecommencementofthischapter,astheLambofGod.Asthey
aredescribedasbeingcastoutofthenest,whenatthefordsofArnonthisreferswithfargreater
force and beauty to Israel, driven from their own land into that of Moab, than to the daughters of
Moab, in whose own native land was the river Arnon. This remark overthrows the hypothesis of
thosewhoconceivethatthischapterisasupplicationonthepartofMoabtobereceivedintotheland
ofIsrael.Butadditionalandstronglyconfirmatoryevidenceisnotwanting.IfthedaughtersofZion
beherespokenofthenarethesealsotwicementioned,andoncepointedlyaddressedbytheSaviour.
But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for
yourselves,andforyourchildren.Forbehold,thedaysarecominginthewhichtheyshall
say,Blessedarethebarren,andthewombsthatneverbare,andthepapswhichnevergave
suck.(Luke23:28,29.)Theotherpassagebearsstillmoredirectlyonthechapterbeforeus.For
whatisthetenouroftheprophecyofIsaiah?Forwhatisthetenouroftheprophecyof
Isaiah? First, there is a promise that a mighty king shall come then follows a
descriptionofaflightoffemalesfromtheirhomes,inconsequenceofsomedesolation
which has befallen their land. Next, a command to Moab to offer shelter to these
destitute outcasts, and not to betray them to the plunderer and oppressor that shall
seektheirlives.Afterthedestructionofwhichoppressor,thereshallbeagloriousand
justruleronthethroneofDavid.


Now,howexactlydoesthistallywiththeprophecy [Page194]onMountOlivet (Matt.24.)?Whenye

thereforeshallseetheabominationofdesolation,spokenofbyDanieltheprophet,standing
in the holy place [and Jerusalem surrounded by armies, Luke], (whoso readeth, let him
understand:)[thenknowthatthedesolationthereofisnigh,Luke.]Thenletthemthatare
inJudaeafleetothemountains:letnothimthatisonthehousetopcomedowntotakeany
thingoutofhishouse:neitherlethimwhichisinthefieldreturnbacktotakehisclothes.
And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give such in those days! [For
these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. for
thereshallbegreatdistressintheland(earth),andwrathuponthispeople, Luke.] Soon
afterwhichfollowsthe promise of the Saviours appearance, and an intimation of joy to is people,
thatthenisthetimeforthemtorejoice.

The application of this text will be seen more clearly, if it be remarked that the abomination of
desolation,spokenofbyDaniel,isthatsetupbyAntichrist(ofwhich,onafutureoccasion,Imay
have somewhat more to say) in the rebuilt temple of Jerusalem. The time of this attempt will be,
whenhemarchessuddenlyagainstit,and,asourLorddeclares, shallcompassitwitharmies.
SeetheclearnesswithwhichthisisprophesiedbyEzekiel,inhisthirtyeighthchapter(correctedin
placesbytheSeptuagint):

Sonofman,setthyfaceagainstGog,andthelandofMagog,thechiefprinceofMeshech
and Tubal, and say, Thus saith the Lord God Behold, I am against thee, 0 Gog, the chief
prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will gather thee, and all thy forces, horses and
horsemen,allcladinbreastplates,agreatcompany,withbucklersandhelmets,andswords:
Persia,Ethiopia,andLibya,allofthemwithshieldsandhelmets:Gomer,andallhisbands
thehouseofTogarmahfromtheendsofthenorth,andallhisbands:andmanynationswith
thee.Preparethyself,thou,andallthycompanythatisassembleduntothee,andthoushalt
bemyadvancedguard.Aftermanydaysshaltthoubeprepared,andinthelatteryearsshalt
thou come into the land that is turned away from the sword, and is gathered out of many
people,againstthemountainsofIsrael.Thoushaltascendandcomelikeastorm,andthou
shaltbelikeacloudtocovertheland,thou,andallthybands, [Page 195]andmanypeoplewith
thee. Thus saith the Lord God: It shall also come to pass in that day, that thoughts shall
comeintothymind,andthoushaltdeviseawickeddevice:Andshaltsay,Iwillgouptothe
landofunwalledvillages.Iwillgotothemthatareatrest,thatdwellsafely,al1ofthem
dwellingwithoutwalls,andhavingneitherbarsnorgates,Totakeaspoil,andtotakeaprey
toturnthinehanduponthedesolateplacesthatarenowinhabited,anduponthepeoplethat
aregatheredoutofthenationswhichhavegottencattleandgoods,anddwellinthecentreof
theearth.

Wesee,then,whyIsraelistoflee.BecauseAntichristshallcomeupagainstJudaeaandJerusalem,
with the mighty armies and nations above enumerated, and shall besiege and spoil the whole land
suddenly,swiftly,inatimeofpeace.ForitwouldappearthatIsraelhasatthistimereceivedhimfor
theirMessiah,anddwellinsecurityunderhisexpectedprotection.HearthePsalmistdescribingthat
day of terror, Psalm 55.: He hath put forth his hands [Prayerbook version, made war,]
againstsuchasbeatpeacewithhimhehathbrokenhiscovenant.Thewordsofhismouth
weresmootherthanbutter,butwarwasinhisheart:hiswordsweresofterthanoil,yetwere
theydrawnswords.(Ver.20,21.)Inthistimeofseemingpeace,then,hespoilsthewholeland,
andcompassesJerusalemonthenorthandwest.Becauseofhisspeedyapproach,therefore,unless
theJewsfleewithalltheirmightattheveryfirstalarm,nonewillescape.And,becausethenorthand
westsidesofJerusalemwillbefirstenclosed,thereforeIsraelisbidtofleetothemountains,thatis,
tothewestandsouth,andthenearestpointwouldbetofleetothemountains ofMoab. So swift
mustbethisflight,thatprayeristobemadethatitbenotinthewinter,norontheSabbathday.
Hence,also,thewoe tothemthatarewithchild,andtothemthatgivesuckinthosedays.
Butthistheprophecysupposesalreadyaccomplished.SomeofthedaughtersofZionhaveescapedto
the land of Moab, and the fords of Arnon. Because of their desolate condition, ejected from their
country in haste, the prophet beautifully likens them to wandering birds cast out of the nest.
WiththeseoutcastsMoabiscommandedtodealmercifully,andtoconcealthematmiddaymaking
hershadowofprotection [Page 196]likethenight,andnot,atthechargeofAntichrist,deliveringupthe
fugitives.Forsoon,theyaretaught,thisWilfulKing,whoisdescribedunderhistruecharacteristics
asa destroyer,oppressor,and spoiler,andthe rulerthattramplesinscorn onallthe
earth,shallcometohisend,andnoneshallhelphim.Itwouldseemthattothiscommandof
JehovahMoabwillattend,andrefusetodeliveruptheoutcasts,not,indeed,fromthefearofGod,but
through pride. (Ver. 6.) Hence Antichrist enters his coasts, and on his vintage and
summerfruits the destroyer falls and his armies cause such slaughter, that lamentation and
wailingshallbeheardintheplacesmentionedbytheprophet.Similartotheinterpretationheregiven
isthecommentofJeromeon verse3:Inthecleardaylightandopenflightofmypeople,bethou
as night and darkness, and betray not the wanderers. And why he spoke thus, he immediately
proceedstosay.Mineoutcastsshalldwellwiththee.ForJerusalembeinglaidwaste,andallJudaea,
whichisonthebordersofMoab,mypeopleshallfleetothee.Bethou,therefore,theirhidingplace,
nor fear the assault of the desolator, for as dust he shall soon pass away and the devastator of the
wholeearthwhotroditdown,andsubjectedittohisfeet,withtheblowingofthewindshallperish.
Healso(whichisofmaterialmoment)noticesthatthisinterpretationofthechapterbeforeuswasthe
onecommonamongsttheancientChristians,thoughheaffixestoithismarkofdispleasure:Some
explainthispassageofAntichrist,asthinkingthatthesaintsatthattime,becauseofthenearnessof
the city of Jerusalem, shall pass over to the Arabians, and that now a command is given that they
should not betray those who flee to them. Again he adds, on verse 5, Others understand this of
Christ.ThedustofAntichristbeingremoved,andthedesolatorbeingtakenaway,whotrampledon
thewholeearth,Christthekingshallcome,whoshallsitonthethroneofDavid,andinthedayof
judgementshallgivetoeveryoneaccordingtotheirdeeds.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER17

1THEORACLEAGAINSTDAMASCUS.

Behold,Damascusisdestroyedfromthenumberofcities,
Anditshallbecomearuinousheap,
2Forsakenforever(aplace)forthecouchingofflocks,
*Whichshallliedown,andnoneshallscarethemaway.
3*AndthefortressshallceasefromEphraim,
NorshalltherebeakingdominDamascus:
*AndtheremnantoftheSyrians
ShallbeforthegloryofthechildrenofIsrael,
SaithJEHOVAHofhosts.
ThatthegloryofJacobshallfail,
Andthefatnessofhisfleshshallwaxlean.
5Andheshallbeaswhentheharvestmangathereththecorn,
Andreapethwithhisarmtheearsthereof
AndheshallbeaswhenonegatherethearsofcorninthevaleofRephaim.
6Yetgleaninggrapesshallbeleftinhim,
Orastheberriesofagleanedolivetree.
Twoorthreeinthetopoftheuppermostbough,
Orfourorfivemaybeleftintheoutmostfruitfulbranches,
SaithJEHOVAH,theGodofIsrael.
7InthatdayshallamantrustinhisMaker,
AndhiseyesshallhaverespecttotheHolyOneofIsrael.
8Andtheyshallnottrustintheiraltars,
Norintheworksoftheirhands,whichtheirfingersmade,
Norshalltheyrespectthegroves,northeimages.
9Inthatdayshallthycitiesbecomedeserted,
AstheAmoritesandHivitesdesertedtheirs,
BeforethefaceofthechildrenofIsrael,
Andtheyshallbecomeadesolation.
10BecausethouhastdesertedGodthySaviour,
AndJEHOVAHthyhelperthouhastnotremembered,
Thereforethoushaltplantfaithlessplants,
Andanunbelievingseed.
11*Inthedaythatthouplantest,thoushaltbedeceived,
Andwhenthousowest,inthemorningitshallblossom
Andtheharvestshallwaveforthedayofgrief
Andofdesperatesorrow.
12Woetothemultitudeofmanynations,
Whichmakeanoiselikethenoiseoftheseas:
Andtotherushingofthenations,
Thatmakearushingliketherushingofmightywaters!
16Liketherushingofmightywatersshallthenationsrush,
But(God)shallrebukethem,andtheyshallfleeafar,
Andtheyshallbepursued,
Asthechaffofstrawbeforethewind,
Andlikethedustofthechariotwheelbeforethewhirlwind.
14Ateventhereshallbesorrow,
Beforethemorningheisnomore!
Thisistheportionofthosethatspoilus,
Andthelotofthemthatrobus.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER17
[Page196]

Theseventeenthchapterrefers,itwouldseem,tothesametimes.Thisappearsfromitsbeingtheday
of Israels [Page 197] trouble and humiliation, when the glory of Jacob shall fail, and his numbers
shallbesodecreasedthat,inplaceofbeingasthestarsthatcannotbereckoned,andasthesandon
theseashore,thereshallbeonlyasmallremnant,suchasthegleanermightgatherinhishand,oras
mightbefoundontheolivetree,whenitsfruitshavebeencollected.Thisgreatfinaldevastationof
Israel, we are informed in other places, shall take place under Antichrist. Except those days
shouldbeshortened,saidtheLord,thereshouldnofleshbesaved.ButSt.Luke,inaverse
quotedbefore,assuresusthatthereshouldbe wrathonthispeopleoftheJews,atthesametime
thatthereshallbedistressintheearth.YetthistimeofthecuttingshortofIsraelsnumberswillbe
alsothetimeoftheirreturningtohimthatsmotethem.Hencethe 7thverse declaresthat inthat
day a man shall trust in his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of
Israelthatis,asJeromeobserves,toChristforwithouthimwasnotanythingmadethatwas
made,andtheapostlesseveraltimescallhimthe JustOne. St.Peter,inparticular,quotes,as
belongingtotheSaviour,thepredictionofDavidwhichstyleshimtheHolyOne.Butbeforethis
daythecitiesofJudaeashallbedesolate,whichwehaveobservedwasprophesiedaboveinthesixth
chapter.AndthecauseisdoubtlesstobefoundintheirruptionofAntichrist,andthetramplingdown
ofJerusalemandthewholeland,bytheGentilenationsunderhissway,forthespaceofthreeyears
and a half. Moreover, the circumstance to which the future devastation of Israel is compared, is
similar to that here supposed. As the Amorites and Hivites deserted their cities before Israels
conqueringarmies,soshaltthoudesertthine,0Israel,beforethemusterednationsofArmillus,thy
fierce foe! This terrible scourge shall be used because of the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah.
Therefore thou shalt plant faithless plants and an unbelieving seed, which words refer
probablytotheirpreferenceofthefalseMessiahtothetruetheresultofwhichistheirlastterrible
discomfiture. And this is sublimely and briefly depicted in the concluding verses. Woe to the
multitude of many nations! saith Isaiah: and we have seen that Armillus comes up against
Jerusalemwithmanynations,justbeforehislastoverthrow.Thesamesceneispredictedwithlike
sublimityandexact[Page198]parallelismbyZechariah,asisnoticedbyBurgh.Behold,thedayofthe
Lordcometh,andthyspoil(0Jerusalem)shallbedividedinthemidstofthee.For I will
gatherall nations against Jerusalem to battle and the city shall be taken, and the houses
rifled, and the women ravished and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the
residueofmypeopleshallnothecutofffromthecity.ThenshalltheLordgoforth,and
fightagainstthosenations.(Zechariah14:13.) Theplaguesthatshallfollowanddestroythis
multitude are described in the 12th and following verses. Similar is the prophecy of Zephaniah:
Thereforewaityeuponme,saiththeLord,untilthedaythatIriseuptotheprey:formy
determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon
themmineindignation,evenallmyfierceanger:foralltheearthshallbedevouredbythe
fireofmyjealousy.(Zeph.3:8.)Inspitethereforeoftheirvastmultitude,andmightysoundsof
war,theyshallbedestroyedwithease.BeforethemorningAntichristandhisarmyisno
more! as in the overthrow of Pharaoh, The sea returned to his strength when the morning
appearedandtheLordoverthrewtheEgyptiansinthemidstofthesea.(Exod.14:27.)

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER18

1*Ho!landthatspreadestwidetheshadowofthywings,
WhichartbeyondtheriversofCush!
2Accustomedtosendmessengersbysea(toallnations),
Andlettersofpapyrusonthesurfaceofthewaters:
Go,swiftmessengers,
Toanationdraggedawayandplucked,
Toapeoplewonderfulfromtheirbeginninghitherto,
Analwaysexpectantnation,yettrampledunderfoot,
Whoselandrivershavespoiled.
3Allyeinhabitantsoftheworld,anddwellersupontheearth,
Whenasitwereabannerisliftedtipfromthemountains,yeshallbehold
Andwhenthetrumpetissounded,yeshallhear!
4ForthussaidJEHOVAHuntome:
*Iwillsitstill(butIwillkeepmyeyeoilmypreparedhabitation)
Astheparchingheatjustbeforelightning,
Andasthedewycloudinthedayofharvest,
5Forbeforetheharvest,whenthebudiscomingtoperfection,
Andtheblossomisbecomeajuicyberry,
Hewillcutofftheuselessshootswithpriminghooks,
Andwiththebilltakeawaytheluxuriantbranches.
6Andtheyshallbelefttogetherforthebirdsofpreyoftheair
Andforthewildbeastsoftheearth.
Andtothemshallthebirdsofpreyoftheair
begathered,Andtothemshallthewildbeastsofthefieldcome.
7AtthatseasonapresentshallbebroughttoJEHOVAHofhosts,
Evenapeopledraggedawayandplucked,
Apeopleterriblefromtheirbeginninghitherto,
Anationalwaysexpectant,yettrampledunderfoot,
Whoselandrivershavespoiled.
UntotheplaceoftheNameofJEHOVAHOfhosts,MountZion.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER18
[Page198]

Themeaningofthischapterhasbeenveryvariouslygivenbythosewhohaveinterpretedit.Iprefer
that of Bishop Horsley, as the most literal, consistent with itself, and agreeable to the ancient
interpretationsandgeneraltenourofprophecy.Dr.Hendersonsoffendsagainstthatgreatcanonof
prophecy,whichforbidsustoregardasofprivateinterpretationthatwhichisofuniversalimportto
theChurch.ThefollowingaresomeoftheBishopscommencingobservations:

I set out with considering every one of these assumptions (that the prophecy regarded
Egyptdescribedaheavyjudgementandthatthetimewascloseathand),asdoubtfuland
theconclusiontowhichmyinvestigationsbringme,isthateveryoneofthemisfalse.First,
the prophecy indeed predicts some woeful judgement. But the principal matter of the
prophecyisnotjudgementbutmercy,agraciouspromiseofthefinalrestorationofthe[Page199]
Israelites. Secondly, the promise has no respect to Egypt or to any of the contiguous
countries. What has been applied to Egypt is a description of some people or another
destinedtobetheprincipalinstruments,inthehandofProvidence,inthegreatworkofthe
resettlement of the Jews in the Holy Land a description of that people by characters by
which they shall be evidently known when that time arrives. Thirdly, the time for the
completionoftheprophecywasveryremotewhenitwasdelivered,andisyetfuture,being
indeedtheseasonofthesecondAdventofourLord.

A summons is uttered to some mighty nation, situated either towards the east or west of Cush (or
Ethiopia),andaccustomedtosendambassadorsbysea(toallnations),andlettersonthesurfaceof
the waters, commanding her messengers to go forth. Yet it should be noticed that the first
characteristicofthisnationisgivendifferentlybytheLXX.,accordingtowhomitshouldbe, Land
ofthewingedships!

Acommercialandmaritimenationiscertainlypointedoutbythesevariousyetharmoniousfeatures.
Buttowhomarethemessengerstobesent?Jerome,Horsley,andothers,understandtheJews,and
it will be seen that the lineaments accord with the historical character of that people. They are
draggedawayandpluckedtornfromtheirnativecountryagainandagain.Theyareapeople
wonderfulfromtheirbeginninghitherto.Mosesbringsthisobservationbeforetheireyesinhis
day. DideverpeoplehearthevoiceofGodspeakingoutofthemidstofthefire,asthou
hastheard,andlive?OrhathGodessayedtogoandtakehimanationfromthemidstof
anothernation,bytemptations,bysigns,andbywonders,andbywar,andbyamightyhand,
andbyastretchedoutarm,andbygreatterrors,accordingtoallthattheLordyourGoddid
foryouinEgyptbeforeyoureyes?(Dent.4:33,34.)Norhastheirsingularityandtheaweof
their history ceased since then.The wonders of Joshuas day, of the Judges, and the Kings, of the
Savioursappearance,andtheirscatteringthroughtheworld,combinedwiththeirpresentexistence
stillunchangedandunchangeable,confirmtheirtitletobeconsideredthemostwonderfulpeopleof
the earth. To a like effect speaks the Geneva Bible on this clause The Jews (are the nation
spokenof) who,because [Page 200] ofGodsplagues,madeallothersafraidofthelike.Theyare
also analwaysexpectantnation.PerpetuallydisappointedinthehopeofaMessiahyettocome,
stillineverycountryandundereverydisappointmenttheyareexpectant,eventothepresentday.Yet
inspiteoftheirhopeofonedayrulingtheworld,theyarealso trampledunderfoot.Whomore
so than the Jews? Their very name a proverbial expression of insult, their persons despised
everywhere,andinformertimessubjectedtoeveryspeciesofignominy,injury,anddeath.Whose
land rivers have spoiled. That is, according to Bishop Horsley, whose country kings have
frequentlyplundered.Thisinterpretationseemsborneoutbychapter8:6,7,noris
there need to prove at length that the country of the Jews has been subject to invading armies. In
addition,however,theconfirmatorywordsofJeromemaynotbeunacceptableGoswiftlytothe
nationoftheJews,pluckedupandtornbytheAssyrianinvasiontoapeopleonceterrible,
who were under the rule of God, with whose power none may be compared to a nation
alwaysexpectingtheaidofGod,andneverthelesstroddendownbymanwhoseland,rivers,
thatis,differentkings,havelaidwaste.

Nor are the messengers to go to them alone but their cry is to all the nations of the world, to
announcetothemtheappearingasofabanneronthemountains,andthesoundofatrumpet.Nowas
the appearance of a banner and the sound of a trumpet are the signals for an army to gather, so I
apprehendarethese.WereadofboththesesignalsintheSavioursgreatprophecyofhisreturnto
whichtime,asHorsleyjustlyobserves,thisprophecyreaches. Andthenshalltheyseethesign
oftheSonofmaninheaven,whateveritbe:whetherornot,astheFathersexpected,itsignify
thecross,whichisindeedtheemblemoftheSonofMan.ButtheSaviourproceedstodeclare, He
shallsendforthhisangelswithagreatsoundofatrumpet,andtheyshallgathertogetherhis
elect from one end of heaven to the other. Nor is this all. The coincidence is yet more
complete. Isaiah assures us that the message is to all nations. St. Luke, immediately before this
prophecyofthesignoftheSonofManandofthelasttrumpetoftheArchangel,placesthedistress
of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring, mens hearts failing them for
fearwhileSt.Matthewadds,[Page201]Andthenshallallthetribesoftheearthmourn,andthey
shallseetheSonofMancominginthecloudsofheavenwithpowerandgreatglory.

Respectingthe 4thversethereissomuchuncertainty,thatthoughHorsleys version is retained in

thetext,thatoftheLXX.seemsalmostequallyworthyofreception:

ForthussaidJehovahuntome,
Thereshallbesafetyinmycity
Asacloudinthemiddaylightandheat,
Andasdewinthedayofharvest.

If Bishop Horsleys be preferred, the verse will signify a long withdrawal of the miraculous
interposition of God in the affairs of the world. He will sit still in his dwelling place until the
inhabitantswillthinkthathehasforgottenthathehidethawayhisfaceandwillneverregardwhatis
doneonearth,andthat,justbeforeGodsvengeanceshallburstforthlikelightning.Thisisinentire
accordance with the tenour of prophecy. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right
hand,tillImakethineenemiesthyfootstool.IftheSeptuagintversionbeadopted,thesense
willbe,thatwhenthebanneristhuserected,andthetrumpetblown, Jerusalemshallbeaquiet
habitation,andthesecurityexperiencedshallbethemoregratefulbecauseoftheprecedingtimeof
greattribulation,evenasacloudisgratefulinthemidstoftheglareandheatofatropicalclime,and,
asJeromeobserves,asthedewispleasanttothepantingreaper.

Whichoftheseistobepreferred,asbothexceedinglywellaccordwiththeanalogyofprophecy,is
lefttothereaderschoice.

The5thversedescribesthejudgementsofGodjustbeforetheharvest(oringatheringofbelievers,as
theSaviourexplainsitinhisparableofthetaresandwheat),uponhisprofessingChurch.Asatthe
time immediately preceding harvest, when the vine is in blossom, the husbandman prunes it of its
luxuriant and useless shoots, so will Christ deal with his Church he will send such troubles and
persecutionsuponit,thatallwhoaremereprofessorswillbeseveredfromit,astheuselessboughsby
thepruningknife.ThetimewillcomethatjudgementmustbeginatthehouseofGod.

ThisinterpretationismadegoodbythefifteenthofSt.John,Iamthetruevine,andmyFatheris
thehusbandman.[Page202]Everybranchinmethatbearethnotfruithetakethaway:andevery
branchthatbearethfruithepurgethit,thatitmaybringforthmorefruit.Moreover,asIsaiah
declares that these useless twigs shall be left to the ravenous bird and the wild beasts, signifying
thereby the desertion of the Christian faith by false professors, for the lies and abominations of
Antichristandhisseducingspirits,soPaulforetells,thatinthelatterdaysmenshalldepartfrom
the (Christian) faith, and the Man of Sin shall gather them to his party and to his own dreadful
end.ForthiscauseGodshallsendthemstrongdelusionthattheyshouldbelievealie:That
they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
unrighteousness. InSt.PaultheirwantoffaithisascribedasthereasonoftheirrejectioninSt.
Johnthewantofthoseworkswhicharetheevidenceoffaith.

Yetatthattimewhenthewickednessofmanhascometothefull,theLordJesusshallappear,and
then shall his ancient people become glorious in the eyes of the Gentiles, who shall bring them by
everymodeofconveyancetotheirnativeland,andespeciallytotheSavioursabodeonMountZion.

The observations of Procopius on this point are here presented to the readers notice. After the
harvest of the present life, they that are though worthy of that consummation, shall partake of
unmixeddivinity,whentheseparationshalltakeplaceofthosewhoarenowgatheredtogetherinthe
Church of God. And the superfluous branches of the vine shall be cast for food to the avenging
PowersandthefruitfulsoulsshallattaintheirexpectationfromGod.Butwhoheisthatshall
takeawayandcutoff,theSaviourhimselfdeclares,settingbeforeusunderthefigureofavineand
its branches, the good and the foolish, saying, I am the true vine, and my Father is the
husbandman.Everybranchinmethatbearethnotfruit,hetakethaway.Here the writer
referstheperiodspokenoftothatsucceedingthefinaljudgement,whichtheconcludingwordsforbid
ustoadmitforthetimespecifiedshallbethatoftheJewsreturn,bothlocallyto Mount Zion,
andspirituallyinhearttothefaithofChristandthiswereimpossibleinitsformerpartaftertheearth
isburntup.WiththisexceptiontheviewofProcopiusagreeswiththatgivenabove.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER19

1THESENTENCEOFEGYPT.

BEHOLD,JEHOVAHrideth
Onaswiftcloud,andshallcomeintoEgypt,
AndtheidolsofEgyptshallbemovedathispresence,
AndtheheartofEgyptshallmeltinthemidstthereof.
2AndtheEgyptiansIwillcausetoriseupagainsttheEgyptians,
Andtheyshallfighteveryoneagainsthisbrother,
Andeveryoneagainsthisneighbour,
Cityagainstcity,andkingdomagainstkingdom.
3AndthespiritofEgyptshallbetroubledinthemidstofher
AndhercounselwillIscatter
Andtheyshallinquireoftheidols,
Andthesorcerers,andthenecromancers,andthewizards.
4AndIwillgiveuptheEgyptiansintothehandofacruellord,
Andafiercekingshallruleoverthem:
5AndtheEgyptiansshalldrinkwaterfromthesea,
Fortherivershallbewastedanddriedup.
6Andtheriversshallfail,andthecanalsoftheriver,
[Andeverycollectionofwatersshallbedriedup:]
Andthereedsandflagsshallwither.
7*Andthepaperreedsbesidetheriver,atitsmouth,
Andallthatissownbytheriver
Shallperish,bedrivenawayandbenomore.
8Thefishersalsoshallmourn,
Andallthatcastangleintothebrooksshalllament,
Andtheythatspreadnetsonthewatersshalllanguish.
9Moreovertheythatworkinfineflaxshallbeconfounded,
Andtheythatweavenetwork.
10Theartificersofthesethingsshallbesorrowful,
Yea,allthatmakedrinkofbarleyshallmourn,andhegrievedinsoul.
11AndtheprincesofZoanshallbefools
AsforPharaohswisecounsellors,theircounselshallbeturnedintofolly.
HowwillyesayuntoPharaoh,
Wearethesonsofthewise,thechildrenofthekingsofold?
12Wherenowarethywisemen?letthemcomeandtellthee,
Letthemdeclaretothee,whatJEHOVAHofhostshathpurposedagainstEgypt
13TheprincesofZoanhavebecomefools,
TheprincesofNoph(Memphis)aredeceived
TheyshalldeceiveEgypt,
Eventheythatarethestayofthetribesthereof.
14ForJEHOVAHhathmingledforthemaspiritoferror
AndtheyhavecausedEgypttoerrinallherdeeds,
Asthedrunkardstaggerethandvomitethatonce:
15NorshalltherebeanyworkforEgypt,
Whichtheheadortail,thebeginningandtheend,mayperform.
16InthatdaytheEgyptiansshallbecome
Likewomeninfearandtrembling,
BecauseofthehandofJEHOVAHofhosts
Whichheshalllayuponthem.
17AndthelandofJudaeashallbeaterrortoEgypt
Everyonethatmentionethit,shallbeafraidinhimself,
BecauseofthecounselofJEHOVAHofhosts,whichhehathdeterminedagainstit.
18InthatdayshallfivecitiesinthelandofEgypt
SpeakthelanguageofCanaan,
AndswearuntoJEHOVAHofhosts
*Oneshallbecalled,TheCityoftheSun.
19InthatdayshalltherebeanaltartoJEHOVAH,
InthemidstofthelaudofEgypt,
AndapillarattheborderthereofuntoJEHOVAH.
20Anditshallbeforaperpetualsign
UntoJEHOVAHofhostsinthelandofEgypt.
FortheyshallcryuntoJFHOVAHbecauseoftheiroppressors,
AndheshallsendthemaSaviour,
AndaJudgethatshalldeliverthem.
21AndJEHOVAHshallbeknownuntotheEgyptians:
AndtheEgyptiansshallknowJEHOVAHinthatday,
Andshalldosacrificeandoblation,
Yea,shallvowavowuntoJEHOVAH,andperformit.
22AndJehovahshallsmiteEgyptwithamightyblow,
Yetheshallsurelyhealit
AndtheyshallreturnuntoJEHOVAH,
Andheshallbeentreatedofthem,andhealthem.
23InthatdaythereshallbeahighwayoutofEgypttoAssyria,
AndtheAssyriansshallcomeintoEgypt,
AndtheEgyptiansshallgointoAssria,
AndtheEgyptiansshallworshipwiththeAssyrians.
24InthatdayshallIsraelbethethirdwithEgyptandAssyria,
Evenablessinginthemidstoftheearth,
25WhomJEHOVAHofhostsshallbless,saying,
Blessedbemypeople,Egypt
AndAssyria,theworkofmyhands
AndIsrael,mineinheritance.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER19
[Page203]

ThereisonepassageintheApocalypsebearingstronglyonthechapterbeforeus,whichhasreceived
little attention, though on it would seem to depend the true interpretation of many of the prophetic
visions.Itisfoundinchapter11:8.

The great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was
crucified.NowthislastclausebeyondadoubtfixesthecityasthatofJerusalem.ThatJerusalemis
calledSodom,iscertainfromtheveryfirstchapterofIsaiah.Butwhereisitprophesiedofunderthe
nameofEgypt?Isitsoentitledinthischapter?Thereismuchevidenceinsupportofit,thoughit
mustbeconfessedthatthereareserious,orperhapsweshouldsayinsuperable,objectionsagainstit.

ItremainsthenthatthisforetellsChristsjudgementonthelandofEgyptathisreturn.Norshouldit
beforgottenthatwhilemostoftheothernationsthatwerecontemporarywithIsraelintheearlyages
oftheworldhavevanished,theEgyptiansstillremain,anddoubtlesswillsubserveapurposeinthe
futurehistoryofGodsdealingwiththeworld.Theyarenottobecondemned,asBabylon,toafinal
overthrowanddesolation,butaretoknowtheLordandbeknownandblessedofhim.Butherethe
calamities that shall befall them in the last days are revealed. First, civil war Egyptian against
Egyptian,cityagainstcity,kingdomagainstkingdom.Andthisprobablyshalltakeplaceatthattime
ofwhichtheSaviourspeaks,when [Page204] nationshallriseagainstnation,andkingdomagainst
kingdom,thefirstofthesignsgivenofhisreturn:since,fromthewordsthatprecede, theendis
not yet, we gather, that those previously spoken received their accomplishment in the Roman
destructionoftheJewishtemple.

* Dr.Hendersononthefirstverseofthischapterhasthefollowingnote.ItiscommoninScripturetorepresentanygreat
calamity,ortheinflictionofaremarkablejudgement,undertheideaoftheComingoftheLord.Thepassagesadducedin
supportofthisare,first,Psalm50:3.ButthispsalmissurelyasclearaprophecyofChristscomingasalmostanythatcanbe
found.HisappearanceonZion(Verse2).Thefireburningbeforehim(2Thess.1:8.)Hiscomingtojudge(Verse4).His
gathering the saints(Verse 5 Matthew 24: 3l.) Then Christs plea, first with the righteous, and then with the wicked, all
clearlybetokentherealdayofhiscoming.ThepassageinIsaiahwillbeconsideredsoon.ThatfromSt.Johnpredictsno
greatcalamityorremarkablejudgement.AndJames(5:8)predictsnogreatcalamity,otherthanthelastjudgementofthe
ungodly.(Seeverses3,7,9.)

Next the prophet unfolds the sway of magical superstition to which Egypt was always and still is
addicted.ThatthiswillbeverygeneraltheScripturesforetell.Nextisforetoldtheirdeliveryintothe
handofacruellordandfierceking.ThereisnodifficultyindecidinghimtobetheWilfulKing
prophesiedofabove.HeiscalledbyDanielakingoffiercecountenance,whostandsupwhen
transgressorsarecometothefull.(Dan.8:23.)Thatheshallbecruel,isseen(totakebutone
testimony) from Dan. 11: 44. And, which critically confirms the whole, He shall have power
overthetreasuresofgoldandofsilver,andoverallthepreciousthingsofEgypt(ver.43),
showingthatthatcountryisgivenintohishand.

Adreadfuldroughtisthesucceedingjudgement.Therivershallbewastedanddriedup.With
whatdelightandvenerationtheEgyptiansregardtheirriveriswellknown.Itswatersare,according
to the testimony of all travellers, peculiarly pleasant.Not only so, almost the existence of Egypt
dependsuponitsannualoverflow,asitneverrainstherehencetheextentofthecalamitymaywellbe
imagined, should such an event occur and its effects are here graphically foretold.As once in the
daysofMoses,itswaters wereturnedintoblood,sothattheycouldnotdrinkthewatersof
theriver,sointhatday,itswatersshallbewasted,andfail.Andasthen,thefishthatwasinthe
riverdiedsothesameisimpliedherealsofromthemourningofthefishermen,whetheranglers,or
thecastersofnets.Andasthen,theEgyptiansdiggedroundabouttheriverforwatertodrink,
fortheycouldnotdrinkofthewateroftheriver,sohereitisthreatenedthat theEgyptians
shalldrinkseawater.IsnotthisthetimeofwhichitisprophesiedintheApocalypse, Andthe
thirdangelsounded,andtherefellagreatstarfromheaven,burningasitwerealamp,andit
felluponthethirdpartoftherivers,anduponthefountainsofwatersAndthenameofthe
star is called Wormwood: and the [Page 205] third part of the waters became wormwood and
manydiedofthewaters,becausetheyweremadebitter.(Rev.8:10,11.)Butyoudonot
meantosay,thatthestarshallactuallyfall,andthewatersbecomebitter?Astronomyhasmarkedout
thepathsofthestars,andweknowtheircourses,andareconfidentthatsuchathingcouldnottake
place? It shall be seen one day, whether God is able to accomplish his word or no. If it be
marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be
MARVELLOUSINMINEEYES?saiththeLordofhosts.(Zech.8:6.)Fearfulsights
andgreatsignsshalltherebefromheaven.

AtthesefearfuljudgementstheheartofEgyptshallfail,anditswisemenseekinvaintodiscover
theircauses,yetshallnotreturntohimthatsmotethem. Andtherestofthemenwhichwere
notkilledbytheseplaguesyetrepentednotoftheworksoftheirhands,thattheyshouldnot
worshipdevils,andidolsofgold,andsilver,andbrass.(Rev.9:20.)OnthispassageJerome
remarks,thatatZoanorTanesthemiraclesofMosesofoldtimewerewrought.Hethenproceeds.
ThatMemphisalsowasgiventomagicarts,tracesoftheolderroreventothepresenttime
show.Andthisbrieflyindicates,thatwhentheBabylonianinvasioncomes,allthecounsel
ofthemagiciansandofthosewhopromisedtheknowledgeoffuturethingsareconvictedof
folly.

But the coming of the Lord Jesus himself, when on a swift cloud he passes through Egypt, and
causestheheartofEgypttomeltwithinher,shallproducealastingeffectofgoodforthen
shallthe Spiritbepouredoutfromonhigh,andtheEgyptiansatlengthshallbelieve,andthe
pillarandaltarspokenofbeerected.AndbecausethetongueoftheEgyptianseaisdriedupbythe
handofGod,thereforethehighwaybetweenthethreecountriesofEgypt,Assyria,andPalestine,will
beopen.AndthenwilltheblessingoftheSaviourrestonthelandinwhichforatimehetarried,
whentheFathercalledhisSonoutofEgypt.Andheshallsay,

Blessedbemypeople,Egypt
AndAssyria,theworkofmyhands,
AndIsraelmineinheritance.

Thattheinterpretationheregivenwastheoriginalidea [Page 206]entertainedbytheancientChurch,the

followingcommentsofJeromeonthe19th,23rd,and24thverseswillshow.Fromthisplacetothe
endofthevisiononEgypt,bothJewsandChristiansunderstandthecomingoftheChrist,butthey
putofftheirviewstothefuture,weholdthemtobenowaccomplished.Thenheadds,speakingof
thepillarserection,Itshall,beforasignandatestimony,thatis,oftheSaviourspassion.Then
theywhobelieve,whentheEgyptianscombatwithEgyptians,andamanfightswithhisbrother,and
city goes to war with city, when the time of persecution shall have come, (how exactly accordant
with the Lords prophecy on Olivet!) will implore the mercy of the Lord, and he will send them
immediatelyaSaviour,thatis,Jesusfortheword[Saviour]becomes[Jesus]inLatin.

Onthe23rdverse,thoughasusualhedisapproves,heremarks:Someofourpeoplereferthistothe
thousandyears,andaftertheJewishfashion,decidethatitshalltakeplaceintheconsummationofthe
world,whenAntichristcomingfromAssyriashallhavepossessedEgyptandEthiopia.

Onthe24thversehisobservationisasfollows:ThenshallitbesaidbytheLord,Blessedismy
peopleofEgypt,whennotMoses,butChristtheLordruling,endlessthousandsofmenshall
fill the deserts, and Pharaoh being drowned [Antichrist being destroyed as was Pharaoh],
theyshallsayinthedesert,LetussinguntotheLord:forhehathbeenexaltedgloriously,
thehorseandhisriderhathhecastintothesea.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER20

1 In the year that Tartan entered into Ashdod, (where he was sent by Sargon, the
KingofAssyria,)andhefoughtagainstAshdod,andtookit
2AtthattimeJEHOVAHspakeuntoIsaiah,thesonofAmoz,saying,
Goandloosethesackclothfromoffthyloins,
Andputoffthyshoesfromthyfeet.
3Andhedidso,walkingnakedandbarefoot.AndJEHOVAHsaid,
AsmyservantIsaiahhathwalkednakedandbarefootthreeyears,
ForasignandwondertotheEgyptiansandEthiopians
4SoshallthekingofAssyrialeadcaptive
EgyptiansandEthiopians,youngandold,nakedandbarefoot,
Withtheirhinderpartsdiscovered,totheshameofEgypt.
5Andtheyshallbeafraidandashamed
OfCushtheirexpectation,
AndofEgypttheirglory.
6Andtheinhabitantsofthisseacoastshallsayinthatday,
Behold,wetrustedtofleeuntothemforsuccour,
WhocouldnotdeliverthemselvesfromtheKingofAssyria,
Andhowthenshallweescape?

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER20
[Page206]

The meaning of this prophecy as bearing on the future (for all prophecy not having a notorious
fulfilmentis,Iapprehend,tobeconsideredashavingyetafuturereference)isbynomeansevident:
yetitisintendedprobablytoforetelltotheJewsthecertaintyoftheirfallingunderthepowerofthe
Assyrian,theburthenofsomanypropheciesinspiteoftheirdependenceuponEgyptforaid.This
theprophetwasdirectedtomakeknowntothoseofhisday,bywalkingnakedforthreeyears,inthe
condition in which captives were driven like beasts before their conquerors. [Page 207] This passage is
decisiveagainstthosewhoholdthetheorythatintheannouncementoftimeinprophecy,adaystands
forayear,andayearfor360years.AndonthispointIamhappyinbeingabletocoincidewiththe
learnedwriteronIsaiahwhohasjustprecededme.Everystatement,hesays,whichhasbeen
madetoshowthatIsaiahdidnotappearinthissymbolicalstateforthespaceofthreeyears
hasprovedabortive,beingcontradictoryoftheplainstatementofthetext. It is still more
directly contradictory of the Septuagint, which, after all, is probably the true reading. As my
servantIsaiahhathwalkednakedandsandallessthreeyears,soforthreeyearsshalltherebe
signsandwonderstotheEgyptiansandEthiopians.

ThuswasIsaiahtoforetelltotheJewsthattheEgyptiansandEthiopians,onwhomtheyplacedtheir
hopesofsupport,shouldbeledcaptivebytheAssyrian.Andhownaturallyandclearlydoestheir
reflection, as given by the Septuagint, follow? Behold, we trusted to flee unto them for
succour,whocouldnotdeliverthemselvesfromtheKingofAssyriaandhowthenshallwe
escape?


***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER21

THESENTENCEOFTHEDESERTOFTHEWEST.

1Likeatempestrushingfromthesouth,
Fromthedeserttherecometh,fromtheterribleland,
2Afearfulvision,andadark(prophecy)wasrevealeduntome.
TheScornerisscorningandtheLawlessOneisdoinglawlessly.
3Thereforemyloinsarefilledwithpain,
Pangshavetakenholdonme,asawomanintravail,
Iwascastdown,sothatIcouldnothear
Iwasastonished,sothatIcouldnotsee.
4Myheartdothpalpitate:wickednessisfloodingme,
Mysoulisdistractedwithterror.
Goup,Elam!besiege,yeMedes!
Allthegroaning[ofhercaptives]Ihavemadetocease.
5Preparethetable,setthewatcheat,drink:
Rise,yeprinces,seizetheshields.
Go,setthyselfasawatchman,
Andwhatthouseest,declare.
7AndIbeheldachariotwithtwobeastsofdraught,
Theonebeast,anassandtheother,acamel.
AndIheardalongnarrative.
8ThenIcalledUriahtothewatchtower,andhesaid,
MyLord,Ihavekeptmystationallday
AndatmypostIstoodallnight,
9Andbeholdherecomeththeveryriderofthepairofbeasts.
Andheansweredandsaid,
Fallen,fallenisBabylon:andallherimages,
Andalltheidolworksofherhandsarecrushedtotheearth.
10Hear,0yeremnant,andyethatmourn,giveear
WhatIhaveheardfromJEHOVAHGodofIsrael,
ThathaveIdeclareduntoyou.

THEORACLECONCERNINGIDUMEA.

11ThenightwatchmancalledtomefromSeir,
12Guardthebattlements.Iguardthemmorningandnight.
Whymournestthou,watchman?Whatofthenight?
Thewatchmananswered,Themorningcometh,
Andalsothenightifyewillenquire,enquireye:
Repentye,come!

THEORACLECONCERNINGARABIA.

13Inthewood,atevenshalltheylodge,ontheroadtowardsDedan.
14Bringwatertomeetthethirsty,
YethatdwellinthelandofTeman.
Meetwithbreadthemthatflee,
15Becauseofthemultitudeoftheslaughtered,
[Becauseofthemultitudeofthewanderers],
Andbecauseofthemultitudeoftheswordsmen,
Andbecauseofthemultitudeofbendedbows,
Andthemultitudeofthefalleninbattle.
Yetayear,astheyearofanhireling,
AndthegloryofKedarshallfail,
Andtheremainderofthemightybowmen
17OfthesonsofKedarshallbefew,
ForJEHOVAHofhostshatlxspokenit.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER21

The first vision of this chapter contains the execution of Gods vengeance against Babylon. It
receiveditsfirstaccomplishmentinthetakingofthatcitybytheMedesandPersians,whoarehere
mentioned by name. But as there is a Babylon yet to be destroyed, so the vision has yet a future
fulfilmentinthedestructionofRome.Thiswillbeseenfromtheentireaccordanceofthischapter
with the fiftieth and fiftyfirst chapters of Jeremiah, and the agreement of each of these with
themselves,andwiththeseventeenthandeighteenthchaptersofRevelation.

The time predicted is, I suppose, that day when Antichrist, and Rome* as the seat of the Roman
Catholic religion, are jointly ruling the earth. But this joint rule will displease the Wilful King,
whoseambitionwillspurhimontouniversallordship:andhewillcommandhistentributarykings
todestroyher.Hehasalreadybeguntoscornandtodestroy,buthasnotyetreachedhisheight[Page208]
ofpower,nortillthiscaptureofRomeastheseatofanindependentpower,willhebemostprobably
entitledtheKingofBabylon.Sodreadfularethesetimesoftrouble,thattheprophetcomparesit
to a southern tempest violently sweeping along. The blasphemy and violence and persecution are
such,thatIsaiahvividlydescribeshiskeenpainandanguishatthesightofGodspeoplemercilessly
massacred, both by Rome and Antichrist. For the mystical Babylon just before her overthrow is
describedasdrunkenwiththebloodofthesaintsasitisalsosaidofArmillus,thatthesaints
were given into his hand. That these two independent powers will join to destroy the saints,
thoughhatingeachotherinheart,isseenbytheexampleofHerodandPilate,who thoughbefore
theyhadbeenatenmitybetweenthemselves,unitedinputtingJesustodeath.

*ThatRomewillyetfulfiltheprophecyofRevelationbybecominganimmensecityoftraffic,andwillagainruleoverthe
world,seeBurghontheRevelation.

But as then, the Most High soon after made the one of these parties execute his vengeance on the
other, so will it be in that day. After they have thus agreed to destroy Gods saints for a time,
Armillus,aswehaveseen,becomesjealousofRome,anddesignstoputanendtoherpower.

Thisisthenextsceneofthepropheticvision.

Goup,Elam!besiege,yeMedes!
AllthegroaningofhercaptivesIhavemadetocease.
Preparethetable,setthewatcheat,drink
Rise,yeprinces:seizetheshields!

HowstrikinglyisthisinunisonwithJer.51:11,27,28.

Makebrightthearrowsgathertheshields:
JEHOVAHhathraisedupthespiritofthekings(king,LXX.)oftheMedes,
ForhispurposeisagainstBabylontodestroyit.
BecauseitisthevengeanceofJEHOVAH,
Thevengeanceofhistemple.(peopleSept.)
Ver.27,11Setyeupastandardintheland(earth),
Blowthetrumpetamongthenations
Preparethenationsagainsther,
Callagainstherkingdoms,
Ararat,Miniri,andAschenaz.

Thelastlines,accordingtotheLXX.,runthus

Commissionagainstherthecatapults,
Causecavalrytocomeagainstherlikeamultitudeoflocusts
Enlistnationsagainsther,
[Page209]THEKINGoftheMedesandofOFALLTHEEARTH,
Hisrulers,andallhisgenerals,
Andhisforcesofalltheearth.

Inthesetworemarkablyaccordantpassages,wehavetheforcesarrayedagainstBabylon,underthe
command(asIsaiahstates)of Princes.IntheprophecyofJeremiahwefindthattheseprincesare
rulerssubordinatetotheKingoftheMedesandofalltheearth.

ThisisconfirmedandexpoundedyetfurtherbySt.John,whoforetellsthattheseprincesshallbeten
innumber,whoshallriseupatthebreakinginpiecesoftheRomanempire. Thetenhornswhich
thousawestaretenkings,whichhavereceivednopowerasyetbutreceivepoweraskings
onehourwiththeBeast.Thesehaveonemind,andshallgivetheirpowerandstrengthunto
the Beast. ... And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the Beast, these shall hate the
whore,andshallmakeherdesolateandnakedandburnherwithfire.ForGodhathputit
intotheirheartstofulfilhiswill,andtoagree,andgivetheirkingdomuntothebeast,until
thewordsofGodshallbefulfilled.(Rev.17:12,13,16,17.)ButthecoincidencebetweenSt.
JohnandJeremiahmustbedrawnyetcloser.St.Johncallsherinthesecondverseofthischapter,
The great whore, with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the
inhabitantsoftheearthhavebeenmadedrunkwiththewineofherfornication.Such are
alsothewordsofJeremiahinthesamechapter, BabylonhathbeenagoldencupintheLord's
hand, that hath made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine,
thereforethenationsaremad.AndasSt.JohnheardavoicebiddingtheLordspeopledepartout
ofher,sointhesixthverseofthechapterofJeremiahabovementioned,anexactlysimilarcommand
is given. And as St. John declares that the ten kings shall burn her with fire, so does Jeremiah
affirminthe30thverse,Theyhaveburnedherdwellingplaces:herbarsarebroken.

Buttoreturn.Whilstthusonhiswatchtower,theprophetheardalongnarration,whichhewasnot
suffered, we may suppose, to write as St. John was forbidden to narrate what the seven thunders
uttered.HeisthendirectedtocallUriahthepriest,oneofthewitnessestothebirthofMahershalal
Hashbaz.Thepurportofthisis[Page210]mentionedbyTheodoret: TakeUriahasyourcompanion,
forinthemouthoftwoorthreewitnessesshalleverywordbeestablished.Hethendeclares
that after standing on the watch day and night he beheld the rider of the chariot drawn by the two
animalsapproaching.Thecharioteerthendeclarestheissueoftheexpeditionofthetenkings.

Fallen,fallenisBabylon,andallherimages,
Andalltheidolworksofherhandarecrushedtotheearth.

As this is precisely similar to the announcement of St. John, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that
greatcity,becauseshemadeallnationsdrinkofthewineofthewrathofherfornication
whichismadebyan angel,soisitprobablethatthecharioteerofIsaiahisanangelalso.Alike
declaration of Gods wrath upon her is made Jeremiah51:8, Babylon is suddenly fallen and
destroyed:howlforher.Andin Jeremiah50:2,Publish,andconcealnotsay,Babylonis
taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces her idols are confounded, her
imagesarebrokeninpieces.

The vision against Idumea. This prophecy is extremely obscure, but a passage in the before
mentionedfiftiethofJeremiahappearstothrowmuchlightonthisshortvision.Afterthedeclared
judgementofGodonBabylon,andthecomingupofthenationfromthenorthtodestroyher,itis
said, Inthosedays,andinthattime,saithJehovah,thechildrenofIsraelshallcome,they
and the children of Judah together, going and weeping they shall go and seek the Lord
theirGod.(Ver.4.)UntoZionshalltheyinquiretheway,settingtheirfacesthitherward
andtheyshallcomeandfleeforrefugetotheLordtheirGod,fortheeverlastingcovenant
shallnotbeforgotten.(Septuaginttranslationof ver.5.)Hencetheinquiryappearstobethatof
theJewsaskingoftheprophet,whilstcaptiveinmysticalBabylon,Whatiswrittenconcerningthem
withtheprophetsexhortationtoreturntoJehovahwhomtheyhadsolongforsaken.Perhapsitrefers
to that time of which St. John speaks immediately before the passage last quoted:I saw another
angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that
dwellontheearth,andtoeverynation,andkindred,andtongue,andpeople,Sayingwitha
loudvoice,FearGod,andgiveglorytohimforthehourofhis [Page211] judgementiscome.
(Rev.14:6,7.) Themorningcometh,andalsothenight,thusexplainedbyJerome, The
morningcomethtomypeople,andnighttothenationoftheEdomites:totheonewillIgive
light,youwillIleaveindarkness.Hementionsalso,whichiscertainlytrue,thattheJewsby
Idumea,orEdom,understandRome,thoughnotashesupposesfromtheresemblanceoftheHebrew
lettersinthetwowords:EDoMandRoMetheDandRbeinginHebrewexceedinglylikeeach
other.ButRaymundMartininhisPug.Fidmoretrulyremarks,TheJewscalltheRomansthe
sons of Esau. In innumerable places in the Talmud they are called sometimes Esau,
sometimesEdom,orSeir,orthesonsofEsau,andRomeiscalledMountSeir,ortheMount
of Esau. In Obadiah, And saviours shall arise on Mount Zion. That is, says Rab.
Solomon, It is to teach that the kingdom of God shall not be perfect till he hath taken
vengeanceontheimpiousEsau.RabbiSolomoninhisnoteadds,TitisisRome. Still
further, Kimchi, remarks De Rossi, in the Soncinensian, Ed. of 1486, and the
Ulyssiponentian,'of1492,readsnotEdombutRome.Andaccordingtothewordsofour
Rabbinsofblessedmemory,inthebookofRabbiMeir,theyfounditwritten,Theburden
ofDumahistheburdenofRome.InasucceedingnoteDeRossi further remarks, on finding
one of his codices reading. It is indeed remarkable that this, which is the ancient
interpretationoftheJews,theextremeresemblanceofthetwoletters(and),andthe
great likelihood of mistaking them, should not have occasioned this various reading to be
foundinmoreMSS.

ThevisionofArabiais,Iconceive,afurtherenlargementofthevisionrespectingMoab.Thevision
of Moab presented to us the Israelites driven by Armillus out of their native land. Here they are
represented again as on their road to Arabia and the place of their lodging on their flight is
predicted.The Arabians are commanded to bring the weary and thirsty fugitives bread and water:
whichcommandJehovahwilldoubtlessatthetimeputitintotheirheartstofulfil.Becauseofthe
omissionofthisactofkindnessandhospitality,GodwasveryindignantagainstMoabinthedaysof
Moses. AnAmmoniteorMoabiteshallnotenterintothecongregationoftheLord,evento
the [Page212] tenthgenerationshalltheynotenterintothecongregationoftheLordforever,
Because they met you not with bread and water, in the way when ye came forth out of
Egypt.(Dent.23:3,4.)Thefugitivesherespokenofarerepresentedasescapingbecauseofthe
multitudeoftheslaughteredandthehorrorsofwar,asitwasshownabove,willbethecasewhenthe
WilfulKingmakeshistreacherousandbloodyexpeditionagainstJudaeaandJerusalem.

Jeromesremarksonthe15thverseareasfollows:

ThereforeitisnowpredictedtotheJewswhoshallbeabletoescapetheBabyloniansiege,
andafterthedesolationofthewholeprovince,tocrossovertotheneighbouringdesert,that
they shall dwell in the solitude of Arabia, in the path which leads to their brethren.
[Dodanim, he observes, signifies relations.] And again his discourse is turned towards the
Ishmaelites,andheexhortsthemtomercy,Runye,andcarrywatertomeetyourbrethren,
weary and in danger of death from burning thirst, for so great is the heat of the sun, that
exceptyouaidthem,theymustperishinthedesertandbring,notonlywater,butbreadto
the fugitives, that those whom the siege has ruined, your mercy may relieve. And at the
sametime,headdsthereasonwhyhebidsthemdothesethings.Theyhavefledfromthe
sword of Babylon, they have fled from the bows of the Elamites, they have fled from the
battlenighathand.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER22

1THEORACLECONCERNINGTHEVALLEYOFZION.

Whataileththeenow,thatthouartwhollygoneuptothehousetops?
2Thoucitythatwasfullofthemthatshout!
Tumultuouscity,exultingcity!
Thywoundedarenotthewoundedofwar,
Northydeadthedeadofbattle.
3Allthyrulershavefledtogetherfromthebow,
Andtheythatarecaughtarestraitlybound
Andthymightyoneshavefledafar.
4Wherefore,saidI,Leavemealone,Iwillweepbitterly
Strivenottocomfortme,becauseofthedesolationofthedaughterofmypeople.
5Foritisadayoftroubleanddestruction,
Andoftramplingdown,anddelusionfromJEHOVAHofhosts.
InthevalleyofZionthereiswandering,
Fromthegreatesttotheleast,theyroamuponthemountains.
6AndtheyofElambarequivers
AndwithchariotscametheSyrian,andwithhorsemen,
AndKirsetthebattleinarray.
7Andthychoicevalleysshallbefullofchariots,
Andhorsemenshallbesiegethygates.
8AndinthatdaytheyshalldiscoverthegatesofJudah
Andshalllookonthechosenhousesofthecity,
9AndshalluncoverthesecretthingsofthehousesofthemountofDavid,
Andtheyshallseethatyearemany
Andhowyeturnedthewateroftheoldpoolintothecity,
10AndhowyenumberedthehousesofJerusalem,
Anddestroyedthemforthefortificationofthecitywall.
11Andhowyemadeyourselvesanaqueduct
Betweenthetwowalls,forthewateroftheoldpool:
Butyelookednottohimthatmadeitfromthebeginning,
Norhadyerespecttohimthatfashioneditlongago.
12AndJEHOVAHofhostscalledinthatday
Toweepingandlamentation,
Toshavingofthehead,andgirdingwithsackcloth
13Butbeholdjoyandgladness,
Slayingofoxen,andkillingofsheep,
Eatingofflesh,anddrinkingofwine,saying,
Letuseatanddrink,fortomorrowwedie!
14ThenwasrevealedtomineearsthevoiceofJEHOVAHofhosts,
Surelythisiniquityshallnotbeforgiven,tillyedie,
SaiththeLordJEHOVAHofhosts.
15ThussaithJEHOVAHofhosts,
Go,gettheetothebridechamber,toShelmathesteward,andsayuntohim,
16Whatdoestthouhere?andwhathastthouhere?
Thatthouhasthewnthyselfhereasepulchre,
Andhastmadethyselfatombonhigh,
Andhastcarvedthyselfahabitationintherock!
17Behold,JEHOVAHwillsurelycasttheeout,
Andwilldestroythy(house)maleandfemale,
Andwilltakeawaythyrobe,anddiadem,andgloriouscrown.
18Andwillcasttheeintoacountrygreatandunmeasured,
Andthereshaltthoudie
Andhewillbringthychariotofbeautytodishonour,
AndthehouseofthyLord,tobetroddenunderfoot,
19Andthoushaltbetakenfromthystewardship,
Andfromthystationhewillplucktheeaway.
ThatIwillcallmyservantEliakim,sonofHilkiah,
21AndIwillclothehimwiththyrobe,
AndIwillsetonhimthycrownwithpower,
AndthystewardshipwillIcommitintohishand
AndheshallbeafathertotheinhabitantsofJerusalem,
AndtothehouseofJudah.
22[AndIwillgivethegloryofDaviduntohim,
Andheshallrule,andthereshallbenonetogainsay,]
AndIwilllaythekeyofthehouseofDavidonhisshoulder,
Andheshallopen,andnoneshallshut,
Andheshallshut,andnoneshallopen.
23AndIwillmakehimrulerinasureplace,
Andheshallbeforathroneofglorytohisfathershouse.
24Andonhimshalltrusteveryonethatishonourable
Inthehouseofhisfather,
Andonhimshalltheyhang.
25Inthatday,saithJEHOVAHofhosts,
Themanthatisfastenedinafaithfulplace
Shallbemoved,yea,becutdownandfall,
Andtheglorythatwasuponhimshallutterlyperish,
ForJEHOVAHhathspokenit.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER22
[Page212]

Thisvisionbeginsinthespiritedandpoeticallyabruptmannerofmanyoftheprophecies,asifthe
prophetsawbeforehisveryeyethescenesdescribed.HebeholdsherethewholecityofJerusalem
goneuptothehousetops.Forwhatreason?Theanswertothismustcontainareplysignifyingthe
general bearing of the whole. It represents, I apprehend, the great final siege of Jerusalem by the
Destroyer.Theinhabitantshaveruntothehousetopstoseetheinvaderstroopsadvancing:whichis
theverypositioninwhichourLordsupposesthatsomeoftheinhabitantsatthatdaywouldbefound.
Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house.
(Matt.24:17.)Yetitissaid,that [Page213]theslainarenottheslainofthesword. Probablythis
intimates that many will die outright with fear: perhaps also with hunger and pestilence, which the
MostHighmaysendduringthesiege.Butthenextversedescribesthecapture,thebindingtogether
oftherulersandtheprisonersofvariouskinds,withtheflightofthemenofwar,suchastookplace
inthesiegeofJerusalembyNebuchadnezzar.(2Kings25:4.)Thatdaywillbeeminently aday
oftrouble, indeed thedayofGREATTRIBULATION, especially to Israel, as has before
been shown by the quotation from the twentyfirst chapter of St. Luke. So Jeremiah 30: 57,
describesit,ForthussaiththeLordWehaveheardavoiceoftrembling,offear,andnotof
peace.Askyenow,andseewhetheramandothtravailwithchild?whereforedoIseeevery
man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into
paleness?Alas!forthatdayisgreat,sothatnoneislikeititiseventhetimeofJacob's
troublebutheshallbesavedoutofit.Itisalsoadayofwanderingonthemountains:for
thitherChristhasdirectedallthosewhobelieveinhimtofleeinthatday,ashasbeennoticedabove.
Next,thenationsbywhomtheinflictioniswroughtarebroughtbeforethereaderandsubsequently
theirsearchingintoevery,houseforspoil,andtheirdiscoveringthemeasurestakenbytheinhabitants
ofJerusalemtostandthesiege.

Yet in spite of this terrible calamity of their being besieged by so many nations, a spirit of
recklessnessinsteadofsorrowwillseizeontheJews,andtheywillsayinthevoluptuarysdespair,
Letuseatanddrink,fortomorrowwedie.Asimilardesperationappearstohaveseizedthat
nation during the siege by Titus. Yet such conduct is highly displeasing to God: for such a
providenceisacalltoapeopleonthepartofJehovahtomourn,andhumblethemselves.Whencewe
learn that national humiliation under national judgements is an evident duty. St. Paul, by having
quotedthispassageinthemagnificentchapterontheresurrection,hasreprovedthismirthofreckless
despair. He hath set forth there the life beyond, and the resurrection as the gate that
leads to it. Were this life the only existence, then when we fell into deep calamity, we might
perhapsbeexcusedforsaying,Ourlifeiscutshort,anddarknesshasenvelopeditsfutureletus[Page214]
enjoythelittlepleasurewhichisinourgrasp,fortomorrowweshallbenomore. Butnowhath
Christrisenfromthedead,andbecomethefirstfruitsofthemthatslept. Hence there is a
[out]resurrectionofthe[soulandthe]fleshandajudgementday,inwhichthedeedsofmanshall
befinallyrecompensed.

The 15th verse introduces a new subject: the reproof of Shebna the steward. He is accused of
unbeliefandpride:ofpride,inhewinghimselfatombonhighintherock,likeoneofthekings,and,
asProcopiusadds,ininscribingoverit,The sepulchre of Shebna, which seems not improbable.
Heisalsorebukedforunbeliefingatheringtohimselfriches,andpridinghimselfinhisdress,and
chariots,andacrown,inalandwhichGodhadthreatenedtodevastate.Henceheshouldbecastout
into a wide and foreign land, and there should die. This, the Jews tell us, took place soon after the
embassy of Rabshakeh to Hezekiah. Shebna was terrified, they say, by the boastful speeches of
Rabshakeh, and leaving Jerusalem went over to the Assyrian monarch. However this be, when his
removalshouldtakeplace,itwasforetoldthat Eliakim,whichwasoverthehousehold,should
takehisofficeandstewardship.

Butthisisonlytheprimaryandprivateinterpretation.Itiseasytosee,indeeddifficultnottosee,that
farhighertruthsarecontainedherein.The notice of the key of David, which is by our Lord Jesus
Christappropriatedtohimself(Rev.3:9),showsthatthepassagebeforeusisaprophecyofhim.
Whenceitislawfultoargue,thatasoneistobecastdown,andtheotherwhoistosucceedisthe
Christ, so, by parity of reason, he who is to be cast down is Antichrist who, like Shebna, shall be
remarkableforhiscrown,andchariots,andshrine().Next the very word Eliakim, as Eusebius
notices,conveysanintimationofChrist. TheLordshallcausehimtorise,isitsmeaning,and
theresurrectionofJesusistheverydeclarationthepartofGodthatheistheSonofGodtheSonof
Davidthatshallsitonhisfathersthrone,accordingtotheargumentofSt.Peterinhisfirstsermon.

Tononebuthimcantheprophecyallude

Iwillclothehimwiththyrobe,
AndIwillsetonhimthycrownwithpower,
Andthystewardship(orgovernment)willIcommittohishand.
[Page215]AndheshallbeaFathertotheinhabitantsofJerusalem,
AndtothehouseofJudah.
AndIwilllaythekeyofthehouseofDavidonhisshoulder,
Andheshallopen,andnoneshallshut
Andheshallshut,andnoneshallopen:

with the succeeding words. And accordantly with the whole tenour of prophecy, then shall the
TraitorousKingthathasusurpedhisnameandplacebecutoff,andtheglorythatwasuponhimshall
utterlyperishforthe Lordshallconsumehimwiththespiritofhismouth,anddestroyhim
withthebrightnessofhiscoming.

To those of that day, says Procopius, was Shebna a type. But Eliakim (which being
translatedsignifiestheresurrectionofGod)wasafigureofthenewpriesthood,whichthe
resurrectionofourSaviourhathinstitutedinhisChurchthroughouttheworld.ForChristis
calledhighpriestintheplaceofthem,aswasEliakimintheplaceofShebna.ButChrist
beinghighpriest,nooneshallcontradicthim,asitiswritten,TheEnemyshallnotgainan
advantageoverhim,theSonofWickedness[ManofSin]shallnothurthim.(Psalm 89:
22.)

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER23

1THESENTENCEOFTYRE.

Howl,shipsofTarshish,forithathbeenspoiled!
AndmencomenomorefromthecoastofChittim.
Theyarecarriedcaptive.
2TowhomWeretheylike,theythatdweltinthisisland?
ThetradersofPhoenicia,messengersthatpassedoverthesea!
3Onmightywaterswasthenationofmerchants.
AswhentheharvestofUriscarriedin,arethetradersofthenations!
4Beashamed,0Zidon,saidthesea
Andthestrengthoftheseasaid,
Ihavenottravailed,norhaveIbroughtforth,
Nornourishedyoungmen,norbroughtupvirgins.
5ButwhenitshallbeknowninEgypt,
SorrowonbehalfofTyreshallseizethem.
6GoyeovertoTarshish,
Howl,yeinhabitantsofthisisle!
7Wasthisyourhaughtinessofoldtime,
Beforeitwasdeliveredup?
Herownfeetshallcarryherafaruntoastrangeland.
8WhohathtakenthiscounselagainstTyre?
Wasshepoor,orwithoutstrength?
Hermerchantswereprinces,
Hertraffickersthehonourableoftheearth!
9JEHOVAHofhostsbathpurposedit,
Towoundtheprideofallglory,
Andtobringintocontempt,allthehonourableoftheearth.
10Tillthouthyland,fornolonger
ShallshipscometotheefromTarshish.
11Andthyhand,thatprovokedkings,
Hathnomorestrengthatsea.
JEHOVAHofhostshathgivencommandagainstthemerchant(city),
Todestroythestrongholdthereof.
12Andhehathsaid,
Thoushaltnomoredespise,noroppress
Thevirgin,thedaughterofZion:
Arise,passovertoChittim
There,also,thoushalthavenorest.
13AndthoughthoushouldstgotothelandoftheChaldeans,
ThatalsoislaidwastebytheAssyrians:
Neitherthereshallthereberestforthee,
(ThemenofSiimfoundedit,
Setupitsbattlements,andraiseditstower,
Butitswallisfallen.)
14Howl,shipsofTarshish
Foryourstrongholdislaidwaste.
ThatTyreshallbeforgottenseventyyears,
Astheyearsofoneking,
Andafterseventyyears,
ShallTyrebeasthesongofanharlot.
16Takeanharp,strollhitherandthither,forgottenharlotcity!
Makesweetmelody,singmanysongs,
Thatthoumayestberemembered.
17Anditshallcometopass,attheendofseventyyears,
ThatGodshallmakeavisitationofTyre
Andsheshallberestoredtohersiteofold,
Andbeamartforallthekingdomsoftheworld.
18Andhermerchandiseandherhire,
ShallbeholinesstoJEROVAH:
Theyshallnotgatheritnorstoreitforthemselves.
ButallhertrafficshallbeforthemthatdwellbeforeJEHOVAHinJerusalem,
Formeatandfordrink,eventothefull,
Andforclothingthatshallnotwaxold.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER23
[Page215]

As the original and literal Tyre has long ago been destroyed, and her part in the fulfilment of the
prophecieslongsinceaccomplished,itmaybeaskedbysome,whatfurtherinteresthastheChurchin
thepropheciesrespectingher?Towhichbeitreplied,thattheScripturehastaughtus,thatunderthe
name of a city or country of old, a city or country of modern times may be intended. This the
ApocalypseassertsrespectingJerusalemandRome.Inthiswayonlyitappearscantheintimations
leftunfulfilledbytheliteralTyrebeaccomplished.But in thus applying the prophecies respecting
Tyretomoderntimes,agreatdifficultyhasbeenfelt,fromtheapparentlyoppositestatementsmade
respectingher.Andthoughitiscertainthatthefaultisintheinterpreter,andnotintheprophets,yet
the difficulty of reconciling them remains the same. With diffidence, therefore, the conclusions
derivedfrominvestigationofthesubjectarepresentedtothereader.

Ithasbeenalreadyintimated,thatbyTyreweareprobablytounderstandRome.But against
[Page 216]
thisconclusionaformidableobjectionwillprobablyatoncestartupinthemindofthereader.Tyre
wasthe merchantcityofoldtime,butRomehasneverbeennotedforhercommerce,atleastin
moderntimes.Nowthesameobjectionapplieswithequalforceagainstinterpretingthe Babylon
oftheApocalypsetosignifyRome.Andifthisobjectionbeoverruledbyallcommentators,andthe
descriptionbethoughtneverthelesstoapplytoherwiththemostevidentclearness,thenisthesame
objectionagainstherdescriptionunderthenameofTyreoverruledalso.

Butfurther,thosewhohaveperusedBurghsExposition of the Revelation,andaresatisfiedwith

hisliteralschemeofinterpretation,willbeapttothinkwithhim,thatRome has yet to become the
mightiest of merchant cities, as renowned for traffic, as she was once for arms. If ever again she
assumespowerovertheworld,asprophecyseemsevidentlytoforetell,thenitwouldseemnecessary
orinevitablethatshemustbecomegreatbycommerce.Itmaybe,indeed,apparentlyabsurdtoassert
this,andcontrarytoallhumanprobabilitiesbutsurelytheverygloryofGodistoforetellthatwhich
thekeenestsagacityofmancouldnotdiscover.Itmaybesafelyleftthus.If itiswrittenitshall
certainlybeaccomplishedandif BabylonbeRome, it is certainly predicted that Romeshallbe
mightyincommerce.

Letus,then,comparethefeaturesofTyreandBabylonasdelineatedbyinspiration,andseeiftheydo
notevenminutelyaccord.ForthusbyprovingthepropheticTyretobeidenticalwiththeprophetic
Babylon,theendwillbeattainedtoallwhobelievedBabylontomeanRome.

Let us, then, set side by side the twentyseventh of Ezekiel, and the eighteenth of the Apocalypse.
Thefirstpointofresemblanceisthe lamentationtobetakenupforTyrus,whoisdescribedas
amerchantofthenationsformanyisles.ThisisparalleledinRevelationbythedirgeofthe
angel,Babylonthegreatisfallen,isfallenandtheannouncement,that themerchantsofthe
eartharewaxedrichthroughtheabundanceofherdelicacies.(Verses2,3.).

Next note the pride of Tyrus, 0 Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty. So St. John,
She saith [Page 217] in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
(Verse 7.) Then follows in Jeremiah a description of Tyre apparently under the figure of a ship,
represented as composed of the most costly materials. Fine linen with broidered work from
Egyptwasthatwhichthouspreadestforthtobethysailblueandpurplefromtheislesof
Elishah was that which covered thee. This greatly resembles the description of the mystic
Babylon, Thewomanwasarrayedinpurpleandscarletcolour,anddeckedwithgold,and
preciousstones,andpearls.(Chap.17:4.)Succeedingwhich,theprophetgivesanenumeration
ofthevariousnationswithwhichTyrushadcommerce,andthecommoditiesthattheyimported.This
list is wonderfully similar to St. Johns description of the wares brought to Babylon, The
merchandiseofgold,andsilver,andpreciousstones,andofpearls,andoffinelinen,and
purple,andsilk,andscarlet,andallthyinewood,andallmannerofvesselsofivory,andall
mannerofvesselsofmostpreciouswood,andofbrass,andiron,andmarble,andcinnamon,
andodours,andointments,andfrankincense,andwine,andoil,andfineflour,andwheat,
and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. The same
nearlyaresaidtobethecommoditiesofTyre:goldisbroughtherbythe merchantsofSheba
and Ramah (ver. 22) silver, by the men of Tarshish (ver. 12) precious stones, by the
merchants of Sheba and Ramah as we also read of Syria bringing emeralds, and coral, and
agate.(Verses22and16.)Purple,finelinen,andsilk,andscarlet,arethenextcommodities
mentionedinRevelation.TheseanswertothebroideredworkandfinelinenofSyria,theblue
clothes,andbroideredwork,andchestsofrichapparelofHaran,andCanneh,andEden,and
the merchants of Sheba,Asshur,andChilmad. (Verses 23, 24.) The thyine wood, and ivory,
and precious wood, is paralleled by the horns of ebony and ivory of verse 15, while in
verses 5 and 6 we read of firtrees of Senir, cedars of Lebanon, oaks of Bashan, and
benches of ivory. The brass, iron, and marble, of the Apocalypse correspond with the
silver,iron,tin,andlead,ofTarshish,andthevesselsofbrass,broughtbyJavan,Tubal,and
Meshech. (Ver.13.)Cinnamon,odours,andfrankincense,answertothechiefofall [Page 218]
spices of Sheba and Raamah, and the cassia and calamus of Dan and Javan. (Ver. 19.) The
wine,andoil,fineflour,andwheat,areenumeratedastheproduceofJudahandDamascusin
verses17and 18.The beasts,andsheep,andhorses,arefoundmentionedastheimportations
of Arabia and Kedar, with those of the house of Togarmah (Verses 21, 14.) That chariots are
impliedalsoamongthemerchandiseofTyreisevidentfromthewordsofver.20Dedanwasthy
merchant in precious clothes for chariots where the LXX have in choice beasts for
chariots. Thereyetremainbuttwoarticlesofthelistunnoticed slavesandsoulsofmen.
ButherealsothereisacorrespondenceJavan,Tubal,andMeshech,theywerethymerchants:
theytradedthepersonsofmen.(...)

After this description of the wealth of Tyre succeeds the account of her destruction: and here the
parallelism between Ezekiel and Revelation is so striking, that the texts are set side by side for
inspection:

[Page219]
Socompleteacoincidencewemaysafelyarguecouldnotbetheeffectofchance,buttheharmonious
accountofthedestructionofthesamecitybytwooftheinspiredpenmen.Tothiscomparisonmight
beaddedthatalsoofthefiftyfirstchapterofJeremiah,whichagreesremarkablywiththechapterof
Revelationreferredto,butasthiswouldrendertheinvestigationprolix,itislefttothereadersown
discovery.

But by whom is this great catastrophe to be efected? We are informed in the former chapter of
Ezekiel,Behold,IwillbringuponTyrusNebuchadnezzar,kingofBabylon,akingofkings,
fromthenorth,withhorses,andchariots,andhorsemen,andcompanies,andmuchpeople.
(Verse7.)Hismilitaryoperationsarethendescribed,andtheresult,heshallenterintothygates
withthehoofsofhishorsesshallhetreaddownallthystreets: heshallslaythypeoplewiththe
sword. (Verses 10, 11.) This prophecy was doubtless fulfilled primarily by the siege and
destructionofTyreundertheliteralNebuchadnezzarbutasithasbeenshown,thatoneishereafterto
arise of whom Nebuchadnezzar is only the figure, we are justified in assuming that this has yet
ultimately to be accomplished by the Destroyer of the Gentiles. Nor is the account of the
destructionofBabylonintheApocalypseatallinconsistentwiththis.Thatsacredbookdeclares,that
thetenkingsoftheRomanempire in its future divided state, shallreceivepoweraskingsone
hourwiththeBeast.Thesehaveonemind,andshallgivetheirpowerandstrengthuntothe
Beast.AndthetenhornswhichthousawestupontheBeast,theseshallhatethewhore,and
shallmakeherdesolate,andshalleatherflesh,andburnherwithfire.ForGodhathputit
intheirheartstofulfilhiswill,andtoagreeandgivetheirkingdomuntotheBeast,until
thewordsofGodshallbefulfilled.(Rev.17:12,13.16,17.)[Page220]Thesetwopredictionsare,
therefore,easilyreconciled.AsthesetenkingsagreewithAntichrist,andusetheirforcestoadvance
everywillofhis,conjointlywithhim,thereforeEzekielnoticesthedestructionofTyreastheeffectof
thewrathorambitionofthe WilfulKing,whileSt.Johnregardsprincipallytheinstrumentsofit
to which let the testimony of Jeremiah be subjoined (chapter 47: 2), Thus saith the Lord
Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall
overflow the land (earth), and all that is therein the city, and all them that dwell therein
thenthemenshallcry,andalltheinhabitantsoftheland(earth)shallhowl.Atthenoiseof
the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the
rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of
bands because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines (foreign nations, LXX),
and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth. But there is one
remarkablepartofthedestinyofTyrewhichhasnotyetbeennoticedbyanyofthepassagesadduced
her destruction by fire. This is supplied by Zech. 9: 111, in which some of the readings of the
LXX.areadoptedinpreferencetotheHebrew.TheburthenofthewordoftheLordintheland
ofHadrachandofDamascushissacrificefortheLordhaththeoversightofman,andofall
the tribes of Israel, and of Hamath, with its coasts, Tyre and Sidon, though they be very
wise.AndTyrushathbuiltherselfastronghold,andheapedupsilverasthedust,andfine
goldasthemireofthestreets.Behold,Jehovahwillcastherout,andsmiteherpowerin
(into, LXX.) the sea, and she shall be devoured with fire. And aliens shall dwell in
Ashdod,andIwillcutoftheprideofforeigners.AndIwilltakeawaytheirbloodfromtheir
mouth,andtheirabominationsfromthemidstoftheirteethbuthethatremaineth,evenhe,
shallbeforourGod,andheshallbeasagovernor(captainofathousand,LXX.)inJudah
andEkronasaJebusite.Andwillencampaboutminehousebecauseofthearmy,because
ofhimthatpassethby,andhimthatreturneth:andnooppressorshallpassthroughthemany
morefornowhaveIseen(theoppressor)withmineeyes. Rejoice greatly, 0 daughter of
Zionshout,0daughterofJerusalem:behold,thyKingcomethtotheeheisjust,and [Page 221]
havingsalvationlowly,andridinguponanass,andacoltthefoalofanass.AndIwillcut
offthechariotfromEphraim,andthehorsefromJerusalem,andthebattlebowshallbecut
off:andheshallspeakpeacetotheheathen,andhisdominionshallbefromseatosea,and
fromtherivereventotheendsoftheearth.Asfortheealso,bythebloodofthycovenantI
havesentforththyprisonersoutofthepitwhereinisnowater.Inthispassagemoreverses
arequotedthanareabsolutelynecessary,becausetheauthorcouldnotdenyhimselfthepleasureof
pointingouttohisreadershowexactlythisprophecy,initsbroadbearing,agreeswiththelandmarks
alreadylaiddown.ThefirstandsecondcomingsoftheLordarehereblended,asiscommonlythe
case: but the part which refers to his meekness, and his sitting on an ass and its colt, is already
literally and indisputably fulfilled. It remains then that the rest be similarly accomplished at his
second coming. In casting the eye consecutively down the verses adduced, we observe Gods
providenceorderingalleventsintheworld,andatthattimeeffectingtheoverthrowofTyrusbyfire:
nextthegreatconfederateinvasionofJudaeaisintimatedtousbyaliensdwellinginAshdod,and
the pride of the foreigners being cut off, while their prey is taken from their teeth. On the
remnantofAshdodispouredouttheSpiritofGod,andtheydwellinJudah,andareadvancedtherein
to honour residing in the land of promise as did Aranuah the Jebusite in the midst of Jerusalem,
afterithadbeenconqueredbyDavid,andbecomehisowncity.AtthistimeChristshallcomeand
cutoffthechariot,andhorse,andbattlebow,forheshallmakewarstoceaseuntotheends
oftheearth,andhisdominionshallbefromseatoseawhile,bythebloodofhiscovenant,
theFather sendsforththesoulsofthejustfromtheirpresentsojourninHadesthat pit
withoutwater.Asitisnoticedinanotherplace,thatthedestructionofBabylonisthegreatevent
just before the coming of the Saviour, so does the destruction of Tyre immediately precede his
coming in this instance also, thus completing the correspondence. It should not, however, be
forgottenthattheprophecyofthe kingofTyrus,whichhasbeennoticedabove,soexactlytallies
withtheprophecyofthearroganceandfinalfallofthe kingofBabylonontheonehand,andof
the Man of Sin, and [Page 222] the beast on the other that this also forms another corroboratory
evidence.

YetthisviewdoesnotembracethewholeoftheintimationsrespectingTyre.Itshouldbeobserved,
then, that there are two seemingly contradictory statements respecting Tyre: one, declaring that the
cityshallneverbebuilt,norevenfoundanymore,thoughshebesoughtfor (Ezekiel26:2127:
36):andtheother,thepredictionofthischapter,thatafterseventyyearssheshallberebuiltonher
old site, and her merchandise laid up for those that dwell before Jehovah. This difference of lot
obligesus,itwouldseem,toadoptthesuppositionthattherearetwoTyres:bothresemblingthecity
ofoldtimeinextentoftraffic,commercialprosperity,wealth,andpridebutwhichshallexperience
verydifferentdestinies.With this supposition the chapter of Isaiah now in question, together with
scatteredhintsofScripture,andprofanehistory,andpassagesofthePsalms,seemtoharmonize.For
itappearsfromprofanehistorythatthereweretwoTyrestheone,onthemainlandtheother,seven
hundredpacesdistantinthemidstofthesea.ThatonthemainlandwascalledPalaeoTyrus,or,Old
Tyre,andthiswasthecitywhichwasdestroyedbyNebuchadnezzar.Butafterwardthecityonthe
island arose, and became both populous and wealthy. Prideaux supposes, that after the fall of
continentalTyre,itsubmittedtoNebuchadnezzarforthespaceofseventyyears.(Vol.i.p.83.)Its
subsequenthistorywillbereferredtoagain.

But,onthesuppositionofatwofoldTyre,whatcountryorcityarewetosupposedesignatedbyit?
ThepresentchapteraddressesTyreasan islandwithoutaparallel. anationofmerchants,a
seafaringpeople,and,accordingtotheauthorizedtranslation, amartofnations.(Verse2,3.)
She is described as haughty and ancient, her merchants as princes, her traffickers the
honourableoftheearthherpower asprovokingkingsbysea.(Verses7,&11.)Would,
then,theconclusionbedevoidofprobability,thatshouldconsiderEnglandtobethestateaddressed?
Donotallthesecharactersmeetinher?and,intheirtotality,inheralone?Somemay,indeed,laugh
toscornthesuppositionbutitwill,perhaps,beeasiertolaughat,thantooverthrowitbyargument.
Doesnotthedeclarationbytheprophet,thatJehovah.ofhosts[Page223]intends,byhiscounselinleading
Tyrecaptive,to woundtheprideofallglory,andbringintocontemptallthehonourableof
theearth,affordfurthersupporttotheidea?Forwhat,wouldeffectthispurposesofully,sodeeply,
as the humiliation and servitude of England, boastful of her freedom, power, intelligence, and
wealth?Andwhatcouldhumblehermorethanthedestructionofhernavy,impliedinthesucceeding
words

Tillthouthyland,fornolonger
ShallshipscometotheefromTarshish
Andthyhandthatprovokedkings,
Hathnomorestrengthbysea.

But how is this to be effected?What power is there, mighty enough to deal the destroying blow?
First,JeremiahintroducesustothecounselsofJehovah. ForthussaiththeLordGodofIsrael
untomeTakethewinecupofthisfuryatminehand,andcauseallthenations,towhomI
send thee, to drink it. And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the
swordthatIwillsenduponthem.ThenItookthecupattheLordshand,andmadeallthe
nations to drink, unto whom the Lord had sent me: To wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of
Judah,andthekingsthereof,andtheprincesthereof,tomakethemadesolation,anhissing,
andacurseasitisthisday.Edom,andMoab,andthechildrenofAmmon,Andallthe
kingsofTyrus,andallthekingsofZidon,andallthekingsoftheislesthatarebeyondthe
sea.Andallthekingsofthenorth,farandnear,onewithanother,andallthekingdoms
oftheworld,whichareuponthefaceoftheearth:andthekingofSheshach(Babylon)shall
drinkafterthem.(Jeremiah25:1518,21,22,26.)Thenfollowsthethreatofpunishmenton
themall,andtheirgatheringtogether,whenChristshallshoutathisreturn,astheythattreadthe
grapes,againstalltheinhabitantsoftheearth.(Verse30.)

Inthetwentyseventhchaptertheinstrumentofthisvengeanceisdeclared.ThussaiththeLordto
meMaketheebondsandyokes,andputthemonthyneck,Andsendthemtothekingof
Edom,andtothekingofMoab,andtothekingoftheAmmonites,andtothekingofTyrus,
and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto
Zedekiahking [Page224] ofJudahAndcommandthemtosayuntotheirmasters,Thussaiththe
Lordofhosts,theGodofIsrael:ThusshallyesayuntoyourmastersIhavemadetheearth,
themanandbeastthatareupontheground,bymygreatpowerandbymyoutstretchedarm,
andhavegivenituntowhomitseemedmeettome.AndnowhaveIgivenalltheselands
intothehandsofNebuchadnezzar,thekingofBabylon,myservant [to serve him, LXX.,
insteadofmyservant,]andthebeastsofthefieldhaveIgivenhimalsotoservehim. The
nextverseisomittedbytheLXX.,andappears,insomemeasure,toopposethegeneraltenourofthe
prophecies respecting Antichrist though it is also true, that in Isaiah 14: 21, he is bidden to
preparehischildrenfortheslaughter.Toreconcilethisthen,wemustsupposethat hisson
and his sons son do not designate successive generations, but cotemporaneous rulers. And it
shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same
NebuchadnezzarthekingofBabylon,andthatwillnotputtheirneckundertheyokeofthe
king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the Lord, with the sword, and with the
famine,andwiththepestilence,untilIhaveconsumedthembyhishand.Thereforehearken
yenottoyourprophets,nortoyourdiviners,nortoyourdreamers,nortoyourenchanters,
nortoyoursorcerers,whichspeakuntoyou,saying,YeshallnotservethekingofBabylon:
Fortheyprophesyalieuntoyou,toremoveyoufarfromyourlandandthatIshoulddrive
youout,andyeshouldperish.Butthenationsthatbringtheirneckundertheyokeofthe
kingofBabylon,andservehim,thosewillIletstillremainintheirownland,saiththeLord
andtheyshalltillit,anddwelltherein.(Jer.27:211.) Thedurationofthisservitudeisalso
specified. Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the Lord, and
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and will bring them against this land (of Judah), and
against all the inhabitants thereof and against all these nations round about, and will
utterly lay them waste ( LXX.), and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and a
perpetualreproach.(LXX.)Andthewholeearth(LXX.)shallbeadesolationandan
astonishmentroundaboutandthesenationsshallservethekingofBabylonseventyyears.
Anditshallcometopass,thatwhenseventyyearsare[Page225]accomplished,thatIwillpunish
thekingofBabylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the
Chaldeans,andwillmakeitperpetualdesolations.(Jer.25:9.11,12.)Thenfollowsthelist
ofnationsandkings,partofwhichhasbeengivenabove,andamongstwhichisincludedthe king
or kingsofTyrus.Now,howexactlyaccordantisthislastconclusionwiththepredictionofthis
chapter,that Tyreshallbeforgottenseverityyears!Wenow see the reason because, during
that time, it shall be under the king of Babylons power. But how does the declaration that these
kingdoms shall serve the king for seventy years accord with other prophecies, which limit the
durationoftheDestroyersruleto threeyearsandahalf?Beitansweredthat,measuredfrom
onepointoftime,itwillbeseventyyearsandfromanotherbutthreeyearsandahalf.Foritshould
berememberedthatthe1260daysrefernotabsolutelytothewholetimeofhisreign,buttotheperiod
during which he sets up the abomination of desolation, sitting in the temple of God at
Jerusalem,andshowinghimselfthatheisGod.

Butitmaybesaid,withstrongindignation,WhoshallpresumetothinkthatEngland,whencethe
lightofGodhassolongshoneforthasabeacontootherlands,shallbesofatallyeclipsedastobe
subjugatedunderAntichrist?Alas!thereismorereasontobeapprehensivethantoboast. Benot
highminded,butfear.IfGodsparednotthenaturalbranches,takeheedlesthealsospare
not thee. If Jerusalem fell, is England more likely to escape? Because of unbelief she was
broken off, and we stand by faith alone. Shall Churches planted by apostles fall away to the
delusions of Mahomet, and shall it be thought a thing incredible that our own nation, if it sin
remorselessly,shouldbecastoffalso?

Nor is that which is here supposed something of which history has given no type. What say the
annals of old of insular Tyre? While Parmenio, says Prideaux, took in Damascus and Coele
Syria, Alexander marched with the main of his army along the seacoasts towards Phenicia. As he
advanced, all yielded to him, and none more readily than the Zidonians. But when he came to
Tyre,hefoundastop.Asheapproachedtheirterritories,theTyrianssentambassadorstohim,with
presentstohimself, [Page 226]and provisions to his army: but, being rather desirous to have peace with
himasafriendthanwillingtosubmittohimasamaster,whenhewouldhaveenteredtheircity,they
denied him admittance which Alexander, being flushed with so many victories, not being able to
bear,resolvedtoforcethembyasiegeandthey,ontheotherhand,resolvedtostanditoutagainst
him. What encouraged them to this resolution was, the strength of the place, and the confidence
whichtheyhadintheassistancepromisedthembytheirallies.Forthecitystoodonanislandatthe
distanceofhalfamilefromtheshore,andwasfortifiedwithastrongwalldrawnroundit,uponthe
brinkof100feetinheightandtheCartliaginians(theircolony),whowereapowerfulstate,andthen
masters of the seas, had engaged to send them succours in the siege. And what gave them this
confidenceforthewar,gaveAlexandernolesstroubleinmasteringthedifficultieswhichhefoundin
it:forthecitybeingsosituated(asIhavesaid)hehadnowayofapproachingtoit,forthemakingof
anassault,butbycarryingabankfromthecontinentthroughthesea,totheislandonwhichthecity
stood.Andtherefore,havingresolved,atanyratetotakethecity,hedeterminedonthemakingof
suchabanktoapproachit,whichheaccomplishedwithunweariedlabourinsevenmonthstime,and
bymeansthereofatlengthtookthecity.Hadheheresufferedabaffle,itwouldhaveconducedmuch
tothesinkingofhiscredit,andthismighthavelessenedhissuccesseverywhereelseinthefuture
progress of his affairs of which, being thoroughly sensible, he spared no pains to surmount this
obstacle,and,byassiduousapplication,atlastcarriedhispoint.Tomakethisbankorcauseway,the
townofOldTyre,whichlayonthecontinent,furnishedhimwithstonesandrubbish(forhepulledit
alldownforthispurpose),andMountLibanus,whichissofamousinScriptureforitscedars,being
near,suppliedhimwithtimberforthework.And,bythismeans,havingcarriedhomehiscauseway
fromthecontinenttotheisland,hethenstormedthetownandtookit.Andthatbankorcauseyis
therestillremainingeventothisday,andoftheverysamelengthasancientlydescribed,thatis,of
halfamilewherebywhatwasformerlyanisland,atthatdistancefromtheshore,wastherebymadea
peninsula,andsoithatheversince[Page227]continued.TheCarthaginians,havingtroublesathome,the
Tyrianscouldnothavefromthemthatassistancewhichwaspromised.However,theyfaintednotin
their resolutions of standing to their defence, and therefore, when Alexander sent to them
ambassadors,withtermsofpeace,theythrewthemintothesea,andwentonwiththewar.Butmany
ofthem,forfearoftheworst,senttheirwivesandchildrentoCarthage.Hethenmentionsadread
whichtheyfelt,arisingfromsomedreamoromen,lestApollo,theirtutelardeity,shouldgooverto
thesideofAlexander:onwhichtheychainedhisstatuewithgoldenchainstothealtarofHercules,
thinkingtherebyforciblytodetainthistheirgodfromgoingfromthem.Hethenproceeds:Old
Tyrehewhollydemolished,tomakehiscauseytotheNewbythemeansofwhich,havingtakenthat
new town, he burnt it down to the ground, and destroyed or enslaved all the inhabitants eight
thousandheslewinthesackageofthetownandtwothousandofthosehetookprisonershecaused
to be crucified. Those who were sent before to Carthage escaped this rein, and a great number
(15,000)weresavedbytheZidonians,andsecretlyconveyedawayintheirshipsonthetakingofthe
place all the rest, to the number of thirty thousand, he sold for slaves. The cruelty to the two
thousandwhowerecrucifiedwasunworthyofagenerousconqueror.ThisAlexanderdid,togratify
hisrageforbeingsolongdetainedbeforetheplace,andtheresovaliantlyresisted.Hetheninforms
usthat,topalliatethisbarbarity,hegaveoutthatitwasinrevengeforanancientinsurrectionofthe
slavesintheircityagainsttheirmasters,whereby,allbutone,bynameStrato,weremassacredand
tomakethis,lookthemoreplausible,hesavedallthefamilyofStrato,asnotbeinginvolvedinthis
guilt,andamongthemAzelmelic,theirking,whowasofit,andcontinuedthecrownstilltohimand
hisfamily,afterhehadagainrepeopledtheplacefor,havingthusriddeditofitsformerinhabitants,
he planted it anew with colonies drawn from the neighbouring places, and from thence would be
esteemedthefounderofthatcity,thoughintruthhewasthecrueldestroyerofit.Onhistakingthe
city,heunchainedApollo,renderedthankstohimforhisintentionsofcomingovertohim,anddida
greatmanyothersuperstitionsfollies,whichwere[Page228]reckonedasactsofreligioninthosedays,and
thenmarchedtowardsJerusalem.

Howfartheparallelinthefuturescenesoftheworldwillbekeptup,cannotbedecided,thoughit
seemstoinvitespeculationforthisweretowanderfromthesolidbasisofScriptureintotheregions
of unstable conjecture. All that is intended is, to show that the general scheme of what is here
supposed is not without a precedent, and that one of a very close and striking character. The last
clause of the quotation from Prideaux, stating that, after effecting the destruction of Tyre, he
marched towards Jerusalem, naturally recalls to our notice the fact, that these troubles appear to be
sent on Tyre for oppression of Israel, and she is found at last in the Great Confederacy of Nations
againsttheJews,asseveralplacesofHolyWritdeclare.

Thus Joel3:16:For,behold,inthosedays,andinthattime,whenIshallbringagainthe
captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down
into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my
heritageIsrael,whomtheyhavescatteredamongthenations,andpartedmyland.Andthey
havecastlotsformypeopleandhavegivenaboyforanharlot,andsoldagirlforwine,
thattheymightdrink.Yea,andwhathaveyetodowithme,0Tyre,andZidon,andallthe
coasts of Palestine [of the aliens, LXX.] will ye render me a recompence? and if ye
recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence on your own head.
Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your temples my
goodly pleasant things: The children also of Judah, and the children of Jerusalem have ye
sold unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from your border. Then follows a
magnificent description of all the nations gathered against Jerusalem, and of the day of great
slaughter, when the mighty fall, and the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars
withdraw their shining, because the Saviour is come, and utters his voice of wrath from
Jerusalem.(Ver.921.)CoincidentwiththisisthetestimonyoftheeightythirdPsalm:Holdnot
thypeace,andbenotstill,0God.Forlo,thineenemiesmakeatumult:andtheythathate
theehavelifteduptheirhead.Theyhavetakencraftycounsel [Page229] againstthypeople,and
consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from
being a nation that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have
consultedtogetherwithoneconsent:theyareconfederateagainstthee.Thetabernaclesof
Edom,andtheIshmaelitesofMoab,andtheHagarenes:Gebal,andAmmon,andAmalek
thePhilistines(foreigners)withtheinhabitantsofTyre.Thenfollowsapetitionwhichhas
theforceofaprophecy,thattheirnoblesshallbeliketheMidianiteslikeOrebandZeeb,and like
SiseraattheKislion.Thedesignoftheconfederatesisfurthersaidtobe totaketothemselves
thehouses(thesanctuary,LXX.)ofGodforapossession.ForwhichcauseGodshallsmite
them, that the remnants of men may seek his name for thus shall Jesus show that he whose
namealone(notAntichrists)isJehovah,istheMostHighoveralltheearth.

Itshouldalsobeobserved,inconfirmationofwhathasbeenlaiddowninaformerpart,respectingthe
twofoldcharacterofTyre,that Edom,inseveraloftheprophecieswhichhavepreceded,andin
this instance also, is distinguished from Tyre, both being mentioned together, as in the sending
round of the cup, and in the prophecy of Amos1. Hence, if it has been made out that Tyre does
certainlyinsomeplacessignifythesamecityasBabylon,itisalsoproved, thatwhereEdomand
Tyrearementionedtogether,asEdomsignifiesRome,Tyre must signify some other city, and
thusthetwofoldpropheticcharacterofTyreisconfirmed.

Norshoulditbeforgotten,infurthersupportofthissupposition,thatthepropheciesrelatingtothe
Saviouraregenerallyofa twofold construction,referringtotimesaswidelyseparatedanddifferent
ashisfirstandsecondadventandifthisbetrueoftimes,mayitnotholdgoodofplacesalso?

Buttheprospect,thoughsad,isnoteternallyovercloudedthisdurationofTyreshumiliationisto
lastbutthelengthofIsraelscaptivityinBabylonafterwhichsheistobevisitedbyJehovah,notin
vengeance, but in mercy, at the end of the seventy years of the reign of the destroyer, and her
merchandiseandherhireshallbeholinesstoJehovah.Herprovisionistobestored,notforthe
Tyriansthemselves,butforthemthatminister[Page230]beforeJehovahinJerusalem,issomeMSS.of
theLXX.addinthisplace.Theinterpretationhereofferedisconfirmedbyancienttradition, for
JeromeacknowledgesthattheJewsandChristiansofhisdaybothcombinedtoexpectthe
fulfilmentofthesethingsafterAntichristinthethousandyears.

TheincidentalnoticesofTyreintheSacredScripturesconfirmthispromiseofherfuturerestoration.
We find mention of Hiram, king of Tyre, as providing liberally for the building of the temple in
Solomons day of glory, and of Hiram of a Tyrian nation that wrought skilfully the more exquisite
portionsofitsworkmanship.Again,inEzrasdays,wefindthememployedinbringingtimberforthe
rebuilding of the sanctuary. The Psalms are still more explicit for, in the fortyfifth, which
celebratesthemarriageoftheLordJesusandtheJewishChurch,itissaid, Andthedaughterof
Tyreshallbetherewithagift.So,also,intheeightyseventh,wheretherestorationofZionas
the city of God is spoken of, we read, I will make mention of Rabah and Babylon [their
destruction]tothemthatknowme,Andbeholdtheforeigners,andTyrewithEthiopia,these
werebornthere.LXX.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER24

1BEHOLD,JEHOVAHemptieththeworld
Andmakethitwaste,andturnethitupsidedown,
Andscatterethabroadtheinhabitantsthereof,
2Anditshallbeaswiththepeople,sowiththepriest
Aswiththeservant,sowithhismaster
Aswiththemaid,sowithhermistress
Aswiththebuyer,sowiththeseller
Aswiththelender,sowiththeborrower
Aswiththedebtor,sowiththecreditor.
3Theearthshallbeutterlyemptied,
Thehabitableworldshallbeutterlyspoiled
ForthemouthofJEHOVAHhathspokenthisword.
4Theearthmourneth,andiscastdown
Theworldiswasted,andiscastdown
Theythatareonhighmournwiththeearth.
5Buttheearthmournethbecauseofitsinhabitants,
Becausetheyhavetransgressedthelaw,
Changedthestatutes,andbrokentheeverlastingcovenant.
6Thereforehaththecursedevouredtheearth,
Becauseitsinhabitantsarefoundguilty,
Thereforetheinhabitantsoftheearthshallbeburned,
Andfewmenleft.
7Thewineshallmourn,thevineshalllanguish,
Allthemerryheartedshallgroan.
8Thejoyoftabretsshallcease,
Thesoundofrejoicingshallbeatanend,
Thesoundoftheharpshallcease.
9Theyshallnotdrinkwinewithasong,
Strongdrinkshallbebittertothemthatdrinkit.
10Everycityisdevastatedandlaidwaste,
Thehousesareshutup,thatnonemayenter.
11Thereshallbeamournfulcryforwineillthestreets,
Alljoyhathceasedfromtheworld
Allgladnessiscutofffromtheearth.
12Andcitiesshallbeleftdesolate,
Andhousesshutupshallperish.
13Whenallthesethingsshallcometopass,
InthelandthatisinthemidstoftheGentiles,
Thereshallbeasitwere(theremnant)whentheoliveisshaken,
Andasitwerethegleaninggrapes,
Whenthevintagehathceased.
14Theseshallliftuptheirvoice,
[Andtheythatremainonearthshallrejoice,]
TheyshallhymnthemajestyofJEHOVAH,
Forthewatersoftheseashallgreatlyroar.
15ThereforeshallthegloryofJEHOVAHbeintheislands,
IntheislesoftheseashallthenameofJEHOVAH,
TheGodofIsrael,beglorious.

16*Fromtheendsoftheearthhaveweheardsongs,
Glorytotherighteous
AndJEHOVAHsaid,
Mysecretisformyself,andmysecretisformypeople,
(But)woetothescornersthatscornthelaw!
17Fear,andthepit,andthesnare,
Areuponthee,inhabitantoftheworld!
18Anditshallcometopass,thathewhofleethfromthesnare,
Shallfallintothepit
Andhethatcomethupoutof'thepit,
Shallbecaughtinthesnare
Forthewindowsofheavenareopened,
Andthefoundationsoftheearthdoshake.
19Theearthisexceedinglytroubled
Theearthisexceedinglybrokenup
Theearthisexceedinglyshaken
20Theearthshallreeltoandfrolikeadrunkard,
Andshallbemightilyshaken,likeashedofautumn,
Foriniquityhathprevaileduponit

21Anditshallfall,andnotbeabletoresist.
ThatJEHOVAHshallpunishthehostofthehighonesintheheight,
Andthekingsoftheearthupontheearth.
22Andtheirmultitudeshallbegatheredasprisonersintothepit,
Andinthedungeonshalltheybeshutup:
Andaftermanygenerationsshallbetheirvisitation.
23Thenthemoonshallbeconfounded,
Andthesunashamed
ForJEHOVAHofhostsshallreigninZion,
AndinJerusalemshallhebeglorifiedbeforeHiselders.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER24
[Page230]

BishopHorsley, in his commencing note on this chapter, observes, that it canbeexpoundedof

nothing less than the tribulation of the last ages, and the succeeding prosperity of the
Churchintheendoftheworld.Heremarksjustly,thattheprecedingprophecieshaveledusover
the fortunes of Judah, Babylon, Philistia, Moab, Damascus, Israel, Egypt, the desert of the West,
Arabia,andTyreandnowwhatremains,butthattheprophetshouldforetellbytheSpiritthedestiny
of the whole world?This is expressly foretold, in characters which he who runs may read, and in
termsbeautifullyaccordantwiththeintimationsofotherplaces,bothoftheOldandNewTestament.

FirstispresentedtousthedreadfulvisitationofvengeancewithwhichtheLordJesus,onhisreturn,
will be constrained to visit the world and its inhabitants, for their gross and open rebellion against
him,andbloodypersecutionofhissaints.Thereforeheshalllaywastetheworld,andturnitupside
down.Subsequently,the [Page231]prophetpredictshisjudgmentofitsinhabitants: ForwemustALL
standbeforethejudgementseatofChrist.Peopleandpriest,masterandservant,willbealike
brought before his bar for there is no acceptance of persons with him. In the prophetic
style,hesignifies,saysEusebius,theresurrectionofthedead.Forwhenthebodieshidden
intheearthshallberevealed,alltheythataretobeJudgedshallstandonanequalfooting
before the great Judge so that there shall be no difference between those who once, in
mortallife,seemedtopossessmorethanothers,eitherindignity,orbirth,orwealthandthe
poorest.ForallthenwillstandequallybeforethejudgmentseatofChristasthepriest,so
thepeople:andallalike:sincethereisnoacceptanceofpersonswithGod.Similar is the
expositionofJerome,indisposedasheistoadmitthefuturereferenceofprophecy.

Thesucceedingversesdescribethedesolationtowhichtheworldwillatthattime,andbythatevent,
be reduced and the reason is stated why the curse hath devoured the earth, even because its
inhabitants have transgressed the law, changed the statutes, and broken the everlasting
covenant.TheSavioursrebuke,withflamesoffire,isincidentallyalludedtointhesixthverse,
whichdeclaresthatthe inhabitantsoftheearthareburned,andfewmenleft.Thethirteenth
declaresthatthisdesolationshalltakeplaceinPalestine, thelandthatisinthemidstofthe
Gentiles,asSt.Lukealsopredicts,thereshallbegreatdistressintheland,andwrathonthis
people. Jeromenotices,inconnectionwiththis,theSaviourswords, Nevertheless,whenthe
SonofMancometh,shallhefind[the]faithontheearth?implyingthatbelieversshallbefew
as the gleaning grapes. Again, on the succeeding announcement that the saints of God shall then
rejoiceandglorifyChristJesus,headds,Thosethenthatremain,andafterthevintageandtreading
oftheworld,shallhavebeenabletoescapethehandsofAntichrist,thatpersecutedthem,shallliftup
theirvoicesonhigh,andpraiseGod.ForthentotherighteousshallbegloryastheSaviourhimself
promises,whenpredictingthesignsofhiscoming. Whenthesethingsbegintocometopass,
thenlookupandliftupyourheads,foryourredemptiondrawethnigh.(Luke21:28.)

The eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth verses describe [Page 232] the mighty convulsions which the
globe itself shall experience on that awful day, when, as the fortysixth Psalm declares, the earth
shallheremoved,andthemountainsbecarriedintothemidstofthesea,whenthewaters
thereofshallroarandbetroubled,andthemountainsshakewiththeswellingthereof.

ThesentimentofthetwentyfirstisexactlyparallelwiththatdeclarationintheSavioursprophecyof
hisreturn,Andthepowersofheavenshallbeshaken,whichGreswellunderstands,withgreat
reason,ofChristsjudgementofthe Princeofthepoweroftheair,and hiswickedspiritsin
heavenly places. In Isaiah the same vengeance against them is threatened, and a distinction
evidentlyinsistedonbetweenthemortalkingsoftheearth,andtheimmortalhostofthoseonhigh.

ThatJEHOVAHshallpunishthehostofthehighonesintheheight,
Andthekingsoftheearthupontheearth
Andtheirmultitudeshallbegatheredintoprison,
Andinthedungeonshalltheybeshutup.

How exactly the accordance of this with Rev.20:13, And I saw an angel come down from
heaven,havingthekeyofthebottomlesspit,andagreatchaininhisband.Andhelaidhold
on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand
years,Andcast him into the bottomless pit, and shut hint up, and set a seal upon him.
HerethejudgementofSatanaloneisspokenof,thoughthefirstversedeclaresthatitshallbe as
with the master, so with the servant. But, in our Lords parable of the sheep and the goats,
whichformsapartofthegreatdiscourserespectinghiscoming,itissaid,tothewicked,thenliving
and condemned, Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his
angels.(Matt.25:41.)

ConfirmatoryarethewordsofJerome: Inthatday,thatis,inthedayofjudgement,theLord
willvisitthehostorthepompofheavenonhigh,sothathewilljudgenotearthlythings
alone, but heavenly also. Afterwards he adds, These princes, therefore, he will cast into
thepitofHades,andtheyshallheshutupinprison,accordingtothewordsoftheLord.
(Matt.25:41.)Itshouldbeobserved,however,thatheappliestheterm,[Page233]kingsoftheearth,
to evil spirits, as supposing that evil angels will then be rulers of the world. Similar is the
interpretationofBishopHorsley,whocontendswithreasonthattheimprisonmentinthepitproves,
thatPitproves,thatnotthestars,butintelligentbeingsareintended:andhereferstothepassagesjust
quoted.Ithink,hesays,thehostoftheheightmaybeexpoundedofintelligentbeings,the
rulersofthedarknessofthisworld.(Rev.20.Matt.24.)

Thisviewiscorroboratedbythenextannouncement

Andaftermanygenerationsshallbetheirvisitation.

FromwhichpassageSt.Jeromeremarks,thatsomeofhisfriendsdrewtheinferencethat,afteralong
while,evenSatanandhisangelsshouldrepentandbepardoned.Butherightlyrefutesthisidea,by
noticing that the word visitation is equivocal, signifying as it does the drawing near for judicial
decision sometimes, indeed, in a persons favour, but also, and more commonly, intending the
judicialinflictionofpunishment.Neitherareweleftindoubtwhichisintendedhere.For,afterthe
bindingofSatanforathousandyears,weareinformedthat,beingletlooseagain,heagaindeceives
thesonsofmen,andisthenfinallyremoved,withhisguiltydupes,intothe everlastinglakeoffire
whichtheSaviour,andScripturegenerally,distinguishcarefullyfromthe presentplaceoftorment,
callingtheonebythegeneralnameof Hades,ortheparticularoneof deathand Tartarus,
Rev.1:18,(wherethekeyofHades[nothell]isdistinguishedfromthatofdeath,)and2Pet.
2: 4 but the everlasting place of the lost is uniformly named Gehenna. (Mark 9: 43. 45. 47.
Unfortunatelybothplacesaretranslatedinourversionbytheoneword,hell.)Thefirstjudgement
mentionedinthe21stverseofthischapterofIsaiah,isthejudgementofthe quick,orthoseliving
on earth at the Saviours return, together with the judgement of the saints, who are to rise at his
coming,while therestofthedeadlivednotagainuntilthethousandyearswerefinished.
ThisistheFIRSTresurrection.(Rev.20:5.)Hencetheremustbeasecond.Andevensowe
finditdeclaredinthefollowingverses.AfterthelastdeceivingoftheworldbySatan,hisdupesare
consumed by fire, and with thefirethatcomesdownfromGodoutofheaven (ver. 9), the
earth is burnt up, passes away, and is no more found and then Christ sits on the great white
throne(ver.11),andthegeneral [Page 234]judgementofthedeadtakesplace (ver.12.)Afterwards,
the final abode of the righteous is described, the new heaven and the new earth for the first
heavenandthefirstearth,werepassedaway,andtherewasnomoresea.(Rev.21:1.)
Thevisitation,then,ofthoseshutupinthepitaftermanygenerations,isthe generaljudgmentof
therestofthedead,attheirrisingagainwiththeirbodies,andtheirfinaldoomwiththatofSatan
andhisevilspirits.

Similar is the exposition of Theodoret. These things also declare the end of all. For then,
accordingtothewordoftheLord(Matt.24:29),Thesunshallbedarkened,andthemoon
shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven. Then the kingdoms of the
earth,andtheywhoareworthyofpunishment,shallbeshutup,asintosomestrongholdand
prison,intotheplacesetapartforthosewhoaretoundergopunishment.

The last verse describes the confounding of the sun and moon, before Christ comes to reign at
Jerusalem an announcement made also by the Saviour, in his prophecy already referred to.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days [the Great Tribulation] shall the sun be
darkened.andthemoonshallnotgiveherlight,whichdarkeningoftheseheavenlybodies,we
areassured,willtakeplacejustbeforeallthetribesoftheearthseetheSonofMancominginthe
cloudsofheaven,withthepowerandgreatgloryofHiskingdomthentoberevealed.

Lastly, as in Isaiah 3: 14, the Saviour is represented as coming with the elders of his people
(who in Rev. 5: 10, declare, that they shall reign on the earth), so here Christ is presented
beforeusasbeingglorifiedinJerusalembeforehiselders.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER25

1.OJEHOVAH,thouartmyGod:Iwillexaltthee:
Iwillpraisethyname,forthouhastperformedwondrousdeeds
(Even)thineancientcounselsoffaithfulness.Amen!
2Forthouhastmadeofacityanheap:
Thepalaceofadefencedcity,aruin:
Thecityoftheproudshallneverbebuilt.
3Thereforethepoorpeopleshallglorifythee
Thecitiesoftheterrifiedshallfearthee.
4Forthouhastbeenastrengthtothelowly,
Astrengthtotheneedyinhisdistress:
Arefugefromthestormashadowfromtheheat,
Whentheblastoftheterribleonesisasastormagainstthewall.
5Thenoiseofstrangersshaltthoubringdown,
Astheheatinadryplace,
Astheheatwiththeshadowofacloud
Thetriumphalsongoftheterribleonesthoushaltbringdown.
6AndinthismountainshallJEHOVAHofhosts
Maketoallnationsafeastoffatthings
Afeastofwinesonthelees
Offatthingsfullofmarrow,
Ofwineontheleeswellrefined.
7Andhewilldestroyonthismountain,
Thecoveringthatcoveredthefaceofallnations
Andthevailthatisspreadoverallnations.
8Deathisswallowedupinvictory,
AndtheLordGodhathwipedawayeverytearfromallfaces,
Andtherebukeofhispeoplehathhetakenfromalltheearth,

9Andtheyshallsay,inthatday,
Lo,thisisourGod,wehavewaitedforhim
AndhewillsaveusheisJEHOVAH
Wehavewaitedforhim,wewillbegladandrejoiceinhissalvation.
10ForonthismountainshallthehandofJEHOVAHgiverest,
AndMoabshallbetroddendown,
Asthestrawistroddenbywaggons.
11Andheshallstretchforthhishandoverhim
Astheswimmerstretchethforthhishandstoswim,
Andshallbringdownhispride,withthespoilsofhishands.
12Andthehighfortofhiswalledrefugeshallhebringdown,
Laylow,andbringtotheground,eventothedust.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER25
[Page234]

Thetwentyfifthchapterisevidentlyacontinuationofthetwentyfourth,anddescribesthejoyousness
ofthesaintsatthefirstresurrection. TheJews,saysJerome,incommentingonthe 18thverse,
think that this is the voice of the saints, and the believing people, when God shall have
performed against the whole world what is spoken above, and the prophecies of all the
prophets are completed and they interpret the overthrown city (ver. 2) to signify Rome,
whichistobeutterlydestroyedandthemightypeople [Page235]whoshallpraiseJehovah,and
towhomJehovahhathbeenastrengthintheirtroubleanddistress,theyrefertoIsraelwho
shallbefreedfromthepersecutionoftheGentiles.InthisopiniontheyareconfirmedbySt.
John:fordescribingthefallofBabylon,hesubjoinsacalltojoy, Rev.18:20,Rejoiceoverher,
thouheaven,andyeholyapostlesandprophets:forGodhathavengedyouonher andstill
morepointedlyinthesucceedingverses.Forafterdeclaringherutterdesolationbecausethatinher
wasfoundthebloodofprophetsandsaints,headds,thatthenheheardthevoicesofmuchpeople
inheaven,saying,Alleluiasalvation,andglory,andhonour,andpower,untotheLordour
God:Fortrueandrighteousarehisjudgements:forhehathjudgedthegreatwhore,which
didcorrupttheearthwithherfornication,andhathavengedthebloodofhisservantsather
hand. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
ImmediatelyafterwhichisdescribedthereturnofJesusingloryalreadynoticed,thusidentifyingitin
pointoftimewiththisprophecyofIsaiah.Theodoretthuscommentsonthe 3rd.verse, Hecalls
the pious the poor people that exercise chastened thought. For them the Lord blessed,
saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And a little
whileafter,asIsaiahspeaksofthetroubleenduredbythesaintsbeforethatdayofglory,thesame
father appropriately refers to Matt. 5: 10, Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousnesssake:fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven.

Butthecorrespondenceinverse4isstillmoreremarkable.Thefourandtwentyeldersandthefour
beasts, saith. St. John, fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying,
AmenAlleluia.AndthusIsaiah,Thouhastperformedwonderfuldeeds,eventhyancient
counsel of faithfulness. Amen, Jehovah! where the Amen of St. John is paralleled by the
AmenofIsaiah.

Eusebius,commentingonthewords, Thineancientcounsel,beautifullyrefersto Matthew25:

34,Come,yeblessedofmyFather,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationof
theworld,andtoEph.1:4,Accordingashehathchosenusinhimbeforethefoundationof
theworld.Heproceedstosay, Thatthereforewasanancientcounsel.Andintruththese
werethewonderfulthingsforeseenbymebeforethe[Page236]foundationoftheworld,buttobe
fulfilledatthecompletionoftheages.Thiscounsel,then,wasancientonaccountofthe
foreknowledge and ordaining of God and true because of the issue at last. Which
blessings,saysProcopius,theprophetdesiringtoseeasspeedilyaspossible,offersashisprayer,
Sobeit,Lord!

The 6th verse describes that meeting of the just of which the Saviour spake, when he said, that
manyshouldcomefromtheeastandfromthewest,andsitdownwithAbraham,Isaac,and
Jacob, in the kingdom of God. Nor was this the only occasion on which he mentioned it his
parablessetitbeforeusinwordsnearlythesameasthoseofIsaiah,asthe marriagefeastmade
for the kings Son and in his farewell words at the Last Supper, he predicted this, the Feast of his
Return. WithdesirehaveIdesiredtoeatthispassoverwithyoubeforeIsuffer:forIsay
untoyou,IwillnotanymoreeatthereofuntilitbefulfilledinthekingdomofGod.And
again,IwillnotdrinkhenceforthofthisfruitofthevinetillthedaywhenIdrinkit,new
with you in my Fathers kingdom. (Luke 22: 15, 16 Matthew 26: 29.) And strongly
corroborative are the words of St. John in the nineteenth chapter of Revelation, so often before
alludedto. Write,BlessedaretheythatarecalleduntothemarriagesupperoftheLamb
(Rev.19:9.)

AtthistimeIsaiahassuresusthevailshallbetakenawayfromallnations,whichcoversthegloryof
theGospelfromtheireyes.Andthereasonhasbeengivenabove:forwhyistheGospelhiddento
themthatarelost?Because,saystheapostle, inthemthegodofthisworldhathblinded
themindsofthemthatbelievenot,lestthelightofthegloriousGospelofChrist,whoisthe
image of God, should shine unto them. But in the former chapter it was declared that Satan
shouldberemovedandshutupduringthisblessedperiod,andtheSpiritofGodpouredout.Then
alsoshallbedestroyedthevailthatcoversthefaceofIsrael,assaithSt.Paul,Buttheirmindswere
blindedforuntilthisdayremaineththesamevailuntakenawayinthereadingoftheOld
Testament.EvenuntothisdaywhenMosesisread,thevailisontheirheart.Nevertheless,
whenitshallturntotheLord,thevailshallbetakenaway.(2Cor.3:14,15,16.)

And then shall death be swallowed up in victory. [Page 237] For then, according to the apostles
declaration in the fifteenth of the 1st Corinthians, This corruptible shall have put on
incorruption,andthismortalshallhaveputonimmortalityandthenshallbebroughttopass
thesayingthatiswritten,Deathisswallowedupinvictory. Fortherisensaintsshallthen
haveputontheirgloriousbodies,andthenshallinthembefulfilledthewordsoftheLord, They
thatareaccountedworthytoattainthatworld(dispensation,),andtheresurrectionfrom
thedead,neithermarry,noraregiveninmarriage:neithercantheydieanymore:butare
equal unto the angels and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection
(Luke20:35,36)whichlastwordsshowthatthisisthefirstresurrectionoftheJustalone,elseit
would not be true that they would be the children of God, because the children of the
resurrection.ToalikepurposesaithSt.John,Blessedandholyishethathathpartinthefirst
resurrection:onsuchtheseconddeathhathnopower.(Rev.20:6.)

Then,andnottillthen,shalltheoffenceofthecrosscease:forthen allshallknowtheLordfrom
theleasttothegreatest,andoutoftheSaviourskingdomwillthereapingangelshavegatheredall
thingsthatoffendandthosethatdoiniquity.

ItshouldbenoticedherethatoneoftheGreekinterpretershastranslateddifferentlythe 7thverse,
andgivesitthus,

Andhewilldestroyonthismountain
ThefaceoftheRulerthatrulethoverallnations.

OnwhichJeromeobserves,SomewillhaveAntichristtobesignifiedwhoistobeconsumed
onMountOlivet.Headds,AccordingtotheLXX.afeastofjoyispreparedforallnations
onMountZion,inwhichtheyshalldrinkwinewhichtheLordhathpromisedhewilldrink
withhissaintsinthekingdomofhisFather.Andagain, Whendeathshallbeswallowed
upforever,thepeopleofGodwhoshallhavebeenfreedfromthepowerofdeathshallsay
totheLord,Behold,thisisourGod,whomtheInfidelsthoughttobeamanonly,andwe
have waited for him that is, we have believed his word, because he will accomplish his
promises,andsaveus.Thesewordsofthatancientfatherforestallanyfurthercommentuponthe
9thverse.

[Page238]
TheconclusionofthechapterforetelsGodsvengeanceonMoab,whichwehaveseenpredicted
before.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER26

1INthatdayshallthissongbesunginthelandofJudaea,saying,
Beholdourstrongcity,andourSaviour!
Hewillbuildusawallandacircumvallation.
2Openthegates,thatthenationthatkeepethrighteousnessmayenter
Constantintruth,thestayedinmind,
3Thouwiltkeeptheminperfectpeace,
Forinthee,JEHOVAH,havetheytrustedwithconfidenceforever.
4ForintheLordJEHOVAHiseverlastingstrength.
5Hehathhumbledthemthatdweltonhigh!
Theloftycity,hehathlaidlow!
Yea,hehathbroughtiteventothedust.
6Andthefeetofthehumble,
Andthestepsoftheneedyshalltreaditdown.
7Thewayofthejustismadestraight,
Thepathofthesaintsismadeready.
8ForthewayofJEHOVAHisjustice
Wehavewaitedforthyname
Andatthememoryoftheeoursoulwasaffectionatelydesirous.
9Bynightmysouldesireththee,0God,
Yea,myspiritwithinmeseekeththeeearly
*Forwhenthyjudgementsareintheearth,
Theinhabitantsoftheworldwilllearnrighteousness.
10FortheWickedOnehathceased
(And)everyonethatwillnotlearnrighteousnessonearth,
Andwillnotobservetruth
BetheWickedOneremoved,
ThatheseenotthegloryofJEHOVAH

11JEHOVAH,highliftedisthyhand,
Yettheyknowitnot!
Butletthemknowit,andbeashamed!
Thineanger,JEHOVAH,shallseizeoninunsubduednation,
Andnowshallfiredevourthineadversaries.
120JEHOVAHourGod,ordainuspeace,
Forallourdoingshastthouwroughtforus.
13*0JEHOVAHourGod,otherlordshaveruledus:
(Butof)thynameonlywillwemakemention.
14Theyaredead,letthemnotseelife!
Norletthegiantsriseagain!
Forthouhastvisitedanddestroyedthem,
Andmadealltheirmemorytoperish.
15Thouhastincreasedwoestothenations,0JEHOVAH
Thouhastincreasedwoestothehonourableofnations,
Thouhastremovedthemallafartotheendsoftheearth.

16JEHOVAH,introublewerememberedthee:
Wepouredoutprayer,whenthychasteningwasonus.
17Asawomanintravaildrawethneartoherdelivery,
*Andcriethoutinherpangs,sohavewebeeninthysight.
18Throughthyfear,0JEHOVAH,haveweconceived,
Wehavetravailed,wehavebroughtforth
Thespiritofsalvationhathbeenprocuredfortheearth
Weshallnotfall,buttheyshallfallthatdwellintheworld.
19Forthydeadshallrise,
Andtheircorpsesshallarise:
Awake,andsing,yetenantsofthedust,
Forthedewfromtheeishealingtothem
Butthelandofthegiantsthoushaltdestroy.
20Come,mypeople,enterintothychambers,
Andshutthydooraboutthee
Hidethyselfasitwerealittlemoment,
TilltheindignationofJEHOVAHbeoverpast.
21Forbehold,JEHOVAHcomethoutofhisholyplace,
Topunishtheinhabitantsoftheearthfortheiriniquity
Andtheearthshalldiscloseherblood,
Andshallnomorecoverherslain.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER26
[Page238]

Inthetwentysixthchapterthesamesubjectcontinues.Hereisgiventheverysongthatshallbesung
inthatday,showingthatifthepromiseoftheswallowingupofdeath,quotedbySt.Paul,refers,
as beyond a question it does, to the resurrection,* so does this song to the time immediately
following.ThestrongcityhereisevidentlyJerusalem,thecity,astheSaviourcalledit,ofhimself
theGreatKing.Intoittherighteousenterandpraisehisname.Allmightopposedtohimishere
declared to be then overthrown, and the feet of the humble tread down the lofty city for then
shallbebroughttopasstheSaviourswords, Blessedarethemeekforthey shall inherit the
earth.Thenshallnothingbeheardbutpraiseandjoy.Because theWickedOne(Antichrist)
hathbeenremoved,thatheseenotthegloryofJehovah.Forthat Wicked(One)theLord
shallconsumewiththeSpiritofhismouth,andthefirehathdevouredtheadversariesofChrist.
Heisthe otherLordherespokenofthatruledovertheJewishnation,anddeceivedthemtotheir
ruin.Butatthistimeheandhisassistantrulersare deadandshallnotseelife, whenthe dead
inChristrisefirst.Inthe17thverseisexhibitedthatfigurewhichisnotunfrequentlymetwithin
the Scriptures, but appears to have a special reference to the scene described by St. John, There
appearedagreatwonderinheaven,aWOMANclothedwiththesunandthemoonunder
her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars, and she being with child, cried
travailinginbirth,andpainedtobedelivered.(Rev.12:1,2.)SheisexplainedbyBurghon
goodscripturalgroundstosignifytheJewishChurchandthebirthofthechild, whowastorule
allnationswitharodofiron,thesecondappearanceofJesus,beforewhosecomingshallbe
the great tribulation of the Jewish Church, followed by their belief in him. The [Page 239] similar
applicationofthefigureinGal.4:19confirmsthis.

* It is gratifying to be able to quote on this passage the following excellent remark of Dr. H.,By, his (Pauls) inspired
authorityIdeemittheonlywise,becausetheonlysafecourse,inthisandallsimilarcasestoabide.Wouldthatithadbeenso
always!

Thus, then, the dead in Christ shall rise not all the dead, but as they are beautifully called, thy
dead, 0 Christ! for the dew from thee is healing unto them. Perfectly accordant is the
explanationofTheodoret,Forastherainvivifiestheseedscoveredwithearth,andasitwere
buried,sothyword,likethedew,shallcallmentoarise. Again and again does the Saviour
declare it as the peculiar blessedness of each believing member, I will raise him up at the last
day.Hereisthepredictionreiterated,anditspeculiarsignificancedefined.But,whendestruction
shallcomeon thegiants,thePowersofevilgatheredagainsttheLordthepeopleofJehovah
shallbecaughtupintheair,andhidethemselvesalittlemoment,tilltheindignationofJehovah
isoverpast, For,behold,Jehovahcomethoutofhisplaceto punish the inhabitants of the
earthfortheiriniquity.Aswhentheworldperishedbytheflood,Noahwascaughtupintothe
chamberoftheark,andtheLordshuthimintillhecameforthintothenewworld,soshallitbe
inthisdayofvengeancethesaintsshall shuttheirdooraboutthemtillthewoesonthewicked
are inflicted. And as the children of Israel first passed through the Red Sea before the waters
overwhelmed Pharaohs host, and Lot was led forth out of Sodom before fire and brimstone was
rained on those evil cities, so shall the righteous be removed from the world before the wrath
descends. Christs coming out of his place is also beautifully confirmed by the words of the
hundred and tenth Psalm, Sit thou at my right hand (in heaven) TILL I make thy foes thy
footstool. The closing declaration that the earth shall reveal her blood and shall no more
coverherslain,iswellillustratedbyEusebiusinhisnotesonaformerverse, Butwhoarehis
deadbuthisholymartyrs?ThedeadofJehovaharetheywho,forhissake,havesuffered
everycalamity,evenuntodeath.CoincidentlySt.Johnseesthose beheadedforthewitness
ofJesusinespecialgloryatthemillennium.Andontheexpression, theythatareinthetombs
shall awake (LXX. translation), he remarks, they shall awake, that implies, that they are not
deadbutasleep,fallenasleepinChrist.Bytheearthdisclosingherbloodherightlyunderstands
Christsavengingthebloodofthesaintson[Page240]theirpersecutors.Inconfirmationofhisopinionhe
refers to the Song of Moses, which we are told shall then be sung Rejoice, 0 ye Gentiles,
withhispeople:forhewillavengethebloodofhisservantsandwillrendervengeanceto
hisadversaries,andwillbemercifultohisland,andtohispeople.(Dent.32:43.)Tothe
sameperioddoesProcopiusreferthisprophecy,Theyshallbeashamed,observeshe,referring
speciallytothe11thverse,whentheyseehimcominginthegloryofhisFather,whenthey
thathavebeenhonouredonlyfortheirfatherssakes,(fortheirswerethepromises,andthe
givingofthelaw,andthecovenants,)areshutoutfromthebridechamber.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER27

1InthatdayJEHOVAHshallpunishwithhissword
[Hissword]theholy,great,andstrong,
Leviathan,thefleeingserpent,
EvenLeviathanthecrookedserpent,
Andshallslaythedragonthatisinthesea.

2Inthatdayshallhisvineyardbebeautiful,
Fromofoldhisdesirewastowardsit.
3I,JEHOVAH,dokeepit,Iwillwateriteverymoment,
Lest(any)hurtit,Iwillkeepitnightandday.
4Furyisnotinme:whowouldsetthebriars
Andthornsagainstmeinbattle?
Iwouldgothroughthem,Iwouldburnthemtogether!
5Herinhabitantsshallsay,
Letusmakepeacewithhim,
Peaceletusmakewithhim!
6They,thatcomefromtherootofJacobshallflourish,
AndIsraelshallbudandblossom,
Andfillthefaceoftheworldwithfruit.

7Ashesmote(thee)shallnothealsohimselfbesinitten
Andasheslew,shallhenotalsobeslain?
8Withthemeasure,wherewiththoudidstmete,
Theyshallmeasureagainuntothee.
Didstthounotcommuneinthyhardheart
Todestroythemwiththebreathofthywrath?
9WhereforetheiniquityofJacobshallbepurged
Andthisistheirblessing,
WhenIshalltakeawaytheirsins.
Whentheypoundeventofinedust,thestonesoftheiraltars,
Andtheirgrovesstandnomore:
Andtheiridolsarecutdownlikeaforestafar.
10Thedefencedcityshallbeleftdesolate,
Asitwereadesertedflock.
Foralongtimeshallitbeforpasture,
Andthereshalltheflocksrest.
11Andafterawhilethereshallbenothinggreentherein,
Becauseitshallbedriedup:
Yewomenreturningfromthespectacle,comehither(anddeclareuntous),
Foritisapeoplethathathnounderstanding,
Thereforehethatmadethemwillnothavemercyonthem,
Andhethatformedthemshallshowthemnofavour.

ThatJEHOVAHshallhaveathreshing
FromthechanneloftheriveruntothestreamotEgypt.
Andyeshallbegatheredonebyone,0childrenofIsrael:

Thatthegreattrumpetshallbeblown,
AndtheyshallcomethatwereperishinginthelandofAssyria,
AndtheoutcastsinthelandofEgypt
AndshallworshipJEHOVAH
OntheholymountatJerusalem.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER27
[Page240]

The twentyseventh chapter is connected with the twentysixth by precisely the same bond as the
twentysixth with the twentyfifth. In that day is the connecting phrase, which shows that this
chapterreferstothesametimeofChristsadvent,ofvengeancetohisenemies,andjoytofriends.

By the punishment of Leviathan, the crooked serpent, is evidently intended the punishment to be
inflictedonSatan,whoisintheRevelationcalled, Thegreatdragon,thatoldserpent,thedevil,
andSatan.ThusProcopius, Andafterallthesethings(forthisisthemeaningofIn that
day) God shall bring to bear his holy and powerful sword, (instead of holy, the others
translateitsore,)whichneverhavingbeenusedagainstanyother,waskeptforadegreeof
wickednessproportionatetohis,whooverthrewAdaminParadise,andcasthimdownfrom
hisconditionbeforeGod.Ofwhomitiswritten,Nowtheserpentwasmoresubtlethanany
ofthebeaststhatareintheearth.He,afterthathehaddeceivedourfirstparentsandtheir
posterity,isrightlynamedtheserpent,ascreepingontheground,andlyinginwaitforthe
feetofmen,thathemayinjectintothemthesamevenom,andturnthemasidefromtheright
way that leadeth unto God. The time of his overthrow will be the time of the flourishing of
lsrael the vineyard of Jehovah. For the sake of his elect among that people, he will keep it and
watch it day by day. In spite of their last great enemy Armillus, [Page 241] Israel shall bud and
blossom,andfillthefaceoftheworldwithfruit.OnthepromisetoIsraelthathissinshouldbe
pardoned, Procopius thus observes, For even his transgressions shall in time be pardoned.
And this is what is signified by the words his blessing. For were God to demand an
equivalent penalty, then could not the promise to Abraham be fulfilled, Blessing, I will
bless thee and multiplying, I will multiply thee after his posteritys numerous
transgressions.Butwhen,saiththeprophet,shaltthoubefreefromthysins? When they
that are called by faith oppose the ancient error, blotting out its every remnant, agreeably
with the words of the apostle: When the fulness of the Gentiles is come in, then shall all
Israelbesaved.TheDestroyerisaddressedinthenextverses,andisassuredthatwiththesame
measurethathemetestoIsrael,itshallbemeasuredtohimagain.Heisrebukedforhissavageand
rebellious thought in attempting to destroy those whom God has declared he will preserve, for it
wouldappear(fromver.8)thathisdesignwillbeutterlytorootoutthenationofIsrael,infearlest
thefuturepredictionsofGodwithregardtothatnationshouldcometopass.Inorder,therefore,that
the Adversary do not magnify himself and conceive that he has prevailed against God by the
destructionofIsrael,aswellasforotherweightyreasonsinthemindofJehovah,theiniquityofJacob
shallbepurged,andtheiraltarstofalsegodsforevercutdown,andtheirimagesgroundtopowder.

Atthe tenthverseanewsubjectapparentlybegins,adescriptionofthedesolationofJerusalem,the
defencedcityabandonedbyGod.AfterthetimeoftheSavioursministry,therewasnothinggreen
initbecauseitwasdriedup.Ashehimselftestifiedwhenonhiswaytocrucifixion,Iftheydo
thesethingsinthegreentree,whatshallbedoneinthedry?Andthesewordsformedpartof
an address to the daughters of Jerusalem not to weep for him, but for themselves. Hence
Isaiahinthenextwordsbeautifully,bytheSpirit,addressesthesevery womento come forward
and testify to the Jews, that people of no understanding what they had seen at the
spectacle of the Saviours crucifixion and resurrection. Thus it was not without a view to the
fulfilment of this prophecy that St. Matthew noticed, that many women were there which
followed Jesus from Galilee: and these [Page 242] were witnesses of the rending of the rocks, the
darkeningofthesun,andtheloudvoiceofJesuswhenhegaveuptheghost.Norofthisspectacle
alone:for women werethefirstwitnessesoftheresurrectionalso.MaryMagdalene,andMarythe
motherofJoses,andSalome,werethefirstdiscoverersofthestonerolledawayfromthesepulchre,
andrantotestifytothedisciplesthathisbodywasnottobefound.MaryMagdalenewasalsothe
firsttobeholdtherisenSaviourandtodeclareittotheapostles.Nextcamethegeneralcompanyof
the women from Galilee bearing the spices, to whom the angels committed the message to the
disciples, Heisnothereheisrisenrememberhowhespakeuntoyouwhenhewasyetin
Galilee, saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be
crucified,andthethirddayriseagain.ThusWOMENweremadewitnessestotheJews,andto
theapostles,ofthegreatspectacleoftheaccomplishmentofredemption.Andthatitwas apeople
ofnounderstandingtowhomtheirtestimonywastobedelivered,wasevidencedbythebehaviour
of the Jews, and even of the apostles. For of the apostles it is said that the witness of the women
seemedtothemasidletales,neitherbelievedtheythem. Moreover,theLordreinforcedthis
charge. He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their
unbeliefandhardnessofheart,becausetheybelievednotthemwhichhadseenhimafterhe
wasrisen.(Mark16:14.) SimilarwashisrebukeofthoseatEmmaus.In corroboration of this
view, the following passage of Procopius is presented to the reader. Having spoken of the
desolationoftheJews,becausenoneworthyofsalvationwerefoundamongstthem,hecalls
uponwomentobearwitnesstohismarvellousworks,thattheyshouldcomeandenlighten
a people dwelling in darkness, and their now deserted city. Therefore, according to
Aquilas translation, The women coming, enlighten it and, according to that of
Synimachus, The women come and manifest it. But notice we who these were. The
Evangelistsaith,Thereweretheremanywomenbeholdingafaroff,whofollowedhimfrom
Galilee, and ministered unto him, whose names he details. And Luke saith, Certain
women followed him, who came with him out of Galilee, and they, beheld the sepulchre,
and how his body was laid who having learned the circumstances [Page 243] of the Saviours
resurrection,returnedfromthetombandtoldthesethingstotheapostles.Since,then,the
peoplewithoutunderstandingwouldnotbelievethepreachingoftheapostles,althoughthe
Gentiles received the word for this cause the Holy Spirit calls on the women. For they
accused the apostles of stealing the Saviours body by night therefore he calls on
unsuspected witnesses to convict the foolish. For the Jews alone disbelieve, though they
behold Churches in all the world around them, being blind to the divine virtue of the
preachingoftheGospel.Butwomenfirstbelievedintheresurrection,becausethewoman
wasfirstdeceivedbytheserpent.Forthroughthismissiontheyareabletorepeltheheavy
charges brought against them in Scripture. The mission here alluded to is doubtless that on
which the angels expressly sent the women that came to the sepulchre. First, observe the angels
wordstothethreeMaries. Goquickly,andtellhisdisciplesthatheisrisenfromthedead
and,behold,hegoethbeforeyouintoGalileethereshallyeseehim.(Matt.28:7.)And
secondly, the testimony of the general company of the women from Galilee, And they returned
fromthesepulchre,andtoldallthesethingstotheeleven,andtoalltherest.(Luke24:9.)
Also Christs words to the other Mary and Salome. Go tell my brethren, that they go into
Galilee,andthereshalltheyseeme. AndtoMaryMagdalene, Gotomybrethrenandsay
untothem,IascendtomyFatherandtoyourFather.(Matt.28:10John20:17.)

But as the Jews would not believe this testimony this last effort of Gods mercy on their behalf,
thereforetheMostHighshouldshownomercyonthem,butgivethemuptotheRomanconqueror
and to the various evils of succeeding ages. But when the times of the Gentiles shall be
fulfilled,andthedayofgreatslaughtershallhavecome,theLordshallmakeahighwayforhis
peoplethroughthebedoftheEgyptiansea,andtheriverEuphrates,andtheyshallbegatheredoneby
one.Inthatday thegreattrumpetoftheArchangelshallbeblown,ofwhichthejubileetrumpet
wasthetype,andIsraelshallreturntotheirownland.Then,accordingasweread,thosewhowere
readytoperish,or thosewhohaveperished,soshallweunderstandthecaptiveIsraelites,or
the martyrs for Christs sake who shall return to worship Jehovah [Page 244] on the holy mount at
Jerusalem. In this passage, says Jerome, The Jews promise themselves that in the
consummationoftheworldwhenAntichristshallhavecome,thepeopledispersedshallbe
gatheredfromAssyria,andthelandofEgypt,andcometoJerusalem,andafterrebuilding
thetemple,adoretheLordtheirGod.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER28

1Woetothecrownofmockery,yehirelingsofEphraim!
Andtotheflowerthatfallethfromitsgloriousbeauty
OnthetopofGethsemane!
Yedrunkards,butnotwithwine!
2BeholdtheangerofJEHOVAHismightyandterrible,
Likeadestroyinghailstormsweepingdown
Likeafloodofmightywatersoverwhelmingaland,
Heshallgiveresttotheearthbyhispower,
3Andunderfootshallbetrodden,yehirelingsofEphraim,
Thecrownofmockery!
4Andtheflowerthatfallethfromitsgloriousbeauty,
OnthetopofGetlisemane,*
Shallbeliketheprematurefigbeforethesummer,
Whichhethatseethpluckethimmediately,
Anditisnosoonerinhishandthanheswallowethit!
5InthatdayshallJEHOVAHofhosts
Beacrownofglory,andadiademofbeauty,
Totheresidueofhispeople.
6Andforaspiritofjudgementtothemthatsitinjudgement,
Andforstrengthtothosethatcausethestormofwartocease.
7Forthesehaveerredthroughwine,
Andthroughstrongdrinkhavetheywandered
Thepriestandtheprophethaveerredthroughstrongdrink
Theyareswallowedupofwine,
Theyarebesidethemselveswithstrongdrink
Theyerrinvision,theystumbleinjudgement.
8*Foralltablesarefullofvomitandfilth,
Sothatthereisnoplaceclean.
9Towhomshallweproclaimwisdom?
Towhomshallwedeclarethemessage?
Tothemthatareweanedfrommilk
Andwithdrawnfromthebreasts.
10Expecttroubleaftertrouble,hopeafterhope,
Stillalittle,stillalittle.
11Withmenofothertonguesandotherlips
Will1speakuntothispeople,
Andyetforallthatwilltheynothearme,saithJEHOVAH.
12Towhomhesaid,Thisismyrestfortheweary,
Andthisismyrefreshment:Buttheywouldnothear.
13ThereforetheoracleofJEHOVAHshallbetothem
Troubleaftertrouble,hopeafterhope
Yetalittle,yetalittle,
Thattheymaygo,andfallbackward,
Andbebroken,andsnared,andtaken.

14WhereforehearthewordofJEHOVAH,yemenofZion,
AndyerulersofthispeopleinJerusalem!
15Becauseyehavesaid,Wehavemadeacovenantwitbdeath,
AndwithHadesareatagreement:
Ifthesweepingwhirlwindpassby,
Itshallnotlightonus:
Forwehavemadealieourrefuge
Andbyafalsehoodshallwebeprotected.
16ThereforethussaithJEHOVAH,
BeholdIlayinZionacornerstone,elect,precious,
Butastoneofstumblingandarockofoffence,
Andhethatbelievethonhimshallnotbeconfounded,
17AndIwillmakejusticealine,
Andjudgementaplummet
Andthehailshallsweepawaytherefugeoflies,
Andthewatersshalloverflowthehidingplace.
18Andyourcovenantwithdeathshallbedisannulled,
AndyouragreementwithHadesshallnotstand:
Whenthesweepingwhirlwindshallcomeonyou,
Yeshallbeoverwhelmedbyit.
19Whenitpassethby,itshallseizeyou,
Withvisitation,withvisitationinthedayshallitpassby,
Andatnight,shallbeavainhope:
20Hethatheareth,lethimunderstand!
Forthebedistooshorttostretchoutonesself,
Andthecoveringtoonarrowtowrapuponesself.
21AsonMountPerazimshallJEHOVAHriseup,
AndasinMountGibeonshallhebewroth:
Toperformhiswork,hisstrangework,
Andtobringtopasshisact,hisstrangeact.
22Whereforescoffyenot,lestyourchainsbemadestrong:
ForIhaveheardfromJEHOVAHofhosts,
Adecreedandbriefworkuponalltheearth.

23Giveyeear,andhearmyvoice
Hearken,andhearmyspeech.
24*Willtheplowmanplowthewholeday?
Orwillhesetaboutthesowing,beforehehavetilledtheland?
25Whenhehathlevelledthesurfacethereof,
Dothhenotcastabroaddill,
Andscattercummin,andagainsowwheat,
Andthebarleyandmillet,
Andthespeltinitsbed!
26Soshaltthoubeinstructed
BythejudgementofthyGod,andshaltrejoice.
27Fordillisnotthreshedwithathreshingwand,
Norisawaggonwheelturnedaboutoncummin
Butdillisbeatenoutwithastaff,
Andcumminwithaflail.
28Breadcornisforeating,
*Fornotperpetuallywillitbethreshing,
Norawaggonwheelbeturnedoverit,
Norbebruisedwithhoofs.
29ThisalsohathproceededfromJEHOVAHofhosts:
Hehathmadeillustrioushiscounsel,
Hehathmagnifiedhissalvation.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER28
[Page244]

Inthepresentchapteranewsubjectopens,discoveringinitsfirstversestheJewstreatmentofthe
Saviour and the treachery of Judas. The words, Woe to the crown of mockery! refer to the
crown of thorns with which the Jews in mockery encircled the Saviours forehead. And
when they had platted a CROWN of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his
righthand:andtheybowedthekneebeforehim,andMOCKEDhim,saying,Hail,kingof
theJews!(Matt.27:29.)Thisthen,wasthe crownofinsult,or mockery,againstwhich
theprophetjustlypredictedthewoeofGod.By thehirelingsofEphraimaresignifiedthechief
priests,Scribes,andPharisees,becauseoftheirmercenarytransactionwithJudas.Thenoneofthe
twelve,calledJudasIscariot,wentuntotheChiefPriests,Andsaiduntothem,Whatwillye
giveme,andIwilldeliverhimuntoyou?Andtheycovenantedwithhimforthirtypieces
of silver. (Matt. 26: 14, 15.) By the flower falling from its glory, both Eusebius and
JeromeunderstandJudas, whowasoftheapostolicchoir,remarksEusebius, but his mind
beingturnedtoevil,hebecametheflowerfallingfromglory.SoJerome, Judas of the
tribeofEphraim,andofoneofitsvillagesIscariot,soldtheLordforaprice,whotruly
beingafloweroftheapostolicglory,felluponthemostfertilevalley,or,accordingtothe
Hebrew,onthevalleyofthefatones(Gethsemanim),inwhicheventhenameoftheplace
issignifiedinwhichJudasbetrayedtheLord.Whichword,(Gethsemane)saysEusebius,
Ihaveheardoneofourbelovedexplaining,andsayingthatitwastheplace,calledinthe
GospelGethsemane,wherethebetrayercomingontheSaviourwroughtthebetrayal.On
the expression, Ye drunkards, but without wine! Jerome observes, But the betrayer was
drunken,notwith [Page245]wine,butavarice,andtheincurablevenomofasps,andthefoodof
the devil, who after the sop entered into him, he was utterly devoured. Nor is this
drunkennesstobepredicatedofJudasalone,butofallthosewhohadahandintheSavioursseizure,
humiliation,anddeath.Thatevilspiritswereengagedthroughout,intoxicatingtheirvictims,seems
evidentfromtheLordsdeclarationthatSatanhadobtainedpermission()to sifttheapostlesas
wheat. The same inference seems derivable, from the Saviours agony, and the disciples
slumbrousness in the garden, and more evidently from the words of Jesus to his betrayer, and the
multitudethatapprehendedhim,Thisisyourhour,andthepowerofdarkness.

In consequence of this, the great crime of the Jewish nation, fastened upon them by their own
voluntary demand, that his blood should be on them and their children, the anger of Jehovah
should violently descend like a violent flood and sweeping hailshower, which was most truly
fulfilledbytheRomandevastationofJudaea.

Jehovahproceedstodeclarethatthis,theirattempttoinsulthisAnointed,shallbeutterlyoverthrown
because, in spite of the heathens rage and the vain imagination of the people, Christ
shallbesetaskingontheholyhillofZion.

ThenfollowsthedenunciationagainstJudas,thatheshouldbelikethefirstripefig,easilyshakenoff,
andnosoonercovetedthandespatched. Hebecameofsuchacharacter,saysEusebius, asto
be compared to the first ripe fig, an imperfect fruit, beautiful indeed and pleasing to the
sight,butotherwiseuseless,becauseofitsnotbeingfitforfood.Whereforehethatisthe
Calumniatorofthegoodseeingtheprematureone()hastilyseizedhimsothathedesired
todevourhimbeforehelaidhandsonhimthusindeedprevailing,healsodiddevourhim.
After the sop, Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, and incited him to the treason, which was
quickly accomplished, and as soon did his fruitless repentance follow, and then his suicide, all
probablyoccurringinthecompassoflessthanasingleday.

Yet it is worthy of remark that this prophecy, though primarily accomplished, appears to be
constructedwithatwofoldreference,notmerelyasadenunciationofthetreasonofJudas,butalsoof
Antichristofwhom,astheancientfathersbelieved,Judaswasatype.Thecrown[Page246]ofinsult,
or mockerywillthensignifythepresumptuousinsolenceoftheDestroyer,inprofessinghimself
tobetheMessiah,andcrowninghimselfassuch.ThusSt.John,Uponhishornstencrowns,and
upon his heads the name of blasphemy. (Rev. 13: 1.) Then will Israel or Ephraim be
drunken,notwithwine,forGod willsendthemstrongdelusion,thattheymaybelievea
lie. ThentheWilfulKing,brightandgloriousasaflower,shallfallfromhisgloryonthetopof
GethsemaneforthenshalltheSaviourreturntojudgement, Hisfeetshallstandthatdayonthe
Mount of Olives. And then shall descend the indignation of the Lord, the wrath of the Lamb,
withtempest,andscattering,andhailstones. AndAntichristscrownofgloryshallbetrodden
under foot, and all his power and his might of three years and a half shall be, as the early fig,
devouredinaninstant.

In thedayabovementionedoftheSavioursreturn,somuchinsistedonintheformerchapters,
theLordJesusshallbeacrownofglorytotheresidueofhispeople,andforaspiritofjudgementto
those whom he shall appoint to judge the nations, when war shall be no more.With that glorious
timeiscontrastedthestateoftheJewishpeopleforsakenbyJehovah,forthistheirchiefprovoking
iniquity.AcurseisalsodenouncedontheircounselagainstJesus,asbeingforcovetousnessIfwe
lethimalone,saidthey,allmenwillbelieveonhim,andtheRomanswillcomeandtake
awayourplaceandnation.

Such,then,beingthestateoftheJews,towhomshouldtheGospelbepreached?Whowouldendure
evilsfortheSaviourssake?Notthosewhowereyetbabes,inbondageundertheelementsof
theworld,whowereyet childreninunderstanding,fedwiththemilkoftheJewishrites
andceremonies:butthosesustainedbytheHolySpiritwiththestrongmeatoftheGospel.

Onthe10thverseJeromecommentsasfollows.Heisspeakingtothechoirofapostlesandof
all believers, to prepare themselves not for one, but many trials that when they are
troubled and depressed they should still hope, and hold hope after hope. And if the
promiseshouldtarryalittle,nottobeunbelieving.Foryetaverylittlewhile,andthe
promise shall come. He quotes also, very appropriately, Romans 5: 3, 4, 5, We glory in
tribulationsalso:knowingthattribulationworketh [Page247] patience:andpatience,experience
andexperience,hopeAndhopemakethnotashamed.

The11thversebeingcitedbySt.Paul,presentsuswithanindexenablingustodiscoverwhetherthe
presentinterpretationbejust.In 1Cor.14:21,weread, Inthelawitiswritten,Withmenof
othertonguesandotherlipswillIspeakuntothispeopleandyetforallthatwilltheynot
hearme,saiththeLord.Whereforetonguesareforasign,nottothemthatbelieve,butto
them which believe not. Whence we gather, that God sent the gift of tongues to convince the
unbelieving Jews that the Gospel was from him: which indeed was implied in St. Pauls sermon at
PentecostandyettheMostHighknewfullwellthatitwouldnotprevailonthenationtoreceivethe
doctrine.St.Paulsquotationprovesthatthispassagehasbeenmutilatedandcorrupted,bothinthe
HebrewandtheSeptuagint,mostprobably wilfullyinboth,bytheunbelievingJews:butbymeans
ofit,asrestoredbytheHolySpirit,writingbythehandofPaul,itmaybereadilyseenhowwellit
agrees with the tenour of the interpretation here given. For the chapter opens with a cry of woe
againstthecrimeoftheChiefPriests,Pharisees,thepeoplegenerally,andJudasinparticular,inthe
betrayal,seizure,condemnation,mockery,anddeathofChristJesus.ForthisreasonGodshouldsend
hisvengeanceontheJewsingeneralwithmightyandirresistibleviolenceandafterwardsawoeon
Judas especially, which the Saviour himself confirmed: The Son of Man goeth indeed as it is
writtenofhim,butwoeuntothatmanbywhomtheSonof.Manisbetrayedgoodwereit
forthatmanifhehadneverbeenborn!Andonhimthecursewasspeedilyfulfilledinafew
hours after the taking of the sop, Satan had devoured him like the first ripe fig seen and eaten at a
mouthful.ButadayshouldcomeinwhichtheSaviourshouldbeglorifiedinhispeople,spiteof
theoutrageousblasphemiesandiniquitiesoftheJews.Indespiteoftheireagerzealtodestroythe
religion of Jesus of Nazareth, the message should be declared, and believed among those who
wereweanedbythepoweroftheSpiritfromthenowvaluelessritesandceremoniesoftheMosaic
law.Theseweretoexpecttroublefromtheirbrethren,eventhoughGodshouldgiftthemwiththe
powerofworkingmiracles,andespeciallythespeakingwithforeign[Page248]languagesindespiteofall
thisevidence,theywouldnotbelieve.Surelythisestablishesthejustnessoftheinterpretation,since
itfallsinexactlywiththetrainoftheapostlesargument.

Thewordswhichoccurbetweenthepartsoftheapostlesquotation,containtheproclamation,made
totheJewsbymeansofthemiraculoustongues,thatintheGospelofChristwasofferedGodsrestto
theweary,assaidtheSaviourhimself, Comeuntomeallyethatlabourandareheavyladen,
and I will give you rest: and that Jesus of Nazareth was his Holy One,* agreeably with the
declarationsoftheprophetsofold,andthevoiceoftheFatherathisbaptismandtransfiguration.

*Theodotionstranslation.

Butbecausetheywouldnotlisten,Jehovahcouldpredicttothemnothingbutwoeafterwoe,onefalse
hopeafteranother,inthevariouslyingpersonationsoftheMessiahwhoarosetodeludetheJews.As
itregardedtherealChristiantheverysameoraclewasnotevil,becauseallthingsworktogetherfor
good to them that love the Lord, and because of the promise that in the day of his return Christ
wouldbeadiademofbeautytothembuttotheunbelieving,thesentencebore

Thattheymightgoandfallbackward,
Andbebroken,andsnared,andtaken.

The prophet then proceeds to predict that though they trusted in supernatural aids, and in an
agreementwithsuperhumanbeingsthatdeathshouldnotseizethem,norGodsvengeancelighton
them,yetthatifthey,themasterbuilders,refusedChrist,thefoundationstoneelectandpreciouslaid
bytheFather,theirdevicesshouldbevainandtheirdestructioninevitable.This,thoughitmayhave
hadaprimaryfulfilmentinsomeoftheJewsoftheapostlesdays,hasyetprobablyafuturebearing,
and regards those times when men in general, and especially the Jews, will seek to provide
themselveswithsupernaturalandforbiddenaids.AtthattimeJehovahwillariseagainsthisenemies
ashedidinMountGibeonandatBaalperazim.Thereferenceshereareprobablytothehistoryof
Joshua, chapter 10., and that of David, 2 Sam. 5: 17. In the first of these narratives, we are
informedthatagreatconfederacyofkingssoughttodestroytheGibeonites,whomJoshuahadtaken
underhisprotection.Theyinterror[Page249]sentwordtohim,andearnestlydesiredhishelpagainstthis
powerful conspiracy. Joshua accordingly came and slew them with a great slaughter at
Gibeon,and theLordcastdowngreatstonesfromheavenuponthem:they were more
whichdiedwithhailstones,thantheywhomthechildrenofIsraelslewwiththesword.On
thatdayalso,atthewordofJoshuatheLordshowedsignsinthesunandmoonAndthesunstood
still,andthemoonstayeduntilthepeoplehadavengedthemselvesontheirenemies.How
signalafigureisthisofthesecondadventofJesus(thetrueJoshua)againsttheGreatConfederacyof
kingsmentionedinRevelation!IsawtheBeast,andthekingsoftheearth,andtheirarmies,
gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
Again, as in answer to the Gibeonites prayers, Joshua came up and discomfited the confederate
kingssoattheprayersofhispeople,oppressedbyAntichrist,Christwilldescendanddestroythose
nations:AndIwillrainuponhim,saiththeprophet,anduponhisbands,anduponthemany
people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
(Ezek.38:22.)So,asatJoshuascoming,signswereinthesunandmoon,yetmoreremarkably
shalltheimmediatecomingofthetrueJoshuabeforeshownbysignsinthesun,moon,andstars,and
the lightofthemoonbeasthelightofthesun,andthelightofthesunbesevenfoldasthe
lightofsevendays,inthedaythattheLordbindethupthebreachofhispeople,andhealeth
the stroke of their wound. The very words of Scripture appear to have a future and prophetic
referencetothisverytime.Andtherewasnodaylikethatbeforeitorafterit,thattheLord
hearkened to the voice of a man: (Christ comes as Son of Man:) for the Lord fought for
Israel. Nor is the reference to 2 Sam 5. less striking. There we are informed, that when the
PhilistinesheardhowDavidhadbeenappointedkingoverIsrael,theycameandgatheredthemselves
inthevalleyofRephaim(giants),anduponDavidsinquiringifheshouldmarchagainstthem,the
Lordencouragedhimsotodo,becausehewouldgivethePhilistinesintohishand.Davidtherefore
smote them, and said, The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the
breachofwaters.Andtheretheylefttheirimages,andDavidandhismenburnedthem.

[Page250]
Now the Lord Jesus informs us in his parable of the nobleman (by whom he evidently intends
himself),thatwhilehewasinthefarcountry, hiscitizenswhohatedhim,sentamessageafter
him,Wewillnothavethismantoreignoverus.BythisisintendedtheGreatConfederacyof
thenationsandtheirkingsagainsttheSaviour.Asthen,theappointmentofDavid(ortheBeloved)
overIsrael,excitedtheindignationofthePhilistines(ortheforeigners),andinducedthemtogather
togethertofightagainsthim,sotheappointmentofthetrueDavid,theBelovedoftheFather,over
not Israel alone, but the whole world, will excite the rebellious spirit of the nations against him.
Moreover,as,attheLordsword,Davidwentforthandsmotehisenemies,sowhenthetimecomes
thatJehovahshallmakeChrists enemieshisfootstool,heshallsendforththerodofhispower
outofZion,thathemayruleinthemidstofhisenemies.AndasDavidburnedtheidolsleftbythe
conqueredhost,soweareinformedthatattheLordscomingtheyshallcarrythemintotheholesof
the rocks, to the moles and the bats and the idols, says our authorized translation, he shall
utterlyabolish.Thusshallbefinishedhisdecreedandbriefworkuponalltheearth.

The latter part of the chapter is rather obscure in its meaning, but appears to signify that the
providential dealings of God are all with as definite an end, and will obtain as triumphant a
completionasthetoilsofthehusbandman.Butinordertotheharvesttheremustbevariouskindsof
labour not always the labour of the plough not perpetually the sowing but each in its season
furtheringthegreatresult.Thevariousmeansalsoofcollectingtheseed,accordingtothenatureof
thegrainanditscoverings,appeartohavereferencetothedifferentmethodswhichJehovahisusing,
and will use, with regard to the various nations from whom he is gathering in his elect, and the
varyingstyleofhisdispensationstowardsindividuals.Allhavetheirultimatedesigningatheringthe
preparedseedintothegarneroftheLord,andthatwhichisnotknownnow,weshallknowhereafter.
SowithespecialreferencetoIsrael,Godsjudgementsonthatnation,howeversevere,willnotbefor
ever:butthetimetofavourZion,yea,thesettimewillcome.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER29

1WoetoAriel,toAriel!
ThecitythatDavidbesieged
Gatherthefruitsyearafteryear
Letthefeastsbecelebratedintheirturn.
2ForIwilldistressAriel
*Andthereshallbemourning
AndsorrowformeinAriel.
3AndIwillencompassthee,likeDavid,
Andwillcastatrenchaboutthee,
Andwillsettowersagainstthee.
4Andthywordsshallbebroughtdowntotheground,
Andthyspeechshallbelowoutofthedust.
Andthyvoiceasofonethathathafamiliarspirit,
Andthyspeechshallwhisperoutofthedust.
5Moreover,themultitudeofthineoppressors
Shallbeasthesmalldust
Andlikechaffthatpassethaway,
Themultitudeoftheterrible:
Anditshallbeataninstantsuddenly.
6ForthoushaltbevisitedbyJEHOVAHofhosts,
Withthunder,andearthquake,andamightyvoice,
Sweepingstorm,andflameofdevouringfire.
7Andasthedreamofanightvision
ShallbethemultitudeofallnationsthatwaragainstAriel,
[AndtheythatfightagainstJerusalem,]
Andtheythatmarshalthemselvesagainstherandoppressher.
8Itshallbeevenaswhenahungrymandreameth,
Andbehold,heeateth,
Butheawaketh,andhissoulisempty!
Oraswhenathirstymandreameth,
Andbehold,hedrinketh
Butheawaketh,andbehold,heisfaint,
Andhissouliscraving.
Soshallbethemultitudeofallnations,
ThatfightagainstMountZion.

9Beastonishedandamazed!
Theystarehitherandthitherwithsurprise:
Theyaredrunken,butnotwithwine
Andstagger,butnotwithstrongdrink.
10ForGodhathgiventhespiritofslumber
Eyesthattheyshouldnotsee,
Andearsthattheyshouldnothear.
Andtheirprophetsandrulersandseershathhecovered.
11Andallthisvisionshallbeuntoyou,
Asthewordsofabookthatissealed,
Whichisdeliveredtoonethatislearned,
Saying,Readthis,Ipraythee
Andhesaith,Icannotreadit,foritisscaled.
12Andthebookisdeliveredtohimthatisnotlearned,
Saying,Readthis,Ipraythee,
Andhesaith,Iknownotletters.

13Wherefore(thus)saithJEHOVAH,
Thispeopledrawethnightomewiththeirmouth,
Andhonourethmewiththeirlips,
Buttheirheartisfarfromme
Butinvaindotheyworshipme
Teachingfordoctrinesthecommandmentsofmen.
14*Thereforebehold,againwillIdomarvelsamongthispeople,
(Even)amarvellousworkandawonder
AndIwilldestroythewisdomofthewise,
Andbringtonothingthe,understandingoftheprudent.

15Woetothemthatlaydeeptheircounsel,
TohideitfromJEHOVAH,
Andtheirworksareinthedark,
Andtheysay,Whoknowethus,orwhatwedo?
16Shallyenotberegardedastheclayofthepotter?
Shallthethingformedsaytohimthatformedit,
Thouhastnotmademe?
Ortheworksaytotheworkman,
Thouhastnotmademewisely?
17Isitnotyetaverylittlewhile,
AndLebanonshallbeturnedintoCarmel,
AndCarmelshallbereckonedaforest?
18Andinthatdayshallthedeafhearthewordsofthebook,
Andoutofmistanddarknesstheeyesoftheblindshallsee.
19AndthepoorshallincreaseinjoythroughJEHOVAH
AndtheneedyamongmenshallbegladintheHolyOneofIsrael.
20FortheTerribleOneisbroughttonought,
TheScornerisconsumed
Andalltheythatwatchforiniquityarecutoff.
21Andtheythatmakementooffendinword
Andtheythatlaysnaresforhimthatreprovethinthegates,
Andwithfalsehoodsubverttherighteous.
22Therefore,thussaithJEHOVAH,
GodofthehouseofJacob,
WhomheelectedwithAbrabam,
Jacobshallnotnowbeashamed,
NorshallIsraelsfacechangecolour.
23Butwhenhischildrenseetheworkofmyhands,
Amongthemselvesshalltheysanctifymyname
AndshallhallowtheHolyOneofJacob,
AndtheGodofIsraelshalltheyfear.
24Theyalsothaterredinspiritshallknowunderstanding,
Andthemurmurersshalllearndoctrine.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER29

Inthischapterthesiegeispredictedofsomecity,whichanumberofconcurringintimationsproveto
bethecityofJerusalem.ThatbyArielismeantJerusalem,EusebiustellsusthattheJewsofhisday
allowed. It was also the city which David besieged and took from the Jebusites as we read in 2
Samuel5:68.Theexplanationofthewords

Gatherthefruits,yearafteryear,

isthusgivenbyEusebius: Whileyouhavetime,usetheseyearsforthegoodofyoursouls:
sincethetimeisnearthatyeshallbedeprivedofthefoodoftheWord.Inthesewordshe
seemstodenote,inamystery,thetimeoftheSaviourspreaching:accordingtowhichthe
Savioursojournedamongthem,andpreachedtheacceptableyearoftheLord,andtheday
ofretribution.Andperhapsheseemstohaveconversedwiththemasecondorevenathird
year. That same year, then, during which he afforded them the teaching respecting the
kingdomofheaven,hesignifiethwhenhesays,Gatherthefruitsyearafteryeareatye.
But, since this the Saviours preaching was in vain, therefore should Jerusalem be besieged. And
strikinglydoessuchinterpretationaccordwiththeGospelhistory! Andwhenhecamenear,he
beheldthecityandweptoverit,Saying,Ifthouhadstknown,eventhou,atleastinthisthy
day,thethingswhichbelongtothypeace!butnowtheyarehidfromthineeyes.Forthe
daysshallcomeuponthee,thatthineenemiesshallcastatrenchaboutthee,andcompass
theeround,andkeeptheeinoneveryside,andshalllaytheeevenwiththeground,and
thychildrenwithintheeandtheyshallnotleaveintheeonestoneuponanotherbecause
thouknowestnotthetimeofthyvisitation.(Luke19:41.)

TheextremedesolationofJerusalemfollowingonthesiegeispresentedtousinthe 4thverse.And
yet while in this, her state of desolation, her oppressors shall be destroyed, and pass away like the
dreamofanightvision,whentheyarevisitediftheLordofHosts,with

Thunder,earthquake,andamightyvoice,
Sweepingstorm,andflameofdevouringfire.

Thesecharacteristicspointoutthattimeasthedayof [Page252]theSaviourssecondadvent.Moreover,
as the enemies of Jerusalem are in the 7th verse stated to be a multitude of all nations, this
proves that the siege here spoken of will take place at the time of the Great Confederacy, so often
alluded to. If the reader will compare this chapter with the twelfth and fourteenth chapters of
Zechariah,hewilldiscoverthemostevidentharmonyinthesiegeofJerusalemtherepredictedinits
besiegers being all nations, in the issue, their utter discomfiture and that too, after they have
takenthecity,carriedcaptiveitsinhabitants,anddivideditsspoil.The9thverseapparentlydescribes
theamazementofthehostilearmiesattheLordsappearing.Similaristhedeclarationof Zechariah
12:4,Inthatday,saiththeLord,Iwillsmiteeveryhorsewithastonishment,andhisrider
with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every
horseofthepeopleswithblindness.

ButthesucceedingversecertainlydescribestheblindnessoftheJews:foritisquotedbySt.Paulto
showthatGodfortheirunbeliefshouldjudiciallyvisitthewholeJewishnation,excepttheelect
of grace, with a spirit of blindness by taking from them the Holy Spirit. We may conclude,
therefore,thatthisaccountofthesiegehadaprimaryreferencetothatbyTitus.

Because of such withdrawal of the Spirit, though his prophets predicted with the utmost accuracy
eventsoccurringundertheireyes,andfulfilledintheirveryears,stilltheyshouldnotunderstand:but
thebookshouldbetothemascompletelysealed,asthoughaclaspwereonitsleaves,orasthough
theywereunabletoreaditsletters.ThusalsosaidChristhimself.ForjudgementamIcomeinto
the world, that they which see not might see, and that they which see might be made
blind.ThisverseisalsowellillustratedbyEusebius, BecausetheyhadheardtheLordwhen
hewaspresentwiththemasaman,andsawhimwiththeireyes,butnotwiththesightof
theirsoul,andmadedulltheirearsthattheymightnothear,Jehovahshallgivethemtodrink
ofthespiritofdrowsiness.

The 14th verse being quoted by the Saviour in reproof of the Pharisees for their outside show of
religionwhilstdestituteofthespirit,furnishesanotherproofofthecorrectnessoftheapplicationof
the chapter to Jerusalem, [Page 253] and the preceding verses to the obstinacy and blind unbelief of the
Jews.Sincethatnationpreferredtheteachingoftheirwisemen,andthetraditionsoftheirrabbiesto
theScripture,thereforeJehovahwouldagainproceedtocarrythemcaptive,andwould destroythe
wisdom of their wise men, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. This
passageisadducedbySt.PaulintheEpistletotheCorinthians,whereheprovesthatitwasthedesign
ofGodtoabasethelofty,andtoexaltthingsweakandcontemptible, thatnofleshmightgloryin
hispresence.NorcananydoubtthatGodsthreatagainsttheJewishrabbieshasbeenfulfilledwho
havereadtheirwritings,whicharefilledwithallmannerofpuerilitiesandabsurdities.

But there is yet a future accomplishment awaiting them in the rest of the chapter. The woe to the
secret counsel of wickedness appears to be yet future. The absurdity of such an attempt to hide
anythingfromGodisshownbythereferencetotheclay,overwhichthepotterhasunlimitedpower.
AdaringspiritofblasphemyseemstobereprovedinthosewordscitedbySt.Paul,Shallthething
formedsaytohimthatformedit,Whyhastthoumademethus?whereintheapostleargues
withjusticetheabsoluterightoftheCreatoroverthecreature,inconsequenceofhisbeingthework
oftheMostHigh.Now,astheapostlerebukessoimpiousaspiritinthewords, Nay,but0man,
whoartthouthatrepliestagainstGod?itwouldappeartobeimpliedbythepassagebeforeus,
that at the period here prophesied of, such daring blasphemy against the wisdom and power of the
Creator should not be uncommon. But, let men refuse or rebel as they will, the purposes of the
Almighty shall all be accomplished. And in that day of the Son of Mans advent, the Jewish
nationshallunderstandtheirprophets,thennolongerveiledbyprejudiceandpride,butilluminated
bythe[Holy]Spiritthatgavethem.Thenthedespairingsaintsalmostreadytofaintattheprosperity
of the wicked, and their own sufferings, shall be glad in the Holy One of Israel: for then the
LawlessOneshallbecutoff,andwithhimallthatabettedwickedness,andsoughtto wearout
thesaintsofatheMostHigh.ThenalsoshallthepromisedblessingstoAbrahamIsaac,and
Jacob be fully accomplished, nor shall they thenceforward fall into sin but shall recognise [Page 254]
JesusastheirMessiah,inhismightyworksathisreturnandbecausetheSpiritoftheLordispoured
out,menshallbefulloftheknowledgeoftheLord,andthemurmurersshalllearntoobey.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER30

1Woetotheapostatechildren!saithJEHOVAH,
Thattakecounsel,butnotofme
Andmaketreaties,butnotbymySpirit
Toaddsintosin.
2ThatmarchtogodownintoEgypt,
Andhavenotaskedatmymouth:
TostrengthenthemselvesinthestrengthofPharaoh,
AndtotrustintheshadowofEgypt!
3ThereforeshallthestrengthofPharaohbeyourshame,
AndyourtrustintheshadowofEgyptyourconfusion.
4*ForhisprinceswereatZoan,
Andhisambassadorslabouredinvain.
5Theywereallashamedofapeoplethatshallnotprofit,
Norbeasuccour,butashame,andalsoareproach.

6THESENTENCEOFBEHEMOTHINTHEDESERT.
Intothelandoftroubleandanguish,
Whencecomethelion,andthelionscub,
Asps,andthefieryflyingserpent,
Willtheycarrytheirrichesontheshouldersofasses,
Andtheirtreasuresonthebunchesofcamels,
Toapeoplethatshallnotprofitthem.
7ForbootlessandvainshallbetheEgyptianshelp:
Declareuntothem,thatthistheirconsolationisinvain.

8Now,therefore,go,writeitonatablet,
Andnoteitinabookbeforethem,
Thatitmaybeforthetimetocomeforatestimonyforever
9Thatthisisarebelliouspeople,falsechildren,
ThatwillnothearthelawofJEHOVAH.
10Thatsaytotheprophets,
DeclarenotAndtothebeholdersofvisions,Speaknottousrightthings,
Speakuntoussmooththings,prophesydeceits.
11Andturnusasidefromthispath,
Andtakeawayfromusthisway,
CausetheoracleoftheHolyOneofIsraeltoceasefrombeforeus.
12ThereforethussaiththeHolyOneofIsrael,
Becauseyedespisethisword,
Andtrustinfalsehoodandperverseness,
Andhavestayedyourselvesthereon:
13Thereforethisiniquityshallbetoyou,
Asabreachreadytofall,swellingoutinahighwall,
Whoseburstingcomethsuddenly,ataninstant.
14Anditsbreakingshallbeasthebreakingofapottersvessel
Heshallshatterandnotspare:sothatthereshallnotbefound,
Intheburstingthereofasherdtotakefirefromthehearth,
Ortotakewaterwithalfromthepit.
15ForthussaiththeLordGod,theHolyOneofIsrael,
Inrepentanceandpatienceyeshallbesaved
Inquietnessandinfaithshallbeyourstrength
16Butyewouldnot.Butyesaid,
Nay,butwewillfleeuponhorses
Thereforeshallyeflee:
Andwewillrideupontheswift
Thereforeshalltheythatpursueyoubeswift.
17Athousandshallfleeattheshoutofone,
Andattheshoutoffiveshalltenthousandflee,
Tillyebeleftasashipmastonthetopofamountain,
Andasabeacononanhill.
18YetafterwardsshallGodwaitthathemaybegracioustoyou
Andthereforewillhebeexalted,thathemayhavemercyuponyou.
ForJEHOVAHourGodisjudge:
Blessedarealltheythatwaitforhim!
19ForanholypeopleshalldwellinZion:
AndatJerusalemtheyshallweepnomore.
Hewillbeverygraciousuntotheeatthevoiceofthycry
Whenheshallhearitheshallanswerthee.
20And(though)JEHOVAHhavegivenyouthebreadofadversity,
Andthewaterofaffliction:
Yetshallnotthyteachersberemovedintoacorneranymore:
Butthineeyesshallseethyteachers:
21Andthineearsshallhearavoicebehindthee,saying,
Thisistheway,walkyeinit
Whenyeturntotherighthand,
Andwhenyeturntotheleft.
22Andyeshalldefileyourgravenimagescoveredwithsilver,
Andyourmoltenimagescoveredwithgold.
Thoushaltcastthemawayasamenstruouscloth,
Andasdungthoushaltcastthemforth.
23Thenshallrainbegrantedtotheseedofthisland,
Whichthoudostsowthegroundwithal:
Andbread,theproduceofyourland,shallbefatandplenteous.
Andinthatdayshallyourcattlefeedinspaciouspastures.
24Youroxen,andtheyoungassesthattilltheground,
Shalleatmixedfermentedprovender,
Winnowedwiththeshovelandthefan.
25Andthereshallbeoneveryhighmountain,rivers
Andoneveryloftyhill,streamsofwater.
IntheDayofGreatSlaughter,Whenthemightyfall.
26AndthelightofthemoonshallbeasthelightoftheSun,
Andthelightofthesunshallbesevenfold,
Asthelightofsevendays
InthedaythatJEHOVAHbindethupthebreachofhispeople,
Andhealeththestrokeoftheirwound.

27Behold,thenameofJEHOVAHcomethfromafar.
Hisangerburneththeburdenthereofisheavy.
Hislipsarefullofindignation,
Andhistongueasdevouringfire
28Andhisbreath,likeatorrentsrushing,
Shallreacheventotheneck:
TosifttheGentileswiththesieveofvanity
Andthereshallbeabridleinthejawsofthenations,causingtoerr:
29(But)yeshallhaveasong,asinthenight
Whenanholysolemnityiskept
Andgladnessofheart,aswhenmengowithapipe,
ToenterintothemountofJEHOVAH,
TotheMightyOneofIsrael.
30AndJEHOVAHshallcausehisgloriousvoicetobeheard,
Andshallshowthelightingdownofhisarm
Withtheindignationofhisanger,
Andwiththeflameofadevouringfire,
Andwithvehementtempest,
Andrushingshowersandhailstones.
31ForatthevoiceofJEHOVAHshalltheAssyrianberouted,
Andbyarodshallhebesmitten.
32Anditshallcometopass,thatallaroundhim,
They,fromwhomhelookedfortheaidwhereonhetrusted,
Shall,onthecontrary,makewaronhim,
Withtabrets,andharps,andordainedwarfare.
33ForTophetisordainedofold,
Yea,forthekingisitprepared,
Hehathmadeitdeepandlarge,
Thepilethereofisfireandmuchwood
ThebreathofJEHOVAH,likeastreamofbrimstone,dothkindleit.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER30
[Page254]

The commencement of this chapter is obscure, probably because it is yet to be accomplished. It

predictstheJewstrustinapoweradversetoGod,whichshallnotprofitthem,howevergreatbetheir
confidencetherein.ButwhoisthiskingofEgyptonwhomIsraelshallputtheirtrust?Probablythe
king of the south, of whom Daniel speaks so frequently in chapter 11., as the opponent of the
WilfulKing.InthekingofEgyptorofthesouth,itwouldappear,thatIsraelshalltrustasaprotector
againstthemightypowerofAntichristorthekingofBabylon:asofoldtheytrustedinthekingsof
EgyptforaidagainstAssyriaandBabylon.Butthistrustshallbeinvain,asitwasinancienttime:
forDanielimplieswhatEzekielexpresslydeclares,thatthekingofEgyptshallbedeliveredintothe
handofAntichrist.ForthussaithEzekiel, AndalltheinhabitantsofEgyptshallknowthatI
amJehovah,becausetheyhavebeenastaffofreedtothehouseofIsrael.Whentheytook
holdoftheebythyhand,thoudidstbreak,andrendalltheirshoulder:andwhentheyleaned
uponthee,thoubrakest,andmadestalltheirloinstobeatastand.(Ezek. 29: 6, 7.) The
reasonofthefailureofhisassistanceisafterwardsgiven, ThussaiththeLordGodIwillalso
makethemultitudeofEgypttoceasebythehandofNebuchadnezzarkingofBabylon.He
andhispeoplewithhim,theterribleofthenations,shallbebroughttodestroytheland:and
theyshalldrawtheirswordsagainstEgypt,andfillthelandwiththeslain.(Ezek.30:10,
11.) Andagain, IhavedeliveredhimintothehandoftheMightyOneoftheheathenhe
shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. And strangers, the
terribleofthenationshavecuthimoff,andlefthim.(Ezek.26:11,12.)

The Septuagint, in the 4th verse, reads thus, For there are at Tanais evil angels as rulers,
whichisnotimprobablythetruereading:onwhichEusebiuscommentsinthefollowingterms,He
openlydeclaresthatthere[Page255]werethendaemonsinEgypt,whomhecallsevilangels,who
wroughtmanythingsinthatcityofEgypt,whichiscalledTanais,wherePharaohspalace
was.Buteven,saithhe,theseevilangelsshallnotprofitthosewhofleetothemforsuccour
andimploretheiraid.

ItissignifiedinthefollowingversesthattheJews,inordertoescapefromthisTerribleOneofthe
heathen,shallfleeintoEgypt,carryingwiththemtheirtreasures.Asimilarinstanceisrelatedin
Jeremiah. Ishmael of the seed royal slew Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon had made governor
overthesmallremnantofthepeoplethathepermittedtoremainintheland.HereuponJohananand
the rest of the Jews who were not accessory to this unprovoked murder, were minded to flee into
Egypt lest Nebuchadnezzar should in revenge put them to death. However, before executing their
purpose, they came to Jeremiah to know what was the Lords will concerning their future steps,
promisingtoabidebythewordofJehovah.ButwhentheLordbidthemremainwheretheywere,
becausehewouldprotectthemagainstthewrathoftheking,theyrefusedsotodo,andafterabusing
Jeremiah,asifhehadfalsifiedthewordoftheLord,followedtheirowncounselbygoingdowninto
Egypt.ForthiscausetheMostHighsentencedthemtodiebythesword,bythefamine,andbythe
pestilence,andthattheyshouldbeanexecration,andanastonishment,andareproach,andacurse,
noreverseetheirlandanymore.

Similaristheprophecyinthisplace.TheiniquityoftheJewsatthetimeforetold,ispreciselythatof
whichtheywereguiltyinthedayofJeremiah.Theywouldhavebeengladhadhenot spokento
them right things, but declared smooth things and prophesied deceits, and caused the
oracleoftheHolyOneofIsraeltoceasebeforethem.

AtthesametimeisofferedtoournoticethestateoftheJewishpeopleintheirownland,justbefore
thewrathofGodsendsagainstthemthemightyAssyrian,withwhosecoming,undervariousnames,
prophecy is so burthened. Nor let it be esteemed wearisome or suspicious that a commentator is
obligedthusfrequentlytospeakofAntichristforsinceChrististhetestimonyofallprophecy,itis
notwonderfulthathewhoisthetraitorouslikenessoftheChristhewhoshallassumehispowerand
authority, [Page 256] and by his miracles deceive all but the elect, should be so frequently spoken of, in
orderthatthepeopleofGodmaybeforewarnedandpreparedagainsthisblasphemyanddelusion.

Yet,inspiteofalltheirdisobedience,ChristJesusshallbemercifultotheirnation,andbeajoytoall
them that wait for him, for an holy people shall, at his second advent, dwell in Zion. And
thoughbeforethistheyeatthebreadofadversity,yetafterthatgreattribulationtheirteachersshall
notberemovedanymore,norshalltheybedeceivedanymore,fortheLordsownvoiceshallteach
themtheway.

Then shall the idols with which Antichrist made them to defile themselves be cast forth with
abhorrence.Forthatmeninthelastdaysshallworship idolsofgold,andsilver,andbrass,and
stone,andwood,whichcanneithersee,norhear,norwalk,andthattheyshallmakeanimage
of the Destroyer which all must worship under pain of death, the Revelation of St. John once and
againaffirms,Rev.9:20,13:15.

But this day past, to Israel thenceforward shall be only plenty and joy. Yea, the earth itself shall
undergoablessedtransformationriversandstreamsspringingforthduringthosegreatconvulsions
whichshallattendtheSavioursadvent.Itisherecalledthe DayofGreatSlaughter,whenthe
towers(or,asSymmachusrendersit, (whenthemighty)fall.Thisstatementwillbeillustrated
fully when we come to chapter 34. The words of Eusebius hereupon will suffice for the present,
WhenshallbetheGreatSlaughter,andwhenshallthegreatonesfall,butatthetimeofthe
universaljudgement,whichshallbeaftertheendofthisage?

The 27th verse represents the Saviour as coming from afar, as he said himself, A certain
noblemanwentintoafarcountrytoreceiveforhimselfakingdom,andtoreturn!(Luke
19:12.)Hiscomingisadayofwrathtohisenemies, Thegreatdayofhiswrathiscome,and
whoshallbeabletostand? BythenameofJehovah,saysEusebius, Christisindicated.
Andwhenhecomethandrevealethhissecondgloriousappearance,thenshallfollowthose
avenging Powers whom the present passage calls the anger and wrath of God, by whom
punishment will be inflicted on the wicked. His wrath shall be like the sudden over[Page 257]
flowing of a torrent in a narrow ravine, whose waters speedily enclose the traveller, and
reachingeventohisnecksoondrownhim.Thebridleinthejawsofthepeoplecausing
themtoerr,isthedelusionoftheManofSin,whoshallcausementotrustinhimasGod,assaith
theapostle,ForthiscauseGodshallsendthemstrongdelusionthattheyshouldbelievealie,
that they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in
unrighteousness. CoincidentarethewordsofSt.John, Isawthreeuncleanspiritslikefrogs,
comeoutofthemouthofthedragon,andoutofthemouthofthebeast,andoutofthemouth
of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth
untothekingsoftheearthandofthewholeworld,togatherthemtogethertotheBattleof
thatGreatDayofGodAlmighty.(Rev.16:13,14.)Herethereasonofthedelusionisspecified
because the Gentiles will then have rejected nationally the revelation of Christ, therefore will he
send them this potent deceiver. Prime movers in the delusion shall be evil spirits working
miracles, to gather together all nations against Jerusalem, as is here represented by Isaiah. That
dreadful day is further described in its terrible artillery of wrath, mighty voices, as the archangels
trumpet, devouring fire, thunder and hailstones. So St. John, describing the seventh and last
trump, when the kingdoms of this world became the kingdoms of our Lord and of his
Christ, when the nations are angry and his wrath is come, adds, And there were
lightningsandvoices,andthunderings,andanearthquake,andgreathail(Rev.11:1519.)

By this terrible coming shall the Antichrist be smitten by the voice of Jehovah and the rod of
subjugation.

Butwhatissignifiedbythewarringagainsthimwithtabretsandharps?Itisnoteasytoexplain
this unless we adopt the Septuagint translation, and the comment of Eusebius thereon. The
Septuagintgivestheverseinquestionthus,

Anditshallcometopassthatonallsidesofhim,
Theyfromwhomcametheexpectationofsuccour,
Whereonhetrusted,shall[farfromrenderingaid],
Onthecontrary,makewaronhimwithtabretsandharps.

OnwhichthenoteofEusebiusisasfollows,Then(saithhe)thosewhosmoteandbeatthem(the
people of God) shall be punished for the daemons that stand round them (i.e., Antichrist and his
host),shallpunishthem.Andwhotheyarehereveals,whenhesays,

Fromwhomcametheexpectationofsuccour
Whereonhetrusted.

Thehopeoftheimpiouswasintheirgods:thatis,theAntagonistPowersandEvilSpirits.Tothese
theyappliedthemselvesinthesetheyplacedtheirhopesofsuccour,notknowingthattheseshallbe
theirpunishersfortheindignationandwrathsentonthewickedshalltakeeffectbymeansofwicked
spirits. They on the other hand with tabrets and harps shall make war on him: as delighting
themselvesincalamitiesforfromfriendstheyshallbecomeenemies.

Thatthisisthetrueinterpretationisconfirmedbythesucceedingverse.

ForTophetisordainedofold
Yea,forTheKingisitprepared
Hehathmadeitdeepandlarge,
Thepilethereofisfireandmuchwood,
ThebreathofJehovahlikeastreamofbrimstonedothkindleit.

Tophet is a valley near Jerusalem towards the south. It was called also the valley of the sons of
Hinnom or Gehenna whence the name of the everlasting place of torment is derived. This valley
IsaiahdeclaresshallbeappropriatedastheplaceofpunishmentforAntichristandhishost, forthe
KingisitpreparedandtheangeroftheLambshallbeperpetuallymanifestedthere.Tothis,in
allprobability,theSaviouralludedwhen,afterdescribingthejoyofthosewhoshouldsitdownwith
him at his return, he commands the unprofitable servant to be cast into outer darkness there
shallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth.TothisIsaiahcertainlyrefersinhislastchapter,where
he says, And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one
Sabbathtoanother,shallallfleshcometoworshipbeforemeinJerusalem,saithJehovah.
Andtheyshallgoforthandlookuponthecarcasesofthementhathavetransgressedagainst
me: for their worm shall not die, neither their fire be quenched: and they shall be an
abhorringuntoallflesh.Hereitisforetoldthatwhennationafternationcomesuptoworship[Page
JesusatJerusalem,theyshallalsopassontoTophet,andseethepunishmentoftheLawlessOne
259]
thatusurpedtheauthorityandnameofthetrueChrist.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER31

1WOEtothemthatgodowntoEgyptforhelp!
Thatconfideinhorses,andtrustinchariots,becausetheyaremany
Andinhorsemen,becausetheyareverystrong
ButtheytrustnottheHolyOneoflsrael,
NeitherseektheyJEHOVAH.
2*Yethealsoiswisehehathbroughtevilsonthem
Andhiswordsshallnotbeannulled
Buthewillriseupagainstthehouseoftheevildoers,
Andagainstthehelpofthemthatdoiniquity.
3*FortheEgyptiansaremen,andnotGod:
Andtheirhorsesflesh,andnotspirit:
WhenJEHOVAHshallstretchforthhishanduponthem,
Bothhethathelpethshallfall,
Andhethatishelpedshallfalldown
Andallshallperishtogether.
Likeasthelion,andtheyounglionroaringonhisprey,
Whenamultitudeoftheshepherdsiscalledforthagainsthim,
Hewillnotbeafraidoftheirvoice,
Norabasehimselfforthenoiseofthem:
SoshallJEHOVAHofhostsdescendtofight
OnMountZion,andthehillsthereof.
5Asbirdshovering(overtheiryoung),
SoshallJEHOVAHofhostsdefendJerusalem
Defending,hewillalsodeliverit,
Andhoveringover,hewillpreserveit.

6*Return,yechildrenofIsrael,
Untohimfromwhomyehavedeeplyrevolted.
7Forinthatdayeverymanshallcastaway
Hisidolsofsilver,andhisidolsofgold,
Thesinwhichtheirownhandsmade.
8ThenshalltheAssyrianfallbythesword,
Notthatofamightymanandthesword,
Notofameanman,shalldevourhim.
Andheshallflee,butnotfromthesword
Andhisyoungmenshallbediscomfited.
9Fortheyshallbesurroundedinarock,asinatrench,
Andhisprincesshallberouteduntoflight.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER31

The subject of this chapter so nearly resembles that of the preceding, that a few observations will
suffice. The same warning is given against the help of Egypt, with a prophecy of its disastrous
consequences.Yet even in the midst of this ruin Jehovah will appear.As the lion regards not the
multitude of the shepherds gathered against him, so shall Christ Jesus laugh to scorn the Great
Confederacyagainsthim, thoughtheheathenrage,andthenationsimagineavainthing,yet
shallhehavetheminderision,andbreaktheminpiecesasapottersvesselyetshallhesit
askingontheholyhillofZion.

ThenshallIsraelreturn,andacknowledgehimastheirMessiahandKing,andshallsay, Blessedis
hethatcomethinthenameoftheLord,accordingtothecommandofthe 6thverse:whileall
idolsshallbeutterlydemolished.

Onthatdayshallbethedestructionoftheirlastenemy,Armillus,whoshallbesmitten,notbyman,
but by the Lord himself and his chosen men shall be discomfited.For they shall be caught in the
rockyvalleyofJehoshaphat,asJoeldeclares(Joel3:12),andtherebedestroyedbythejustwrathof
Jehovah.

Howwellthisaccordswiththeprecedingneednotbenoticed.ThewordsofJerome may now be

addedinconfirmation.TheJewsunderstandthisofGogandMagog,ofwhomEzekielspeaks
morefully.Inillustrationofthesixthversehewrites,TheNazarenesunderstandthispassage
thus:0sonsofIsrael,who,byamostwickeddesign,havedeniedtheSonofGod,returnto
himandhisapostles.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER32

1ThussaithJEHOVAH,BlessedishethathathaseedinZion,
AndrelativesinJerusalem:
Forbehold,akingshallreigninrighteousness,
Andhisprincesshallrulewithjudgement.
2Andamanshallbeasanhidingplacefromthewind,
Andasacovertfromthetempest
Asriversofwaterinadryplace,
Astheshadowofagreatrockinawearyland.
3Andnomoreshallmentrustinmen
Buttheirearsshalltheylendtolisten.
4Andtheheartofthefoolishshallunderstandknowledge,
Andthetongueofthestammerersshallsoonspeakplainly.
5*Andnomoreshallthecallthevilepersonliberal
Norshallthechurlbesaidtobebountiful.
6Forthevileonewillspeakvillainy,
Andhisheartwilldeviseiniquity:
Todolawlessly,tospeakfalselyagainstJEHOVAH,
Tomakeemptythesoulofthehungry,
Andtocausethedrinkofthethirstytofail.
7Theplansofthechurlareevil,
Hedevisethwickeddevices
Todestroythehumblewithwordsofinjustice,
Andtoscatterthewordsofthepoorinjudgement.
8*Buttheliberalhavedevisedliberalthings,
Andbyliberalthingstheyshallstand.

9Riseup,yewomenatease,andhearmyvoice:
Yedaughtersofsecurity,giveearuntomywords!
10*Manydaysandyearsshallyebetroubled,yecarelesswomen
Forthevintageshallfail,thegatheringshallnotcome.
11Tremble,yewomenthatareatease!
Betroubled,yecarelessones!
Stripyou,makeyoubare,
Girdsackclothonyourloins.
12Andbeatyeuponyourbreasts,
Forthepleasantfields,andforthefruitfulvine
13Uponthelandofmypeopleshallthornsandgrasscomeup
Andoneverymirthfulhouseofthejoyouscity.
14Thepalacesshallbeforsaken
Thepopulouscitydeserted
Ophelandthewatchtowerfordens,
UntiltheAgethejoyofwildasses,
Thepastureofflocks.
15*UntiltheSpiritbepoureduponusfromonhigh,
Andthedesertshallbeafruitfulfield,
Andthefruitfulfieldbecountedforaforest.
16Thenjusticeshalldwellinthewilderness,
Andrighteousnessremaininthefruitfulfield.
17*Andtheworkofrighteousnessshallbepeace,
Andtheeffectofrighteousness,quietnessandassuranceforever.
18Andmypeopleshalldwellinahabitationofpeace,
Andinmansionsofsecurity,
Andintranquildwellings.
19Andifthehaildescend,itshallnotcomeonyou
Andtheythatdwellinthewoods
Shallbeassecureastheyoftheplain.
20Blessedareyethatsowbesideallwaters,
Thatsendforth(thither)thefeetoftheoxandass.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER32
[Page261]

The present chapter opens with a declaration of the blessedness of those who shall then be written
among the living in Jerusalem as saith Daniel: Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the
thousandthreehundredandfiveand[Page260]thirtydays.Butgothouthywaytilltheendbe:
for.thoushaltrest,andstandinthylotattheendofthedays.(Dan.12:12,13.)Suchalso
isthedeclarationofSt.John,Blessedandholyishethathathpartinthefirstresurrection.

Itshouldbenoted,thatthischapterisacontinuationofthelastforthedestructionofChristsfoesis
thetimeofhiscommencingreign.Thegatheringupofthetaresandbindingtheminbundlestoburn,
isthetimeoftheingatheringofthewheatintothegarner.

Who,then,isthekingthatshallinthatdayrulerighteously,butChrist?Who hisprinces,butthe
twelve apostles? For thus did the Saviour promise them, Ye which have followed me, in the
Regeneration(orrestorationofallthings)whentheSonofManshallsitonthethroneof
hisglory,yealsoshallsitontwelvethrones,judgingthetwelvetribesofIsrael.(Matt.19:
28.) At the Last Supper the promise was reiterated as expressly: Ye are they which have
continuedwithmeinmytemptation,andIappointuntoyouakingdomasmyFatherhath
appointed unto me, that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on
thrones,judgingthetwelvetribesofIsrael.(Luke22:2830.)

Again, as this blessedness is to be at Zion and Jerusalem, so does it show that the apostles were
selectedtothenumberoftwelve,thateachmightruleatribeofIsrael.

Thenshalltakeplacethatmoralrenovationofman,whichthemightypowerofGodisalwaysableto
effect. Thypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofthypower.Nofalsenamesanylongershall
beusedtoglossoveriniquity,butalltheworkersofwickednessshallbecutoff.

The ninth verse reverts to the time of great tribulation, in which the condition of females shall be
peculiarly helpless and sad and the desolation of Judaea is depicted, as it was also foretold in the
former chapters, especially the sixth and seventh. The desolation shall last Until the Spirit be
pouredoutfromonhigh.

OftheSpiritsoutpouring,Joeltestifies.*Anditshallcometopassafterwards,thatIwillpour
outmySpirituponallflesh.Andinafollowingversehegivesthesignswhichshallprecedethe
Saviourscoming,in[Page261]wordsnearlyresemblingthoseofourLord.Iwillshowwondersinthe
heavenabove,andintheearthbeneath,blood,andfire,andvapourofsmoke.Thesunshall
beturnedintodarkness,andthemoonintoblood,beforethatgreatandterribledayofthe
Lordcome.(Joel2:28.30,31.)

*ThatthiswasnotfulfilledontheoccasioninillustrationofwhichSt.Peterquotesit,Ihopeonafutureoccasiontoshow.

The world being thus restored to the purity of Eden (not by the gradual extension and
improvement of the preaching of the Gospel, and the means now in use, but by the
miraculousoutpouringoftheSpiritatChristssecondcoming,)then,astheworldshallbe
full of holiness, it shall be also full of peace. For God shall shower down most plenteously his
physical blessings on those who have received his spiritual mercies and it will be seen, with
completeevidence,thatsinisthegreatcurseoftheworld,andthatallschemesforthe
regeneration of man, which are not schemes for the destruction of sin, and restoring
himtotheimageandloveofGod,arefruitlessfolly.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER33

1WoeUntotheethatspoilest!shaltthounotalsobespoiled?
Andscornest:shaltthounotalsobescorned?
*Whenthoushaltceasetospoil,thoushaltbespoiled
Andwhenthoushaltceasetoscorn,thoushaltbescorned!

20JEHOVAH,begraciousuntouswehavewaitedforthee:
Theseedoftheunbelievingshallbeforthetimeoftheirvisitation,
Butoursalvationshallbeinthetimeoftribulation.
3*Atthevoiceofthineangelthenationsfled
AndattheliftingupofthyselftheGentileswerescattered.
4Andnowshallyourspoilsbegathered,
Fromtheleasttothegreatest,likethegatheringoflocusts,
Aswhenmencollectlocustsshalltheyruntoandfroonyou.

5JEHOVAHisexaltedwhodwellethonhigh,
Zionisfilledwithjusticeandrighteousness.
6Andfaithshallbethestabilityofthytimes,
Theknowledgeofsalvationandwisdom,
AndthefearofJEHOVAH,theseshallbethytreasures.

7*Behold,IwillappearuntothemIwillshoutmightily:
Themessengersofpeaceshallweepbitterly.
8*Fortheirhighwaysliewastethewayfaringmanhathceased:
Thecovenanthehathbrokenhehathdespisedthecities
Heregardethnoman.
9Theearthmournethandlanguisheth
Lebanonisashamedandhewndown
*Sharonisbecomeawilderness,
BashanandCarmelarestripped.

10NowwillIarise,saithJEHOVAH
NowwillIbeglorified
NowwillIliftupmyself.
11*Yeshallconceivechaffyeshallbringforthstubble
Yourbreathasfireshalldevouryou.
12Andthenationsshallbeburntupaslime,
*Asthornscutupshalltheybeburnedinthefire.
13Hear,yethatareafar,whatIhavedone
Acknowledg?yethatarenear,mymight!
14ThesinnersinZionwereafiaid,
Tremblinghathseizedthelawlessones:
*Whoamongyoucandwellwithdevouringfire?
Whoofyoucandwellwitheverlastingburnings?
15Hethatwalkethuprightly,andspeakethtruth,
Thathatethviolenceandoppressions,
Thatshakethhishandsfromholdingofbribes,
Thatstoppethhisearsfromhearingtheunjustsentenceofdeath,
Thatshuttethhiseyesfromseeingofevil.
16Heshalldwellonhigh
Hisplaceofdefenceshallbemunitionsofrocks,
Breadshallbegivenhim,
Watershallbeassuredtohim.
17Thineeyesshallbeholdthekinginhisbeauty,
Andthineeyesshallbeholdthelandthatisafar.
18YourheartshallmeditatethefearofJEHOVAH:
Whereisthescribe?whereisthecounsellor?
Wheretheinstructoroftheyoung?
19Thoushaltnolongerbeholdafiercepeople,
Apeopleofdeeplanguage,whomthoucanstnotunderstand
Ofastammeringtongue,norcanthehearercomprehendthem.
20BeholdZion,thecityofoursolemnities,
ThineeyesshallbeholdJerusalem,aquiethabitation,
Atabernaclethatshallnotbetakendown
Notoneofitsstakesshallbemovedforever,
Neithershallanyofitscordsbebroken.
21FortheNameofJEHOVAHshallbeglorious:
Thereshallbeaplaceforus,ofbroadriversandstreams
Whereinshallgonogalleywithoars,
Neithershallgallantshippassthereby.
22ForJEHOVAHisourjudge,
JEHOVAHisourlawgiver,
JEHOVAHisourking:
JEHOVAHhimselfshallsaveus.

23Thyropesarebroken,becausetheyhadnostrength
Thymasthathslanted,thoushaltnotspreadthesails,
Thoushaltnotlifttheensign,tillthouhastbeendelivereduptothespoil:
Thenmanylameshalltaketheprey.
24Norshalltheinhabitantthereofsay,Iamsick,
Forthepeoplethatdwelleththerein,
Shallhavetheiriniquityforgiven.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER33
[Page261]

AgainisthegreatPersecutoroftheChurchbroughtbeforeournoticeinthepresentprophecy.Heis
representedasinjuringthosewhoofferhimnoininjuryinreturn,butquietlysubmittotheterrors,
pains,anddeath,heisabletoinflict.Awarning,withaviewtoensurethistemper,isgiveninthe
thirteenthofRevelation,whichtreatsoftheriseoftheBeast.Hethatleadethintocaptivityshall
gointocaptivity:hethatkillethwiththeswordmustbekilledwiththesword.Hereisthe
patienceandfaithofthesaints.ParallelwiththisisthepropheticannouncementofSt.James:
Yehavecondemnedandkilledthejust,andhedothnotresistyou.Bepatient,therefore,
brethren,untothecomingoftheLordforthecomingoftheLorddrawethnigh.(James5:
68.)

Inexactaccordancetherewith,Isaiah,inthenextverse,furnishesuspropheticallywiththeprayersof
Christs waiting saints for his return, and the speedy answer to their petitions for the reign of the
destroyershalllastbutthreeyearsandahalfthe1260daysofprophecy. Atthevoiceofthine
angel,itissaid,thenationsfled:doubtlessthatvoiceofthearchangelandtrumpofGod
with which Christ shall come, and at whose lifting up of [Page 262] himself the Gentiles shall be
scattered.ThenfollowsthedescriptionofthegloriesofChristsreign.

Theseventhverse,thoughitsreadingsarebynomeanscertain,discoversbyitsgeneraltenourthatit
is spoken of the destroyer of the Gentiles, before whose wrath many nations are cut off who
makesthehighwaysliedesolate, breakshiscovenant(aswasnotedabove,andcorroboratedby
thetestimonyofthePsalms)andregardethnoman.Whatwonder,thathewhoblasphemesGod
shoulddisregardman!Bytheweepingofthemessengersofpeace,oneofthefathersunderstandsthe
departing of the angels from the nations of which they are the guardians: as at the time of the
destructionofJerusalem,avoicewasheardinthetemplecrying,Letusdeparthence!

Yet, at this very height of his enemys power, shall Christ come, and with flaming fire take
vengeanceonhimandhishost:

Andthenationsshallbeburnedupaslime
Asthornsinafield,cutupandburned.

Towhichlastlinethereferenceoftheparableofthetaresboundinbundlestoburnthem,isnot
improbably intended by our Lord. So the destruction of Christs enemies in the fire of Tophet is
alludedtointhoseterriblewordsofwarning,

Whoamongyoucandwellwithdevouringfire?
Whoofyoucandwellwitheverlastingburnings?

Thenfollowstheblessednessoftheransomed,evenastheSaviour,inhisinterpretationoftheparable
of the tares, adds, Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father.SoIsaiah, TheireyesshallbeholdtheKinginhisbeauty.Whatismeantby the
landthatisafar,isnotapparenttheChaldeeunderstandsitofthosegoingdownintopunishment.
TheremarkofProcopiusuponitisasfollows:Somereferthewordsafarofftothewicked,
thattheyshallseethelandofpromiseatadistance,nottodwellinitthemselves,butto
inheritconsumingfire,who,beinginfearoftheirowncondemnation,willbecastawayafar
fromthatland.Whomherebukes,becausetheyobeyedevilinstructors,saying,Whereare
they that knew only the letter of the law? To whom the Saviour said, Woe unto you,
Scribes,andPharisees,hypocrites!Forwhere [Page263]willtheseappear,saithhe,intheday
ofjudgement,whoflattertheirdisciples,insteadofgivingwholesomecounsel?

Thenshallallthewisdomandmightoftheworldbescattered,accordingtothepassageofPaul(who
probablyquotesIsaiah,though,ifso,thelastwordsofthequotationhaveundergonemuchvariation)
: Wereisthewise?whereisthescribe?whereisthedisputerofthisworld?hathnotGod
madefoolishthewisdomofthisworld?words,whichagreeexceedinglywellwiththescopeof
thispassage:forinthatdaywillitbeseenthatnocounselcanprosper,nowisdomavail,againstthe
designofJehovahthatthefoolishnessofGodiswiserthanman,andtheweaknessofGodis
strongerthanman.

Thesucceedingportionofthechapterdescribesthemillennialblessedness,andthesecuritythentobe
enjoyed.

ThelasttwoversesareobscurebuttheyprobablyintendthegreathumiliationofJerusalembefore
herfinalexaltation,underthefigureofavesselinastorm,itstacklingtorn,itsmastreadytofall,its
flagdisplaced.Tillsheshallhavebeenspoiledherselfsheshallnottaketheprey.Butthen,asthe
four lepers of Samaria plundered the camp of the Syrians, when the Lord made the host to flee (2
Kings7.),sothenmanylameshalltaketheprey.

In that happy time, there shall no more be sickness in Jerusalem, as it is said, Himself bare our
sicknessesandcarriedourinfirmities and of this delightful freedom from pain, the Saviours
healing of multitudes at his first coming was a pledge and a figure.This blessing shall be granted
because sin shall be forgiven a connexion which the Saviour so frequently and significantly
remarked. Son,beofgoodcheerthysinsbeforgiventhee: Sin no more, lest a worse
thingcomeuntothee:Gothyway:thyfaithhathmadetheewhole.Maynot,itmaybe
asked,thepromiseofvictoryovereverythingdeadlyandharmful (Mark16:17,18)bereferredto
thistime?AndshallnotthewordsoftheSaviour,IbeheldSatanaslightningfallfromheaven.
Behold,Igiveuntoyoupowertotreadonserpentsandscorpions,andoverallthepowerof
theenemy:andnothingshallinanywisehurtyou.Notwithstandinginthisrejoicenot,that
thespiritsaresubjectuntoyoubutratherrejoice,because [Page 264]yournamesarewrittenin.
heaven (Luke 10: 1820), then receive their entire accomplishment, not in the persons of the
seventydisciplesonly,asthen:butinafullerandbroadersensefulfilledinallthebelieversinChrist
inthatday?Thesesignsshallfollowthemthatbelieveuniversally!

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER34

1Drawnear,yenations,tohear!
Andhearkentome,yeGentiles!
Lettheearthhear,andallthatistherein
Theworld,andalltheinhabitantsitsoffspring.
2FortheindignationofJEHOVAHisuponalltheGentiles,
Andhisfuryuponalltheirarmies
Todestroythem,anddeliverthemuptotheslaughter.
3Theirslainalsoshallbecastdown,
Andtheirstenchshallcomeupfromtheircarcases,
Andthemountainshallbewateredwiththeirblood.
4AndallthePowersoftheheavensshallbedissolved,
Andtheheavensshallberolledtogetherasascroll:
*Andallthestarsshallfallasaleaffallethfromavine,
Andasafallenfigfromafigtree.
5Formyswordshallbedrunkeninheaven:
Behold,uponIdumeashallitcomedown,
Anduponthepeopleofmycursetojudgement.
6TheswordofJEHOVAHisfilledwithblood,
Itismadefatwithfatness
Withthebloodoflambsandgoats,
Withthefatofkidneysoframs:
ForJEHOVAHhathasacrificeinBoazah,
AndagreatslaughterinthelandofIdumea.
7Andtheunicornsshallbebroughtdowntogetherwiththem,
Andtheramswiththebulls
Andtheearthshallbedrunkenwiththeirblood,
Andthedustmadefatwiththeirfatness.
8ForitisthedayofJEHOVAHSvengeance,
AndtheyearofrecompensingthecontroversyofZion.
9Anditsstreamsshallbeturnedintopitch,
Andthedustthereofintobrimstone
Anditslandshallbecomeburningpitch.
10Itshallnotbequenchednightorday,
Thesmokethereofshallgoupforever:
Fromgenerationtogenerationitshallliewaste,
Noneshallpassthroughitforever.
11Butthepelicanandtheporcupineshallpossessit,
Theowlalsoandtheravenshalldwellinit,
Andthereshallbestretchedoutthereonthelineofconfusion,
*Andthestonesofemptiness.
12Andofallitsprincesthereshallbenonethere
Itskingsshallbesoughtfor(invain)itsnoblesshallcease.
13Andintheirpalacesshallthornscomeup,
Nettlesandbramblesinthefortressesthereof
Anditshallbeahabitationofdragons,
Andacourtforthedaughtersoftheostrich.
14Anddevilsshallmeetwithhabitations,
Andthedaemonshallcalltohisfellow
Thescreechowlalsoshallrestthere,
Andfindforherselfaplaceofrepose.
15Thereshallthegreatowlmakeitsnest,andlayeggs,
Andhatchandgatherunderhershadow
Thereshallthevulturesmeet,everyonewithhermate.
16SeekyeoutofthebookofJEHOVAH,andread,
Nooneoftheseshallfailnoneshallwanthermate.
ForJEHOVAHSmouthhathcommandedthem
AndhisSpirithathgatheredthem.
17Andhehathcastthelotforthem,
Andhishandhathdividedittothembyline,
Theyshallpossessitinperpetuity,
Fromgenerationtogenerationtheyshalldwelltherein.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER34

The opening verses of this section of Isaiah are an appeal to ALL NATIONS to listen. It is,
therefore,someprophecythatconcernsthewholeworld.Thereforeitisyetfuture,sincenothinghas
occurred that at all comes up to the descriptions of the text.Those who suppose it fulfilled in the
destructionoftheliteralEdomareobligedtotalkofitsexpressions beinginthehighestdegree
hyperbolical,and merelyadequatetomeettheexpectationofapatrioticJewinreference
totheinflictionofDivinejudgementonthosewhohadbeentheancientandmostinveterate
enemiesofhiscountry.Alasforinspiration!Itisobligedstronglytocolour,asitissoftlycalled,
the poverty of its themes with hyperboles, in order, by the false and foolish arts of weak and vain
man,togivedignitytoitssubject!Thewordoftruthandholinessisboundtopandertothehatredof
apatrioticJewagainsttheenemiesofhiscountry!Where,then,weaskinvain,theinspirationofthe
Holy Spirit? But, repudiating so deadly an hypothesis, let us see if it will not admit a future and
literalinterpretation.Istherenotsometimeofuniversalconcernment,whenthewrathofGodshall
be poured upon all nations? Does not Joel attest it, and Daniel confirm it, and St. John mightily
summonourattentionthereto?Assuredly:theSaviourinhisfarreachingprophecy,declaresthatthe
time shall come when all the tribes of the earth shall mourn. (Matt. 24: 30.) It has been
already spoken of as the Day of Great Slaughter, a feature of that great day which is here
reiteratedinthesecondverse.NordoesthebookofRevelationfailtoattestit,inspeakingofthat
mightydayofthewrathofGod. Thewinepress[ofthewrathofGod,ver.19]wastrodden
withoutthecity[ofJerusalem],andbloodcameoutofthewinepress,evenuntothehorses
bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred [Page 265] furlongs. (Rev. 14: 20.) How
parallelisthiswiththeawfulannouncementofthetext,thatthemountainsshallbewateredwith
theirblood,andthedustmadefatwiththeirfatness.

But the signs that accompany this dreadful day of the Great Slaughter identify it beyond a doubt.
Allthepowersofheavenshallbedissolved,andtheheavensshallberolledtogetherasa
scrollandthestarsshallfallasaleaffallethfromavine,andasthefallingfigfromafig
tree.It is, I know, generally considered as a thing to be taken for granted by commentators, that
thesesignsinthesun,moon,andstars,meanonlyconvulsionsinkingdomsandnations,anopinion
most unfounded, and utterly destructive of prophetic clearness and simplicity. On the contrary,
wheneverthesesignsarespokenof,theyrefertotheonegreatdayoftheSavioursadvent,andare
literallytobefulfilled.Hencethepassagebeforeusreferstothatsametimeintheprophecyofthe
SaviouronOlivet,whenthesunshallbedarkened,andthemoonshallnotgiveherlight,and
thestarsshallfallfromheaven,andthepowersoftheheavensshallbeshaken(Matt.21:
29) words almost identical with those of Isaiah just adduced. Such, also, is that passage of the
Revelation, And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great
earthquakeandthesunbecameblackassackclothofhair,andthemoonbecameasblood
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a figtree casteth her untimely figs,
whensheisshakenofamightywind.Andtheheavendepartedasascrollwhenitisrolled
together. (Rev. 6: 1214.) The succeeding verses determine that it is the time immediately
precedingtheSavioursappearancetoalltheworld.ThisisthetimeindicatedbyIsaiahlikewise.

Butwhatismeantbythepowersofheaven?DoubtlessthesamebeingsthataremeantinEph.3:10:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be
knownbytheChurchthemanifoldwisdomofGod.DoubtlessthosementionedalsoinCol.2:
15: And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly,
triumphingovertheminit.According to the testimony of St. Paul (Eph. 6: 12) the Christian

wrestles against principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, [Page 266]
against spiritual wickedness (or the wichedness of spirits) in high places. Such passages
prove that the Powers of heaven are intelligent spirits, against whom Christ and his host shall
makewarandovercome.ThusJeromeandEusebiusunderstoodit,anditwas,inallprobability,the
interpretationoftheearlyChurch.Butbethatasitmay,theScriptureproofsremain.Theimmediate
objectofthisterribledenunciationisEdom,which(astheancientEdomisdesolateanditsinhabitants
nottobefound)is,withgreatprobability,ifnotwithabsolutecertainty,tobeunderstoodofRome
and thatbytheunitedtestimonyofJewsandChristians.Forthuswrites Jerome: TheJews,as
wehavebeforementioned,contendthatthisprophecyregardstheRomanempire,andthat,
for the avenging of Zion, the devastation of a once most powerful kingdom is foretold
which the majority of Christians also, taking things literally, think is also predicted in the
ApocalypseofSt.John.

Accordingly,wefindthatthedestructionofBabylonisthatgreatevent,immediatelyafterwhichthe
Saviour comes. (Compare chapters 18. and 19. in Revelation.) So is it also intimated by Isaiah.
WhentheSaviourispresentedbeforeusasreturninginallhismajesty,withhisgarmentsdippedin
blood,whencedoeshecome?FromEdom,withdyedgarmentsfromBozrah.(Is.63.)

ThewholeoftheargumentfromAaronPick(lateProfessorofHebrewandChaldeeintheUniversity
of Prague), to prove that Edom signifies Rome, cannot be given the reader will find it in his
commentaryonObadiah.Ahundredyearsbeforethedestructionofthesecondtemple, Johnathan
ben Uzziel, in his Targum, (or interpretation) of the prophets, paraphrased Edom by Rome. The
words of the ninth verse, And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, he parallels
thus,AndthestreamsofRomeshallturnintopitch.Headds, InanancientMS.,received
asauthenticbothbyHebrewandGentilewriters,calledtheChroniclesofMoses,weread
thatZepho,sonofEliphaz,sonofEsau,wasthefirstEdomitewhosettledhimselfinItaly,
and this is confirmed by several of the Hebrew commentators. Again he observes,
Abarbanel,whowasoneofthegreatesthistoriansandliterarymenamongsttheHebrews,
relates that when he visited the library at Rome, [Page 267] which as a Spanish Don he was
permittedtodo,heread,inaMS.rollofparchmentthere,thatRomewasformerlycalled
Bozrah.

The succeeding verses of this chapter contain an account of its future desolation, answering to the
prophecy in Rev. 18. and the assertion is again made, that the demon shall there call to his
fellow,forBabylonorEdommustbecometheholdofeveryfoulspirit,becausetheLordhath
spokenit.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER35

1Thouthirstywilderness,rejoice!
Thoudesert,beglad,andblossomasthelily!
2AndthewasteplacesofJordanshallabundantlyblossomandbeglad,
ThegloryofLebanonshallbegiventoher,
TheexcellencyofCarmelandSharon
AndmypeopleshallseethegloryofJEHOVAH,
AndtheexcellencyofourGod.
3Strengthentheweakhands,
Andconfirmthefeebleknees.
4Saytothemthatareofafearfulheart,
Bestrong,fearnot!
Behold,yourGodshallcomewithvengeance,
EvenGodhimselfwithrecompenseshallcome,andsaveyou!
5Thentheeyesoftheblindshallbeopened,
Andtheearsofthedeafunstopped.
6Thenshallthelamemanleapasanhart,
Andthetongueofthedumbshallsing
Forinthewildernessshallwatersbreakout,
Andstreamsinthedesert.
7Andtheparchedgroundshallbecomeapool,
Andthethirstylandspringsofwater
*Inthehabitationofdragonsshallspring
Grasswithreedsandrushes.
8Andapurewayshallbethere,
TheWayofHoliness,shallitbecalled:
Andtheuncleanshallnotpassoverit
ButHehimselfshallbewiththem,walkingintheway
Andthedispersedshallwalkinit,andnoterr.
9Andnolionshallbethere,
Noranyravenousbeastgoupthereon,norbefoundthere
Buttheredeemedshallwalkthere[forever.]
10AndtheransomedofJEHOVAHshallreturn,
AndcometoZionwithjoy
Andeverlastinggladnessshallbeupontheirheads
Theyshallobtainjoyandgladness,
Andsorrowandsighingshallfleeaway.

***

EXPOSITION


CHAPTER35
[Page267]

Thethirtyfifthchapterisacontinuationofthepreceding.ForthetimeofthevengeanceonBabylon
shall be the time of the glory of the Lord and his kingdom. Thus in the commencement of the
nineteenth of Revelation, after the two first verses have described the rejoicing of the saints over
Babylon judged and overthrown, the announcement immediately succeeds, that the times of
refreshment are come when the Saviour shall reign. I heard the voice of a great multitude
saying,Alleluia!FortheLordGodomnipotentreigneth.Letusbegladandrejoice!

Inaccordancewiththis,thefirsttwoversesrepresenttherenovatedbeautyoftheearthwhenChrist
shall come: parts now desert and incapable of affording habitation and sustenance to man, shall
rejoiceandblossomastherose.ThewastesofJordanareespeciallynoticedforthatpartof
Judaea where the Saviour was baptized at his first advent shall be conspicuous for its beauty and
fertility.

Inexpectationofthesethingsbelieversarecommandedtobestrong,toendurepatientlytillthetime
of Christs appearing, as also saith St. Peter: Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be
sober,andhopetotheendforthegracethatistobebroughtuntoyouattherevelationof
JesusChrist.(1Pet.1:13.)

In the time of trouble that shall try all the saints before the coming of the Saviour, the motive for
patienceishisspeedyappearing

Behold,yourGodshallcomewithvengeance,
EvenGodhimselfwithrecompenseshallcomeandsaveus.

ThusSt.Jamespropheticallyencouragesbelievers.(James5:58.)

Athiscomingdiseasesanddisordersshalldepart,ofwhichtheSaviourgaveatypeathisfirstsojourn
on earth, by his opening the eyes of the blind, and unstopping the ears of the deaf, and
biddingthelamemanleapasahart.For,thattheaccomplishmentoftheprophecydidnottake
place, except partially in the point alluded to, is evident from this, that Christ did not come with
vengeanceorrecompense,asheexpresslydeclaredthathecameatthattime,nottojudge,butto
savetheworld.Theblessingsoftheearth,renovatedasthegardenofEden,aredescribedinthe
fifthandsixthverses.Afterwhichthejoysoftheredeemed,in beingeverwiththeLord, are
speciallyinsistedon,withtheabsenceofeverythingthatcouldaffrightorannoyandthelocalityof
their joy is specified as being MountZion. The cause of the security and steadfastness
(then felt), remarks Jerome, is, that Christ shall come, to whom the Father hath
committedalljudgement,andheshallrendertoeverymanaccordingtohiswork.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTERS36&37

1 Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib
kingofAssyriacameupagainstallthefencedcitiesofJudah,andtookthem.2And
thekingofAssyriasentRabshakeh,fromLachishtoJerusalem,untokingHezekiah,
withagreatarmy.Andhestoodbytheconduitoftheupperpool,inthehighwayof
the fullers field. 3 Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiahs son, which was
overthehouse,andShebnathescribe,andJoah,Asaphsson,therecorder.

4AndRabshakehsaiduntothem,SayyenowtoHezekiah,Thussaiththegreatking,
thekingofAssyria,Whatconfidenceisthiswhereinthoutrustest?5Thousayest,
(but they are vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war: now on whom
dostthoutrust,thatthourebellestagainstme?6Lo,thoutrustestinthestaffofthis
bruisedreed,evenEgyptwhereonifamanleanit,willgointohishand,andpierce
it:soisPharaohkingofEgyptuntoallthattrustinhim.7Butifyesaytome,We
trust in JEHOVAH our God is not that he whose high places and whose altars
Hezekiahhathtakenaway,andhathsaidtoJudahandJerusalem,Yeshallworship
beforethisaltar?8Now,therefore,givepledges,Ipraythee,tomymastertheking
ofAssyria,andIwillgivetheetwothousandhorses,ifthoubeableonthyparttoset
riders upon them! 9How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the
leastofmymastersservants,andputthytrustinEgyptforchariotsandhorsemen?
10 Am I now come up without JEHOVAH against this land to destroy it?
JEHOVAHsaiduntome,Goupagainstthisland,anddestroyit.

11 Then said Eliakim, and Joab, and Shebna, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee,
untothyservantsintheSyrianlanguage,forweunderstanditandspeaknottousin
theJewslanguage,intheearsofthepeoplethatareonthewall.12ButRabshakeh
said,Hathmymastersentmetothymasterandtotheetospeakthesewords?hathhe
not(sentme)tothementhatsitonthewall,lesttheyeattheirowndung,anddrink
theirownwaterwithyou?

13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews language, and
said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria. 14 Thus saith the
king,LetnotHezekiahdeceiveyouwithwords,forheshallnotbeabletodeliver
you.15NeitherletHezekiahmakeyoutrustinJEHOVAH,saying,JEHOVAHwill
surely deliver us: and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of
Assyria.16HearkennottoHezekiah,forthussaiththekingofAssyria,Makean
agreementwithmebyapresent,andcomeouttome:andeatyeeveryoneofhis
vine,andeveryoneofhisfigtree,anddrinkyeeveryonethewatersofhiscistern
17UntilIcomeandtakeyouawayuntoalandlikeyourownland,alandofcorn
andwine,alandofbreadandvineyards.18LetnotHezekiahdeceiveyou,saying,
JEHOVAHwilldeliverus.Hathanyofthegodsofthenationsdeliveredhisland
outofthehandofthekingofAssyria?19WherearethegodsofHamath,andof
Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? [Hena and Ivah] have they delivered
Samariaoutofminehand?20Whoaretheyamongallthegodsoftheselandsthat
havedeliveredtheirlandoutofmyhand,thatGodshoulddeliverJerusalemoutof
myhand?21Butthepeopleheldtheirpeace,andansweredhimnot:forthekings
commandmentwas,saying,Answerhimnot.

22 Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and
Shebnathescribe,andJoab,thesonofAsaph,therecorder,toHezekiah,with
theirclothesrent,andtoldhimthewordsofRabshakeh.

CHAPTER37

1 And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and
coveredhimselfwithsackcloth,andwentintothehouseofJEHOVAH.

2AndhesentEliakim,whowasoverthehousehold,andShebnathescribe,andthe
elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah, the prophet, the son of
Amos.Andtheysaiduntohim,ThussaithHezekiab,3Thisdayisadayoftrouble,
andofrebuke,andofblasphemy:forthechildrenarecometothebirth,andthereis
notstrengthtobringforth.4ItmaybeJEHOVAHthyGodwillhearallthewords
ofRabshakeh,whomthekingofAssyriahismasterhathsenttoreproachtheliving
God,andwillreprovethewordswhichJEHOVAHthyGodhathheardwherefore
lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left. 5 So the servants of king Hezekiah
cametoIsaiah.6And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master
Thus saith JEHOVAH, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith
the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 Behold, I will send a
spirit unto him, and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land, and I will
causehimtofallbytheswordinhisownland.8SoRabshakehreturned,andfound
the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he had heard that he was departed
from Lachish. 9And he heard say, concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is
come out to make war against thee.And when he heard it, he sent messengers to
Hezekiah,saying,10ThusshallyespeaktoHezekiahkingofJudah,saying,Letnot
thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be
deliveredintothehandofthekingofAssyria.11Behold,thouhastheardwhatthe
kingsofAssyriahavedonetoalllandsindestroyingthemutterly:andshaltthoube
delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers
destroyed,asGozan,andHaran,andRezeph,andthechildrenofEden,whichwere
inThelassar?13WhereisthekingofHamath,andthekingofArphad,andtheking
ofthecityofSepharvaim,Hena,andIvah?

14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it:
and Hezekiah went up into the house of JEHOVAH, and spread it before
JEHOVAII. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to JEHOVAH, saying, 16 0 JEHOVAH of
hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even
thoualone,ofallthekingdomsoftheearththouhastmadeheavenandearth.17
Incline, 0 JEHOVAH, thine ear and hear open, 0 JEHOVAH, thine eyes and see
andhearallthewordsofSennacherib,whichhathsenttoreproachthelivingGod.
18Of a truth, 0 JEHOVAH, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all nations, and
theirlands,19andhavecasttheirgodsintothefire:fortheywerenogods,butthe
workofmenshands,woodandstonethereforetheyhavedestroyedthem.20Now,
therefore,JEHOVAHourGod,saveusfromhishand,thatallkingdomsoftheearth
mayknowthatthouartJEHOVAH,eventhouonly.

21ThenIsaiahthesonofAmossentuntoHezekiah,saying,ThussaithJEHOVAH
GodofIsrael,WhereasthouhastprayedtomeagainstSennacheribkingofAssyria,
22ThisisthewordwhichJEHOVAHhathspokenconcerninghim:

Thevirgin,thedaughterofZion,hathdespisedthee
Shehathlaughedtheetoscorn
ThedaughterofJerusalemhathshakenherheadatthee.
23Whomhastthoureproachedandblasphemed?
Andagainstwhomhastthouexaltedthyvoice,
Andliftedupthineeyesonhigh?
EvenagainsttheHolyOneofIsrael!
24BythyservantshastthoureproachedJEHOVAH,andsaid,
BythemultitudeofmychariotsamIcomeup
Totheheightofthemountains,tothesidesofLebanon,
AndIhavecutdownthetallcedarsthereof,anditschoicefirtrees,
AndIhaveenteredintothelodgeofhisborder,
AndintotheforestofhisCarmel.
25*Ihavemetwithanddrunkstrangewaters
AndwiththesoleofmyfeethaveIdriedup
Alltheriversofbesiegedplaces.

26HastthounotheardlongagothatIhavedoneit?
Andofancienttimes,thatIhaveformedit?
NowhaveIbroughtittopass,thatthoushouldstbetolaywaste
Defencedcitiesintoruinousheaps.
27Thereforetheirinhabitantswereofsmallpower,
Theyweredismayedandconfounded
Theywereasthegrassofthefield,andasthegreenherb
Asthegrassonthehousetops,
*Ascornblastedbeforeitbearethfruit.
28ButIknowthyabode,
Andthygoingout,andthycomingin.
Andthyrageagainstme.
29Becausethyrageagainstme,andthybitterness,
Iscomeupintomineears,
ThereforewillIputmyhookinthynose,
Andmybridleinthylips,
AndIwillturntheebackbythewaybywhichthoucamest.
Andthisshallbeasigntothee:
30*Yeshalleatthisyearsuchasgrowethofitself,
Andthesecondyear,thatwhichspringethofthesame:
Andinthethirdyear,sowyeandreap
Andplantvineyards,andeatthefruitthereof.
31AndtheremnantthatisescapedofthehouseofJudah,
Shallagaintakerootdownward,andbearfruitupward
32ForoutofJerusalemshallgofortharemnant,
AndtheythatescapeoutofMountZion:
ThezealofJEHOVAHofhostsshalldothis.
33ThereforethussaithJEHOVAHconcerningthekingofAssyria,
Heshallnotcomeintothiscity
Norshootanarrowagainstit,
Norcomebeforeitwithshields,
Norcastabankagainstit.
34Bythewaythathecame,bythesameshallhereturn
Andshallnotcomeintothiscity,saithJEHOVAH.
35ForIwilldefendthiscitytosaveit,
Formineownsake,andformyservantDavidssake.

36ThentheangelofJEHOVAHwentforth,andsmoteinthecampoftheAssyrians
an hundred and fourscore and five thousand and when men arose early in the
morning, behold, they were all dead corpses! 37 So Sennacherib king of Assyria
departed,andwentandreturned,anddweltatNineveh.38Anditcametopass,as
he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and
Sharezer, his sons, smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of
Armenia,andEsarhaddonhissonreignedinhisstead.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER36&37
[Page268]

Ifitbeinquiredwhythetwochaptersunderdiscussionwere twiceinsertedinHolyScripture,once
inthehistoryoftheKings,andonceinthepropheciesofIsaiah,thejustanswerwouldprobably
be,thattheyhavebothanhistoricalandapredictiveforce. Inonepointofviewthey
areapartofthehistoryoftheJewishnationandinanother,theyreferonwardtoa
timeandcircumstanceswhichshallnearlyresemblethem.Sonearly,indeed,dothetimes
anddestiniesoftheManofSinaccordtherewith,thatprophecieswhichspeakofthefinaloverthrow
of the last destroyer of the Gentiles, have been supposed to be fulfilled in the destruction of
Sennacherib.

Letus,then,endeavourtogatherupandpresentinoneviewthosepartsofthehistory
before us which have a predictive force, in which Sennacherib and Rabshakeh and
Hezekiahstandonlyinthelightoftypes.

First,then,Sennacherib,kingofAssyria,isthetypeoftheGreatAssyrian,whomtheLordshalltread
under foot on the mountains of Israel.With him, through terror of [Page 269] his vast power, Hezekiah
madeanefforttobereconciledandpaid,asthepriceofhisfriendship, threehundredtalentsof
silver,andthirtytalentsofgold.Yet,inspiteoftheagreement,Sennacheribcameupagainst
allthefencedcitiesofJudah,andtookthem.Herein,therefore,hewasatypeofhimwhoafter
his league made with Israel, shall yet break his covenant, and, coming stealthily and secretly
uponthecitiesofJudaea,shallseizeanddestroythem,ashasbeenalreadyillustratedfromEzekiel.
But the chief point of Sennacheribs attack was Jerusalem, as it shall be that of the usurping king
hereafter. Arrived at that city, he sends Rabshakeh, with an insulting, boastful, and blasphemous
message, to the king of Israel. Now, of what is Rabshakeh a type? Doubtless of the False
Prophetwhoisseen,inRev.13.,toplaysoconspicuousapartinbringingallmenintosubjectionto
theBeast.Ofthisfalseprophetitissaid,that hespakeasadragon.Andheexercisethall
the power of the first Beast before him, and causeth the earth, and them which dwell
therein,toworshipthefirstBeast!(Rev.13:11,12.)ThisispreciselywhatRabshakehdoesin
theinstancebeforeus.Heuttersinsolence,blasphemy,andboasting hespakeasadragonand
thekingofAssyriasentRabshakehfromLachishtoJerusalem,untokingHezekiah,witha
greatarmy,heexercisethallthepowerofthefirstBeast.

The next feature of strong resemblance is the boasting and blasphemous message to Hezekiah.
Multitudes of passages attest that proud blasphemy shall be the peculiar characteristic of the last
ages, and especially of Antichrist. Thus Psalm 52., Why boastest thou thyself in mischief,
thou mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth
mischief, like a sharp razor (compare Is. 7: 20, where the Assyrian is also compared to a
razor) working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good, and lying rather than to
speakrighteousness.Thoulovestalldevouringwords,0thoufalsetongue. His predicted
end,inthenextverses,sufficientlycorroboratesthisconclusion.SuchisalsothetestimonyofPsalm
12. with regard to the times of Antichrist generally. But Daniels attestation to the pride and
blasphemy of the Man of Sin in particular, is full and explicit. He had a mouth speaking great
things.Becauseofthegreat[Page270]wordswhichthehornspake,IbeheldeventilltheBeast
wasslain.AndheshallspeakgreatwordsagainsttheMostHigh.(Dan.7:8.11:25.)
HeshallspeakmarvellousthingsagainsttheGodofgods.(Dan.11:36.)SimilarlySt.John:
Therewasgivenuntohimamouthspeakinggreatthingsandblasphemiesandheopened
hismouthinblasphemyagainstGod,toblasphemehisname,andhistabernacle,andthem
thatdwellinheaven.(Rev.13:5,6.) Observealso,howheexaltshimself,asSt.Paulforetold
hisantitypeshould, aboveeveryGod:Hathanyofthegodsofthenationsdelivered his
land out of the band of the king of Assyria? (Chap. 36: 18.) But one special point of his
boastingisthemanynationshehaddestroyed.ThisfeatureoftheWilfulKinghasbeenpresented
before,withgreatdistinctnessandbeauty,inthetenthchapterofIsaiah(verses714).Anotherpoint
ofresemblanceistheintendedcaptivityofIsraelingeneral,andofJerusaleminparticular,whichis
declared by the speech of Rabshakeh to the Jews of the city. This captivity shall be actually
accomplished by the Wilful King, as Zechariah testifies: And half of the city shall go into
captivity.(Zech.14:2.)SuchisalsothepredictionofourLord: Andtheyshallbeledaway
captive into all nations, and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the
timesoftheGentiles(thethreeyearsandahalf)shallbefulfilled.(Luke21:24.)

But at that time the Jews shall return and repent, and their prayer and humiliation, typified by the
prayer and humility of Hezekiah, shall bring down a gracious answer, as the prayer of Hezekiah
received the glorious prophecy of Jehovah by the mouth of Isaiah.That prophecy notes, first, that
God used Sennacherib solely as his instrument, and that his mighty deeds were only because the
Almightyfortheiriniquitieshadgiventhenationsintohishand.Parallelwiththisisthedeclaration
inthetenthchapterofIsaiahalreadyreferredto. Howbeithemeanethnotso,neitherdoeshis
heartthinkso,andthenoblerebukeofhisvainboastingisadded,inwhichGodcompareshispride
to the axe exalting itself against him that heweth therewith. He shall resemble him also in the
deceptionheshallhimselfexperience.SennacheribwasdrawnawayfromtheattackofJerusalemby
arumourthatTirhakah,kingofEthiopia,wascometofightagainsthim.Andeventhusisit [Page 271]
prophesied of the Great Destroyer. But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall
troublehim,andheshallgoforthwithgreatfurytodestroy(Dan.11:44),andthattoo,after
hishaving enteredintoandoverthrownthegloriousland.(Verse41.)Stillmoreparticularly
therumourthatdeceivedSennacheribwascausedbyanevilspirit,Iwillsendaspirituponhim.
ThusProcopius, Iwillsendaspirituponhimbywhomheshallbedeludedandreturn.
AndthiswasexemplifiedinthecaseofAhab,whoseprophetsandhimselfweredeceivedbyanevil
spiritcommissionedbyJehovahtodeludebothhimandthem.ThisdeceivingspiritisSatan,asitis
written, Set thou an ungodly one (not man) over him, and let Satan stand at his right
hand. (Psalm 109: 6, which see.) So in the thirteenth of Revelation, which describes him
minutely, it is said, The dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
(Verse2.)Butitmaybeobjected,ifSatanthusuphold,howcanhedeceivehim?Beitanswered,
thatallthisgenerosityonSatanspartisonlytoservehisownends,andthatheknowswhatwillbe
thefearfulresulttohismiserabledupe,whenheshallturnuponhim,andbythecommissionofGod
becomehistormentor,asitiswellsaidofhimthatheisFirstatempter,thenanaccuser.

Nextfollowsinthe30thandfollowingversesoftheconsolatorymessagetoHezekiah,aprophecyof
thecontinuedprosperityofIsraelfromthetimeofhisdestruction,whichhasyettobefulfilledwhen
theAssyrianoffuturetimesshallbedestroyed.ThentheremnantofJudahshallblossomandfillthe
faceoftheworldwithfruit.

ThelastpointofevidentandespecialresemblanceisthesuddendestructionoftheAssyrianshostby
night, to the amount of 185,000 men. This was effected, we are told, by The Angel (or
messenger) of the Lord, a name referring so evidently to Christ in many passages, that no proof is
here attempted. In like manner shall take place the slaughter of the armies of Antichrist so often
noticedabove:theLordshallgoforthandsuddenlydestroythem,cominguponthem asathiefin
thenight.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER38

1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death and Isaiah the prophet the son of
Amoscameuntohim,andsaiduntohim,ThussaithJEHOVAH,Setthinehousein
order,forthoushaltdieandnotlive.2ThenHezekiahturnedhisfacetowardthe
wall, and prayed unto JEHOVAH, and said, 3 Remember now, 0 JEHOVAH, I
beseech thee how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and
havedonethatwhichisgoodinthysight.AndHezekiahweptsore.4Thencame
thewordofJELIOVAHuntoIsaiah,saying,GoandsaytoHezekiah,5Thussaith
JEHOVAH, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy
tearsbehold,Iwilladduntothydaysfifteenyears.6AndIwilldeliverthee,and
thiscity,outofthehandofthekingofAssyriaandIwilldefendthiscity.7And
this shall be a sign unto thee from JEHOVAH, that JEHOVAH will do this thing
whichhehasspoken:8Behold,Iwillbringagaintheshadowofthedegreeswhich
isgonedowninthesundialofAhaz,tendegreesbackward.Sothesunreturnedten
degrees,bywhichdegreesitwasgonedown.

9THEWRITINGOFHEZEKIAHKINGOFJUDAH,WHENHEHADBEEN
SICK,ANDWASRECOVEREDOFHISSICKNESS.

10Isaidinthemeridianofmydays,
IshallgodowntothegatesofHades
Ishallleavetheresidueofmyyears.
11Isaid,IshallnomoreseethesalvationofGodinthelandoftheliving:
[IshallnotbeholdthesalvationofIsraeluponearth],
Ishallseemannomore,withthedwellersinpeace.
12[Ihavefadedfromamongmyacquaintance],
Theremainderofmylifehathfailed,
*Anddepartedfrommelikeashepherdstent.
Myspiritwithinmehathbeenasaweb,
Whentheweaverapproachestocutitoff,
FromdayevenuntonightwasIcastdown:
13Iroareduntilthemorning.
Likealionsobrakeheallmybones,
ForfromthedaytimeevenuntilnightwasIdeliveredup.
14Asaswallow,andlikethecranesodidItwitter,
Asadove,sodidImoan.
Formineeyesfailwithlookingtotheheightsofheaven,
ToJEHOVAH,Whohathrescuedme,
Andtakenfrommethesorrowofmysoul.
15WhatshallIsay?orwhatwillheanswerme,
Sincehehimselfhathdoneit?
Iwillreflectallmyyearsonthisbitternessofmysoul.
160JEHOVAH,respectingthisdidItellthee,
Andthoudidstraiseupmyspirit,
AndIwascomfortedandlived.
17Behold,intimeofpeacecamethismytribulation,
Butthouhastrescuedmysoul,thatitshouldnotperish.
Andthouhastcastallmysinsbehindthyback.
18FortheythatareinHadesshallnotpraisethee,
Norshallthedeadblessthee
Norshalltheythatgodownintothepitexpectthymercy.
19Theliving,thelivingshallpraisethee,as1dothis(lay
*Thefathertothechildrenshallmakeknown
Thytruth,0Godofmysalvation!
20AndIwillnotceasetopraisethee,
Withapsalteryallthedaysofmylife,
BeforethehouseofmyGod.
21ForIsaiahhadsaidtoHezekiah,Takealumpoffigs,andbruiseandspreaditasa
plaisterontheulcer,andthoushaltbehealed.AndHezekiahhadsaid,Whatisthe
signthatIshallgouptothehouseofJEROVAH?

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER38
[Page271]

In this account of Hezekiahs sickness and recovery there [Page 272] is no particular difficulty. Its
prophetic import is, probably, that his sentence of death and recovery typifies the death of the
righteous, according to the sentence on Adam, and their resurrection at the appearance of Christ.
Hencehissongofrecoveryhasaprobablereferencetoitsfutureusebytherisensaints.

ThereasonofHezekiahsaffliction,astherabbiessay,wasbecauseaftersomightyadeliveranceas
Godvouchsafedhim,hedidnotcomposeasongofthanks,asdidDeborah,Moses,andDavid.His
greatfearofdeathisalsoaccountedforbyJeromeandEusebiusontheconsiderationthatasyethe
hadnosonhencehishopethattheMessiahshouldspringfromhisfamilywascutoff.ForasJerome
remarks,afterhisdeath,whichoccurredfifteenyearsafter,Manassehhissonwasonlytwelveyears
ofage,whenceitfollowsthathewasborninthethirdyearofHezekiahsrestoredlife.

His song describes his despair because he should not see the salvation of God (or the
SaviourofGod)inthelandoftheliving.Thisisofnoprivateinterpretation,butreferstothe
Churchatlarge.AlikefeelingwasexperiencedbytheancientChristianChurch.AfterSt.Paulhad
declaredthatChristwasspeedilytocome,theThessalonianbelieversmournedoverthosewhodied,
becausetheywouldnotbewitnessesofChristscominginglory,norobtaintheirreward
inthelandoftheliving,thatis,amongsttheelectinhiskingdom.InhisEpistletothat
Church, therefore, St. Paul meets this very difficulty, and dissipates it: shows that, so far from the
dead saints not being participants of Christs glory, those living at his coming should not even
prevent or get the start of them but that the dead in Christ should rise first then they
whicharealiveandremainshallbecaughtuptomeethimintheair,andsobeeverwiththe
Lord.Wherefore,saithhe,comfortoneanotherwiththesewords.(1Thess.4:1318.)

NowasthecommandtoAbrahamtoslayIsaac,andhisintentiontodoso,renderedthatactafigure
of the resurrection of the dead, from whence also he received him in a figure, so Gods
commandtoHezekiahtopreparefordeath,andhissentencetothateffect,rendershisrecoveryajust
figureofthedeathandresurrectionofourSuretyChristJesus,andofhispeoplethroughhim.Butthe
[Page 273] resemblance as regards the Lord Jesus is yet more exact, Hezekiah was told that he should
recoverthethirdday,andgouptothehouseoftheLord.Howevident,then,thattheSpirit
intendedHezekiah,thatkingofmatchlesspiety,tobeatypeoftheSaviour!Theverywordsinwhich
hischaracteriscouchedarealsoapplicabletotheMessiah,ChristJesus. HetrustedintheLord
GodofIsraelsothatafterhimwerenonelikehimamongallthekingsofJudah(Jesusof
Nazareth,theKingoftheJews),noranythatwerebeforehim.ForheclavetotheLord,
anddepartednotfromfollowinghim,butkepthiscommandments,astheLordcommanded
Moses.AndtheLordwaswithhim.(2Kings18:5,6.)SurelyagreaterthanHezekiahishere,
onewho,inallthestrictnessoftheexpression,fulfilledthecommandsofMoses,andswervednotone
jot from cleaving to the Lord! The Saviours rising again the third day, was intimated by the
recoveryofHezekiahonthatday,asataformertimethesametruthwasintimatedbythethreedays
that elapsed between the sentence on Isaac (who was from that time legally dead in the sight of
Abraham.andofGod),tilltheMostHigh,inbothinstances,restoredthelifeheclaimed.

Butthereaderwilltraceitsfurtherapplicationforhimself,assomeremarksmustnowbemadeonits
applicabilitytobelieversingeneral.Thefirstpartoftheodedescribestherisenbelieversdesirefor
thekingdomofChrist,hisdeathbeforeitsappearance,andhisdesireevenwhilstinthestate[and
place]ofthedead:aswereadintheRevelation,ofthesoulsunderthealtarcryingto
God,Howlong,0Lord,holy,just,andtrue,dostthounotjudgeandavengeourblood
onthemthatdwellontheearth?whichvengeance,aswehaveseen,istotakeplaceatChrists
coming.

The16thverserecordstheanswertothisprayer,

0Jehovah,respectingthisdid1tellthee,
Andthoudidstraiseupmyspirit.
Thouhastrescuedmysoulthatitshouldnotperish,
Andthouhastcastallmysinsbehindthyback.

Here,then,thesaintpraisesGodinChristJesus, becausehisspiritandsoularerescuedfrom
Hades, and his body from the grave, and because his sins are thereby shown to be utterly
forgottenofGod. Blessed and holy [Page 274] is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over
suchtheseconddeath(thatofsin)hathnopower,becausetheirsinsareforgiven.

As regards the statement that those in Hades will not praise God, nor can those that go
down to the pit hope for Gods mercy, this, understood of those times, presents a
strongconfirmationoftheaboveinterpretation.Foratthattimethe deadinChristshall
allriseandbedeliveredfromHades,whiletheythatareleftthere,willbethewickeddeadalone,and
theywhoatthattimegodowntothepit,willbetheservantsoftheManofSin,whomChristwill
slayathiscoming.Justsuchisalsothestatementof Psalm115.Afteraffirmingthevanityofidols,
with especial reference to those of Antichrist, the risen saints mention the blessedness they have
receivedfromJehovahChrist,andthenadd, ThedeadpraisenottheLord,neitheranythatgo
downintosilence.ButwewillblesstheLordfromthistimeforthandforevermore.Even
thusdoesHezekiahinthisplace,afterspeakingoftheImpossibilityofthedeadexpectingthemercy
ofGod,subjoin,Theliving,theliving,heshallpraisetheeasIdo.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER39

1.AtthattimeMerodachBaladan,sonofBaladan,kingofBabylon,sentlettersand
ambassadors,andgiftstoHezekiahforhehadheardthathehadbeensick,andwas
recovered.2AndHezekiahwasgladofthem,andshowedthemallthehouseofhis
precious things, and the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious
ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures:
therewasnothinginhishouse,norinallhisdominion,thatHezekiahshowedthem
not.

3 Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What say
thesemen?Andwhencecametheytothee?AndHezekiahsaid,Theyarecometo
mefromafarcountryevenBabylon.4*ThensaidIsaiah,Whathavetheyseenin
thinehouse? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have *they seen
thereisnothinginmyhouseandinmytreasuresthatIhavenotshowedthem.5
ThensaidIsaiahtoHezekiah,HearthewordofJEHOVAHofhosts:6*Behold,the
dayscome,thattheyshalltakeallthatisinthinehouse,andthatwhichthyfathers
have laid in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left,
saithJEHOVAH. 7And of thy sons, whom thou shalt beget, they shall take, and
makethemeunuchsinthepalaceofthekingofBabylon.8ThensaidHezekiahto
Isaiah,GoodisthewordofJEHOVAH,whichhehathspoken.Maytherethenbe
peaceandrighteousnessinmydays!

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER39
[Page274]
AftertherecoveryofHezekiah,thekingofBabylonandhiswisemen,struckwithastonishmentat
the preternatural lengthening of the day, which they could not account for upon astronomical
principles, sent messengers and a present to him to congratulate him on his restored life, and to
inquireofhimthereasonofthemiraclewhichwasexhibitedonhisbehalf.Thishadatendencyto
temptHezekiahtopride,asbeingthesubjectofaspecialembassyandinquiryonthepartofsogreat
akingasthekingofBabylon.Inthistimeoftrialhefellvaingloriouslypuffedup,heshowedthe
ambassadorsallhisgreatnessandtreasures,thattheymightmarvelratherathimselfthanattheGod
whohaddonesuchgreatthingsforhim.Buthisrebukewasnighathand.TheprophetIsaiahwas
senttopredictthatallthetreasuresandgloryofhishouse,yea,andhissonsalso,shouldbecarried
captivetoBabylonwhichwasfulfilledinthedaysofNebuchadnezzar.

[Page275]
Hezekiah is, therefore, presented to us as another instance of the frailty of man. But the lesson is
beautifullyexpandedtotheplenitudeofthebelieversexperienceundertheGospel,bytheconcluding
remarkoftheinspiredwriteroftheChronicles:InthosedayswasHezekiahsickuntodeath,and
prayeduntotheLord,andhespakeuntohim,andgavehimasign.ButHezekiahrendered
notagainaccordingtothebenefitdoneuntohim,forhisheartwasliftedup:thereforewas
therewrathuponhim,anduponJudahandJerusalem. Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled
himselffortheprideofhisheart,bothheandtheinhabitantsofJerusalem,sothatthewrath
oftheLordcamenotupontheminthedaysofHezekiah.Howbeit in the business of the
ambassadorsoftheprincesofBabylon,whosentuntohimtoinquireofthewonderthatwas
doneintheland,Godlefthim,totryhim,thathemightknowallthatwasinhisheart.
(2Chronicles32:2426.31.)Wearehereintroduced,therefore,tothereason,or,morestrictly
speaking,totheoccasionofhisfall.GodwithdrewhisHolySpirittheSpiritofgrace,thatis,
bestowed according to his free pleasure, being a gift, which can be claimed of original right by
none.Andthatgracewithdrawn,vainman,lefttohisowninherentstrength,fallsatonce.How
necessary,then,topraythatwebe notledintotemptation!*Howmercifulthepromisetothe
believer, that no trial shall seize him greater than the grace given him and withal, a way
openedforescape!

[*SeealsoPsa.50:10:Createinmeacleanheart,OGodandrenewarightspiritinmyinwardparts.Castmenotaway
fromthypresenceandremovenotthyholySpiritfromme.Restoretomethejoyofthysalvation:establishmewiththy
directingSpirit.LXX.]

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER40

1Comfortye,comfortye,0priests,mypeople,saithyourGod!
2SpeakyecomfortablytoJerusalem,andcryuntoher,
Thatherhumiliationisaccomplished,thatheriniquityispardoned
ForshehathreceivedatJEHOVAHShanddoubleforallhersins.

3Thevoiceofonecryinginthewilderness,
PrepareyethewayofJEHOVAH,makehispathsstraight.
4Everyvalleyshallbefilled,
Andeverymountainandhillshallbebroughtlow
Andthecrookedshallbemadestraight,
Andtheroughwaysshallbemadesmooth:
5[AndthegloryofJEHOVAHshallberevealed:]
AndallfleshshallseethesalvationofGod,
6Thevoiceofonesaying,Cry!
Andhesaid,WhatshallIcry?
Allfleshisasgrass,
Andallthegloryofman,astheflowerofgrass
7Thegrasswithereth,andtheflowerthereoffallethaway,
[BecausetheSpiritofJEHOVAHblowethuponit,]
8ButthewordofJEHOVAHendurethforever.
90thouthatbringestgoodtidingstoZion,
Gettheeupuponaloftymountain
Liftupwithstrengththyvoice,
ThouthatbringestgoodtidingstoJerusalem!
Liftitupbenotafraid:
SayuntothecitiesofJudah,BeholdyourGod!
10Behold,theLordJEHOVAHshallcomewithmight,
Andhisarmshallbewithsovereignty:
Behold,hisrewardiswithhim,
Andtheworkofeverymanisbeforehim.
11Heshallfeedhisflocklikeashepherd,
Andshallgatherthelambswithhisarm,
Andshallcarrytheminhisbosom,
Andshallgentlyleadthosethatarewithyoung,

12Whobathmeasuredthewatersinthehollowofhishand?
Andmetedoutheavenwithaspan,
Andcomprehendedthedustoftheearthinameasure,
Andweighedthemountainsinscales,
Andthevalleysinabalance?
13WhothahknownthemindofJEHOVAII?
Orwhohathbeenhiscounsellor?
14[Orwithwhomtookhecounsel,andreceivedadvice,
Orwhoshowedhimthepathofjudgement,
Andtaughthimthewayofunderstanding?]
Orwhohathfirstgiventohim?
Anditshallberecompensedtohimagain!
15Behold,allnationsarebeforehimasthedropofabucket,
Andarecountedasthesmalldustofthebalance
*Yea,asamotehetakethuptheisles,
16AndLebanonis,notsufficienttoburn,
Norallbeastssufficientforaburntoffering.
17Allnationsareasnothingbeforehim,
Andarecountedbyhim,aslessthannothing,andvanity.
18TowhomthenwillyelikenGod?
Orwithwhatlikenesswillyecomparehim?
19Tothegravenimagewhichtheworkmanmelteth,
Andwhichthegoldsmithcoverethwithgold,
Andthesilversmithwithplatesofsilver?
20Hethatistoopoorforanoblationchoosethatreethatwillnotrot
Andthecunningworkmanseekethhowliemayplace
Theimage,thatitbenotmoved.

21Haveyenotknown?haveyenotheard?
Hathitnotbeentoldyoufromthebeginning?
Haveyenotknown,0foundationsoftheearth,
22Himthatdwellethabovethecircleoftheearth,
Anditsinhabitantsareasgrasshoppersbeforehim
Thatfixedasachambertheheaven,
Andstretcheditoutasatenttodwellin?
23Whobringethprincestonought,
Andmakethjudgesoftheearthasvanity?
24Yea,theyshallnotbeplanted,
Yea,norshalltheybesown
Yea,norshalltheirstockrootintheearth
Andhealsoshallblowuponthem,andtheyshallwither,
Andthewhirlwindshalltakethemawayasstubble.
25Nowthereforetowhomwillyelikenme,
OrtowhomshallIbeequalled?saiththeHolyOne.
26Liftupyoureyesonhigh,
Andbehold,whohathcreatedthesethings,
Thatleadethforththeirhostbynumber,
Andcalleththemallbytheirnames:
Throughthegreatnessofhispower,glory,andmight,
Notoneescapethhisnotice.

27Howthensayestthou,0Jacob,
Andspeakestthou,0Israel
MywayishiddenfromJEHOVAH,
AndmyjudgementisdepartedfrommyGod?
28Hastthounotknown?hastthounotheard?
ThattheeverlastingGodJEHOVAH
TheCreatoroftheendsoftheearth,
Faintethnot,neitherisweary?
Andthereisnosearchingofhisunderstanding.
29Hegivethpowertothefaint
Andtothemathavenomight,heencreasethstrength.
30Foreventheyoungmenshallfaint,
Andtheyouthsshallbeweary,
Andthechosenmenshallbecomepowerlessaltogether.
31ButtheythatwaitforJEHOVAHshallrenewtheirstrength.
Theyshallmountupwithwingsaseagles,
Theyshallrun,andnotbeweary,
Theyshallwalk,andnotfaint.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER40
[Page275]
ThischapterissignalizedbybeingthricequotedintheNewTestamentandinspiredquotationsareof
singularserviceinenablingtheinterpretertodiscoverwhetherhisexplanationiscorrect.

ThefirstisthatinMatt.3.,whodeclaresthatthepassage(ver.3,4)wasfulfilledinthepreachingof
John the Baptist in the wilderness of Judaea. The Baptist also himself declared that this was his
ministry to those sent from the National Council to inquire the nature of his mission. But there is
muchintheprophecywhichwillnotadmitofthesuppositionthateitherthewholeofit,oreventhe
passageabovereferredto,receivedits finalaccomplishment [Page276]then.For,first,itarisesasafatal
objection to any that would so interpret it, that it foretells Jerusalems humiliation as
accomplished,andhersinpardoned,whilehergreatesthumiliationhadyettotakeplace,andher
greatest sin to be committed. The same proof is further strengthened by another equally powerful
arising from verse 10 for Christ at his first appearing did not come with might or
sovereignty,norbestowhisreward,butwasbeheldinthefeeblenessofinfancy,andat
thattimeonlycommittedthetalentstohisservants,leavingtherecompensingoftheir
deedstohissecondcoming.

Whence we conclude that in this chapter, as in many, indeed in most prophecies of the Saviours
appearance,hisfirstandsecondadventsarecloselybounduptogether.Butthepredictionherebears
principalreferencetothesecondwhichwillbeseenasweproceed.

For then Jerusalem shall be comforted, and her humiliation then and then only,
accomplished,andheriniquitypardoned,whensheacknowledgesJesusofNazarethasher
Messiah.

So also as John Baptist heralded the firstcoming of Christ inthespiritandpowerofElias,

shallElijahhimselfheraldthesecondcominginconjunctionwithEnoch[orpossiblyMoses]:asitis
written of him, Behold, I will send unto you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the
greatandterribledayoftheLord.(Mal.4:5.)Andheshallcryinthewildernessasoneof
theTwoWitnesses:forthithershalltheJewishChurchbedriven,aswehaveseenintheremarkson
chap. 16. This testimony is confirmed by the twelfth of the Apocalypse, where we read that the
woman(theJewishChurch)fledintothewilderness,whereshehathaplacepreparedofGod,
thattheyshouldfeedherthereathousandtwohundredandthreescoredays(thethreeyears
andahalfofthereignofAntichrist).Inthedesert,therefore,(aswellasinJerusalem,wheretheyare
representedasstandinginchapter11.,)shalltheTwoWitnesses,andElijahinparticular,declarethe
speedy second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. The second voice that is commanded to cry is,
therefore,thatofEnochtranslatedaswellasElijahthatheshouldnotseedeathtillhehathbeen
broughtagaintosufferitatthehandsoftheManofSin.Thetestimonyofthiswitnessis,thatallthe
attemptsofmantorendervoidthepromises[Page277]ofGodarefutileandvain,andthattheWilfulKing
andallhiscollectedhostshallfailwhenoncetheSpiritofGodblowethuponit.Butthoughheaven
andearthfail,thewordoftheLordshallendureforever,andthethoughtsofhisheartfrom
generationtogeneration.ThispassageisadducedbySt.Petersoonaftertheversementionedina
former part, in which he exhorts them to hope for the blessedness of Christs appearing. He then
justlycontraststhepermanenceofthewordofGodabovethethoughtsofmanbyobserving,thatthe
design of God in the manifestation of Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the
world. ThusmajesticistheforeknowledgeofGodfromalleternity!Setsidebysidewithsuch
counsels, what is man? The insect of a day! Generation after generation must pass away before
Christ should appear the first time generation after generation must, in the counsels of God, pass
awaybeforehissecondcominginglory.Well,therefore,mayhecomparetheshortliveddurationof
theone,withthepermanenceofthegoodtidings()ofthewordofGodbothintheOldTestament
andtheNewacounselwhich,asitbeganfromalleternityintheforeknowledgeofGod,soshallit
lasttoalleternityinitsexecution.ThesegoodtidingsofChristssecondcomingthewitnessesabove
spokenofshallthenproclaimtoJerusalem,asJohntheBaptistproclaimedthoseofthefirstadvent.
John the Baptist spoke of Christ in his first character of meekness as the Lamb of God taking
awaythesinoftheworld,answeringtothewellknowndescriptionoftheSaviourgiveninthe
11th verse, as feeding his flock like a shepherd. This the Lord applied to himself in his
beautifulparableoftheshepherdandhisflock.

Buthehasyettobeproclaimedasthe LordJehovahcomingwithmight,whenhisarmshall
rulewithsovereignty,andhisrewardbewithhim,andtheworkofeverymanbeforehim,
words which, as Eusebiusperceived,mustbespokenofhissecondappearing.Then shall also his
gracious character of a shepherd be manifested in its full blessedness to his risen saints, and the
inhabitantsoftheworldlivingunderhisrule.

ThegreatnessandDivineMajestyoftheLordJesusisthensetforth,inhiscreationoftheworld,and
the[Page278]augustnessofhispresence,beforewhomallnationsarethedropofabucket.

ThedepthofhisunderstandingwhoistheWisdomofGod,isnextannouncedintheboldandsublime
versesquotedbySt.Paul

WhohathknownthemindofJEHOVAH?
Orwhohathbeenhiscounsellor?
Orwhohathfirstgiventohim?
Anditshallberecompensedtohimagain!

Inthefirstofthesequestions,thedepthofhisplansisimpliedasfarbeyondthecomprehensionof
anycreatedbeing,sothat,ifwefinddifficultiestherein,itbecomesustowonderandadore.Inthe
twolastclauses,hissovereignrightasCreatorthebestowerofallbenefits,thereceiverofnone,is
setforthonthegroundofwhichhejustlychallengestheabsoluterightofdisposingofthemashe
pleases.

Suchbeinghismajesty,withwhatforceofargumentandeloquenceishecontrastedwiththepitiful
image of dumb and motionless wood, to which the blinded idolater would liken him! In the 23rd
verse, his power in bringing princes to nought, alludes to the overthrow of the Antichristian
faction. Indeed the whole picture is designed with a special view to the encouragement of the
believers,inparticularthoseoftheJewishChurch,intheirlastgreatconflictwiththeenemy,when
theirfaithisalmostfailing,becausetheyseethewickedinsuchprosperity,andthemselvesassheep
appointedforslaughter,andshallalmostbegintoconcludethatGodhasforsakentheearthastateof
mindwhichisbeautifullyandpropheticallydepictedintheseventythirdPsalm,towhichthereader
is referred. Still, in spite of their trials, that they should think that their way is hidden from
Jehovah,isderogatorytohisjustice,andthetruthofhispromises.TheCreatorfaintethnot,neither
iswearyhisplanfrometernityoncesettledisneveraltered:ineffectingit,hefaintethnot,neither
is weary. Nor can his wisdom, in thus severely trying the patience and faith of his saints, be
understoodbyman.Andiffaithbereadytofail,heisabletostrengthenit:thedoorstandsalways
open:thebelieveristoprayalwaysandnottofaint,forshallnotGodavengehisownelect
whichcrydayandnightunto [Page279]him,thoughhebearlongwiththem?Itellyou,hewill
avengethemspeedily.Nevertheless,whentheSonofMancomethshallhefind[the]faith
ontheearth?(Luke18:7,8.)Yetthefewthatarefoundtobelieve,shallattheSavioursvoice,
mountupwithwingsaseagles,shallrun,andnotbewearyshallwalk,andnotfaintas
saith the apostle in a verse quoted before, Then we which are alive and remain, shall be
caughtuptogetherwiththeminthecloudstomeettheLordintheair.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER41

1Berenewedbeforeme,0islands!
Andletthenationsrecovertheirstrength!
Letthemapproach,andspeak,
Letthemdrawneartogetheruntojudgement.

2Whoraiseduptherighteousmanfromtheeast,
Calledhimtohisfeet,andmadethenationsyieldbeforehisface,
Andbidhimruleoverkings?
Heshallmaketheirswordsasdust,
Andtheirbowsasdrivenstubble.
3Heshallpursuethemandpasssafely
Evenawaynottroddenwithhisfeet.
4Whohathperformedanddonethesethings?
Whocalledhimfromthegenerationsofold?
IJEHOYAH,thefirst,andtothelast,IamHe.

5Thenationssawandfeared,
Andtheendsoftheearthwereastonished,drewnear,andcametogether
6Theyhelpedeveryonehisneighbour
Andeveryonesaidtohisbrother,Beofgoodcourage!
7Sothecarpenterencouragedthegoldsmith,
Andhethatsmoothethwiththehammer,himthatsmotetheanvil:
Saying,Itisreadyforthesoldering:
Andhefasteneditwithnails,thatitshouldnotbemoved.

8Butthou,Israel,artmyservant,
Thou,Jacob,whomIhavechosen,
TheseedofAbraham,myfriend.
9ThouonwhomIhavelaidholdfromtheendsoftheearth,
AndfromafarIhavecalledthee,
Andsaiduntothee,Thouartmyservant,
Ihavechosenthee,andnotcasttheeaway.
10Fearnot,forIamwiththee
Benotdismayed,forIamthyGod
Iwillstrengthenthee,andhelpthee,
Yea,upholdtheewithmyrighthandofrighteousness.
11Behold,thineadversariesshallbeashamedandconfounded,
Allthineopposersshallbeasnothing,andperish.
12Thoushaltseekthem,butnotfindthementhatfightagainstthee:
Theythatwaragainsttheeshallbeasnothing,andathingofnought.
13ForI,JEHOVAHthyGod,willholdtheebythyrighthand,
Sayinguntothee,Fearnot,Iwillhelpthee.
14Fearnot,thouwormJacob,andyedeadofIsrael,
Iwillhelpthee,saithJEHOVAH,
AndthyRedeemer,theHolyOneofIsrael.
15Behold,Iwillmaketheeathreshingwain,
Anewcorndrag,armedwithteeth,
Andthoushaltthreshthemountains,andgrindthemtodust,
Andmakethehillslikechaff.
16Thoushaltfanthem,andthewindshallcarrythemaway,
Andthewhirlwindshallscatterthem,
ButthoushaltrejoiceinJEHOVAH,
AndshaltgloryintheHolyOneofIsrael.

17Thepoorandneedyareseekingwater,andthereisnone,
Theirtonguefailethforthirst
I,JEHOVAH,willhearthem,
I,theGodofIsrael,willnotforsakethem.
18ButIwillopeninthemountains,rivers
Andfountainsinthemidstofvalleys:
Iwillmakethewildernesspoolsofwater
Andthedrylandspringsofwater.
19Iwillplantinthewildernessthecedar,
Thebox,andmyrtle,andolive.
Iwillsetinthedesertthefirtree,thepine,andlarchtogether
20Thattheymaysee,andknow,andconsider,
Andunderstandtogether,thatthehandofJEROVAHhathdonethis,
AndthattheHolyOneofIsraelhathcreatedit.
21*Produceyourcause,saithJEHOVAH
BringforthyourmightyPowers,saiththeKingofJacob.
22Letthemdrawnear,andshowuswhatshallhappen,
Orletthemshowtheformerthings,whattheywere,
Thatwemayobserve,andknowwhatthelasteventsshallbe,
Orwhatshallbethefuture,declareuntous!
23Showthethingsthataretocometopassatthelast,
Andweshallknowthatyearegods:
Doevil,ordogood,thatwemaybeastonished,andbeholdittogether.
24Behold,yeareofnothing,andyourworkofnought
*Anabominationishethatchoosethyou.

25ButIhaveraisedupOnefromthenorth
AndOneshallcomefromtherisingofthesun
Andbymynameshallhebecalled,
*Andheshallcomeuponprincesasuponmortar,
Andasthepottertreadethclay.
26Forwhohathtoldustheeventsfromthebeginning,
Thatwemayknowthemandtheeventsoftheformertime,
Thatwemaysay,Heisjust?
Thereisnonetoforetell,nonetomakeusknow,
Yea,nonethathearethyourwords.
27Behold,IwillmakeZionthechief,
AndJerusalemwillIcomfortinaplainpath.
28Foramongthenationsbeholdtherewasnoman:
Andamongtheiridolsnonetoforetell
AndifIaskthem,Whenceareye?
Theycannotanswermeaword.
29*Behold,theyareallvanity,
Theirworksarenought.
Andtheirmoltenimagesarewindandconfusion.

***

EXPOSITION


CHAPTER41
[Page279]
Thesubjectthatengagedusintheformerchapterdidnotconcludethere.Inthepresent,theSaviour,
now returned, sends forth his command that the earth be renovated, and that the remnant of the
nationsthatcamenotagainstJerusalem shall again multiply and fill the face of the earth. Then is
heardthevoiceofGodtheFatherdemandingwhoeffectedallthis,whosethisJustOne uponthe
holyhillofZion?whomadethenationsyieldbeforehisface,andbidhimruleoverkings?
Byhispassingsafelyawaynottroddenwithhisfeet,issignifiedthattheadventoftheSaviour
shallbefromheaven,andinacloud,notupontheearth,asthefalseMessiahswhoassumehisname
andarrogatehispowers.

Ithasbeensupposedbymanycriticsthatthe6thand7thversesareoutofplace,andshouldsucceed
the 20th verse of the former chapter. But it is probable that the prophets introduction of the
manufactureofanidolisnotmisplaced:though,whetherthe 5thversebelongstowhatprecedesor
follows is not evident. I take it to refer to what follows: and consider it a brief and spirited
descriptionofthetimesoftheManofSin.Thisidolmanufactureisdifferentfromanythattheworld
hasyetseen.Itisproducedbythejointdesignandworkmanshipofallnations,inducedthereto,as
the 5th verse tells us, by astonishment and fear. Just such a scene is presented in the Apocalypse
during the times of the Beast. The same astonishment is there predicted. And all the world
wonderedaftertheBeast.And the worshipped the Beast, saying, Who is like unto the
Beast? who is able to make war with him? And they that dwell on the earth shall
wonder,whosenameswerenotwritteninthe [Page 280] bookoflifefromthefoundationofthe
world, when they behold the Beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Besides this, we are
informed that the false prophet, by his great power and wonders in causing fire to come down
from heaven in the sight of men, shall deceive the world, and cause them by fear to obey his
command: sayingtothemthatdwellontheearth,thattheyshouldmakeanimagetothe
Beast,whichhadthewoundbyasword,andlive.(Rev.13:3,417:813:11.14.) That
fearshallbeaningredientinthisserviceisalsoclearfromhismightypowerandmiracles,especially
thoseofgivinglifetothisimage,enablingittospeak,andcausingthatasmanyaswouldnot
worshiptheimageoftheBeastshouldbekilled.(Verse15.)

But,turningfromthisscene,theLord(asinPsalm115.)addresseshisfaithfulpeople,anddiscovers
tothemhispowerandprotectionofthem.Eventhoughtheiradversariesshallrulethewholeworld,
yetshallthey beasnothingandperish.Thoughalltheearthjoin handinhand,thewicked
shallnotgounpunished.The day shall come that Jehovah shall make Israel his battleaxe and
weaponsofwar,therewithtosmitethehorseandhisrider:andJudahshallgloryintheHolyOne
ofIsrael.

The 17thversedepicts,asappearsmostlikely,theconditionoftheJewishbelieversreadytoperish
in the wilderness, after their flight from Antichrist. To relieve them in the first stages of their
journey,theinhabitantsofTemanwerecommandedtobringwatertomeetthethirsty,andbreadto
support the hungry. But in this place it would appear, they are introduced in the wide howling
wilderness.Thereforewhenhumanaidwillnotavail,Jehovahwill,asofold,exerthismiraculous
powersinsupportingthem.So,wheninthedesert,whicheversincethefloodhasbeenbarren,and
parched,anddesolate,thereshallspringupevergreensandtreesofloftystature,allmenmustseeand
beobligedtoconfess(thoughthentheywilldoitwillingly)thatnotsomeabstractthing,distinctfrom
Godandbindinghim,asomethingcalledTheLawsofNature,butsolelythegoodpleasureof
theMostHigh,haseffectedallthings.

TheremainderofthechaptercontainsanargumentforthedivineoriginofScriptureprophecydrawn
fromtheinabilityofanysupernaturalbeingstopredictthethings [Page281]mentionedthere.Andinthe
challenge of the Almighty it is implied that evil spirits are directing and deceiving the men of that
day as it is written, In the latter days men shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines (teachings) of devils speaking lies in hypocrisy, having
theirconsciencesearedwithahotiron.(1Tim.4:1,2.)

Inthecommandtodoevilorgood,theSupremetauntsthemwiththeirimpotence,howevermuch
their worshippers may admire their power and put their trust in them. For, as we see from the
Scripture,Jobcouldnotbetouched,northeveryswineinjured,withoutthespecialpermissionofthe
MostHighontheotherhand,weobservetheapostlesfromtheveryfirstgiftedbytheSaviourwith
thepowerofcastingthemoutthroughhisname.Butthough they areunabletopredict,Jehovahhas
foretoldallthatshallbe.Heitisthatshallraiseup onefromthenorth,eventheWilfulKing
andonefromtheeastthatis,Christ.ForthatbyOnefromtheNorthismeanttheWilfulKing,
isclear,fromtheeleventhchapterofDaniel,whereheisentitledthe KingoftheNorth.Soalso
from Jeremiah 1: 1315, where the prophet, looking forth by the command of God, sees a
seethingpotandthefacethereofistowardthenorth.ThenJehovahsaiduntome,From
thenorthanevilshallbreakforthuponalltheinhabitantsoftheland(earth).For,lo,Iwill
callallthefamiliesofthekingdomsofthenorth,saithJehovahandtheyshallcome,andset
every one his throne at the entering in of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls
thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judaea. It will be seen at once that this
answerstothedescriptionofAntichristsGreatConfederacyofKingsagainstJerusalemandJudah.

But one more proof shall be given from the same prophet, chap. 4. verses 6, 7, Set up the
standardtowardsZion:retire(hasten,LXX.),staynot:forIwillbringevilfromthenorth,
andagreatdestruction.Thelioniscomeupfromhisthicket,andtheDESTROYEROF
THEGENTILESisonhiswayheisgoneforthfromhisplacetomakethyland(theearth,
LXX.)desolateandthycitiesshallbelaidwaste,withoutaninhabitant.Howexactlythis
agrees with the foregoing expositions of the Wilful Kings terrible expedition against Palestine and
Jerusalem,andtheSaviourscommandto fleeatonce,becausethatshallbethe [Page 282] time of the
desolationofJerusalem,neednotbefurtherexplained.Thatbyonefromtherisingofthesunis
meantChrist,willappearfromIsaiah46:11:

Callinganeaglefromtheeast,
Fromadistantlandthemanofmycounsel:

andinthesucceedingclausesofverse13,

Andmysalvationshallnottarry
ButIwillsetsalvationinZion
ForIsraelmyglory.

That Christ is the man of Jehovahs counsel needs no proof that he is called an eagle would
seem to be because of the speed with which he shall come, and his end in coming judgement.
PerhapstothispassagetheSaviouralluded,when,uponhisdisciplesaskingwhereallthesignshe
mentionedshouldtakeplace,hereplied, Wheresoeverthecarcaseis,therewilltheeagles be
gatheredtogether.ButanotherproofisapparentfromthefirstreadingofEzekiel43:2.4,And,
behold,thegloryoftheGodofIsraelcamefromthewayoftheEast:andhisvoicewaslike
thenoiseofmanywaters:andtheearthshinedwithhisglory. And the glory of the Lord
cameintothehouse (therebuilttemple)bythewayofthegatewhoseprospectistowardthe
East.ThisisidentifiedwiththecomingofChristbyacomparisonofitwith Zech.14:4,And
hisfeetshallstandinthatdayupontheMountofOlives,whichisbeforeJerusalemonthe
east. That Christ is there spoken of, is evident from the whole chapter (which the reader is
requestedtoperuseforhimself,asoneofthemostexplicitandgraphicstatementsofprophecy),and
especially from verse 5, And the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
(With him, LXX., as it evidently should be.) But perhaps this proof, that the one from the
EastsignifiesChrist,islessneedful,thantheproofoftheotherpointasthisversedeclaresthathe
shallbecalledbythenameofJehovah,whichcanbelongtononebuttheLordJesus. Finally, his
destruction of princes is that so often before insisted on and foretold (amongst many other places)
withgreatclearnessinthesecondPsalm.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER42

1BeholdmyservantwhomIhavechosen,
Mybeloved,inwhommysouliswellpleased
IwillputmySpirituponhim,
AndheshallshowjudgementtotheGentiles.
2Heshallnotstrivenorcry,
Neithershallanymanhearhisvoiceinthestreets.
3Abruisedreedshallhenotbreak,
Andsmokingflaxshallhenotquench
Tillhesendforthjudgementuntovictory.
4Heshallnotfail,notbediscouraged,
Tillhehathplantedjusticeintheearth,
AndinhisnameshalltheGentilestrust.

5ThussaithGod,evenJEHOVAH,
Thatcreatedtheheavens,andstretchedthemout,
Thatfixedtheworld,andthethingsthatareinit,
Thatgivethbreathtothepeopleuponit,
Andspirittothemthatwalktherein.
6I,JEHOVAH,havecalledtheeinrighteousness,
Andwillholdthinehand,andkeepthee,
Andgivetheeforacovenanttomypeople,
AndforalighttotheGentiles.
7Toopentheeyesoftheblind.
Tobringouttheprisonersfromtheprison,
Andfromthedungeon,thosethatsitindarkness.
8IamJEHOVAHthatismyname
AndmyglorywillInotgivetoanother,
Normypraisetogravenimages.
9Behold,thethingsfromthebeginningarecometopass,
AndnewthingsdoIdeclareuntoyou:
Beforetheyspringforth,Itellyouofthem.

10SinguntoJEHOVAHanewsong:
Hispraisefromtheendsoftheearth
Yethatgodowntothesea,andthefulnessthereof,
Theisles,andtheinhabitantsthereof!
11Rejoice,thoudesert,andthevillagesthereof!
YecottagesandinhabitantsofKedar!
Lettheinhabitantsoftherocksing,
Letthemshoutfromthetopsofthemountains!
12LetthemgiveglorytoGod,
Anddeclarehispraiseintheislands
13*JEHOVAHshallgoforthasamightyman,
Heshallstiruphiswrathlikeamanofwar
Heshallcry,yea,roarandprevailagainsthisenemies.
14LongtimehaveIheldmypeace:
ButshallIforeverbesilentandforbear?
Ihaveenduredlikeatravailingwoman
NowwillIdestroyanddevouratonce.
15Iwilllaywastemountainsandhills:
Anddryupalltheirherbs
Iwillmaketherivers,islands
Anddryupthepools.
16AndIwillbringtheblindbyawaythattheyknewnot
AndIwillleadtheminpathsthattheyhavenotknown:
Iwillmakedarkness,lightbeforethem:
Andcrookedthings,straight:
ThesethingswillIdountothem,andnotforsakethem.

17Theyshallbeturnedbackthattrustingravenimages
Theyshallbegreatlyconfoundedthatsaytothemoltenimages,
Yeareourgods.

18Yedeaf,hearyeblind,lookupandsee!
19Whoisblind,butthepeoplethataremyservants?
*Anddeaf,buttheytowhomIsentmymessengers?
Whoisblind,ashethatisperfect,
Anddeaf,astheservantofJEHOVAH?
20Yehaveseenoften,butyehavenotheeded:
Yourearsareopen,yetyehavenotheard.
21JEHOVAHhathdesiredthathemightbejustified,
Andmagnifyhimselfwithglory,andmakehimselfillustrious.
22ButIbeheld,andthepeoplewasspoiledandplundered,
Forthesnarewasintheirchamberseverywhere,
Andintheirbarricadedhouses
Wheretheyhidthemselves,theybecameaprey,
Andtherewasnonetorescuethespoil,
Andnonetosay,Restore.
23*Whoisthereamongyouthatwillgiveeartothis?
Willattendthereto,andlistentothethingsthatshallbe?
24WhogaveJacobtothespoil,
AndIsraeltotherobbers?
WasitnottheGodagainstwhomtheysinned?
FortheywouldnotwalkinHisways,
Neitherwereobedientuntohislaw.
25Thereforehepouredonthemthefuryofhisanger,
Andthefiercenessofwar
Hesetthemonfireroundabout,
Butnonenoticedit:
Heburnedthembuttheylaiditnottoheart.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER42
[Page282]
Thepresentchapterisconnectedwiththeformerinthe[Page283]followingmanner.AfterGodtheFather
hadintheprecedingversesrebukedthespiritsofevil,anddefiedtheirpowersofforesighttopredict,
and their powers of performance to do, aught beyond what his hand and counsel hath before
determinedtobedone,hepresentstotheirnoticetheMessiahofhisappointment.

The first verse of this chapter having been quoted by St. Matthew, presents us with an infallible
guide as to their subject. He assures us, that the commencing words were fulfilled by Jesus in an
especialmanner,when,afterthatthePhariseesweresoenragedagainsthimastotakecounseltoput
himtodeath,heretiredtotheseaofGennesaret,andhealedgreatmultitudesofthemwhocameto
him,butforbidthemtomakehimknown.ThewordsquotedwerethentrulyfulfilledbyJesus,asa
glanceattheprophecywillshow.ForitdeclaresthattheMessiahshouldbeoneonwhomtheLord
wouldputhisSpirit.ThiswasfulfilledopenlyattheSavioursbaptism.Also,thatheshould show
judgement to the Gentiles: which, whether it signify the teaching of Christs doctrine to the
Gentiles,orhisjudgingthematthelast,isequallycertainoffulfilment.

Butthe2ndversecontainsthepithoftheApostolicquotation.HereinheteachesusthattheSaviour
shouldnotcontendwiththosethatcontendedwithhim,norloudlyrevilethosethatreviledhim,but
meeklygiveway. Heshallnotstrivenorcry!Hence,whenthePhariseeswereenragedagainst
himandsoughthisdeath,hedidnotopposethemontheirowngroundanddisputetheirpower,but
meeklyretiredfromCapernaumtotheneighbourhoodofthesea.Again,unlikethePharisees,who
made their prayers audible in the street, and sounded a trumpet before them to give notice of their
almsgiving,theLordretiredmostfrequentlytodesertplaces,andtheretaughtthemultitudes.Nay,
sofarfromseekingtheadmirationofmen,byliftinguphisvoiceinthestreets,heevendefrauded
himself of honour justly his due, by forbidding those whom he healed to make him known.
Moreover, the assertion, that he should not lift up his voice in the streets, is literally true:
variousaretheplacesinwhichtheSaviourissaidtohavetaught:butneverinthestreet.Ifhetaught
inacity,itwaseitherinahouse,orthesynagogue,orthetemple.Thatheshould notbreakthe
bruised reed was [Page 284] evidently fulfilled from his gracious demeanour to Mary Magdalen and
others:butthispartofprophecyisfulfillingstill.Theconcludingwords,howeverareoftenforgotten.
The Saviours meekness and inoffensiveness are not for ever to last, but only till he send forth
justice unto victory. There is a time when his mercy shall cease, and his justice must take the
helm:atimewhenheshallputoffthemeeknessofhisfirstappearance,andshowthattheLordisa
manofwar.

In the 6th verse the Father again addresses his Son, and declares, that he had given him for a
covenant to the people (Israel) and for a light to the Gentiles. The latter has been already
partiallyfulfilled:theformeryetawaitsitsaccomplishment,atthattimewhenthereshallcomethe
DelivereroutofZion,whoshallturnawayungodlinessfromJacob.Howdoesthispassage
provethatthepropheciescamenotbythewillofman!ForheretheMessiahismadealighttothe
Gentiles, whereas the Jew, in his narrow mind, would have confined the prophecies to his own
nation,hadhisownwillorfancybeentheirorigin.Wecannotfailtoobserve,fromthenarrativeof
theActs,howharditwasevenforapostoliceyestodiscoverthat GodhadtotheGentilesalso
grantedrepentanceuntolife.

Theopeningoftheblindeyes,promisedaspartoftheMessiahsoffice,refersprobablytothetaking
awaytheveilofprejudiceandunbelieffromJewishminds.The bringingouttheprisoners,and
thosethatsitindarknessfromthedungeon,IbelievetobespokenofChristsraisingagainhis
dead saints to life, as Bishop Horsley also supposed. For in St. Peter we read of the spirits in
prison,*orsafecustody,asitmaybetranslatedwhencewelearnthatHadesis,inacertainsense,a
prison,though thesoulsoftherighteousinAbrahamsbosomareinjoyandfelicity.So
theapostleteachesusthatthoughthesoulberedeemedhere,yetthatouradoptionis
yettobewaitedfor,andwillcomeonlywiththearrivaloftheLordJesus,andthe
redemptionofthebody.

*Thatthisisspokenofthedead,andnotthelivingthatinshortitistobetakenliterallyasitstands,isevidentfrom
thesameEpistle,chap.4:6.BitseeDissertation.

The command to those that go down to the sea to declare the praises of the Lord, the fathers
understoodoftheapostles, [Page285]originallyfishermen,whosebusinesswasatsea,butwerecalledby
Christ to preach his Gospel. But it has a yet future and universal reference to the times of the
renovatedearth,whichiscalledoninthesucceedingversestorejoice.

The 13thversepresentsuswithanotherofthenoblepropheciesofthesecondadventofourblessed
Lordsothatinthischapter,asonformeroccasions,thefirstandsecondadventareblendedinone
prophecy.Hismeeknessandpatiencearenoted,

LongtimehaveIheldmypeace.

Andyetthathisforbearancemusthaveitslimit,

ButshallIforeverbesilentandforbear?

Thatsuchisthemeaningofthepassage,wasperceivedbyJerome,whoobserves, Theprophetic
worddescribesthegloriousadventoftheSaviour,andcompareshimtoamightyman,who
istofightwithhisadversaries,andstiruphiscourage. Inthe 16thverseisapromisethathe
willleadagaintheJewstotheirownland,removingallimpedimentswhilsttheadorersofidolsshall
be confounded. The Jews are then addressed as both blind and deaf: and well may they be so
characterised, being possessors of the prophecies that testify of Jesus of Nazareth and his twofold
coming,yetobstinatelyrejectinghim.Intheconclusion,theirstateinthetimesoftheirfoeArmillus
isdescribed,whentheyshallbesnaredandplundered,whilenonecandeliver.Yetinspiteofevery
warning,onlyaremnantwilldiscoverthatGodhadpredictedthis,andgiventhemupfortheirsins
themajoritymadlyperishingintheirrebellion,asintheRomansiegeofJerusalem.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER43

1Butnow,thussaithJEHOVAH,thatcreatedthee,0Jacob,
Andhethatformedthee,0Israel:
Fearnot,forIhaveredeemedthee,
Ihavecalledtheebythyname:thouartmine.
2Whenthoupassestthroughthewaters,Iamwiththee
Andtherivers,theyshallnotoverflowthee
Whenthoughwalkestthroughthefire,thoushaltnotbeburned,
Neithershalltheflamekindleuponthee.
3ForIamJEHOVAHthyGod,
TheHolyOneofIsrael,thySaviour
IgaveEgyptforthyransom,
EthiopiaandGebaforthee.
4Fromthetimethatthouwertpreciousinmysight,
Thouwertglorified,andIlovedthee
ThereforewillIgivemanymenforthee,
Andnationsforthylife.
5FearnotforIamwiththee
Iwillbringthyseedfromtheeast,
AndfromthewestwillIgatherthee.
6Iwillsaytothenorth,Giveup
Andtothesouth,keepnotback:
Bringmysonsfromfar,
Andmydaughtersfromtheendsoftheearth.
7Eveneveryonethatiscalledbymyname
ForIhavemadehimformyglory,
Yea,fashioned,yea,createdhim.
8Bringforththeblindpeoplethathaveeyes,
Andthedeaf,thathaveears!
9LetalltheGentilesbegatheredtogether,
Andletthenationsbeassembled
Whoamongthemcandeclarethis,
Orwhowilltellusformerthings?
Letthembringforththeirwitnesses,
Thattheymaybejustified
Orletthemhear,andsay,Itistruth.
10Yearemywitnesses,saithJEHOVAH,
Andmyservant,whomIhavechosen:
Thatyemayknowandbelieveme,
AndunderstandthatIamhe.
BeforemetherewasnoGod,
Neitheraftermeshalltherebe.
11I,evenI,amJEHOVAH,
AndbesidesmethereisnoSaviour.
12Ihavedeclared,andhavesaved:
Icausedyoutohear,andtherewasnostrange(god)amongyou:
Yeyourselvesaremywitnesses,
SaithJEHOVAHyourGod.
13Evenfromthebeginning,Iamhe
Andthereisnonethatcandeliveroutofmyhand
Iwillwork,andwhoshallletit?

14ThussaithJFHOVAH,theGod,yourRedeemer,
TheHolyOneofIsrael:
*ForyoursakesIhavesenttoBabylon,
AndIwillsubdueallthefugitives
AndtheChaldaeansshallbeboundintheirships.
15IamJEHOVAH,yourHolyOne,
*TheCreatorofIsrael,yourKing.
16ThussaithJEHOVAII,thatmakethawayinthesea,
Andapathinthemightywaters:
17Thatbringethforththechariot,
Andthehorse,andthemightyarmy
Togethertheyshallsleeptheyshallnotarise:
Theyarequenchedandextinguishedastow.
18Rememberyenottheformerthings,
Neitherconsiderthethingsofoldtime.
19Behold,Idothingsnew,whichshallnowspringforth,
Andshallyenotperceivethem?
Iwillevenmakeawayinthewilderness,
Andstreamsinthedesert.
20Thebeastsofthefieldshallblessme,
Thedragons,anddaughtersoftheostrich
BecauseIgivewatersinthewilderness,
Andriversinthedesert,
Togivedrinktomychosennation.
21ThispeopleIhaveformedformyself
Theyshallshowforthmypraise.
22Butthouhastnotcalledonme,0Jacob
Butthouhastbeenwearyofme,0Israel.
23Thouhastnotbroughtmethesmallcattleofthyburntofferings,
Neitherhastthouhonouredmewiththysacrifices.
*Ihavenotcausedtheetoservewithanoffering,
Norweariedtheewithincense.
24Thouhastboughtmenosweetcanewithmoney
Norcausedmetobefilledwiththefatofthysacrifices.
25I,evenI,amhethatblottethoutthytransgressionsformineownsake,
Andwillnotrememberthysins.
26Butdothouremember,andletuspleadtogether
Speakthoufirstofthysins,thatthoumayestbejustified!
27Thyfatherssinnedagainstme,
*Andthyteachershavetransgressedagainstme.
28Andthyprincesprofanedmysanctuary:
*ThereforeIgaveJacobtothecurse,
AndIsraeltoreproaches.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER43

[Page285]
ButaftertheoutpouringofthewrathofGodontherebelliousofhisnation,Jehovahshallbegracious
totheremnant.TheJews,asJeromeinformsus,understandthisofthesecondadventofthe
Saviour,whenafterthefulnessoftheGentiles,allIsraelshallbesaved.

Theirrestoration,afterbeingcarriedcaptiveintoallpartsoftheearth,ispredictedinthe5thand6th
verses, for they will be the elect of God among that rebellious people, even every one that is
createdforhisglory.

[Page286]
Again, the nations are challenged to find one that could reveal the future, and thence a triumphant
argumentisdrawn,thathewhoalonecouldforetellthesethingsmustbetheonlyGod,theMakerand
Disposerofalleventsandpersons.

The ransomed Jews, and the Lord Jesus, exalted above every name, are next appealed to as
evidentwitnessesthatsuchdeedsaretheworkofJehovahalone.

In the 14th verse our blessed Lord speaks as the Deliverer of Israel and their King, and thence
continueshisaddresstotheendofthechapter.Forhispeoplessakeshedeclaresthathesmotethe
mysticBabylonanditsinhabitantsandthatitwasbyhisprovidencethatthehorses,andchariots,and
armiesoftheDestroyercameagainstthem:buttheyarenowcutoffforever:warhathceasedoutof
the earth. A similar picture is presented in the fortysixth Psalm, The heathen raged, the
kingdomsweremoved:heutteredhisvoice,theearthmelted.Come,beholdtheworksof
theLord,whatdesolationshehathwroughtintheearth.Hemakethwarstoceaseuntothe
end of the earth he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder he burneth the
chariotinthefire.AndtheseventysixthPsalmspecifiesthelocalityofthisgreatachievement.
InSalemalsoishistabernacle,andhisdwellinginZion.Therebrakehethearrowsof
thebow,theshield,thesword,andthebattle.

ThenfollowsacommandtoIsraelnottoremembertheLordsformerdeedsinbringingthemupout
ofEgypt,incomparisonofwhathewouldeffectintheirlastjourneythroughthedeserttotheirown
land.Ofoldtimeheshadedthemwithacloud,butleftthedesertaftertheyhadpasseditasparched
andbarrenasbefore:butnowa newthingispromised,thatGodwouldmakeahighwaythrough
the wilderness, and bid perennial rivers flow through the desert to be a joy even to the animal
creation.

After these signal instances of his mercy, the Saviour beautifully contrasts with it their ingratitude
towardshim.Yetinspiteofall,he wouldblotouttheirtransgressionsforhisownsake,and
not remember their sins, especially their crowning sin in putting him to death with wicked
hands.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER44

1Yetnowhear,0Jacob,myservant,
AndIsrael,whomIhavechosen.
2ThussaithJEHOVAHthatmadethee,
Andformedtheefromthewombthyhelper:
Fearnot,0Jacob,myservant,
AndJeshurun,whomIhavechosen.
3ForIwillpourwateruponhimthatisthirsty,
Andfloodsuponthedryground
IwillpourmySpirituponthyseed,
Andmyblessinguponthineoffspring.
4Andtheyshallspringupasgrassinthemidstofthewaters,
Andaswillowsbesidetheflowingstreams.
5Oneshallsay,IamJEHOVAHS,
AndanothershallcallhimselfbythenameofJacob,
Andshallwriteonhishand,IbelongtoJEHOVAH,
AndshallsurnamehimselfbythenameofIsrael.

6ThussaithJEHOVAH,KingofIsrael,
AndthyRedeemer,JEHOVAHofhosts:
Iamthefirst,andIamthelast,
AndbesidemethereisnoGod.
7Whoislikeuntome?Lethimcall
Anddeclaretheorder(ofevents)sinceImademanuntothe(coming)age,
Andthefuturesigns,beforetheycome,lethimtellus.
8*Fearyenot,neitherbeafraid
HavenotItoldtheefromthebeginning?
Yeareevenmywitnesses.IsthereaGodbesideme?
*Yea,thereisnoGod:Iknownotany.
9Theythatmakeagravenimage,areallvanity:
Andtheirlustsshallnotprofitthem
Fortheyaretheirownwitnesses,
Thatthey(theidols)seenot,norunderstand
10Thateveryonemaybeashamedwhohathformedagod,
Andmoltenagravenimageprofitablefornought.
11Behold,allhisassociatesshallbeconfounded
Andtheworkmenshallbedumb:
Letthemallbegatheredtogether,andstand
Letthembeconfoundedandashamedtogether.
12*Thesmithwiththefilebothworkethitinthecoals,
Andfashionethitwithhammers,
Andworkethitwiththestrengthofhisarms:
Yea,heishungry,andhisstrengthfaileth
Hedrinkethnowater,andisfaint.
13*Thecarpenterstretchethouthisrule,
Hemarkethitwithapencil,heshapethitwithplanes:
Andhemarkethitoutwiththecompass
Andmakethitafterthefigureofaman,
Accordingtothebeautyofaman,
Thatitmayremaininthehouse.
14*Hehewethhimdowncedars:
Andtakeththecypressandoak,
Whichhestrengthenethforhimselfamongthetreesoftheforest:
Heplantethanash,andtheraindothnourishit.
15Thenshallitbeforamantoburn:
Forhewilltakethereof,andwarmhimself
Hewilllightafire,andbakebread,
Yea,hemakethagod,andworshippethit:
Hemakethitagravenimage,andfallethdownthereto.
16Heburnethpartthereofinthefire
Withpartthereofhecookethflesh,
Heroastethroast,andissatisfied
Andsaith,Well,Iamwarmed,Ihaveseenthefire.
17AndtheresiduethereofhemakethaGod,agravenimage:
Hefallethdowntoit,andworshippethit,andprayethtoit,
Andsaith,Deliverme,forthouartmygod!
18Theyhavenotknown,norbeenwise
Fortheireyesaresealed,thattheymaynotsee
Andtheirhearts,thattheymaynotunderstand.
19Andnoneconsiderethinhisheart,
Norregardethinhissoul,norsaith,
Ihaveburnedpartofitinthefire
Yea,Ihavealsobakedbreadinthecoalsthereof:
Ihaveroastedflesh,andeaten
AndshallImaketheresidueanabomination?
ShallIbowdowntothestockofatree?
20Knowthattheirdeceivedheartisashes
Theyerr,andnonecandeliverhissoul,
Norsay,Istherenotalieinmyrighthand?

21Rememberthesethings,0Jacob,
AndIsrael,forthouartmyservant.
Ihavemadethee:thouartmyservant:
0Israel,thouartnotforgottenofme.
22Forbehold,Ihaveblottedoutasathickcloudthytransgressions
Andasacloud,thysins:
Returnuntome:forIwillredeemthee.

23Beglad,yeheavens,forJEHOVAHhathshowedmercytoIsrael:
Shout,yelowerpartsoftheearth.
Yemountains,breakforthintosinging,
0forest,andeverytreetherein
ForGodhathredeemedJacob,
AndwillbeglorifiedinIsrael.

24ThussaithJEHOVAH,thyRedeemer,
Andhethatformedtheefromthewomb,
I,JEHOVAH,makeallthings
Ihavestretchedouttheheavens,alone:
Andfastenedtheearthbymyself:
25Thatfrustratethesignsofmagicians,
Andmakedivinersmad:
Thatturnwisemenbackward,
Andmaketheirwisdom,folly:
26Thatconfirmthewordofhisservant,
Andperformthecounselofhismessengers
ThatsaytoJerusalem,Thoushaltbeinhabited
AndtothecitiesofJudah,Yeshallbebuilt.
AndherwasteplacesIwillraiseup.
27Thatsaytotheabyss,Thoushaltbedry
AndthyriversIwilldryup.
28ThatsayethofCyrus,Thouartmyshepherd,
Andshaltperformallmypleasure
EvensayingtoJerusalem,Thoushaltbebuilt,
Andtothetemple,Thyfoundationshallbelaid.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER44
[Page287]
ThefirstversesofthischapterdescribetheblessednessoftheMillennialreign,whentheSpiritshall
bepouredoutuponallflesh,andallshallbeanxioustodedicatethemselvestoJehovah.

Butatthe 6thversethesubjectchanges,andtheRedeemerappropriatestohimselfthenameof the

FirstandtheLast,whichintheApocalypseherightfullyassumes. (Rev.1:11.)Athirdtimehe
challenges any to predict the future as he has done, and on the strength and clearness of the proof
arisingfromprophecy,hebidsthebelievertorest.Theassertion,severaltimesrepeated,thatthereis
none other God but he, refers doubtless to the blasphemous assumption of the Man of Sin,
commandingthatallworshiphimasGod.Sotheconsolation, Fearnot,hasrelationtotheterror
thathisprowessandmiracleswillenkindleeveninthesaints.Thesceneofidolatrywhichsucceeds,
isbeautifullyandwithintensepowerofargumentpaintedinitsmingledfollyandwickedness,and
hasreferencetotheimageoftheBeastandtheadorationofitbyallbuttheelectofJehovah.

Followingthereon,isthedeclarationoftheMostHightoIsrael,atwhichalltheearthshallrejoice.*
Inthatdayshallthesignsofmagiciansandthetokensofdivinersbeseentobefrustratedby
Jehovah,whilstthetruthoftheprophecies,declaredofoldbytheappointedministersofGod,shall
be confessed to have been evidently fulfilled: so that even Jerusalem, so long hopelessly desolate,
shallberestored,andwithherallthewasteplacesoftheland,ormoregenerally,oftheearth.

* Bythelowerpartsoftheearthissignifiedthesoulsoftherighteousdead.ThuswefindinRev.5:13,Andevery
creaturewhichisinheaven,andontheearth,andundertheearth...heardIsaying,Blessingandhonour...beuntohimthat
sittethuponthethrone,andtotheLambforever.SoPsalm72:20,andPsalm63:9.

InthelastverseisaprophecyofCyrusbyname:amostwonderfulinstanceoftheomniscienceof
God. The prophecy of his giving command to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple was literally
fulfilled.ButitisnotdifficulttoseethatagreateralsothanCyrusishere:thatGreatShepherdof
the sheep, by whom (as by Solomon his [Page 288] type) the temple shall be rebuilt after the fashion
predictedbyEzekiel.


***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER45

1ThussayI,JEHOVAH,tomyanointed,
ToCyrus,whoserighthandIhaveholden,
Iwillsubduenationsbeforehim,
*Andloosetheloinsofkings
Iwillopenbeforehimthetwoleaveddoors,
Andthegatesshallnotbeshut.
2*Iwillgobeforethee,andlevelthemountains:
Iwillbreakinpiecesthegatesofbrass
Andcutinsunderthebarsofiron:
3AndIwillgivethetreasuresofdarkness,
AndhiddenrichesofsecretplaceswillIopentothee
ThatthoumayestknowthatI,JEHOVAH,
Whocalltheebythyname,amtheGodofIsrael.
4ForJacobmyservantssake,
AndIsraels,mychosen,
Ihaveevencalledtheebythyname:
Ihavesurnamedthee,thoughthouhastnotknownme.
5ForIamJEHOVAH,theGod,
AndthereisnoGodbesideme:
Ihavegirdedthee,thoughthouhastnotknownme.
6Thatmenmayknow,fromthesunrising
Evenuntothewest,thatthereisnoGodbesideme.
IamJEHOVAH,andthereisnoneelse.
7Iformthelight,andcreatedarkness:
Imakepeace,andcreatetroubles:
IamJEHOVAHthatdoallthesethings.

8Dropdown,yeheavens,fromabove
AndletthecloudsraindowntheJustOne:
Lettheearthbud,andbringforththeSaviour,
Andletrighteousnessspringforthtogether.
IamJEHOVAH,thathavecreatedthesethings.

9WoetohimthatstrivethwithhisMaker!
Theearthenwarewiththemoulderoftheclay!
Shallthethingformedsaytohimthatformedit,
Whyhastthoumademethus?
Orhiswork,Hehathnohands?
10Woeuntohimthatsaithtohisfather,Whatbegettestthou?
Ortohismother,Whathastthoubroughtforth?
11SothussaithJEHOVAH,theHolyOneofIsrael,
Hethatcreateththethingsthatshallbe,
DoyeinquireofMeconcerningmysons,
AnddoyecommandMeconcerningtheworkofmyhands?
12Ihavemadetheearth,andcreatedmanuponit:
Ihavestretchedforththeheavenswithmyhands:
Ihavecommandedalltheirhosttoshine.
13Ihaveraiseduponeinrighteousness,
Aking,andallhiswaysIwillprosper:
Heshallbuildmycity,
Andturnagainthecaptivityofmypeople,
Notforransom,norforgifts,

14ForthussaithJEHOVAHofhosts,
ThelabourofEgypt,
AndthemerchandiseofEthiopia,
AndtheSabaeans,menofstature,
Shallcomeoveruntothee:
Andshallbethyservants,
Andshallfollowaftertheeboundinchains:
Theyshallcomeovertothee,
Andfalldownbeforethee,
Andmakesupplicationsuntothee
Andshallsay,OnlywiththeeisGod:
AndthereisnoGodbeside.
15ForthouartGod,andweknewitnot
0GodofIsrael,ourSaviour.
16Allthineadversariesshallbeashamedandconfounded,
Allshallstealawaytogetherashamed
Thatarethemakersofidols.
17(But)IsraelshallbesavedinJEHOVAHwitheverlastingsalvation
Yeshallnotbeashamednorconfoundedworldwithoutend.

18ForthussaithJEHOVAH,thatcreatedtheheavens,
TheGodthatmadetheearth,andfashionedit,andfixedit,
Hecreateditnotinvain
Butformedittobeinhabited.
IamJEHOVAH,andthereisnoneelse.
19Ihavenotspokeninsecret,inadarkplaceoftheearth:
IhavenotsaidtotheseedofJacob,Seekyemeinvain.
IamJEHOVAH,thatspeakrighteousness,thatdeclaretruth.
20Assembleyourselves,andcome
Drawnigh,yeescapedoftheGentiles
*Theyhavenoknowledgethatsetuptheirwoodengravenimages,
Andpraytoagodthatcannotsave.
21Publishye,letthemdrawnear
Yea,letthemtakecounseltogether:
Whomadethesethingsknownfromthebeginning?
Fromwhattimeweretheyforetold?
DidnotI,JEHOVAH(foretellthem)?
Andbesidemethereisnoother
AjustGodandaSaviourthereisnonebesideme.
22Turnyetome,andyeshallbesaved,
Yeoftheendsoftheearth
IamJEHOVAH,andthereisnonebeside.
23Ihaveswornbymyself
Thetruthhathgoneoutofmymouth
Theword,anditshallnotreturn.
AsIlive,saithJEHOVAH,
Everykneeshallbowtome,
AndeverytongueshallconfesstoGod.
24Saying,Letrighteousnessandglorycomeuntohim
AndletallthemthatseparatethemselvesfromJEHOVAHbeashamed!
25InJEHOVAHshallalltheseedofIsrael
Bejustified,andshallglory.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER45
[Page288]
The prophecy respecting Cyrus proceeds: predicts his taking of Babylon with its hundred brazen
gates, conquering the Syrians, Assyrians, Arabians, Cappadocians, both the Phrygias, Lydians,
Adrians, Phoenicians, and Babylonians and taking the treasures of Babylon and Sardis with the
wealthofCroesus.AllthiswasdoneforthesakeofGodspeopleIsrael,thattheymightbeliberated
fromtheircaptivityinBabylonwithoutfeeorreward.Jehovahcalledhimbyhisveryname,thatall
mightknowthathewastheOneTrueGodthathadpredictedallthis.

TheMagianreligion(thatofCyrus)whichadoredtwonearlyequalandantagonistbeings,onegood,
namedOrmuzdtheotherevil,namedAhriman,isherereproved,bythedeclarationthattheblessings
andtheevilsoftheworldbothspringfromthesameonesource.

At this point the prophecy drops the mention and notice of Cyrus, and passes on to him of whom
Cyrus was a type. The clouds are bidden to usher him, and he shall come with the clouds of
heaven and the earth to bring him forth, as it is written, The whole creation groaneth and
travailethinpaintogetheruntilnow.Fortheearnestexpectationofthecreaturewaitethfor
themanifestationofthesonsofGod.Becausethecreatureitselfalsoshallbedeliveredfrom
thebondageofcorruptionintothegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod.(Rom.8:19.21,
22.)

But this decree of God, to exalt Christ Jesus and his people Israel, the Gentiles endeavour to
rendernullandvoid.HenceawoeisdenouncedagainstthemthatstrivewiththeirMakerand
theirfollyisstrikinglycomparedtotheearthenwarestrivingagainstthepotter.Shallthething
formeddaretosaytotheMakerthereof,Whyhastthoumademethus?Ifanearthlyparentwill
notbecommandedrespectinghisfamily,whatexcessivefollyandpresumptiontodictatetotheMost
High who shall or shall not be his elect! And here the following remarks of Procopius are
commendedtothereader,asequallyappositeandjust:Seeyounotthepottersclay,howitis
formed [Page289] andreformedathiswill,andneveraccuseshisshapinghandofnotpossessing
theknowledgenecessaryformouldingit?Andneitherdoestheinfantinquireifitshallbe
bornwhy,then,willnotyeconcedetotheMakerofallthingstheknowledgenecessaryfor
that creation of which Nicodemus spake to the Saviour, Can a man that is old enter the
secondtimeintohismotherswomb,andbeborn?If,then,theclayrebukethepotter,or
theunborndemandwhyitshouldbeborn,doyedemandalsoofME,yewhointhefitting
seasonwillbemysonsanddaughters,inwhatwaythisshalltakeplace?Doyecommand
merespectingtheworksofmyhands?wordswhichsignify,Doyeordermewhattodo,as
ifIwereignorant?WhereforewemusttacitlyreplywithPaul,0thedepthoftherichesand
wisdom and knowledge of God! It should be observed here, that the doctrine of the
Millennium is closely connected with that of election: first because the elect risen saints are
chosentobepartakersofitandnext,becausetobebornuponearthduringthathappyperiod
whentheSpirit'sinfluencesarepouredonall,istobeoneoftheelect:naymore,itistoenjoy
allthegloriespromised,withoutbearingtheburdenorheatoftheday.ButthisGodclaims
as his prerogative, to determine respecting the numbers and destination of all men, and
especiallyofhissons.

AsCyrussetIsraelfreefromtheliteralBabylon,soshallChristsetthemfreefrommysticBabylon,
andinlikemanner,withoutfeeorreward.ThenshallallnationshonourtheJews,becauseJehovah
hath honoured them, and shall confess that the God of the Jews is the only true God.Inthatday
shalltheIsraelitealsoconfessofJesus,

ThouartGod,andweknewitnot
0GodofIsrael,ourSaviour!

forhecameuntohisown,andhisownreceivedhimnot.Butthenshalltheysay,Blessedis
hethatcomethinthenameoftheLord!

ThatthischapterisrightlyinterpretedofChristwehavethesanctionofinspiredauthority. Forwe
shall all stand, says St. Paul, before the judgementseat of Christ. For it is written, As I
live,saiththeLord,everykneeshallbowtome,andeverytongueshallconfesstoGod.So
then,everyoneofusshallgiveaccountofhimselftoGod.Fromwhichverseswelearnthat
thepresentisa[Page290]prophecyofChristsjudgment,andofthesubmissionofallauthorityandpower
tohim,eithervoluntarilyorbycompulsion.Andthenshallbebroughttopassthesayingthatis
written, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and hath given him a name that is
above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that
JesusChristisLord,tothegloryofGodtheFather.(Phil.2:911.)

ThenalsoshallalltheseedofIsraelrejoiceinJehovah,notthatonlywhichisofnaturaldescent,
butthatwhichisofthefaithofAbrahamfor thechildrenofthepromisearecountedforthe
seed.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER46

1Belhathfallen,Dagonisbroken:
Theiridolswereuponthebeastsandthecattle:
Bindthemtogether,andliftthemup,
Asaburdenfortheweary,weak,hungry,andjadedbeast.
2Theyshallnotbeabletosavehimthatcarrieththem
Butthemselvesshallgointocaptivity.

3Hearkenuntome,0houseofJacob
AndalltheremnantofthehouseofIsrael:
Whoarebornebymefromthebelly,
Andcarriedbymefromthewomb.
4Eventooldage,IamHe,
AndtohoaryhairwillIcarryyou:
Ihavemade,andIwillbearyou:
Iwillcarry,andwilldeliveryou.

5Towhomwillyelikenme?
*Andcompareme,thatwemaybelike?
6Theycontributegoldoutofthebag,
Andweighsilverinthebalance
Andhireagoldsmithtomakeagod,
Andtheyfalldown,andworshipit.
Theybearitupontheshoulder,theycarryit:
Theysethiminhisplace,andhestandeth
Andifonecryuntohim,heshallnotanswer,
Nordeliverhimoutofhistrouble.

8Rememberthesethings,andbeashamed
Repent,yetransgressors,returninyourhearts!
9Rememberyetheformerthingsofoldtime
ForIamGod,andthereisnoneelse:
10Declaringtheendfromthebeginning,
Andfromancienttimesthethingsnotyetaccomplished
Saying,Mycounselshallstand
AndIwilldoallmypleasure.
11Callinganeaglefromtheeast
Andfromadistantlandthemanofmycounsel:
Ihavespoken,andwillbringittopass
Ihavepurposed,Iwillalsodoit:
12Hearkenuntome,yehardofheart
Yethatarefarfromrighteousness.
13Ibringnearmyrighteousnessitshallnotbefaroff:
Andmysalvationshallnottarry
ButIwillsetsalvationinZion,
ForIsraelmyglory.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER46
[Page290]
Thissectionoftheprophetissimilarinitstenortosomebeforedelivered.Itdiscoversthefollyof
idolatryinanotherpointofview,showingthattheidolsmustneedsbebornebymenorcattle,ifthe
landbethreatenedbyinvadingarmies,sothatfarfromprotectingtheirworshippers,theirworshippers
mustprotectthem,lesttheyshouldfallintocaptivity.ContrastedwiththisisthepowerofJehovah,
whereby Israel is declared to have been borne and protected by the Almighty from their
commencementasapeopletillthecloseoftheirhistory.

The 11thversepredictstheadventofChristundertheemblemofaneagle,abirdswiftofwingto
comefromafar,andtopounceupontheprey.HeispromisedasthemanofJehovahscounsel,
assaidtheapostle,Hehathappointedadaywhereinhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousness
bythatmanwhomhehathordainedwhereofhehathgivenassuranceinthathehathraised
himfromthedead.(Acts17:3l.)AndheshallbetherighteousnessandsalvationofGod,asitis
written,IwillraiseuntoDavidarighteousBranch,andaKingshallreignandprosper,
andshallexecutejudgementandjusticeintheearth.InhisdaysJudahshallbesaved,
andIsraelshalldwellsafelyandthisisthenamewherebyheshallbecalled,TheLord
ourRighteousness.(Jer.23:5,6.)

***

TRNSLATION

CHAPTER47

1Comedown,andsitinthedust,
0virgindaughterofBabylon!
Sitonthegroundthereisnothrone
0daughteroftheChaldeans!
Forthoushaltnomorebecalledtenderanddelicate.
2Takethemillstone,andgrindcorn
Liftoffthyveil,discoverthyhoarylocks,
Makebarethyleg,crosstherivers.
3Thynakednessshallbediscovered,
Yea,thyshameshallappear:
Iwilltakevengeanceonthee,
Andnomanshallresistme,

4SaithJEHOVAHofhosts,thydeliverer,
TheHolyOneofIsraelishisname.

5Sitdowninsilence,andgettheeintodarkness,
0daughteroftheChaldeans!
Fornomoreshaltthoubecalled,
TheMistressofKingdoms.
6Iwaswrothwithmypeople,
Idefiledmyheritage,Igavethemintothyhands:
Butthoudidstshowthemnomercy
Upontheagedthoudidstgreatlyaggravatethyyoke.
7Andthousaidst,ForevershallIbeapotentate
Butthoudidstnotweighthesethingsinthineheart,
Thoudidstnotconsiderthylatterend.
8Thereforenowhearthis,thouluxurious,
Thatsittestinsecurity,thatsayestinthineheart,
Iam,andthereisnoneelse
Ishallnotsitawidow,norexperiencebereavement.
9Butnowthesetwothingsshallcomeupontheesudddenly
Inonedaybereavementandwidowhoodshallcomeuponthee.
Ataninstantshalltheycomeuponthee
Becauseofthemultitudeofthysorceries,
Andthegreatabundanceofthineenchantments.
10Forthouhasttrustedinthywickedness,
Thouhastsaid,Noneseethme.
Thywisdomandthyknowledge,ithathpervertedthee
Andthouhastsaidinthyheart,
Iam,andthereisnonebesideme.
11Thereforedestructionshallcomeuponthee,
Apit,andthoushaltfalltherein.
Andcalamitywhichthoushaltnotbeabletodeprecate
Andmiseryshallfalluponthee
Suddenly,thatthoumayestnotbeaware.
12Standnowinthineenchantments
Andinthymanysorceries
Whereinthouhastlabouredfromthyyouth:
Ifperchancethoumayestbeprofited,
Ifperchancethoumayestprevail.
13Thouartweariedinthemultitudeofthycounsels.
Letnowtheastrologersstandforthandsavethee,
Letthestargazerstelltheewhatshallcomeonthee.
14Behold,theyallshallbeasstubblethefireshalldevourthem.
Theyshallnotdelivertheirsoulfromthepoweroftheflame
Forthoushalthavecoalsoffiretositupon.
15Shallsuchasthesebethineaid?
Thouhastweariedthyselfinthymerchandisefromthyyouth:
(But)theyshalldeparteverymantohisownaffairs,
Andfortheeshalltherebenodeliverance.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER47

[Page291]
ThisisanotherofthesentencesagainstBabylon,boththeliteralandthemystic.Theonehasbeen
fulfilledtheothertarriestillitstimeshallbeaccomplished.

Babylonisherepersonifiedandcommandedtodescendfromherthroneandtakethelaboriouspartof
aninferiorslave.SogreatisGodswrathagainsther,thatnoneshallbepermittedtointercedeonher
behalf, because of her cruelty towards Israel. As regards Rome, she has always been a persecutor
bothofthenaturalandspiritualchildrenofAbraham,andyetgreaterpersecutionbyherisforetoldin
prophecy,togetherwithamightyincreaseofpowerandwealth.ForBabylon,asseenbySt.John,is
thegreatmartoftheworldatherfallwhenceitfollowsthatRomehasyettobecomegreatbytrade
andcommercebeforeherfinalfall.Herproudboast,

Forevershall1beapotentate,
Iamandthereisnoneelse,
Ishallnotsitasawidow,norexperiencebereavement,

is paralleled by St.John, She saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no
sorrow.(Rev.18:7.)AsIsaiahalsodeclaresthat thesetwothingsshallcomeuponherinone
day, bereavement and sorrow, and widowhood so St. John adds, Therefore her plagues
shallcomeinoneday,death(pestilence),mourning,andfamine. And as Isaiah reproaches
her with her sorceries and enchantments, so St. John declares that by her sorceries all nations
weredeceived,andthatinherhandwasa goldencupfullofabominationsandfilthinessof
herfornication!Yettheseshallnotprevailtodeliverher,whenheriniquityisfullandherhourof
judgement arrived. Her end is the same as that predicted by St. John. Isaiah foretells of her wise
men,thatthey allshallbeburntupasstubbleinthefire,andofBabylonthatshe shallhave
coals of fire to sit upon. St. John, she shall be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the
Lord God that judgeth her. And again, the ten horns (kings) shall burn her with fire.
(Rev.17:16.)FromwhichandsimilarpassagestheproofisconvincingthattheBabylonoftheOld
TestamentisidenticalwiththatoftheNew.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER48

1Hearyethis,0houseofJacob,
WhoarecalledbythenameofIsrael,
AndhavecomeforthfromJudah
WhoswearbythenameofJEHOVAH,
AndmakementionoftheGodofIsrael,
Butnotintruth,norinrighteousness.
2Yethatcallyourselvesoftheholycity,
AndstayontheGodofIsrael,
JEHOVAHofhostsishisname.
3TheformerthingsfromthebeginninghaveIdeclared
Andtheywentforthfrommymouth,andIshowedthem:
Ididthemsuddenly,andtheycametopass.
4BecauseIknewthatthouwertobstinate,
Andthyneckanironsinew,
Andthybrowbrass
5Ihaveevenfromthebeginningdeclaredittothee
BeforeitcametopassIshoweditthee,
Lestthoushouldstsay,Mineidoldidthem
Mygravenimageandmymoltenimagehathcommandedthem.
6Yehaveheardallthesethings,butyeknowthemnot
ButImaketheetohearofthingsnewfromthistime,
Evenhiddenthings,andthoudidstnotknowthem.
7Nowdotheytakeplace,andnotofold
Andthouhastnotheardtheminformerdays
Lestthoushouldstsay,Behold,Iknewthem.
8Thouknewestnotnordidstunderstandthem
NoratthefirstdidIopenthineears
ForIknewthatthouwouldstsurelybeascorner,
Andwertcalledatransgressorfromthewomb.
9FormynamessakewillIdefermineanger,
FormyglorywillIrefrainmyself
ThatIcuttheenotoff.
10Behold,Ihaverefinedthee,butnotassilver
Ihavechosentheeinthefurnaceofaffliction.
11Formineownsake,evenformineownsakewillIdoit
Thatmynamebenotblasphemed,
AndmyglorywillInotgivetoanother.

12Hearkenuntome,0Jacob,myservant!
AndIsrael,mychosenIamthefirstandthelast.
13Yea,myhandhathlaidthefoundationsoftheearth
Andmyrighthandhathsetfirmlytheheavens.
Icallthem,andtheystanduptogether.
14Assembleallofyou,andhear!
Whoamongyouhathdeclaredthesethings?
HewhomJEHOVAHlovethwillexecutehisdesireonBabylon,
TodestroytheseedoftheChaldeans.
15Ihavespoken,yea,called
Ihaveledhim,andwillmakehiswayprosperous.
16Comenearuntome,andhearthesethings
Ihavenotspokeninsecretofold
Whenittookplace,Ihaddecreedit
AndnowtheLordJEHOVAHhathsentme,andhisSpirit.

17ThussaithJEHOVAH,thyRedeemer,
TheHolyOneofIsrael,IamJEHOVAHthyGod:
Ihaveshewedtheethingsprofitable,
Imaketheetogointhewaywhereinthoushouldstwalk.
180thatthouhadsthearkenedtomycommandments!
Thenhadthypeacebeenasariver,
Andthyrighteousnessasthewavesofthesea.
19Thyseedalsohadbeenasthesand
Andtheoffspringofthybowelsasthedustoftheearth.
Norshouldstthounowbedestroyed,
Northynamecutofffrombeforeme.

20GoyeforthoutofBabylon
FleefromtheChaldeans:
Withavoiceofjoydeclareye,andletitbeheard
Tellthiseventotheendsoftheearth
Sayye,JEHOVAHhathredeemedhisservantJacob!
21Andtheythirstednotinthedesert,whenheledthem
Hemadewaterflowfromtherockforthem
Heclefttherock,andthewatersgushedforth.
22Thereisnopeace,saithJEHOVAH,totheungodly.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER48
[Page292]
This chapter is addressed to the Jews supposed to be quietly seated in their own land, yet still in
unbelief.Fortheyarecharacterizedasmakingmentionof theGodofIsrael,butnotintruthor
righteousness.Thesameconclusionfollowsfromthe 4thverse,wheretheyaredescribedasstill
obstinate,and,moreover,worshippersofidolspossessedoftheprophecies,butignorantoftheir
meaning.Areasonisnowgivenwhythepredictionsrespectingthelatterdayswereutteredsolong
ago,lestitshouldseemasiftheeventsastheyoccurredweretheproductofhumanordemoniacal
power.TheirtruemeaningwasalsokeptsecretfromIsraellesttheyshouldsay,Iknewthem.

VerymanyChristians,writesJerome,thinkthatthisprophecyisconcerningtheadventof
Christ,becauseheshallcomesuddenlywhennotlookedforagreeablywiththosewordsof
the3rdverse,Ididthemsuddenly,andtheycametopass.ThatChrististhespeakerisevident
fromtheexpressioninthe12thverse,Iamthefirstandthelast,andfromthedeclarationofhis
creative power in the succeeding, for all things were created by him and for him. The
announcementofthe 16thverseconfirmsthisconclusion,andshowsthatthischapterhadaprimary
fulfilment in the Redeemers first advent, for then Christ taught them profitable doctrine, and
besoughtthemtohearkenuntohim.Hadtheybelieved,theirpeacehadbeenasariver,andtheir
offspring multiplied nor should their city and country have been desolated by the Roman
invasion.Butithasalsoyetafutureplenaryaccomplishment.ForattheSavioursfirstpresenceon
earththeSpiritwasnotsenttogetherwithhimself.ButnowtheLordJehovahhathsentmeand
hisSpirit.BeforetheLordshowedthemthingsprofitable,butthenheshall makethemto
gointhewaywhereintheyshouldwalk, andtheblessingspromisedconditionallyshallthen
befulfilled,inthesecurityoftheirnation,andtheirincreaseasthestarsofheaven,accordingto
thepromisetoAbraham.

ThecommandalsotogoforthofBabylon,inconnexionwiththeformerverses,fixesthistothelatter
times, and is [Page 293] exactly paralleled by St. John: And I heard another voice from heaven,
saying,Comeoutofher,mypeople,thatyebenotpartakersofhersins,andthatyereceive
notofherplagues.Forhersinshavereacheduntoheaven,andGodhathrememberedher
iniquities.ThatthisdoesnotsignifythereturnfromBabyloninthetimeofCyrus,isprovednot
merelyfromthereiterationoftheprophecybySt.John(accordingtotheprinciple,ForifJesushad
giventhemrest,thenwouldhenotafterwardhavespohenofanotherday),butbecauseof
themiraclesthatshallaccompanytheirreturn,inJehovahsbiddingriverstogushforthemthrough
thedesert.Iamnotunaware,indeed,ofBishopLowthsrebukeofKimehionthisverypassage,for
takingthingsliterallywhichintrutharethemereflowersofpropheticstyleandmeannothingbut
withduedeferencetohisauthorityandthatofmostcommentators,Ipreferthepropheticprinciple
of interpretation laid down by the Saviour, that no jot or tittle shall pass away till all be
fulfilled. It has been thus of old. Did not the Lord open the rock for them in the
wildernessinthedaysofMoses?Isittoodifficultforhimnow?IstheLordshand
shortenedsincethatday?Didhedoitbeforehepromisedit,andshallhenotperformitnow
thathehas?Didhemakeit afact,whenhisworddidnot evenseemtodeclareit,andshallhe
treatitasafigureofspeech,nowthathehassoplainlyassertedit?

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER49

1Listenuntome,0isles!
Andgiveear,yeGentiles,fromafar!
JEHOVAIIhathcalledmefromthewomb,
Fromthebowelsofmymotherhathhemadementionofmyname.
2Andhehathmademymouthlikeasharpsword
Andintheshadowofhishandhathhehidme
Hehathmademeapolishedshaft
Inhisquiverhathhehidme:
3Andsaiduntome,Thouartmyservant
Andinthee,0Israel,willIbeglorified.
4ButIsaid,Ihavelabouredinvain,
AndfruitlesslyandvainlyhaveIspentmystrength
YetsurelymycauseiswithJEHOVAH,
AndmyworkwithmyGod.
5AndnowthussaithJEHOVAH,
Thatformedmefromthewombtobehisservant,
TobringagainJacobtohim,
AndtorestoreIsraeluntohim
IshallbegloriousintheeyesofJEROVAH,
AndmyGodshallbemystrength.
6Andhesaid,Itisalightthingthatthoushouldstbemyservant,
ToraiseupthetribesofJacob,
*AndtorestorethepreservedofIsrael.
Behold,IwillgivetheeforalighttotheGentiles,
Thatthoumayestbesalvationuntotheendsoftheearth.

7ThussaithJEHOVAH,thyRedeemer,theGodofIsrael
Callyehimholythatdisregardethhislife,
Himthatisabhorredofmynation,theservantofrulers.
Kingsshallseehimandarise,
Princes,andtheyshallworshiphim
ForJEHOVAHisfaithful,
AndtheHolyOneofIsraelhathchosenthee.
8ThussaithJEHOVAH,
InanacceptabletimehaveIheardthee,
AndinadayofsalvationhaveIsuccouredthee
IwillpreservetheeandgivetheeforacovenanttotheGentiles,
Thatthoumightestrestoretheearth,
Andpossessthedesolateheritages.
9Thatthoumayestsaytotheprisoners,Goforth
Andtothosethatareindarkness,Showyourselves.
Inallhighwaysshalltheyfeed,
Inallpathsshallbetheirpasture.
10Theyshallnothungernorthirst
Norshalltheheatsmitethem,northesun:
Forhethathathmercyonthemshallleadthem,
Evenbesidethespringsofwatersshallheguidethem.
11AndIwillmakeallmymountainsaway:
*Andallmyhighwaysshallbeexalted.
12Behold,thereshallcomefromafar
Andlo!thesefromthenorthandthewest
AndthesefromthelandoftheSinim.

13Sing,0heavens,andbejoyful,0earth
Breakforthintosinging0mountains!
ForGodhathcomfortedhispeople,
Andhathmercyonhisafflicted.

14ButZionsaid,JEHOVAHhathforsakenme,
AndtheLordbathforgottenme.
15Canawomanforgetherinfant,
Thatsheshouldnothavecompassiononthesonofherwomb?
Yea,thoughtheyshouldforget,
YetwillIrememberthee,saithJEHOVAH.
16BeholdIhavegraventheeuponmyhands,
Thywallsarecontinuallybeforeme.
17Soonshaltthoubebuiltbythosebywhomthouwertoverthrown
Andtheythatmadetheedesolateshallgoforthoutofthee.
18Liftupthineeyesroundabout,andbehold:
Lo,allthese(thysons)gatherthemselvestogether,
Andarecominguntothee.
AsIlive,saithJEHOVAH,
Thoushaltsurelyclothetheewiththemallaswithagarment
Andbindthemaboutthee,asabrideherjewels.
19Forthywasteanddesolateplaces,
Andthelandofthydestruction,
Shallnowbetoonarrowbyreasonofinhabitants
Andtheythatdevouredtheeshallbefaroffthee.
20Forthechildrenwhomthouhastlost,
Shallyetsayinthineears,Theplaceistoonarrowforme,
MakemeroomthatImaydwell.
21Thenshaltthousayinthineheart,
Whohathbegottenmethese?
SeeingIwasdesolateandawidow,
Acaptive,andjourneyingtoandfro?
Whohathbroughtupthese?
Iwasleftalonethese,wherehavetheybeen?
22ThussaiththeLordJEHOVAH:
Behold,IwillliftupmyhandtotheGentiles
Andsetupmystandardtotheislands,
Andtheyshallbringthysonsintheirbosom,
Andthydaughterstheyshallcarryontheirshoulders.
23Andkingsshallbethynursingfathers,
Andqueensthynursingmothers:
Andtheyshallreverencetheewiththeirfacestotheearth,
Andthedustofthyfeetshalltheylick
AndthoushaltknowthatIamJEHOVAH
Andtheyshallnotbeashamedthatwaitforme.

24(But)shallthepreybetakenfromthegiant?
OrshallthecaptivityoftheTerribleOnebedelivered?
25(Yea)forthussaithJEHOVAH:
Eventhecaptivesofthegiantshallbetakenaway,
AndthepreyoftheTerribleOneshallbedelivered
ForIwillcontendwithhimthatcontendethwiththee
AndthysonswillIrescue.
26AndIwillfeedthemthatoppresstheewiththeirownflesh
Andwiththeirownblood,aswithsweetwineshalltheybedrunken:
AndallfleshshallknowthatIamJEHOVAHthatdeliverestthee,
AndthatthyRedeemeristheHolyOneofJacob.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER49
[Page293]
Thesamespeakercontinueshisexhortationinthischapter,andisclearlyprovedtobetheChristby
thecharacterlaiddown.FromthewombJehovahcalledhisSon,sendinganangeltoannouncehis
birthandmakementionofhisname.ThoushaltbringforthaSon,andshaltcallhisname
Jesus. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his
namewascalledJesus,whichwassonamedoftheangel,beforehewasconceivedinthe
womb.(Luke2:21.)

ConcurrentistheapplicationofthepassagebyTheodoret,ThisissaidinthepersonofChrist,
who is the seed of Abraham according to the flesh, by whom the Gentiles received the
promiseandheinformsushow [Page294]beforehisbirthhereceivedthename,fortheholyGabriel
broughtthenamefromonhigh,andsaidtotheVirgin(Luke1:31),Behold,thoushaltbringfortha
son,andcallhisnameJesus.

ChristshidingintheshadowofGodshandlikeanarrowinaquiver,isunderstoodbyEusebiusof
the humiliation of the Saviour and the concealment of his dignity at his first advent but it appears
alsotohaveanintendedreferencetotheLordspresentconcealmentfromtheworld,inthepresence
oftheFather,likeanarrowhiddeninthequivertillthetimecomethatitbeplacedonthestring,and
emittedwithpowerandswiftnessfromthebow.

TheprophetthenpresentshimastheservantofJehovah,andgivinghimthenameofIsrael(Prince
ofGod),predictsthatinhimwillJehovahbeglorified.Howtrulythisisspokenofhim whotook
on him the form of a servant, and whom the Father is determined to exalt, needs not any
laboured discussion. The unbelief of the Israelites is strongly marked in the words that follow,
whereintheMessiah,lookingroundonthefruitsofhisthreeyearslaboursandmiracles,complains
that his strength had been spent in vain. Yet a hope is expressed of a more glorious sequel of his
work,intheconsciousnessthathisFatherwouldprovide.

SoTheodoret, ThisissaidinthepersonofChrist,grievedattheunbeliefoftheJewsfor
neithersaithhe,havetheyprofitedbymysogreathumiliation.Yet he adds, though they
havereceivednobenefit,yetIhavefulfilledmyproperwork,andthisismanifesttoGod.

TheintentionoftheraisingupofMessiahisstatedtobethatGodmight restoreIsraeluntohim,
and this is true whether it be regarded as spoken of the literal or the spiritual Israel whether we
consideritasequivalenttotheexpressionofSt.John, thathemightgathertogetherinonethe
childrenofGodthatwerescatteredabroad,orwhetherweunderstanditoftherestorationofthe
Jewstotheirland.FromwhatfollowsitwouldappearthatIsrael is taken in its literal acceptation,
sincetheSaviourisalsopromisedasalighttotheGentiles.Andthesucceedingversedeclaresthe
meaningwherebytherestorationofbothJewandGentilewastobeeffected,throughtheMessiahs
noble disregard of his life, as he said, No man taketh it [Page 295] from me, but I lay it down of
myself.ThereforetheFathercallsonallmento hallowor reverencehimasholywhothus
formanssalvationshouldyielduphislife.For thus said our blessed Lord, Thereforedoth the
Fatherloveme,becauseIlaydownmylife.

OnthispassagethewordsofJerome,aftergivingSymmachusstranslationofthispassage,arewell
deservingofnotice.

ThussaithJehovah...tohimthatdisregardethhislife,
Whoisanabominationtothenation,aservantofrulers.

ThisevidentlyaccordswiththepersonofChrist.HewastheGoodShepherd(John10.)who
gavehislifeforthesheepanddespisedit,whoisanabominationtothenationoftheJews,
whomthriceeverydayunderthenameoftheNazarenetheycurseintheirsynagogueswho
wastheservantofprinces,andsolowlyastostandbeforeAnnasandCaiaphas,andwhen
abouttobecrucifiedwassenttoPilateandHerod.Yetthoughthusdespisedatfirst,when
hecomethagainkingsshallworshiphim.Forthusitiswritten,ThekingsofTarshishand
oftheislesshallbringpresents:thekingsofShebaandSebashalloffergifts.Yea,allkings
shallfalldownbeforehim:allnationsshallservehim.(Psalm72:10,11.)

SimilaristheexplicationgivenbyProcopius,Hallowyehimthatdespisethhislife.Forby
howmuchhehumblethhimselftodeath,andthatthedeathofthecross,somuchthemore
glorify ye him, and hallow him and this word signifies, regard him as worthy of
veneration,andholy,forwhilewewereyetsinners,hesufferedfortheungodly,whosaid,
TheGoodShepherdlayethdownhislifeforthesheep.Confesshim,then,tobeholy,an
attribute belonging to God alone. For a resemblance of holiness accrues to others from
communion with him as he who is light says, Ye are the light of this world. But the
prophetadds,Himwhoisabhorredbythenations,theunbelievingnationsthatistosay,
for they abhor, and ridicule his death. And when he was delivered to Pilate, some of the
soldiersabhorredhim,spittingonhim,andsmitinghim,andcryinginscorn,Hail,kingof
theJews!Butevenallshallworshiphim,thenchieflywhenhecomethinthegloryofhis
Fatherwiththeangels,and [Page 296]thethroneofhisglorytojudgethelivinganddead.And
they shall worship him for his Fathers sake, for he shall be glorified as Son of God, for
FaithfulistheHolyOneofIsraelthathathchosenhim.

On this passage Theodoretobserves, ThenatureoftheLordaccordingtothefleshwasthat

whichiscommontoallmen,butpeculiarlyandinanespecialmannerhewasanIsraelite.
Hence,therefore,hecameinpersontoIsrael,butenlightenedtheGentilesbyhisapostles.

ThenextverseisquotedintheHebrewstoshowthatalltimesarenotalikeacceptablewithGod,that
hehassetforeverythingaseason:atimefortheSaviourshumiliation,atimeforhisexaltationand
also(whichwasthepointatissueintheapostlesargumentonthatplace),atimefortherepentance
of the sinner, which is the present moment. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of
salvation.

This acceptable time to the Messiah is that day in which he shall establish the earth
anditsdesolateheritagestheperiod,inshort,oftherestorationofallthings.Itisa
time,also,whenheshallbealighttotheGentiles,asitiswritteninthesecondPsalm,Askofme,
and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utmost parts of the
earth for thy possession. The command to the prisoners to go forth, and to those
thatareindarknesstoshowthemselves,referstotheresurrectionofthejustfromthe
custody or prison of Hades. (See Job 10: 21, 22.) The correctness of this interpretation is
evinced by the following context, where it is promised of those thus rescued that they shall not
hunger or thirst, neither shall the heat smite them, nor the sun, for he that hath mercy on
themshallleadthem.ThisisaffirmedintheApocalypseofthosesealedofGodthatcameoutof
the Great Tribulation in the times of Antichrist. (Rev. 7: 16, 17.) Therefore doth the
Saviourbestowonthemarewardproportionatetotheirsufferings,asitissaid,Ifwesuffer
weshallalsoreignwithhim.

Thepromisethatmanyshallcome fromthenorth,andfromthewest,atatimewhentheearth
shallbefullofjoybecausetheMostHighhathcomfortedhispeople,doubtlessreferstothatperiodof
whichtheLordJesusspokewhenheforetold,that manyshouldcomefromtheeast,andfrom
thewest,andsitdownwithAbrahamIsaac, [Page 297]andJacob,inthekingdomofGod.And
thiskingdomofjoywillarisewhenevenbelieverswillbereadytosay,TheLordhathforgottenme,
andthepromisestoJudahandJerusalemwillappearalmostimpossibletobeaccomplished.Butto
supportthehopeofGodsmercyitisaffirmedherethatitisstrongerandmoreunchangeablethanthe
mostpowerfulmaternallove,andgravenonthepalmsoftheLordJesus,bythemarksofthenailsat
hiscrucifixion.

Accordant with this are the words of Procopius, Some conceive that these words refer to the
piercingofChristshandsonthecross.Forhowshouldheforgetusforwhomhesuffered?
forhehintedpartlyatthewholeofhispassion.Butthesamemaybesaidalsoinanother
pointofview.Foritissaid,thatallbelieversareintheFathershands.ForChristsaidof
hisownsheep,NoneshallpluckthemoutofmyFather'shands,signifyingtheirprotection
therein.

When the set time to favour Zion shall have come, she shall be built by those who once
destroyed her. All her scattered sons shall return to their land: a promise which refers to the
restorationofthetentribes,asisevidentfromthesurpriseexpressedbyJerusalemattheirnumbers,
and from her ignorance of their locality. These, where have they been? For whither the ten
tribes have been removed, is a question which has baffled ancient tradition and modern research
though perhaps we may venture to affirm that some are in those countries to which they were led
captiveatthefirst,andMr.SimonshasrendereditprobablethattheAmericanIndiansconstitutethe
majorityofthelosttribesofIsrael.

In this place, also, is reiterated the prophecy that the Gentiles shall be the instruments of bringing
thembacktotheirland,andthatthekingsandqueensoftheGentilesshallhonourandcaressthem,
becauseofthegloryoftheLordJesus,astheexaltedheadoftheirnation.

Yettoallthesepromisestherewillinthatdayappearanalmostinsuperableobjection. Shallthe
preybetakenfromthegiant? ShallIsrael,carriedcaptivebythe DestroyeroftheGentiles,
swayingallpowerinearthandseeminglyinheavenalso,bedeliveredfromhispower?Yea,saith
Jehovah,thepoweroftheUsurperChristIwilloverthrowbymineownarm,andrescuemysonsby
myoutstretchedhand.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER50

1ThussaithJEHOVAH,Whereisthebillofyourmothersdivorce,
WherebyIputheramay?
OrtowhichofmycreditorshaveIsoldyou?
Behold,foryouriniquitieswereyesold
*Andforyourtransgressionsisyourmothersentaway.
2Why,whenIcame,wastherenoman?
WhenIcalled,wastherenonetoanswer?
Ismyhandshortenedatall,thatitcannotsave?
OrhaveInopowertodeliver?
Behold,atmyrebukeIwilldryupthesea,
Andmaketheriversdry,andtheirfishdriethup,
Becausethereisnowater,anddieforthirst.
3Iwillclothetheheavenswithblackness,
Andmakesackclothitscovering.
4TheLordJEHOVAHhathgivenmeawisetongue,
ThatImightknowhowtospeakawordinseasontotheweary.
Hebathmademetounderstandbyenquiry,
Hehathgivenmeaneartohearkentoinstruction.
5TheLordJEHOVAHhathopenedminecars:
AndIwasnotdisobedient,norgainsaying:
Igavemybacktothescourgers,
MyCheekstothemthatsmotemeontheface
*AndIhidnotmyfacefromtheshameofspittings,
6ButtheLordJEHOVAHismyhelper
ThereforeshallInotbeconfounded.
ThereforeIhavesetmyfaceasaflint
AndIknowthatIshallnotbeashamed.
8Heisnearthatjustifiethme:
Whowillcontendwithme?letusstandtogether
Whoismineadversary?lethimcomeneartome.
9Behold,theLordJEHOTAHwillhelpme.
Whowillcondemnme!
Lo!theyallshallwaxoldasagarment
Themothshalleatthemup.

10WhoamongyoufearethJEHOVAH?
Lethimlistentothevoiceofhisservant!
Hethatwalkethindarknessandhathnolight,
LethimtrustinthenameofJEHOTAH
AndstayuponhisGod.
11Behold,allyethatkindleafire
Andthatcompassyourselveswithflame:
Walkinthelightofyourfire,
Andintheflamethatyehavekindled.
Yeshallhavethisatminehand
Yeshallliedowninsorrow.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER50

[Page298]
ThesubjectofthisprophecyistherejectionoftheJewishnationfortheirsins,especiallytheirgreat
sin,therejectionofChristJesus.The 2ndverseseemstoshowthatitisspokenofthesametimeas
theprecedingchapter,thecaptivityoftheJewstotheirlastgreatfoe,fortheLordinquireswhythere
is none to rescue, and then reproves them for not trusting in him. Did they doubt whether he had
powertodeliverornot?Thenfollowsomeofthewonderstobeaccomplishedbythepowerofthe
Lord,asthedryingupofrivers,andthesmitingtheheavenlybodieswithdarkness.

The threat that the heavens shall be clothed with blackness, Theodoret understands of the three
hours darkness at the crucifixion, and this was probably its primary accomplishment its plenary
fulfilmentbeingpostponedtothetimeofthesmitingofthesunandmoon,aspredictedbytheLord.

TheSaviournextadvertstohisfirstcomingofhumiliation,whentheFathersenthimtodeclarehis
wordsofwisdomkeptsecretfromthefoundationoftheworld.Heremarkshismeeknessinsuffering
suchcontradictionofsinnersagainsthimself, hisenduranceofscourging,smitingontheface,
andspitting,allwhichwereliterallyfulfilled. AndwhenhehadscourgedJesus,hedelivered
himtobecrucified.Thendidtheyspitinhisface,andbuffettedhim,andotherssmote
himwiththepalmsoftheirhands.Andwhentheyhadblindfoldedhim,theystruckhim
ontheface.(Matthew27:27,26:67Luke22:64.)

The same view is presented by Procopius, But return we to Christ, who saith to the Jews,
Thoughyeindeedafterbeinginvitedrefuse,yetwillnotIdisobeymyFatherwhodesiresto
gather together all things in me. And humbling myself, I suffered the most shameful
possibletreatment,knowingthatIdonotsuffershamebyobediencetomyFather.Though,
therefore,Pilatescourgedme,andoneoftheservantssmoteme,andothersspitonme,Iset
myfaceasahardrock.ForitwasofDivinepowerthatIendured.ForIcamedownfrom
heavennottodomineownwill,butthewillofhimthatsentme.

[Page299]
But now the Saviour speaks in the majesty of his return, when the Father having justified him by
raising him from the dead, he and all his members may well defy all their accusers and enemies.
WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGodselect?itisGodthatjustifieth.Hencethey
shallallpassaway,despitetheirpower,andboasting,andpersecutionandtheRedeemerencourages
thepersecutedstilltowaitforhimandexpecthisreturn.Forasforallthevariousdevicesofthose
whoseektofulfiltheirowncounsels,andareopposedtotheplansoftheAlmighty,theirfireshallnot
be a light to them, but they shall receive the wrath of God and lie down in sorrow. The figure
employedappearstobetakenfromthetravellersthroughthedesert,whoareobligedinconsequence
ofthecoldnessofthenight,eveninthosetropicalregions,tolightafireforthepurposeofwarmth
and light and to keep off wild beasts. Yet these their devices should not prevail to ward off the
judgementsofanangryGod.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER51

1Hearkenuntome,yethatfollowafterrighteousness:
YethatseekJEROVAH,looktotherockwhenceyewerehewn,
Andtotheholeofthepitwhenceyeweredigged.
2LooktoAbrahamyourfather,
AndtoSarahthatbareyou
Forwhenhewasbutanindividual
Icalledhim,andblessedhim,andincreasedhim.
3AndthuswillI,JEHOVAH,nowcomfortZion
Iwillcomfortallherwasteplaces,
AndIwillmakeherwildernesslikeEden,
AndherdesertasthegardenofJEHOVAH.
Joyandgladnessshallbefoundtherein,
Thanksgivingandthevoiceofmelody.

4Hearkenuntome,0yeGentiles!
Andgiveearuntome,0nations:
Foralawshallgoforthfromme,
AndmyjudgementwillIfixasalighttotheGentiles.
5Myrighteousnessisnear
Mysalvationshallgoforthaslight
*Andmyarmshalljudgethenations
Theislesshallwaitforme,
Andonminearmshalltheytrust.
6Liftupyoureyestotheheavens
Andlookupontheearthbeneath:
Fortheheavenshallvanishawaylikesmoke,
Andtheearthshallwaxoldlikeagarment
Andtheythatdwellthereinshalldieinlikemanner:
Butmysalvationshallbeforever,
Andmyrighteousnessshallnotbeabolished.

7Hearkenuntome,yethatknowtheJustOne,
Thepeopleinwhoseheartismylaw:
Fearyenotthereproachofmen
Norbeovercomebytheirrevilings.
8*Forthemothshalleatthemupasagarment,
Andthewormshalleatthemlikewool
Butmyrighteousnessshallbeforever,
Andmysalvationfromgenerationtogeneration.

9Awake,awake,
Putonstrength,0armofJEHOVAH:
Awake,asinancienttimes
Asinthegenerationsofold.
*ArtnotthouitthathathcutRahab,
Andwoundedthedragon?
10Artnotthouitthatdiddryupthesea,
Thewatersofthegreatdeep?
Thatmadestthedepthsoftheocean
Awayfortheransomedtopassover?
11ThereforetheredeemedofJEHOVAHshallreturn,
AndcometoZionwithsinging
Andeverlastingjoyshallbeontheirheads.
Theyshallobtaingladnessanddelight:
Andsorrowandsighingshallfleeaway.
12I,evenI,amhethatcomfortethyou:
Whoartthou,afraidofamanthatshalldie,
Andofthesonofman,thatshalldryupasgrass?
13AnddidstforgetGodthymaker,
Thathathstretchedforththeheavens,
Andlaidthefoundationsoftheearth
Andfearedstcontinuallyeveryday
Thewrathfulfaceofthineoppressor,
Whodevisedtodestroythee
Andwherenowisthewrathofthineoppressor?
14*Hemarchethwithspeedthatcomethtosetfreethecaptive,
Heshallnotdieuntocorruption:
Norshallhisvigourfail.
15ForIamJEHOVAHthyGod,
Thatstillthesea,whosewavesroared,
JEHOVAHofhostsismyname.
16Iwillputmywordsinthymouth,
Andcovertheeintheshadowofmyhand,
WherewithIplantedtheheavens,
Andlaidthefoundationsoftheearth
AndIwillsayuntoZion,Thouartmypeople.
17Awake,awake,standup,0Jerusalem,
WhichhastdrunkatJEHOVAHShandhiscupoffury
Thouhastdrunkupanddrainedthedregsofhiscupofterror.
18Andthereisnonetoguidethee
Amongallthesonswhomthouhastbroughtforth
Andnonetotaketheebythehand
Ofallthesonswhomthouhastbroughtup.
19Thesetwothingshavebesetthee,
Whoshallbesorryforthee?
Desolationanddestruction,famineandthesword:
Whoshallgivetheeconsolation?
20Thysonsarestupefiedtheylieattheheadofeverypassage,
Likeanoryxinanet
TheyarefullofthefuryofJEHOVAH,
TherebukeofthyGod.
21Thereforehearnowthis,thouafflicted,
Anddrunken,notwithwine:
22ThussaithJEHOVAHthyGod,
Thatpleadeththecauseofhispeople,
Behold,Ihavetakenoutofthyhandthecupofterror,
Thedregsofthecupofmyfury
Thoushaltnomoredrinkitagain:
23ButIwillputitintothehandsofthemthatafflictthee
Thatsaidtothysoul,Bowdown,thatwemaygoover:
Andthoulaidestthybodyevenwiththeground,
Andlikethestreettothepassersby.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER51
[Page299]
An address is now made to believers both of the natural and spiritual Israel to consider the small
beginningswhencetheJewishnationarose. Thereforesprangthereevenofone, and him as
goodasdead,somanyasthestarsoftheskyinmultitude,andthesandwhichisbythesea
shoreinnumerable.(Heb. 11: 12.) From this retrospect an argument is drawn as to the future
mercifuldealingsofGodwithIsrael,whenfertilityandbeautywithout,shallanswertothanksgiving
and holiness within when a law shall go forth from Zion, and a light to the Gentiles, and the
Saviours arm shall judge (or rule) the nations, and on him shall all the Gentiles trust. Of the 6th
verseitisdifficulttosaywhetherthesignsattendantonChristsadventaretherespokenof,orthat
periodwhen,afterthedeliveringupthekingdomtotheFather,theearthalsoitselfshallpass
awaywithagreatnoise,andtheelementsmeltwithferventheat.Itisprobablethatbothare
combined: the signs before the millennium constituting the commencing fulfilment the signs
attendantonthegeneraljudgement,theplenary.Forthoughtheheavenlybodiesseemtousthetypes
of eternity, in their perpetual unchanging planetary or immoveable [Page 300] sidereal steadfastness, yet
aretheyasnothingcomparedwiththedurationofthesalvationofJehovah,andtherighteousnessof
Christwroughtoutforbelievers.Norshoulditeverbeforgotten,thatthemillenniumisnotthefinal
state of the blessed, but only preparatory to the new heaven and new earth, which shall be
createdofJehovahexpresslyfortheirhabitation.

Inhopeofthis kingdomnottobemoved,believersareexhortedtoholdfasttheirsteadfastness,
andnottoregardthelaughorreproachesofmen.Foryetalittlewhile,andthe armofJehovah
shallawake asinancienttimes,asinthegenerationsofold,whenIsrael passed through the
sea,beforethefaceoftheirenemies.SoagainshallthemiraculouspowerofGodbeexhibitedinthe
latterdaysafteralongtimeofapparentslumber,itshallawakeanddovaliantly.Andthenshallthe
risen saints come to Zion with singing, and the restored Jew return thither with gladness, and
sorrowandsighingshallfleeaway.

Again is added an exhortation against the fear of the Man of Sin, showing how terrific will be his
power,howgreatthedreadofallmen,thatthebelievershaveneedofperpetualwarningagainsthis
subtlety, and encouragement against his power. Yet, mighty as he maybe, he shall die his
breathisinhisnostrils. TheremedyforthefearofmanistofearJehovah, as said the
Redeemer, Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather
fearHim,whoisabletodestroybothbodyandsoulinhell.(Matt.10:28.)Soonshallhis
daypass,andhisfuryvanish,anditshallbesaid,Whereisthefuryofthineoppressor?

On the fourteenth verse, Jerome has these remarks: Symmachus thus interpreted it, Soon shall
Hades be opened, and he shall not die into corruption, where Christ is understood, who, in the
fifteenth Psalm says, Thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, neither wilt thou suffer thine
HolyOnetoseecorruption. Butdoesitnotalsorefertotheresurrectionofthesaints
from Hades? For thus spake the Lord, On this rock will I build my church, and the gates of
Hadesshallnotprevailagainstit:thatis,Mypeopleshallbedeliveredfromthecustodyin
whichtheyareatpresentheld,andshallattaintheadoption,towit,theredemptionof
thebody.

[Page301]
ThisshallbethetimewhenGodswrathagainstJerusalemshallbeaccomplishedinthepreceding
timeoftrouble,hersonsshallnotbeabletodeliverherbut,asintheRomansiege,desolationand
destruction,famineandthesword,shalloverwhelmthem.Theyarebeautifullycomparedtoan
oryx,ananimaloftheantelopekind,takeninanet,andfiercely,butvainly,strugglingtogetfree.
Yetisaddedthegraciouspromisethat,thisperiodofwrathfulfilled,theLordwillnotputthecupof
tremblingorterrorintoherhandagain.ButtheafflictersofIsraelshallfeelthevengeanceofGod,as
thosewho,outofmaliceagainstGodhimself,inflictedinjuryonhispeople.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER52

1Awake,awake!putonthystrength,0Zion
Putonthybeautifulgarments,0Jerusalem,theholycity!
Fornomoreshallcomeintotheetheuncircumcisedandunclean.
2Shakethyselffromthedust,
Arise,0captiveJerusalem!
Breakoffthebandsfromthyneck,
0captivedaughterofZion.
3ForthussaithJEHOVAH,
Yesoldyourselvesfornought,
Andyeshallberedeemedwithoutmoney.
4ThussaithJEHOVAH,
MypeoplewentdownintoEgypt
Ofoldtime,tosojournthere
AndtheywerecarriedbyforceintoAssyria.
5Andnow,whyareyehere,saithJEHOVAH
Whyismypeopleseizedfornought?
Howlye,andmourn,forthussaithJEHOVAH
Woeuntoyou!formynamethroughyou
IsblasphemedamongtheGentiles.
6Thereforemypeopleshallknowmynameinthatday
ForImyself,thatspeak,willbepresent.

7Howbeautifularethefeetofthemthatpreachthegoodnewsofpeace,
Andbringgladtidingsofgoodthings
Thatpublishsalvation
ThatsaytoZion,ThyGodreigneth!
8Forthevoiceofthywatchmenshallbeliftedup,
Andwiththeirvoiceshalltheysingtogether
Fortheyshallseeeyetoeye,
*WhenJEHOVHshallreturntoZion.
9Breakforthintojoy,[0Zion,]
Shouttogether,yewasteplacesofJerusalem!
ForJEHOVAHhathcomfortedhispeople
AndhehathredeemedJerusalem.
10AndJEHOVAHshallrevealhisholyarmbeforealltheGentiles
AndalltheendsoftheearthshallseethesalvationofourGod.

11*Depart,depart,gooutthence,
Touchnottheuncleanthing:
Goyeoutofthemidstofthem,
Andbeyeseparate,thatbearthevesselsofJEHOVAH.
12Foryeshallnotgooutwithhaste,
Nordepartbyflight:
ForJEHOVAHshallgobeforeyou,
AndtheGodofIsraelshallbeyourrearward.

13Behold,servantshallbewiseandgreat:
Shallbeexalted,andliftedveryhigh.
14Asmanywereastonishedathim,
Soingloriouswashiscountenanceamongmen,
Andhisformamongstthesonsofmen:
15Soshallmanynationsadmirehim,
Andkingsshallshuttheirmouthsathim:
Fortheytowhomhewasnotspokenof,shallsee
Andtheythathavenotheardshallunderstand.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER52
[Page301]
The command given at the commencement of this chapter shows, that Gods time of favour to
Jerusalemiscome.

That it is not the restoration from the literal Babylon which is spoken of in this and the preceding
chapters, is clear from the declaration there that Jerusalemshould nomore drink the cup of the
Lords wrath and in this place, that from the time of the promise, no more should the
uncircumcisedoruncleanenterintoher.

Butafterthepromise,hersinsagainstGodareenumerated,andthecaptivitiestowhichshewasand
willbesubjected.ThenextscenepresentsthemasinsubjectiontotheirlastoppressorandtheLord
assures them, that to him they have been delivered up, because through them his name was
blasphemedamongsttheGentiles.ThispassageisquotedbySt.Paul,inRom.2:24,wherehe
provesthattheJews,whereintheyjudgedanother,condemnedthemselves,andbothfoolishly
andimpiouslysupposed,thattheirprivilegeswouldredeemthemfromthewrathofJehovah,when
their deeds were such, that occasion was given even to the unbelieving heathen to slander through
them the God whom they pretended to worship. This passage in the Hebrew has been wilfully
corruptedbytheJews,becauseoftheirhatredtotheprophetstestimonyagainstthem,andstillmore
to St. Pauls pointed quotation of it, condemning thereby their nation, from the very books they
professedtobelieve.But,thoughcorruptedintheHebrew,itisvery [Page302]nearlycorrectinthe
Septuagint,beinglessliabletoalterationinabookopentotheancientChristianChurchanditis
restoredbySt.Paulsquotation,withwhichthoseofthefathersverynearlyaccord.St.Paulswords,
as it is written, show that he quoted exactly hence the reference is not to the passage of
Ezekiel,whichsomehavesupposedtobereferredto,buttothepresentchapterofIsaiah.(See
note.)

InthatdayIsraelshallknowthenameoftheLordJesus,bothindeliveringthemintotrouble,
and rescuing them from it, and then will he in person be present. How joyful shall then the
announcement of Christs [millennial] reign be! How glorious, even now, is the preparatory
preaching of the Gospel of the kinqdom, and its tidings of peace! When the Lord
bringethagainthecaptivityofhispeople,Jacobshallrejoice,andIsraelbeglad.

Theeleventhverseis,perhaps,citedbySt.Paul,in2Cor.6:17.Ifso,thisisgreatlyaltered,bothin
theHebrewandGreek.Certainitis,thatSt.Paulswords,insertedhere,wouldcorrespondfarbetter
withthecontextthanthosenowfoundasthetext.Afterhavingforbiddenthemarriageofbelievers
with unbelievers, because they are the temple of God, he adds, As God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Whereforecomeoutfromamongthem,andbeyeseparate,saiththeLord,andtouchnotthe
uncleanthing,andIwillreceiveyou,Andwillbeafatheruntoyou,andyeshallbemysons
anddaughters,saiththeLordGodAlmighty.

Then follows a prediction of Jesus, and a comparison is instituted between his first and second
coming.Asmanywereastonishedathismarredcountenancewhenhecameinhumility,so when
heshallbeexalted,andliftedveryhigh,manynationsshalladmirehim,asdidSt.John,whenhe
beheldhiminhisglory,andasSolomoninhisSongpropheticallydescribeshim.Theancientfathers
testify,thatChristsfigureandcountenancehadnothinginitbeautifulorveryremarkableheemptied
himselfofallgloryatthefirstappearance,butheshallbesurroundedwithallhisrightfulhonoursat
thesecond.

ThelastverseisadoptedbySt.PaulashisreasonforpreachingtheGospel, notwhereChristwas
named, lest he should build upon another mans foundation but as it is written, [Page 303] To
whomhewasnotspokenoftheyshallsee,andtheythathavenotheardshallunderstand.
Hence we learn that the preaching of Christ Jesus to distant heathen nations was a commencing
fulfilment of this verse but it has yet a future plenary aspect when, as Job professed, He shall
standatthelatterdayupontheearth,andthoughaftermyskin,wormsdestroythisbody,yetinmy
fleshshallIseeGod.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER53

10JEHOVAH,whobathbelievedourreport?
AndtowhomisthearmofJEHOVAHrevealed?
2Forheshallgrowupbeforehimasatenderplant,
Andasarootoutofadryground:
Hehathnoformnorcomelinessinhim
Andwesawhim,buttherewasnobeautythatweshoulddesirehim.
3*Hewasdespisedandrejectedofmen,
Amanofsorrows,andacquaintedwithgrief.
Andwehidasitwereourfacesfromhim:
Hewasdespised,andweesteemedhimnot.
4Surelyhimselftookoursicknesses,
Andbareourinfirmities:
Yetwedidesteemhimstricken
SmittenofGod,andafflicted.
5Buthewaswoundedforourtransgressions,
Andhewasbruisedforouriniquities.
Thechastisement,ofourpeacewasuponhim:
Andbyhisstripeswearehealed.
6Allwelikesheephavegoneastray:
Wehaveturnedeveryonetohisownway
AndJEHOVAHhathmadetolightonhim
Theiniquitiesofusall.
7Hewasofferedup,becausehimselfwilledit,
Andheopenednothismouth:
Hewasledasasheeptotheslaughter
Andlikealambdumbbeforetheshearer,
Soheopenednothismouth:
8Inhishumiliationhisjudgementwastakenaway,
Andwhoshalldeclarehisgeneration?
Forhislifeistakenfromtheearth.
Forthetransgressionofmypeoplewasheledtodeath.
9Hewastakenupwithwickedmeninhisdeath,
Andwiththerichmanwashissepulchre:
Becausehehaddonenoiniquity,
Neitherwasguilefoundinhismouth.
10*YetitpleasedJEHOVAHtobruisehim:
Hehathputhimtogrief:
Whenthoushaltmakehissoulanofferingforsin,
Heshallbeholdhisseedthatshallprolongitsdays,
AndthepleasureofJEHOVAHshallprosperinhishand.
11Heshallseeofthetravailofhissoul,andbesatisfied
BytheknowledgeofhimshallmyservanttheJustOnejustifymany
Fortheirsinshehimselfshallbear.
12*Thereforeshallheinheritmany,
Andshalldividethespoilsofthestrong
Becausehissoulwasbetrayeduntodeath,
Andhewasnumberedamongstthetransgressors
Andhimselfbearthesinsofmany,
*Andmadeintercessionforthetransgressors.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER53

[Page303]
The fiftythird chapter, by the confession of all rightlyminded Christian authors, relates most
perspicuouslytoJesusofNazareth.Indeed,itishardtoconceivehowanycanadmittheinspiration
oftheScripture,andinterpretitofanyother,astheNewTestamentwriters,byvariousquotationsof
itstext,authoritativelyapplyittotheSaviour.

It commences abruptly by a strongly implied charge of disbelief of the Christ, brought against the
JewishnationbytheapostlesandmessengersoftheGospel.

Itisadduced,mostjustly,bySt.John,amongsthisclosingobservationsonthepublicministryofour
blessedLord,anditsresults,asregardedhisnation.Butthoughhehaddonesomanymiracles
beforethem,yettheybelievednotonhimthatthesayingofEsaias[Isaiah]mightbefulfilled,
whichhespake,Lord,whohathbelievedourreport?andtowhombaththearmoftheLord
beenrevealed?Thispropheey,therefore,wasfulfilledbythegeneralunbeliefoftheJews,andthe
fewnessofthosewhobelievedtheSavioursmiraclesanddoctrines.

It is foretold that the Messiah should grow up before the Father as a tender plant, or, as the
Septuaginttranslatesit,asaninfantandasarootoutofadryground,alluding,probably,to
theunbelievingstateoftheJewishpeople,andalsotothelowlyanddegradedstateofthefamilyof
David,whencetheLordwastospring.Hewastopossessnooutwardcomelinessandthiswastrue,
asfarastraditioncaninformus.Nordoesthereneedanyproofthathewasdespisedandrejectedof
men,orthathispeoplehidtheirfacesfromhim.TheEvangelistMatthewquotesthenextverseinthe
following connexion: When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were
possessed [Page304]withdevilsandhecastoutthespiritsbyhisword,andhealedallthatwere
sick:thatitmightbefulfilledwhichwasspokenbyEsaiastheprophet,saying,Himselftook
ourinfirmities,andbareoursicknesses.Fromwhichwelearn,thatourblessedLordscuringof
diseaseswasthefulfilmentofthisverse.

ThevicariousnatureoftheRedeemerssufferingisnextopenedtoourview.Theprophetteachesthe
atoning nature of Christs death. His afflictions were not for any sin of his own, but for our
transgressions, because he bare the penalty of them, that by his stripes we might be healed.
Becausewelikesheephavegoneastray,theLordbathmadetolightonhimtheiniquitiesof
usall:inwhichwordstheextentofhisatonementsismadeequaltotheextentofmanssinfulness:
or as the New Testament Scriptures phrase the same truth, He is the Lamb of God that taketh
awaythesinsoftheworld.

Thenextfeaturecommendedtoournoticeishissilenceunderjudicialaccusation,andinthepresence
of his enemies. This is discovered to be more worthy of regard, if we consider that he endured
such contradiction of sinners against himself, who hates all sin: that the accusations were
false,anaggravationfeltwithpeculiarforcebymeningeneral:stillfurther,thatitwasatanytimein
his power to have destroyed his false accusers Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to the
Father,andheshallpresentlygivememorethantwelvelegionsofangels?Andlastly,that
thesefalseaccusationswerethereturnforhismightybenevolenceandboundlessbeneficenceofword
and of miracle that they who thirsteth for his blood were those whom he came to redeem by the
sacrificeofhimself!Thispointwasliterallyfulfilled,astheEvangelistsdiscovertousintheirsacred
narrative of his trial. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false
witnessagainstJesus,toputhimtodeathButfoundnone:yea,thoughmanyfalsewitnesses
came,yetfoundtheynone.Atthelastcametwofalsewitnesses,Andsaid,Thisfellowsaid,
IamabletodestroythetempleofGod,andtobuilditinthreedays.AndtheHighPriest
arose,andsaid,Answerestthounothing?whatisitwhichthesewitnessagainstthee?But
Jesus held his peace. Again, when he stood before Pilate, we read, And when he was [Page 305]
accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him,
Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to
never a word: insomuch that the Governor marvelled greatly. (Matt. 26: 5963, 27: 12
14.)SonobleanexampleSt.Petercommendstoourimitation.(1Pet.2:21.)

The passage now before us is, in another place, by evident implication of the strongest kind,
interpretedbyinspirationoftheLordJesusChrist.ItiscitedintheActsasreadbytheEunuchof
Candace Queen of Ethiopia, and this quotation enables us to restore the true text, which has
undergone alterations in the Hebrew, but is exactly correct in the Septuagint, and its various
readings.AttheEunuchsquestiontoPhilip, Ipraythee,ofwhomspeakeththeprophetthis?
of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same
Scripture,andpreacheduntohimJesus.(Acts8:34,35.)Itisthereforeevidentlyimpliedin
thestrongestmannerthatJesusisthesubjectofthispassage.

Inhishumiliation,hisjudgementwasindeed takenaway, for all justice was abandoned at

his trial and even he who decreed that he should be crucified, and he that betrayed him to death,
confessedhisinnocence.OnwhichversethewordsofProcopiusmaynotbeunacceptable.

Theensuingdeclarationisthereforeperfectlytrue,thatIn his humiliation his judgement

wastakenaway.Fortheygavetheirvoteagainsthimcarelessly,asrespectingapersonof
noimportance:sothattheprophetintendstoremarktheirunlawfulandunjustjudgement
ofhim.Andthoughhewasjudgedinhishumility,yethewasbynature,God.Whence,he
adds,Whoshalldeclarehisgeneration?Andthedifficultyofdeclaringitliesalikeonboth
hisgenerations.InacertainsensehewasbornofGod,andinacertainsenseofavirgin.
Forthusmuchaloneweknow,ontheonehandthatheisGodofGod,Lightoflightandon
the other, that the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee. On each side, therefore, the question, What is his generation? is
ineffable.Forhislifeistakenawayfromtheearththatis,theeconomythereofandhis
life according to the flesh is higher than the earthly. And in another point of view, the
essence of the onlybegotten [Page 306] is above every created thing. But some say, that the
words, he is taken away from the earth declare his glory after his resurrection for
experience showed the Divine value of the economy instituted here below for though he
washimselfsubjectedtodeath,yetbyhisgracehemadeusaliveuntoincorruption,andby
faith in him are we redeemed. But wherefore was he who knew no sin subjected to the
penaltyofdeath?TheFathermakesreply,Forthetransgressionsofmypeoplehewasled
to death: either signifying, vicariously suffering for their sins, or because they in their
transgressionslewhim.

Thequestion, Whoshalldeclarehisgeneration?refersdoubtless,asProcopiusobserves,tohis
mysterious eternity as Son of the Father. Jerome hereupon refers to Prov. 8: 25, Before the
mountainsweresettled,beforethehillswasIsetforth.There is likewise a reference to the
SavioursbirthofavirginbythemysteriousoperationoftheHolySpirit.Thetranslationofthe 9th
verse is that of Dr.Kennicott, and by the transposition of two words, clearness is restored to that
which was before obscure. Such a transposition has before occurred in the words sheep and
lambinthe 7thverse:asisprovedbytheEvangelistsquotation.Moreover,itisbutthenatural
orderofeventstospeakoftheSaviours deathbeforehis burial.Thenaturalorderofhislifehas
beenfollowedhitherto,beginningwithhisinfancy:whyshoulditnotbefollowedhere?Buttoone
whobelievestheScripturesthereisastillstrongerproof,arisingfromitsthuscorrespondingexactly
withfact.Hewas liftedup,ashehimselfprophesied, signifyingwhatdeathheshoulddie
andwithwickedmenthetwothievescrucifiedoneachsideofhim.Withtherichmanmoreover
washissepulchreastheEvangelistnotices. Whentheevenwascome,therecamearich
man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus disciple. And when
Josephhadtakenhisbody,hewrappeditinacleanlinencloth,Andlaiditinhisownnew
tomb. (Matt. 27: 57. 59, 60.) His suffering accomplished, it is predicted that the Lord shall
beholdaseedthatshallprolongitsdays,tobeaccomplishedinthatdaywhenallshallknowthe
Lord, and when, as Isaiah subsequently prophesies, the days of the Lords people shall be as the
daysofatreeorastheSeptuagint has it, as thedays [Page 307]ofthetreeoflife. A passage
similar to this is found at the end of the twentysecond Psalm, in which the Saviour describes his
crucifixion and then adds, Myseedshallservehim,itshallbecounteduntotheLordfora
generation.*Theyshallcomeandshalldeclarehisrighteousnessuntoapeoplethatshallbe
born,whomtheLordhathmade.(Prayerbookversion.) Butitsfinalreferenceiscertainlyto
theeternallifeofhispeoplethelifeandimmortalitybroughttolightbytheGospel.

*BetterpunctuatedwiththeLXX.,ThecominggenerationshallbecountedasJehovahs.

ThepleasurealsoofJehovahshallprosperinhishand,forthenshallbeaccomplishedallthat
theMostHighdesigned,eventogiveintothehandsofChristJesusallpowerinheavenandearth,
andopenlytosubdueallthingstohiswill,therebycompletingthepropheciesutteredbyhisservants.

Because hehumbledhimself,eventothedeathofthecross,Godshallalsohighlyexalthim:
andgivehimthesoulsofhispeople,evenallthosethatarejustifiedthroughtheknowledgeofthe
JustOne.

He shall inherit the earth and all its inhabitants by the Fathers gift, both Jews and Gentiles as the
secondPsalm,withmanyotherpassages,declare.Suchshallbehisreward,forpatientlyenduring
the agony of the garden, the treachery of Judas, and the ignominy of his trial and of his
crucifixionincompanywithmalefactors.Forthroughthisbearingofthesinsofmany,andhis
presentintercessionatthethroneofGod,issatisfactionmadetothejusticeoftheMostHigh,anda
wayopenedtotheholiestthroughthebloodofJesus.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER54

1Rejoice,thoubarren,thatbearestnot:
Breakforthandcry,thouthattravailestnot!
Forthedesolatehathmanymorechildren
Thanshewhichhathanhusband.
2Enlargetheplaceofthytent:
Stretchforththecurtainsofthytabernacles:
Sparenot:lengthenthycords,
Andstrengthenthystakes.
3Forthoushaltbreakforthontherightandontheleft
AndthyseedshallinherittheGentiles,
Andmakethedesolatecitiestobeinhabited.
4Fearnot:forthoushaltnotbeashamed:
Neitherbeconfounded,norputtoshame:
Forthoushaltforgettheshameofoldtime,
Andthereproachofthywidowhoodremembernomore.
5ForthyMakershallbethyhusband:
JEHOVAHofhostsishisname
AndthyRedeemer,theHolyOneofIsrael,
Shallbecalled,TheGodofthewholeearth.
6*ForJEHOVAHhathcalledtheetohim,
Asawomanforsakenandgrievedinspirit,
Andawomanputawayfromheryouth,saiththyGod.
7ForalittlewhileIforsookthee,
ButwithgreatmercieswillIcompassionatethee.
8InalittlewrathIhidmyfacefromtheeforamoment
ButwitheverlastingkindnesswillIhavemercyonthee,
SaiththyRedeemer,JEHOVAH.
9ForthisisasthewatersofNoahuntome
ForasIhaveswornthatthewatersofNoah
Shallnomorefloodtheearth,
SohaveIswornthatIwillnotbewrothwiththee,
Norrebuketheeanymore.
10Forthemountainsshalldepart,
Andthehillsberemoved:
Butmykindnessshallnotdepartfromthee,
Neithershallmycovenantofpeaceberemoved,
SaithJEHOVAH,thathathcompassiononthee.
110thouafflictedandtempesttost,withoutconsolation!
Behold,IwillpreparecarbunclesasthyStones,
Andsapphiresasthyfoundations.
12AndIwillmakethybattlementsofjasper,
Andthygatesofcrystal,
Andthycircumferenceofpreciousstones.
13AndallthysonsshallbetaughtofGod:
Andgreatshallbethepeaceofthychildren.
14Thoushaltbebuiltinrighteousness,
Andfarfromoppression
Thoushaltnotbeaffrighted,
Norshallterrordrawnighthee.
15Behold,strangersshallcometothee,
Throughmeshalltheydwellinthee
Andtheythatwerealiens,
Shallbejoineduntothee.
16*Behold,Ihavecreatedthesmith,
Thatbloweththecoalsinthefire,
Andthatbringethforthaninstrumentforhiswork,
AndIhavecreatedthedesolatortodestroy.
17Noweaponformedagainsttheeshallprosper
Andeverytonguethatrisethagainsttheeinjudgementthoushaltcondemn.
ThisistheinheritanceoftheservantsofJEHOVAH,
*Andtheirrighteousnessisofme,saithJEHOVAH.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER54

[Page307]
Aninspiredcommentonthe 1stverseofthischapterenablesustodecideupontheintentionofthis
prophecy. Abraham,hadtwosons,theonebyabondmaid,theotherbyafreewoman.But
he who was of the bondmaid was born after the flesh but he of the freewoman was by
promise.Whichthingsareanallegory:forthesearethetwocovenantstheonefromMount
Sinai,whichgenderethtobondage,whichisAgar.ForthisAgarisMountSinaiinArabia,
and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But
Jerusalemwhichisaboveisfree,whichisthemotherofusall.Foritiswritten,Rejoice,
thou barren that bearest not break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate
hathmanymorechildrenthanshewhichhathanhusband.(Gal.4:2227.)

From this passage it appears that the present chapter is a description of Jerusalem which is
above,themotherofallthetruechildrenofGod.Fortheapostledeclares,thatAbrahamswives
and their sons were intended by God to furnish forth an allegory of the two covenants: Hagar
answering to Mount Sinai, and the earthly Jerusalem Sarah to Mount Zion, and the heavenly
Jerusalem.For,asLutherobserves, AsHagarthebondmaidbroughtforthtoAbrahamason,
andyetnotanheir,butaservantsoSinai,theallegoricalHagar,broughtforthtoGodason,
thatis,acarnalpeople.Notwithstandingthisonlyisthedifference,Ishmaelwasbornofa
bondmaidaftertheflesh,thatistosay,withoutthepromise,andsocouldnotbetheheir.

ThesonsofHagar(thatis,theLaw)answertoJerusalemtheearthly,whosesonsareeverinbondage
underthecurseofGod.

ButSarah,asthemotherofthechildofpromise,answerstotheGospel,andtheheavenlyJerusalem,
theabodeoftheChurchtriumphant,asdescribedinthelastchaptersoftheApocalypse.Foralong
while she was barren: the promise given, but no child of promise appearing. The Saviour was
announced,buthedidnotpresenthimself.Insteadofhimandhispromiseappearedthelawandher
children.ThisanswerstothefactinAbrahamshistory,thatSarah,despairingofissue,gaveHagarto
Abraham.To this transaction correspond the words of the apostle, Whereunto then serveth the
law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the
promisewasmade.UntilChristsappearancethereforeallwerechildrenofHagar,sonsaccording
totheflesh,thatis,seekingsalvationinthewayinwhichmanseeksitalwayswhenlefttohimself
byhisownmerits,andworthydeedsinkeepingthelaw.Butallsuchwereslaves:underthefearof
damnation,butnotheirsofGod,unabletomeritanythingbutacurse.Andthese,intheirfinalstate,
answertotheearthlyJerusalem, to which belong [Page 309]only temporal promises for the law could
offernoothertomansdeserts.ButatthetimeappointedofGod,Sarahobtainedthepromise,and
nowthepreachingoftheGospelisraisingupchildrentoGod,whoarebornnotafterthefleshnorof
thewillofman,butofGod,heirsofGodandjointheirswithChrist.Theirfinalestateoftriumph
andgloryisdepictedinthepresentprophecy,andinthetwoclosingchaptersoftheRevelation.As
St. Paul calls it Jerusalem which is above, so St. John describes it as the holy city new
Jerusalem, coining down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her
husband.Nowas,afterthedestructionofthepresentworlditcomesdownfromGod,thereforeat
presentitiswithhim,assaidtheRedeemer, InmyFathershousearemanymansionsIgoto
prepare a place for you. To a like purpose St. Paul to the Hebrews, But now they desire a
better(country),thatis,anheavenly:whereforeGodisnotashamedtobecalledtheirGod:
forhehathpreparedforthemacity.(Heb.11:16.)Andagain, Forhelookedforthecity
() that hath the foundations (those described in Revelation), whose builder and maker is
God.(Heb.11:10.)Butthiswillbeenteredintomorefullyinthesucceedingverses.Theprophet
nowcallsonthisNewJerusalemtorejoice,becauseofthemultitudeofhersons,andtheperpetuityof
herbliss.Thoughlongtimebarren,tillthepromisecame,nowherseediswithoutnumber.Though
longpossessingnohusband,yetherheirsaregreaterinnumberthanthoseoftheLaw.Forthesons
of the Law are but bondservants, and it is written, Cast out the bondwoman, and her son: a
sentencereaffirmedbytheLordhimself. Theservantabidethnotinthehouseforever:but
theSonabidethever.Herethedistinctionappearstorefertotheblessednessofthemillennium,
whichshall be the consummation of the promises of fertility, security, and rest, promised under
thelaw,andwhichtheSaviourhasmeritedforallhissaints,byhishavingkeptthelawforthembut
thisblessednessofthelawlastsbutathousandyearsitabidethnotforever:butthegloryof
the NewHeavensandNewEarth,withits NewJerusalem, asitisthelifeandimmortality
promised by the Gospel, and is thecity prepared by promise of God, endureth for ever. The
Sonabidethever.

Jerusalemtheearthlyisthemarriedwife,whosehusband [Page310]is thelaw,asSt.Pauldiscoversto

usintheseventhchapteroftheRomansahusbandtowhomallarenaturallysubject,andtowhom
itwasnecessarythatweshouldbedead,throughthedeathofChrist,thatwemaybenolongerunder
itscurse,beingloosedfromthelawofouroutragedhusband.ButthenewJerusalemistheLambs
destined bride, desolate indeed, and despised at present, but after the Lambs marriage
attainingeternal[agelasting]unchangeableglory.

Now, therefore, the prophet addresses her, and bids her to enlarge the place of her tent for the
Gentiles,aswellastheJews,shallbeherchildren,andperhapstheinhabitantsofotherworlds,even
alltheelectofGod,assaiththeScripture, YearecomeuntoMountZion,andthecityofthe
living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the
generalassemblyandChurchof the firstborn, which are written in heaven. These, the
sealed of God, are taken from every tribe of the literal Israel, and from the Gentiles also, as it is
written, Afterthis(numberingofIsrael),Ibeheld,andlo,agreatmultitude,whichnoman
could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the
throne,andbeforetheLamb,withwhiterobesandpalmsintheirhands.(Rev7:19.)

Yet,thoughthischapterstrictly,andinaplenarymanner,referstothenewJerusalem,ithasalsoa
commencingfulfilmentinthelastgloriousstateofJerusalem,asdweltinbyChrist,whichwillafford
anaptfigureofthebeauty,security,peace,andholinessofthefinalstateoftheredeemed.Thenshall
the shame of the Churchs youth pass away, as it is said in another place, The rebuke of his
people shall he take away from off all the earth! This rebuke shall cease, because the Most
Highshallbeherhusband.Accordingly,wefindSt.Johnwritingthus, Therecameuntomeone
ofthesevenangelsandtalkedwithme,saying,Comehither,Iwillshowtheethebride,
theLambswife.AndhecarriedmeawayintheSpirittoagreatandhighmountain,and
showedmethatgreatcity,theholyJerusalem,descendingoutofheavenfromGod.(Rev.
21:9,10.) IllustrativeofthesamepointisapassageoftheEphesians, Forthehusbandisthe
headofthewife,evenasChrististheheadoftheChurch,andhe(Christ)istheSaviourof
thebody.This [Page311]isagreatmysterybutIspeak(Imeanthat)concerningChristandthe
Church.(Eph.5:23,32.)

Though, then, the members of the invisible Church of God, the firstborn, whose names are
written in heaven, are now despised, though they have at various past times suffered,
and have yet at a future period to suffer, persecution, yet with everlasting mercies
shalltheybegatheredatlast.This promise rests, moreover, on the oathof God, that by
twoimmutablethings(thepromiseandoathofGod)wemighthavestrongconsolationwho
have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. (Heb. 6: 18.) This oath of
JehovahiscomparedtohiscovenantwithNoah,thatthewatersshouldnomoredestroytheearthand
itsinhabitants.As, then, the faithfulness of the Most High has been seen in thus remembering his
promise to Noah and every living thing, so shall his oath to the Church [of the firstborn] be also
faithfullyfulfillednor,whenoncehisredeemedaregatheredintotheirfinalabode,shallhebeangry
with them any more, but he will uphold them in holiness and love, as he has sustained the elect
angels.Fortheworldanditsmountainsshalldepart,butthewordofGodshallnotpassaway:
nay,then,therathershallitbeconspicuous,inhispreparingforhispeoplesreception,aworldinto
whichneithersorrow,norsin,nordeath,shalleverenter.

Following this gracious promise is the description of the new Jerusalem, agreeing beautifully with
thatintheRevelation. Iwillpreparesapphiresasthyfoundations,saithIsaiah.Thesecond
(foundation)saithSt.John, asapphire.Andthygatesofcrystal.Andthetwelvegates,
saiththebeloveddisciple, weretwelvepearls:everyseveralgatewasofonepearl.Itneed
scarcelybenoticedhowwellthe crystalofIsaiahagreeswith thepearlofSt.John, the pearl
being of a crystalline semitransparent texture. And the circumference of precious stones.
Even so St. John. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all
manner of precious stones. (Rev. 21: 19, 2l.) Why should not these things be understood
literally?Theabsurdityofaliteralinterpretationisnotveryapparent:forwemust(athingtoooften
forgotten)riseagain withourbodiesandifwithourbodies,thenwithanexternalworldandif
[Page312]anexternalworld,andmenshallstillbegatheredintosocieties,thenacityandifacity,what
noblercouldfancyconceive,thanthiswhichGodhasdescribed?

Butitschiefblissshallnotbethesplendourofitsdecorations,butthefact thattheyshallbeall,
as the Saviour remarked, taught of God. Every man, therefore, said he, that hath heard
andhathlearnedoftheFathercomethuntome.(John6:45.)AsthereisnowaytotheFather
butbyChrist,soallthathavepartinthefinalgloryofthesaintsmustbetaughtbyhiminthepresent
life,anddrawntohimbytheFathersgraciousinfluences. Nomancancometome,exceptthe
Fatherwhichhathsentmedrawhimandinconnexiontherewithispromisedhisparticipationin
Christsresurrectionthatis,theresurrectionofthejust,andIwillraisehimupatthe
lastday.

Participantsinthosesacredmansionsshallbethosewhowerestrangersandaliensonce,asitis
written, Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are
calledUncircumcisionbythatwhichiscalledtheCircumcisioninthefleshmadebyhands
ThatatthattimeyewerewithoutChrist,beingaliensfromthecommonwealthofIsrael,and
strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of
Christ.(Eph.2:1113.)

Againstsuch,thechosenofGod,alldevicesshallfail,assaithourblessedLord, Igiveuntothem
eternallifeandtheyshallneverperish,neithershallanymanpluckthemoutofmyhand.
MyFatherwhichgavethemmeisgreaterthanall,andnomanisabletopluckthemoutof
my Fathers hand! So, then, although the Man of Sin shall arise, and discover himself as the
Destroyer, persecuting, deceiving by his miracles, and putting to death, yet it is written of his
miracles, He shall show great signs and wonders insomuch that, if it were possible, they
shall deceive the very elect. Blessed words! how consoling to those called to abide that fiery
trial!LikethisisalsothedeclarationoftheApocalypse: Andallthatdwellupontheearthshall
worshiphim,whosenamesarenotwritteninthebookoflifeoftheLambslainfromthe
foundation of the world. (Rev. 13: 8.) Thus, therefore, rage and [Page 313] destroy as he may, the
electofGodshallstillattaintherewarddestinedforthemandwhen theindignationis
accomplished,heshallperishforever.

The next promise of Isaiah, that every tongue which riseth against them in judgement they
shallcondemn,receivesagloriousillustrationfromthewordsofPaul, Whoshalllayanything
tothechargeofGodselect?ItisGodthatjustifieth. Who is he that condemneth? Who
shallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?(Rom.8:3335.)

The concluding words substantiate the correctness of the foregoing interpretation: This is the
inheritance of the servants of Jehovah. And that their righteousness is of Jehovah is
witnessedagainandagainbySt.Paul,wherehetestifiesagainsttherighteousnessofman,whichisof
the law, and enforces and unfolds the righteousness which is of God through faith.
ConsentaneouswherewithisthebeautifulsimileofSt.John, Theyhavewashedtheirrobes,and
madethemwhiteinthebloodoftheLamb.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER55

1Ho!everyonethatthirsteth,comeyetothewaters!
Andhethathathnomoney,comeye,buyandeat
Yea,come,buywineandmilkwithoutmoneyandwithoutprice.
2Whereforedoyespendyourmoneyonthatwhichisnobread,
Andyourlabouronthatwhichsatisfiethnot?
Hearkendiligentlyuntome,andeatyethatwhichisgood,
Andletyoursouldelightitselfinfatness.
3Inclineyourear,andcomeuntome:
Hear,andyoursoulshalllive
AndIwillmakeaneverlastingcovenantwithyou,
EventhesuremerciesofDavid.
4Behold,IhavemadehimawitnesstotheGentiles
Arulerandgovernortothenations.
5Nationsthathavenotknownthee,shallcallonthee,
Andcountriesunacquaintedwiththee,
Shallbetakethemselvesuntothee,
BecauseofJEHOVAHthyGod,
AndtheHolyOneofIsrael,forhehathglorifiedthee.
6SeekyeJEHOVAH,whilehemaybefound
Calluponhim,whileheisnear.
7Letthewickedmanforsakehisway,
Andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts,
AndturnuntoJLHOVAH,
Andhewillhavemercyuponhim,
AndtoourGod,forhewillabundantlypardon.
8Formythoughtsarenotyourthoughts,
Neitherareyourwaysmyways,saithJEHOVAH
9Forhighastheheavensareabovetheearth,
Soaremywayshigherthanyourways,
Andmythoughtsthanyourthoughts.
10Forastheraincomethdown,
Andthesnowfromheaven,
Andreturnethnotthitheragain,
Tillithavenourishedit,andmadeitbudandbringforth,
Thatitmaygiveseedtothesower,
Andbreadtotheeater:
11Soshallmywordbethatgoethoutofmy,mouth
Itshallnotreturnuntomevoid:
ButshallaccomplishthatwhichIplease,
AndprosperinthatwheretoIsendit.
12Foryeshallgooutwithjoy,
Andbeledforthwithpeace:
Themountainsandhillsshallleapbeforeyouwithjoy,
Andallthetreesofthefieldshallapplaudyouwiththeirboughs.
13AndinsteadofthethornshallconicuptheCypress,
Insteadofthenettle,themyrtleshallgrowup
AnditshallbetoJEHOVAHforrenown,
Andaneverlastingsignthatshallnotbedestroyed.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER55

[Page313]
The first verses of the chapter before us are generally understood to promise Gospel blessings in
figurativelanguageaninterpretationwhichisconfirmedbythewordsoftheLordJesus. Labour
not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life,
whichtheSonofManshallgiveuntoyou(John6:27)apassageexactlycorrespondinginits
tenour with the words of Isaiah, Wherefore do ye spend your money on that which is not
bread?andyourlabouronthatwhichsatisfiethnot?All,then,arecalleduponthatareweary
andheavyladen,to inclinetheirearuntoJesustheLord,thattheirsoulmaylivefor hethat
believethontheSonhathlife,andhethatbelievethnotshallnotseelife,butthewrathof
God abideth on him. All that thus come shall be partakers in the covenants with David and
Abraham, the former of whom is especially signalized here. On which passage take the inspired
commentofSt.Paul:Andwedeclareuntoyougladtidings,howthatthepromisewhichwas
made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath
raisedupJesusagainasitisalsowritteninthesecondPsalm, [Page314]ThouartmySon,this
dayhaveIbegottenthee.Andasconcerningthatheraisedhimupfromthedead,nowno
more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of
David.(Acts13:3234.)NowthecovenantwithDavidwas,that thereshouldnotfailhima
mantoberulerinIsrael(2Chron.7:1813:5.)Thepromiseisexpandedintheeightyninth
Psalm: Ihavemadeacovenantwithmychosen,IhaveswornuntoDavidmyservant,Thy
seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Again, Thou
spakest in vision to thy Holy One, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty: I
haveexaltedonechosenoutofthepeople.IhavefoundDavidmyservant:withmyholyoil
haveIanointedhim.Iwillmakehimmyfirstborn,higherthanthekingsoftheearth.Once
haveIswornbymyholinessthatIwillnotlieuntoDavid.Hisseedshallendureforever,
and his throne as the sun before me. (Verses 3, 4. 19, 20. 27, 35, 36.) And again in the
hundredandthirtysecondPsalm: TheLordhathswornintruthuntoDavidhewillnotturn
from it: Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. From which passages arises the
followingargument.ThesonandseedofDavidwastositonhisthronebeforeGodforever.But
ifhewereamanhemustdie,asitiswritten,Itisappointeduntomenoncetodie.Davidalso
foretoldthathispromisedseedmustdiewhere,inthepersonofChrist,hewritesthus: Thouwilt
notleavemysoulinHadesneitherwiltthousufferthineHolyOnetoseecorruption.This
passage necessarily supposes, as well as the former one, that the seed of David, the Holy One on
whomhelpwaslaid,should dieif,therefore,heweretoreignforever,itcouldonlybebecausehe
shouldberaisedfromthedead.ThisisSt.Paulsargumentintheversebeforeadduced.Itproves
that Gods promise to Christ for ever, has now begun, and that he cannot return again to
corruption.Itprovesthat Christbeingraisedfromthedead,diethnomore: else were the
promise made void. The same promise to Davids seed was confirmed by the angel of the
annunciation,andfixedtothepersonofJesus: TheLordGodshaltgiveuntohimthethroneof
hisfatherDavid,andheshallreignoverthehouseofJacobforever,andofhiskingdom
there shall be no end. (Luke 1: 32, 33.) In accordance with this, [Page 315] Isaiah proceeds to
describe the true David, the beloved of the Father, as ruling and governing the nations, in
fulfilmentoftheoathtoDavidatwhichtimealsothepromisetoAbrahamthatinhisseed(which
isChrist)allnationsshallbeblessed,shallbeaccomplished.

A call to repentance rightly follows this, because the forbearance of the Redeemer will not always
last,butoneday hisenemiesmustbemadehisfootstool.Asimilarwarningsucceedsalike
promise in the second Psalm, where, after declaring the kingship of Christ on Zion, the Psalmist
proceedstowarntherulersoftheearth.Bewisenowtherefore,0yekings:beinstructed,ye
judgesoftheearth.ServetheLordwithfear,andrejoiceuntohimwithtrembling.Kissthe
Son,lesthebeangry,andyeperishfromtheway,whenhiswrathiskindled.For nowhe
willnotbreakthebruisedreed,then, justicemustgoforthtovictory.Afterthisfollows
thedeclarationoftheadaptationoftheWordofGodtothepurposeshedesires,andthepromisethat
itshallnotreturntohimvoid,ablessedandsustainingtruthtotheministersoftheGospel!

Concludingthechapterisasketchofthegloryofthelatterday,whenthecreationthatgroanethnow
shallthenrejoice,andthenoxiousweedandbriar,theeffectsofthecurseonAdaminEden,shallbe
removed,andreplacedbyeverytreeandshrubofbeautyandusefulness.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER56

1ThussaithJEHOVAH,
Keepyejudgement,anddojustice
Formysalvationisneartocome,
Andmyrighteousnesstoberevealed.
2Blessedisthemanthatdoeththis
Andthesonofmanthatlayethholdonit
ThatkeepeththeSabbathfrompollutingit
Andkeepethhishandfromdoinganyevil.
3Letnotthesonofthestranger,
ThathathjoinedhimselftoJEHOVAH,(speak,)saying,
JEHOVAHhathutterlyseparatedmefromhispeople,
Neitherlettheeunuchsay,Behold,Iamadrytree.
4ForthussaithJEH0VAH,
Untotheeunuchsthatkeepmysabbaths,
Andchoosethethingsthatpleaseme.
Andtakeholdofmycovenant
5EvenuntothemwillIgiveinminehouseaplace,
Andwithinmywallsanamebetterthanofsonsanddaughters
Iwillgivethemaneverlastingname,
Thatshallnotbecutoff.
6*Alsothesonsofthestranger,
ThatjointhemselvestoJEHOVAHtoservehim,
AndtolovetheDameofJEHOVAH,tobehisservants,
Everyonethatkeepeththesabbathfrompollutingit,
Andtakethholdofmycovenant:
7EventhemwillIbringtomyholymountain,
Andmakethemjoyfulinmyhouseofprayer
Theirburntofferingsandsacrificesshallbeacceptedonminealtar,
Forminehouseshallbecalled
Thehouseofprayerforillnations.

8TheLordJEHOVAHwhogathereththeoutcastsofIsraelsaith,
Iwillgatheragainsthimacongregation.
9Allyebeastsofthefield,comehither
Devourall,yebeastsoftheforest.
10Allhiswatchmenareblind,andignorant
Dumbdogsthatcannotbark:
Sleepinglyingdown,lovingtoslumber.
11Theyaregreedydogsthatcanneverhaveenough,
Andshepherdsthatcannotunderstand
Theyallturnasideeachtohisownway,
*Everyonetohiscovetousness,fromhisquarter.
12Comeye,[saythey,]letusfetchwine,
Andfillourselveswithstrongdrink:
Andtomorrowshallbeasthisday
Andyetmoreabundant.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER56

[Page313]
On the first verse of this prophecy Jerome remarks, Isaiah is speaking to the listeners of that
timethattheyshoulddoallthingswhichareright,andpreparethemselvesfortheadventof
theSaviour,forheisthejusticeandmercyofGod. Thecontextshowsthatthisadventofthe
LordishissecondadventandtheinterpretationisconfirmedbyasimilarwarningfromthepenofSt.
John,justbeforethetimeofChristssecondappearing.Behold,Icomeasathief.Blessedishe
thatwatchethandkeepethhisgarments,lesthewalknaked,andtheyseehisshame.(Rev.
16:15.) TheconsolationofferedtotheeunuchwasmostprobablythatwhichtheLordhadinview
when he said, For there are some eunuchs [Page 316] which were so born from their mothers
wombandtherearesomeeunuchs,whichweremadeeunuchsofmenandtherebeeunuchs
whichhavemadethemselveseunuchsforthekingdomofheavenssake.Hethatisableto
receive it, let him receive it. (Matt. 19: 12.) Rev. 14: 15, and Matt. 19: 29, confirm this
opinion.

The seventh verse introduces a new, and to many, I doubt not, a startling topic. Their burnt
offeringsandsacrificesshallbeacceptedonminealtar. Therestorationofsacrificesisa
truthwhichmanywillnotreceive.YetEzekieldistinctlyaffirmsit,andiscorroborated
bythePsalms.Notthattheyshallberegardedaspossessinginherentefficacytotake
away the guilt of sin far from it. This the apostle, in the Epistle to the Hebrews,
deniesbythefullbearingofhisargumentbutnopassageofScripturecontradictsthe
suppositionthattheymayberestoredagainwithacommemorative intention, looking
backtothepastGreatSacrifice,asofoldtheylookedforwardtoit,asyettocome.In
this view a remark of Greswells is very valuable, that the Millennium will be of an
intermediate type between the Law and the Gospel, possessing the characters of the
Law in the restoration of the Jews and their temple, with the blessings of abundant
fertilitypromisedtothefathers,andthefeaturesoftheGospel,inthepresenceofthe
Lord,andtheoutpouringoftheSpirit,righteousness,andpeace,andjoyintheHoly
Ghost.

ThenshallbefulfilledthewordsadducedbytheSaviourinreproofoftheJews, Minehouseshall
be called, The house of prayer for all nations, a question which will be noticed more
particularlyintheremarksonthelastchapter.

Attheeighthverseanewsubjectbegins.ThestateofIsraelissketchedbeforethelastvialsofGods
wratharepouredonthemandacommandgiventothebeastsofthefield,thatis,thenationsofthe
earth, to come up and take vengeance upon them. Their public instructors of that day are next
described,asafraidofdispleasingbythediscoveryofthetruth,desiringtheirownease,covetous,and
drunkards. Againstthesesinsinministers,theLordhasleftusonrecordhiswarning,
that to eat and drink with the drunken, shall expose the unfaithful servant to a
portion amongst the hypocrites. And in another place, Take heed to yourselves,
saith he, lest at any time [Page 317] your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and
drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day [of my advent] come upon you
unawares.(Luke21:34.)

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER57

1Behold!theJustOneperisheth,
Andnoonelayethittoheart
Andmercifulmenaretakenaway,
Andnoonetakethnotice
Thatfromthepresenceofevilishetakenaway.
2*Heshallenterintopeace,
Heshallrestinhisbed
Eventheperfectman,thatwalkethinthestraitpath.
3Butdrawyenighhither,yeseedofevildoers
Yechildrenoftheadultererandtheharlot.
4Atwhatdoyesport?atwhomdoyeopenthemouth?
Atwhatdoyelolloutthetongue?
Areyenotsonsofsin?
Aseedoffalsehood?
5Whoinflameyourselveswithidolsbeneatheverythicktree,
Andslayyourchildreninvalleysunderthecleftsoftherocks,
Andintheportionsoftheglen?
6Thesearethyportion:thesearethylot
Tothesethouhastpouredoutadrinkoffering,
Andtothesehastthouofferedsacrifice.
ShallInotbeindignantatthesethings,saithJEHOVAH?
7Uponahighandloftymountainthoudidstsetthybed
Eventheredidstthouascendtooffersacrifice.
8*Andbehindthydoorpostsdidstthousetupthymemorial:
Didstthouthinkthatinrevoltingfromme,
Thoushouldstbeagainerthereby?
Thoulovedstthemthatsleptwiththee,
Anddidstincreasethyfornicationswiththem:
9Thouwentesttothekingwithointment,
Anddidstmultiplythyperfumes:
Anddidstsendthymessengersafar,
AnddidstdebasethyselfevenuntoHades.
10Withthymanydeviceswertthouwearied
Butthousaidstnot,Iwillrefrainandrest:
Becausethouhastdonethesethings,
Thereforeentreatmenot.
11Whomdidstthoufearanddread,
Thatthouhastlieduntome?
Andhastnotrememberedme,
Northoughtofmeinthineheart.
*AndshallIbeholdandoverlookthee,
Thoughthoufearestmenot?
12old,1willdeclaremyrighteousness,
Andthyworksshallnotprofitthee.
13Whenthoucriest,letthecompaniesdeliverthee,
Butthewindshallcarrythemallaway
Andthewhirlwindremovethem:
Buttheythattrustinmeshallpossesstheearth,
Andinheritmyholymountain.
14*AndIwillsay,Castyeup,
Castyeup,preparetheway
Takeupthestumblingblock
Outofthewayofmypeople.
15*ForthussaithJEHOVAH,theHighandLoftyOne
Thatinhabitetheternity:
Andhisholyname(thatis)onhigh,
AndtheHolyOnethatdwellethwiththecontriteandpoorofspirit,
Torevivethespiritofthehumble,
Andtogivelifetothebrokeninheart
16Iwillnotalwaysexecutejudgementuponyou:
NorforeverwillIbeangrywithyou
*FortheSpiritshallgoforthfromme,
AndallhisbreathingwillIsend.
17ForhisiniquityalittlewhileIwaswroth,
Andsmotehim,andhidmyfacefromhim
Andhewasangry,andwentsullenlyoninthewaysofhisheart.
18Ihaveseenhisways,andwillhealhim,
Andwillmakehimtorest
Andwillgivetohimconsolationandtohismourners.
19Icreateplenty:Ihaveordainedpeace:
Peacetohimthatisafaroff,andtohimthatisnear,
SaithJEHOVAH,andIwillhealhim.
20Butthewickedarelikethetroubledseawhenitcannotrest,
Whosewaterscastupmireanddirt.
21Thereisnopeace,saithmyGod,totheungodly.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER57
[Page317]
By the Just One that perisheth, Eusebius, Jerome, and Horsley, understand our blessed Lord the
ominousnatureofwhosedeath,initsconsequencestotheJewishnation,wasdisregarded,andofthe
vicarious intent of whose sufferings they took no heed. By the merciful men are probably
intended the apostles and martyrs for Christ. In the 2nd verse the reference is again to the Lord
Jesusforthoughhediedasamalefactor,hisburialwasinpeace.Thisverse,asEusebiusconceives,
foreshadows the Saviours resurrection his death because his sepulchre is spoken of his
resurrection because he was taken away from the midst (LXX. translation) of the sepulchre,
andhisbodyfoundtherenomore.

The primary fulfilment of the two next verses appears to have taken place in the conduct of the
spectators,andespeciallyofthechiefpriestsandPharisees,duringthecrucifixion.Inthetermsby
whichtheyareherecharacterized,didtheSaviourhimselfaddressthem, Anevilandadulterous
generation.AndwelearnfromthetestproposedbytheRedeemer(John8:79),thatthesewords
wereliterallytrue.The question, At what do ye sport yourselves? is illustrated by St. Matthew.
Andtheythatpassedbyreviledhim,wagingtheirheads,andsaying,Thouthatdestroyest
the temple and buildest it in three days, save thyself. Likewise also the chief priests
mockinghim,withthescribesandelders,said,Hesavedothershimselfhecannotsave.
(Matthew27:3942.)

Butfromthesubsequentcontextitwouldseemthattheplenaryfulfilmentisyetfuture,inthattime
ofuniversalidolatry,sooftenbeforenoticedandthatthederisionexpressedisthatofthescoffers
ofthelastdays,saying,Whereisthepromiseofhiscoming?

The expostulation that succeeds is principally, if not entirely, with the Jewish nation the bride of
Messiahinrevoltingfromhim,andleaguingherselfwiththefalseChristsandfalseprophetsthen
toariseespeciallywith[Page318]thechiefandcrowningmasterofiniquityherecalled,THEKING.
AtthislastcrimeoftheJews,Jehovahshallvisitthemwithhisindignation,becausehewhoisfrom
eternityistherebyrenounced,andtheirfearandworshipgiventoacreature.Thereforeshalltheir
trustinthefalseChristbepunishedbyhisbreakinghiscovenantanddestroyingthem.

ButtherighteousshallstilltrustinChristJesus,andtheirrewardshallbe,theresurrectionof
thejust.

The 15th and 16th verses constitute, I apprehend, an address of the Sacred Trinity, first as
distinguished in their three Persons, and afterwards speaking as the One God, and promising the
mighty influences of the Holy Spirit which shall signalize the last days. Some understand, says
Jerome, theHolySpiritwhointhebeginningmovedonthewatersandvivifiedallthings
whocomesforthfromtheFather,andbyreasonoftheunionofnatureissentbytheSon,as
hesays,IfIdepartIwillsendhimuntoyou.(John16:7.)

For after the Lords anger hath ceased, he will bestow on the remnant of his people true
consolation by his own return, and the Spirits outpouring. Great in that day shall be the
peaceoftheworld.Butthewickednevercanattainthispeace,eithertheexternal
ortheinwardreposeofthetimespokenofbuttheyarecomparedintheirlastGreat
Confederacytoastormysea,unabletorest,dissatisfied,andrebellious,vomitingforth
boastings,transgressions,andblasphemies!

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER58

1Cryaloud,sparenotliftupthyvoicelikeatrumpet:
Andshowmypeopletheirtransgressions,
AndthehouseofJacobtheirsins.
2Yettheyseekmedaily,
Anddelighttoknowmyways,
Asanationthatdidrighteousness,
AndforsooknottheordinancesoftheirGod:
Theyaskofmeajustjudgement,
AndseektodrawnighuntoGod.
3Whereforehavewefasted,saythey,andthouseestnot?
Afflictedoursoul,andthoutakestnonotice?
Behold,inthedayofyourfastyefollowyourownwills,
Andoppressthosethatareinyourpower.
4Behold,yefastforstrifeanddebate
Andsmitewithyourfiststhelowly
Whyfastyeuntomeasonthisday,
Tocauseyourvoicetobeheardwithshouting?
5IsitsuchafastthatIhavechosen?
Adayforamantoafflicthissoul,
Tobowdownhisheadlikeabulrush,
Andtospreadsackclothandashesunderhim?
Wiltthoucallthisafast,
AndanacceptabledaytoJEHOVAH?
6Isnotthisthefastthat1havechosen?saithJEROVAH.
Tocanceleveryunfairbond,
Toannulthedeceitfulandviolentcontract,
Tolettheoppressedgofree,
Andtotearupeveryiniquitousagreement?
7Isitnottodealthybreadtothehungry,
Andtobringtheoutcastpoortothyhouse?
Whenthouseestthenaked,thatthoucoverhim,
*Andthatthouhidenotthyselffromthineownflesh?
8Thenshallthylightbreakforthasthemorning,
Andthyhealingshallspeedilyarise
Andthyrighteousnessshallgobeforethee,
AndthegloryofJEHOVAHshallbethyrearward.
9Thenshaltthoucall,andJEHOVAHshallanswer:
Whilstthouartyetspeaking,heshallsay,HereIam!
Ifthoutakeawayfromthemidstoftheetheyoke,
Andtheputtingforthofthefinger,andwordofmurmuring,
10Andgivethybreadtothehungrywithdeligh
Andsatisfytheafflictedsoul,
Thenshallthylightriseinobscurity,
Andthydarknessbeasthenoonday:
11AndJEHOVAHshallguidetheecontinually,
*Andsatisfythysoulindrought:
Andmakefatthybones:
Andthoushaltbelikeawateredgarden,
Andlikeaspringofwater,whosewatersfailnot.
12Andthyposterityshallrebuildtheoldwastes,
Andthoushaltraiseupthefoundationsofmanygenerations:
Andthoushaltbecalled,Therepairerofthebreach,
*Therestorerofpathstodwellin.
13IfthouturnawaythyfootfromtheSabbath
Fromdoingthypleasureonmyholyday:
AndshaltcalltheSabbathadelight,
TheholytoJEHOVAH,honourable,
Andshalthonourhim,notdoingthineownways,
Norfindingthineownpleasure,
Norspeakingawordinangerfromthymouth
14ThenshaltthoudelightthyselfinJEHOVAH:
AndIwillexalttheeonthehighplacesoftheearth
AndfeedtheewiththeheritageofJacobthyfather:

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER58
[Page318]
The fiftyeighth chapter is a reproof of the Jews, primarily perhaps those of the Saviours day, as
Bishop Horsley thinks but ultimately those of the last times restored to their land in unbelief, and
characterizedbyoppression,covetousness,andhypocrisy.TheirhypocriticalfastingtheLordwould
notacknowledgeasacceptable,solongastheyheldiniquitousagreements,andviolatedjusticeand
integrityintheircommercialdealingswitheachother.OnwhichJeromeobserves, Herefersto
the bundle of papers in which the false accusations of usurers are contained, and whereby
thepoorareoppressedwithdebt.Ifinsteadofthiscrueltytothepoor,theywoulddealforth [Page
319] their bread to the hungry, they should, as the Saviour declared, be recompensed at the
resurrectionofthejust.(Luke14:14.)

On the 11th verse the observations of Procopius are worthy of notice, And thy bones, he
saith, shall spring up like an herb, and they shall be made fat, and they shall inherit the
generations of generations. In which passage he seems to signify the resurrection of the
body,arisinglikesomeherb,whichliesdeadduringthewinter,butflourishesagaininthe
spring.Buthowwilltheyarise?BeingmadefatbythelifegivinggraceoftheSpirit,as
saithDavid,ThoushaltsendforththySpirit,andtheyshallbecreated,andthoushaltrenew
thefaceoftheearth(Psalm103:30)thatis,thefaceofthoseuponearth,whenweshall
inherit generation after generation in interminable life, death and corruption being entirely
destroyed.

Coincidently Theodoret, He seems in these words to notify the mystery of the resurrection. For
thenmensbodiesshallspringupasgrassinthefield.

Norshouldthesealonebeblesttheirposterityalsoshouldrebuildthewasteplaces,whichasJerome
tellsustheChristiansunderstoodoftherestorationofthecitiesofPalestine.

Alikepromisefollowsthecommand[fortheJews]tokeepholytheSabbathfortothisSabbath
oftheworld,thisseventhmillenaryofthecreation,doesthekeepingoftheSabbathor
seventh day look forward and all that refuse to rest on the seventh day on which
Jehovahrested,andtohallowthatwhichJehovahhallowedfromthefirst,shallhave
nopartinthatgloriousperiodofrest,thatSabbatism(Gk.,Heb.4:9),which
remainethforthepeopleofGod.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER59

1IsthehandofJEHOVAHpowerlesstosave?
Orishisearheavythathecannothear?
2(Nay)butyouriniquitieshaveseparatedbetweenyouandyourGod,
Andyoursinshavehidhisfacefromyou,
Thathewillnothear.
3Foryourhandsaredefiledwithblood,
Andyourfingerswithiniquity:
Yourlipshavespokenlies,
Yourtonguehathmutteredperverseness.
4Nonecallethforjustice,
Noranypleadethfortruth:
Theytrustinvanityandspeaklies
Theyconceivemischief,andbringforthiniquity.
5Theyhatchtheeggsofasps,andweavethespidersweb
Hethateatethoftheireggs,shalldie:
Andthatwhichishatched,shallbreakforthintoaviper.
6Theirwebshallnotbecomeagarment
Norshalltheycoverthemselveswiththeirownworks:
Theirworksareworksofiniquity,
Andthedeedofviolenceisintheirhands.
7Theirfeetruntoevil,andmakehastetoshedinnocentblood:
Theirthoughtsarethoughtsofiniquity
Wastinganddestructionareintheirpaths.
8Thewayofpeacehavetheynotknown
Andthereisnojudgementintheirgoings
Theyhavemadethemcrookedpaths
Whosoevergoeththereinshallnotknowpeace.
9Thereforeisjudgementfarfromus
Neitherdothjusticeovertakeus:
Wewaitforlight,butbeholdobscurity
Andforbrightness,butwewalkindarkness.
10Wegropeforthewallliketheblind,
Andfeelhitherandthitherasifwehadnoeyes:
Westumbleatnoondayasatmidnight
Asdyingmendowegroan.
11Likebearsweallroar,andmoansorelikedoves:
Wewaitforjustice,butthereisnone:
Forsalvation,butitisfarfromus.
12Forourtransgressionsaremultipliedbeforethee,
Andoursinstestifyagainstus:
Forourtransgressionsarewithus
Andasforouriniquities,weknowthem.
13IndoingwickedlyandlyingtoJEHOVAH,
AnddepartingawayfromourGod
Speakingoppressionandtreason
Conceivingandutteringfromtheheartwordsoffalsehood.
14Andjudgementisturnedawaybackward,
Andjusticestandethafaroff.
Truthisfalleninthestreet,
Andequitycannotenter.
15*Yea,truthfaileth,andtheforsakerofevilbecomethaprey:
AndJEHOVAHsawit,anditdispleasedhimthattherewasnojudgement.
16Andhesawthattherewasnoman,
Andhewonderedthattherewasnointercessor
Thereforehisownarmbroughtsalvation,
Andhisjustice,itupheldhim.
17Forheputonjusticeasabreastplate,
Andanhelmetofsalvationuponhishead:
Andheputonthegarmentsofvengeanceforclothing
Andwascladwithzealasacloak.
18*Accordingtotheirdeeds,sowillherepay:
Furytohisadversaries,recompensetohisenemies:
Totheislandshewillrepayrecompense.
19TheyofthewestshallfeartheNameofJEHOVAH:
Andtheyofthesunrise,hisglory:
*Forhiswrathshallcomeasaviolentriver,
FromJEHOVAHwithindignationshallhecome.
20AndtheDeliverershallcomeoutofZion
AndshallturnawayungodlinessfromJacob.
21Forthisismycovenantwiththem,
WhenItakeawaytheirsins,saithJEHOVAH:
MySpirit,whichisuponthee,
Andmywords,whichIhaveputintothymouth
Shallnotdepartoutofthymouth,
Noroutofthemouthofthyseedsseed,saithJFHOVAH
Fromhenceforthandforever.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER59

[Page319]
ThepresentsectionofprophecyrelatesultimatelytothelaststateofiniquityoftheJewsintheirown
landbeforethewrathofGodbreaksforthonthem.Theyaredescribedaspersecutingeventodeath
thepeopleofGod,aslyingandunjust.

Because of these things God shall leave them to themselves, to grope in darkness, and be full of
disquiet.The [Page320]darknessmentionedisliteralaswellasfigurative.Forthuswereadin Rev.16:
10,AndthefifthangelpouredouthisvialontheseatoftheBeastandhiskingdomwas
full of darkness and they gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of
heaven because of their pains, and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. This was
foreshadowed of old by the three days darkness in Egypt and as that immediately preceded the
deliveranceofIsrael,sothisdarknessimmediatelyprecedesthedayofArmageddon.Butthoughthe
worldingeneralwillnotrepent,yettheelectremnantoftheJewswill,andtheirconfessionishere
given. So wicked will be those times, that like Lot in Sodom, the forsaker of evil becometh a
prey. Thus, therefore, because of his saints cry for aid Jehovah shall rise up, because none can
deliverbuthimself.Heshallstandupinwrath,and justiceshallupholdhim, as saith St. Paul,
SeeingitisarighteousthingwithGodtorecompensetribulationtothemthattroubleyou
andtoyouwhoaretroubledrestwithus,whentheLordJesusshallberevealedfromheaven
withhismightyangels,inflamingfiretakingvengeanceonthemthatknownotGod,and*
thatobeynottheGospelofourLordJesusChrist.(2Thess.1:68.)

[*NOTE.Theand,asadisjunctionseparatestwodistinctgroupstheunregeneratefromthedisobedientregenerate.]

Bythismightydisplayofhisgloryandpower,alltheremainderofmenshallfearhim.Then shall
have arrived that blessed time which the apostle foretells in the Romans, where he quotes the
succeedingwordsofIsaiah,AndsoallIsraelshallbesaved:asitiswritten,Thereshallcome
ofZiontheDeliverer,andshallturnawayungodlinessfromJacob:forthisismycovenant
withthemwhenItakeawaytheirsins.(Rom.11:26,27.)AndtheSpiritthenoutpouredupon
themshallneverbewithdrawn,fromthenceforthandforever,saithJehovah.

***

TRANSLATION


CHAPTER60

1Arise,shineforth,0Jerusalem!forthylightiscome,
AndthegloryofJEHOVAHhathrisenuponthee.
2For,behold,darknessshallcovertheearth
AndgrossdarknesstheGentiles
ButupontheeshallJEHOVAHarise,
Andhisgloryshallbeseenuponthee.
3AndtheGentilesshallcometothylight
Andkingstothebrightnessofthyrising.
4Liftupthineeyesroundabout,
Andseeallthychildrenassembled:
Allthysonscomefromafar
Andthydaughtersshallbecarriedupontheshoulder.
5Thenshaltthousee,andbeawedwithsurprise,
Andthyheartbeinecstasy
Becausetheabundanceoftheseashallbeturnedtothee
TheforcesoftheGentilesshallcomeuntothee.
6Themultitudesofcamelsshallcoverthee,
ThedromedariesofMidianandEphah
AlltheyofShebashallcome,bringinggoldandincense:
AndshallshowforththesalvationofJEHOVAH.
7AlltheflocksofKedarshallbegathereduntothee
AndtheramsofNebaiothshallministeruntothee
Theyshallgoupwitacceptanceonminealtar,
*AndmyhouseofmajestyIwillglorify,
8Whothesethatflyasacloud,
Andlikedoveswiththeiryounguntome?
9Surelytheislesshallwaitforme,
AndtheshipsofTarshishfirst,
Tobringthysonsfromfar,
Theirsilverandtheirgoldwiththem
UntothenameofJEHOVAHthyGod,
AndtotheHolyOneofIsrael
Becausehehathglorifiedthee.
10Andthesonsofstrangersshallbuildupthywalls,
Andtheirkingsshallministeruntothee:
ForinmywrathIsmotethee,
ButinmyfavourhaveIhadmercyonthee:
11Thereforeshallthygatesbeopencontinually
Theyshallnotbeshutdaynornight:
ThatmenmaybringuntotheetheforcesoftheGentiles,
Andthattheirkingsmaybebrought.
12Forthenationandkingdomthatwillnotservetheeshallperish
Yea,thosenationsshallbeutterlywasted.
13ThegloryofLebanonshallcomeuntothee,
Thefirtree,thepinetree,andtheboxtogether,
Tobeautifytheplaceofmysanctuary,
Andtomakeglorioustheplaceofmyfeet.
14Thesonsalsoofthemthatafflictedthee,
Shallcomebendinguntothee
Andalltheythatdespisedthee
Shallbowthemselvesdownatthesolesofthyfeet:
Andtheyshallcallthee,ThecityofJEHOVAH,
TheZionoftheHolyOneofIsrael.
15Whereasthouhastbeenforsakenandhated,
*Sothatnomanwentthroughthee,
Iwillmaketheeaneternalexcellency,
Ajoyofmanygenerations.
16ThoushaltsuckthemilkoftheGentiles,
Andeattherichesofkings
AndthoushaltknowthatI,JEHOVAH,amthySaviour,
AndthyRedeemer,theMightyOneofJacob.
17ForbrassIwillbringgold
AndforironIwillbringsilver
Andforwood,brass
Andforstones,iron
Iwillmakethineofficers,peace
Andthineexactors,righteousness.
18Violenceshallnomorebeheardinthyland,
Wastingnordestructioninthyborders:
Butthoushaltcallthywalls,Salvation,
*Andthygates,Praise.
19Thesunshallnomorebethylightbyday
Neitherforbrightnessshallthemoongivelightuntothee:
ButJEHOVAHshallbethineeverlastinglight,
AndthyGodthyglory.
20Thysunshallnomoregodown
Neithershallthymoonwithdrawitself:
ForJEHOVAHshallbethineeverlastinglight,
Andthedaysofthymourningshallbeended.
21Alsothypeopleshallbeallrighteous:
Forevershalltheyinherittheearth,
Thebranchofmyplanting,theworkofmyhands,
ThatImaybeglorified.
Alittleoneshallbecomeathousand,
Andasmalloneastrongnation,
I,JEHOVAHwillhastenitinitstime.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER60

[Page320]
With the return of the Saviour as the Deliverer of Zion, which the close of the last chapter
celebrates,the lightofJerusalemiscome.Itshallbeatthattimewhendarknessbothmoraland
physical has covered the earth, that the Lord Jesus shall appear. Surely passages like the present
shouldawakefromtheirdreamsofagraduallyamelioratingschemeofthings,thoseChristians [Page 321]
wholookforthegloryofthelatterdaybeforetheSavioursreturn!DothnotChristcomparethe
timeofhisappearancewiththe daysofNoah,whenviolenceoverspreadtheearth,and healone
wasfoundrighteous?IsnottheworldsconditionatthattimecomparedtothetimesofLot,when
impuritydelugedSodom,andhealonewasholyinthemidstofthecitiesoftheplain?Dothnotthe
Saviours comparison of his appearing to the eagles flight, prove that the world shall be then the
carcasedestituteoflife,andfitonlyforjudgement?And doth not the Apostle Paul predict the
latterdaysas perilousbeyondallothers?AnddothnotSt.JohndescribethecomingofChrist
asadayofvengeanceonallkingsandnationsgatheredtofightagainsthim?

TheinterpretationofProcopiusontheformerversesisheresubmittedtothereadersattention: He
announcestothemthatsitindarkness,thecomingofthelightofChristadeclarationwhich
issuitablenotmerelytohisfirstcoming,butalsotohissecond,ofwhichtheSavioursaith,
AndthenshalltheyseetheSonofMancominginthecloudsofheavenandbyhisangels
heassuresusthathewillgatherhiselectfromeverysideandagain,WhentheSonofMan
shallcomeinhisglory.Thenhespeaksofthejudgementoftherighteousandtheungodly,
underthefigureofsheepandgoats,andthedeliveringupoftheonetothefireandofthe
other invited unto the new Age wherein shall not be any corporeal sources of light, for
Christ himself, the Sun of Righteousness, shall suffice for enlightening. And then,
according to the words of most holy Paul, The dead in Christ shall rise first, and they
which are alive and remain shall meet Christ in the clouds. To such then, addressing
himself,hesays,Shine,0Jerusalem!or,accordingtotheothertranslators,Arise,shine!
Seeifhedoesnotbythewordarise,discovertheresurrectionofthedead,for(Christ)the
Light shall vivify the dead by his own radiance, and they arising shall behold his glory
whereforeheaddsimmediately,AndthegloryoftheLordisrisenonthee.Fromwhathas
preceded it will be seen that the author does not agree with all the foregoing quotation, nor is it
reconcileablewithwhatfollows,especiallythedeclarationthattherewillbenocorporealsourcesof
light,amistakeoriginatinginaconfusionbetweenthetemporaryandthe[Page322]finalblessednessof
thesaints,betweenwhichtheApocalypsesohappilyandclearlydistinguishes.

The Saviours return shall be the signal for the restoration of Israel, and by every species of
conveyance will the Gentiles bring again to their own land those whom the Lord delighteth to
honour.HereitisgratifyingtobeabletoagreewithDr.Henderson in his belief that theselatter
chapterswillbefulfilledduringthegloriousperiodofthemillennium.OnthefactthattheJewish
nation appears so prominently throughout, he justly observes, that Isaiah was a prophet of the
JewsandtotheJews.Jeromealsoinformsus,thattheancientChristiansunderstoodthischapter
ofthemillennium.ForthenshallallkingdomsandcountriespourtheirwealthintothelapofIsrael,
asdidtheEgyptiansattheexodusofold.The8thverseprobablyalludestothereturnofthetentribes
fromtheirhidingplace,inwhichtheyarereservedbytheLordtilltheirtimeofrestorationiscome.
Inthatdayallkingsshallcontributetoreestablishthem,ofwhichthefriendshipofHiramofTyre
withIsrael,duringthegloriousandpeacefulreignofSolomon,wasatype.

ButtheexpositiongivenbyProcopiusisalsoworthyofthereadersconsideration,Whoarethese
that fly as a cloud? This Paul has made clear, when he said, We shall be caught up
togetherinthecloudstomeettheLordintheair,andsoshallwebeeverwiththeLord
beingjoined,thatis,totheassemblyofthoseoftheancientpeoplewhodidthatwhichwas
rightinthesightoftheLord,whoalso,beingrepresentedasbeholdingtheupwardflightof
thesavedfromamongtheGentiles,wonderatthemultitudethereof.

Sogreatshallbethepeaceofthosedays,thatthegatesofJerusalemshallnotbeshut, fornation
shallnotliftupswordagainstnation,neithershalltheylearnwaranymore:whilethesiteof
thetemple,thatplaceofworshipforallnations,shallbegloriousinthemidstofstatelygroves.

TheJews,moreover,frombeingthedespised,shallbecometheadmiredofallnations,andallshall
pressforwardtoservethem.ThenshallGodpourouthisblessing,andfor brassbringgold,and
forironsilver,asitwasremarkedinthetypicalreignofSolomon, Andallthevesselsofthe
house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver: it was nothing
accountedofinthedaysofSolomon.AndthekingmadesilvertobeinJerusalemas
stones,andcedarsmadehetobeasthesycamoretreesthatareinthevale,forabundance.
(1Kings10:21,27.) TherulersunderChristshallbehisfaithfulandtriedservants,peacefuland
righteous.Noevilshalldrawnighthem:butpraiseshalloccupytheinhabitants.

The19thverse,however,willprobablyatthattimereceivebutacommencingfulfilment,asitisonly
ofthefinalstateoftheblessedthatitissaid,Andthecityhadnoneedofthesun,neitherofthe
moon,toshineinitforthegloryofGoddidlightenit,andtheLambisthelightthereof.
(Rev.21:23.)

Lastly,themightyincreaseoftheJewsispromised,forthenshallbefulfilledtotheletterthepromise
to Abraham of the multitude of his seed. But as the spiritual and the natural Israel shall then be
united,thewordsofProcopius,inhiscommentonthe 21stverse,arehereadded, Us,then,the

people of the Church, Christ himself justifieth by grace, and we are the planting of his
hands,whohathgraftedusintothegoodolivetree.Atpresent,indeed,duringthisage,the
gloryofthesaintsishidden,butinthefuture,theleastofthemshallruleoververymany,in
which prospect the saints rejoicing say, He hath subjected the nations unto us, and the
peopleunderourfeet.Andthisshalltakeplace,whenIgatherthematmydescentfrom
heaven,andtheyshallbecaughtupinthecloudstomeetme.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER61

1TheSpiritofJEHOVAHisuponme,
BecausehehathanointedmetopreachtheGospeltothepoor
Hehathsentmetohealthebrokenhearted,
Topreachdeliverancetothecaptives,
Andrecoveryofsighttotheblind
Tosetatlibertythemthatarebruised
2TopreachtheacceptableyearofJEHOVAH,
AndthedayofvengeanceofourGod:
3ToappointuntothemthatmourninZionbeautyforashes,
Thegarmentofpraiseforthespiritofheaviness
Thattheymightbecalledtreesofrighteousness,
TheplantingofJEHOVAH,thathemightbeglorified.
4Andtheyshallbuildtheoldwastes
Theyshallraiseuptheformerdesolations
Andtheyshallrepairthewastecities,
Thedesolationsofmanygenerations.
5Andstrangersshallstandandfeedyourflocks.
Andthesonsofthealienbeyourploughmenandvinedressers.
6ButyeshallbenamedthepriestsofJEHOVAH
MenshallcallyoutheministersofourGod:
YeshalleattherichesoftheGentiles,
Andintheirwealthshallyeboastyourselves.
7Foryourshameandconfusion,
Yeshallpossessadoubleinheritanceinyourland
Thereforeshalltheypossesstheirlandthesecondtime,
Andeverlastingjoyshallbeupontheirheads.
8ForI,JEHOVAH,lovejudgement:
Ihatetherobberyofinjustice
ButIwillrenderuntothejusttheirdoings,
Andmakeaneverlastingcovenantwiththem.
9AndtheirseedshallbeknownamongtheGentiles,
Andtheiroffspringamongthenations
Allthatseethemshallacknowledgethem,
ThattheyaretheseedwhichJEHOVAHhathblessed.
10IwillgreatlyrejoiceinJEHOVAH,
MysoulshallbejoyfulinmyGod:
Forhehathclothedmewiththegarmentsofsalvation
Hehathcoveredmewiththerobeofrighteousness,
Asabridegroomdeckethhimselfwithornaments,
Andasabrideadornethherselfwithjewels.
11Forastheearthbringethforthherflower,
Andasthegardencauseththethingssowninittospringforth,
SotheLordGodwillcauserighteousness
Andpraisetospringforthbeforeallthenations.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER61

[Page323]
The commencing verses of this chapter were read by our blessed Saviour in the synagogue at
Nazareth,asdescribingtheintentionofhisministryafterreadingwhich,headded,Thisdayisthis
Scripture fulfilled in your ears. But the Lords omission of part of the second verse is highly
significant.Hereadasfarasthewordswhichforetoldthathecametopreachtheacceptableyear
of the Lord, but he did not read the succeeding clause, And the day of vengeance of our
God. We conclude, therefore, that, as in other prophecies, the first and second advent are
blended,soitishere.ThefirstadventwastopreachthetimeoftheLordsmercy,thesecondhis
dayofvengeance. [Page324]Butthatdayofwrathtotheworldshallbeatimeofjoytohispeople, Lift
upyourheads,foryourredemptiondrawethnigh.Inaccordancewithwhicharetheviewsof
Procopius, who writes as follows: He declares also that he was anointed to proclaim the
acceptableyearoftheLord:thusintimatingthetimeofhisabodeonearthasman,wherein
to those who came to him he afforded the light of day. For, as he is the Sun of
righteousness,ayearissuitablyaccordedtohim.But,perhaps,it signifies the coming
age,untowhichhehathdeferredthosepromisesofwhichheteaches,whenneitherthesun
nor the moon, but the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, wherefore it is called the
yearoftheLord,asbeingenlightenedbyhimandtheacceptableyear, or according to
the other translators, the year of approval, being the same as the day of recompense,
whereinmenwillreceivetheremunerationoftheirlaboursinthislife.TillthenhisChurch
mustmourn,especiallyintheGreatTribulation,assaidtheSaviour,Thedayswillcome,when
yeshalldesiretoseeoneofthedaysoftheSonofMan(his[millennial]kingdom),andshall
not see it and then should they be told of the coming of some false Christ, or prophet but to
preventdelusion,theLordgivesthemthelightningasthesignofhisappearing. (Luke17:22.)So,
on another occasion, he said, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the
bridegroomiswiththem?butthedayswillcome,whenthebridegroomshallbetakenfrom
them,andthenshalltheyfast.(Matt.9:15.)StillmoreexactlyparallelareourLordswordsin
St. John, Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. Ye now
thereforehavesorrow:butIwillseeyouagain,andyourheartshallrejoice,andyourjoy
nomantakethfromyou.(John16:20,22.)

ThenshalltheformerdesolationsofJudaeaberepaired,andstrangersshallbeservantstotheJews,
whiletheyshallbethechiefofthenations,andemployedcontinuallyaspriestsinprayerandpraise.

The other promises of the chapter do not require explanation, but follow readily in the train of the
observationsmadeabove.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER62

1ForZionssakewillInotholdmypeace,
AndforJerusalemssakewillInotrest
UntiltheJustOnecomeforthasthelight,
AndherSaviourasalampthatburneth.
2AndtheGentilesshallseethyJustOne,
AndallkingsthyRenownedOne:
Andthoushaltbecalledbyanewname,
WhichthemouthofJEHOVAHshallname.
3ThoushaltalsobeacrownofgloryinthehandofJEHOVAH,
AndaroyaldiademinthehandofthyGod.
4Thoushaltnomorebetermed,Forsaken
Neithershallthylandanymorebecalled,Desolate:
Butthoushaltbecalled,MyDelight(Hephzibah)
Andthyland,TheMarried(Beulah)
ForJEROVAHhathdelightedinthee,
Andthylandshallbeinhabited.
5Forasayoungmanmarriethavirgin,
Soshallthysonsdwellwiththee
Andasthebridegroomrejoicethoverthebride,
SoshallthyGodrejoiceoverthee.

6Ihavesetwatchmenuponthywalls,0Jerusalem,
Whichshallnotholdtheirpeacedaynornight
YethatmentionJEHOVAH,keepnotsilence,
7Andgivehimnorest,TillheshallestablishandmakeJerusalemapraiseinthe
earth.
8JEHOVAHhathswornbyhisrighthand,
Andbythearmofhisstrength
SurelynomorewillIgivethycornformeattothyfoes,
Norshallthesonsofthealiendrinkthywine,
Forwhichthouhastlaboured.
9Buttheythathavegathered(corn)
Shalleatit,andpraiseJEHOVAH:
Andtheythathavecollected(wine)
Shalldrinkitinmycourtsofholiness.

10Gothrough,gothroughmygates
Prepareyeawayformypeople
Castup,castupthehighway
Gatheroutthestones,
LiftupastandardtotheGentiles.
11Forbehold,JEHOVAHhathproclaimeduntotheworldsend,
SayyetothedaughterofZion,
Behold,thySaviourcometh!
Behold,hisrewardiswithhim,
Andhisworkbeforehisface.
12Andtheyshallcallthem,TheHolyPeople,
TheredeemedofJEHOVAH:
Andthoushaltbecalled,Soughtout
Acitynotforsaken.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER62
[Page325]
The sixtysecond section is a continuation of the preceding, and literally taken scarcely requires an
exposition.TheFatherpromisesatitscommencementthattheJustOnehisSon,shallbesentforth
forJerusalemssake,andalltheGentilesshallbeholdhim,accordingtotheSavioursprediction,that
allnationsshallseetheSonofManathisappearance.ThenewnameofJerusalem,Hephzibah,and
ofitsland,Beulah,isalsodeclaredwiththejoythatshallbeexperiencedtherein.Forfromthatday
forwardthelabourofthenationshallnomorebedelivereduptotheSpoiler,butitsproprietorsshall
enjoyit,securedbeyondrecall,bytheoathofGod.

The latter part describes the Saviours advent, and the highway made for his people from Egypt
andfromPathros,andfromCush,andfromShinar,andfromtheislandsofthesea,when
theircaptivityisturnedagain.

Lastly,JeromeconfessesthattheChristiansofhisdayunderstoodthisofthelasttime,whenafter
thefulnessoftheGentiles,IsraelistobesavedandreturntotheLord.

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTERS63&64

1WhoisthisthatcomethfromEdom?
WithdyedgarmentsfromBozrah?
Hethatissogloriousinhisapparel,
Travellinginthegreatnessofhisstrength?
I,theWordofRighteousnessmightytosave
2Whereforeartthouredinthineapparel?
Andthygarmentslikehimthattreadeththewinevat?
3Ihavetroddenthewinepressalone:
Andofthenationswastherenoneonmyside,
SoIwilltreadthemdowninmineanger,
*Andtrampletheminmyfury!
Andtheirbloodshallbesprinkledonmygarments,
AndIwillstainallmyraiment.
4Forthedayofvengeanceisinmyheart,
Andtheyearofmyredeemediscome.
5AndIlooked,buttherewasnonetohelp,
AndIwondered,buttherewasnonetouphold
Thereforemineownarmbroughtsalvation,
Andmyfury,itupheldme.
6AndIwilltreaddownthenationsinmineanger,
Andmakethemdrunkinmyfury:
Andwillbringdowntheirbloodtotheearth.

7IwillmakementionofthemerciesofJEHOVAH,
AndthepraisesofJEHOYAH
Forallthingsthathehatilrendereduntous:
JEHOVAHisajustjudgetothehouseoflsrael
Herenderethtousaccordingtohismercies,
Accordingtothemultitudeofhislovingkindness.
8Forhesaid,Surelytheyaremypeople,
ChildrenthatwillnotliesohewastheirSaviour.
9Fromalltheiraffliction,notanambassador
Noranangelsavedthem,buthehimself
Becausehelovedthem,andpitiedthem,
Himselfredeemedandbarethemup,
Andcarriedthemallthedaysofold.
10ButtheyrebelledandvexedhisHolySpirit,
Thereforewasheturnedtobetheirenemy,andfoughtagainstthem.
11Thenherememberedthedaysofold,
Mosesandhispeople,(saying,)
Whereishethatledupoutofthesea,
Theshepherdwithhisfock?
WhereishethatputinthemhisHolySpirit?
12Thatledbyhisrighthand,
Mosesthearmofhisglory.
Dividingthewaterbeforethem,
Tomaketohimselfaneverlastingname?
13Thatledthemthroughthedeep,andtheystumblednot,
Asahorse(passing)throughthedesert,
Andasabeastthroughtheplain.
14TheSpiritdescendedfromJEHOVAH,andgavethemrest
Soleddestthouthypeople,
Tomakethyselfanameofglory.
15Lookdownfromheaven,
Andbeholdfromthyhabitationofholinessandglory:
Whereisthyzealandstrength?
Themultitudeofthymerciesandcompassionstous,
Aretheyrestrained?
16ForthouartourFather,
BecauseAbrahamknowethusnot,
AndIsraeldothnotrecogniseus:
Butdothou,JEHOVAH,ourFather,redeemus!
Fromthebeginningwasthynameuponus.
170JEHOVAH,whyhastthoumadeuserrfromthyways,
Andhardenedourheartfromthyfear?
Returnforthyservantssake,
Thetribesofthineinheritance.
18Thypeoplehavepossessedthemountainofthyholinessbutalittlewhile:
Ouradversarieshavetroddendownthysanctuary.
19*Wehavebecomeasatthebeginning,
Thoudidstnotruleoverthem:
Norwasthynamecalledonthem.

CHAPTER64

10,thatthatthouwouldstrendtheheavens,andcomedown!
Themountainsshouldtrembleatthypresence
Andmelt,aswaxmeltethbeforethefire!
2Andfireshouldburnupthineadversaries,
Andthynameshouldbeknowntothyfoes,
Andatthyfacethenationsbetroubled!
3Whenthoushaltdoterriblethingsandunexpected,
Andcomedownatthypresencethemountainsshallflowdown.
4Forfromthebeginning,eyehathnotseen,
Norearheard,neitherhaveenteredintotheheartofman,
ThethingswhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatlovehim.
5Formercyshallmeetthosethatdojustly,
(And)thatremembertheeinthyways:
Behold,thouhastbeenangryforwehavesinned:
Thereforehavewegoneastray.
6Andweareallasanuncleanthing,
Andallourrighteousnessisasfilthyrags
Andwealldofadeasaleaf,
Andouriniquities,likethewind,havecarriedusaway.
7Andnonecallethuponthyname,
Norrememberethtolayholdonthee,
Forthouhasthidthyfacefromus:
Anddeliveredusupbecauseofourtransgressions.
8Butnow,0JEHOVAH,thouartourfather,
Wearetheclay,andthouourpotter
Andtheworkofthinehandsareweall.
9Benotwrothverysore,0JEHOVAH!
Neitherrememberiniquityforever:
Andnowbehold,webeseechthee
Forweareallthypeople.
10ThecityofthineHolyOneisbecomedeserted
ZionisawildernessJerusalem,acurse:
11Ourholyandbeautifulhouse,
Whereinourfatherspraisedthee,
Isburnedupwithfire
Andallourgloriousthingsarelaidwaste.
12*Wiltthourefrainthyselfforallthesethings,JEHOVAH?
Wiltthouholdthypeace,andafflictusverysore?

***

EXPOSITIONS

CHAPTERS63&64

[Page325]
Many of our party (the Christians), confesses Jerome, refer this to the consummation of the
world.TheythinkthatthisistobeaccomplishedinthesecondadventoftheSaviour,who
isdescribedasvictoriousandbloodyinwhich(advent)hisvoiceisheardasjudging,yea
fightingandslaying,hisownenemiesandthoseofhispeople.

Indeed,whatotherinterpretationwillitbear?Itcannotrefertothesceneonthecross,fortheheroof
thisprophecyisonecominginthegreatnessofsplendourandmight,whereasJesusonthecrosswas
abased to the lowest depths of sorrow, pain, and desertion of God. Here he is represented as
tramplinghisenemiesinhisfuryandstaininghisapparelwiththeirblood.

Thetime,therefore,isthatofthesecondadvent:theinterlocutor,asDr.Hendersonwellobserves,
theDivineLogos,orSpeaker,whofromthebeginning,revealedthewillofGodtomen:
and as the Angel or Messenger of [Page 326] the Divine Presence, acted as the protector and
SaviourofancientIsrael.(Seeverse9.)

ButwhyheissaidtocomefromEdom,andBozrah?Thiswillbeunderstoodfromwhathasbeen
shown before, that the destruction of the mystic Babylon, or Edom, will be the event immediately
precedinghiscoming,ashasbeenpointedoutfromthenineteenthofRevelation.Accordingly,Rome
isunderstoodbyKimchiandtheJewstobesignifiedbytheEdomherementioned.

ThewholescenesoexactlycorrespondswiththenineteenthofRevelation,thathemustbewilfully
blind, who does not recognise the same prediction in both.The hero of the present chapter comes
gloriousinhisapparel,travellinginthegreatnessofhisstrength.IntheApocalypse,Isaw
heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat on him was called Faithful and
True,andinrighteousness(Ithatspeakinrighteousness,Isaiah)hedothjudgeandmake
war.Hiseyeswereasaflameoffire,andonhisheadweremanycrowns.InIsaiahheis
called theSpeaker,or WordofRighteousnessintheApocalypse, hisnameiscalledthe
Word of God. Do the wondering chorus in Isaiah ask him, wherefore he is red in his
apparel?St.Johnmayreply,thathewasclothedinavesturedippedinblood.DoesIsaiahs
Speaker tell us, I have trodden the winepress alone? St. John declares, He treadeth the
winepressofthefiercenessandwrathofAlmightyGod.IfIsaiahaddsthat hewilltread
down the nations in anger, and trample them in his fury, St. John, that out of his mouth
goethasharpsword,thatwithitheshouldsmitethenations,andheshallrulethemwitha
rodofiron,andbreaktheminpieceslikeapottersvessel,asthesecondPsalmwitnesses.
WhenIsaiahsSpeakeryetfartherannounces, theirbloodshallbesprinkledonmygarments,
howexactlydoesitaccordwithSt.Johnsdescriptionnoticedabove!Tothesameperioddoesthe
latterpartof Revelation14.refer,anditmakesuseofthesamefigure,settinginaterrificpointof
viewthedesolationanddestructionofmanthatshallthentakeplace.Andanotherangelcameout
fromthealtar,whichhadpoweroverfireandcriedwithaloudcrytohimthathadthesharpsickle
(onelikeuntotheSonofMan,havingonhisheadagoldencrown,ver.14),saying, Thrust in
thysharpsickle,andgathertheclustersofthe[Page327]vineoftheearthforhergrapesarefully
ripe.Andtheangelthrustinhissickleintotheearth,andgatheredthevineoftheearth,and
cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden
without the city (Jerusalem, as has been shown above), and blood came out of the wine
press,evenuntothehorsesbridles,bythespaceofathousandandsixhundredfurlongs.

Thesamesceneofvengeancedoesthe songofMosesforetell. IfIwhetmyglitteringsword,

andminehandtakeholdonjudgementIwillrendervengeancetomineenemies,andwill
rewardthemthathateme.Iwillmakeminearrowsdrunkwithblood,andmyswordshall
devourflesh,(andthat)withthebloodoftheslainandthecaptive,fromthebeginningof
revenges on the enemy. Rejoice, 0 ye nations, (with) his people: for he will avenge the
bloodofhisservants,andwillrendervengeancetohisadversaries,andwillbemercifulto
his land, and to his people. (Dent. 32: 4143.) Or as I would prefer to render it from the
Septuagintandancientversions,backedinonerestorationbyinspiredauthority, ForIwillwhet
my sword like the lightning, and my hand shall lay hold on judgement I will repay
vengeance to mine adversaries, and to them that hate me I will give recompence. I will
makeminearrowsdrunkwithblood,andmyswordshalldevourflesh,fromthebloodofthe
wounded and captives from the head of the leaders of the enemies. Rejoice, ye heavens,
with him! And let all the angels of God worship him! Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his
people!AndletallthesonsofGodputtheirtrustinhim,forheshallrevengethebloodof
hissons:andshallrepayvengeancetohisenemies,andrecompensethemthathatehim,and
heshallpurifythelandofhispeople.

Thatthis songofMosesreferstotheperiodinquestionisevidencedbyadoubleprooffromthe
NewTestament.Thefirstis,thatimmediatelyfollowingthesceneofthewinepressinthefourteenth
chapteritissaid, Isawasitwereaseaofglassmingledwithfire:andthemthathadgotten
thevictoryovertheBeast,andoverhisimage,andoverhismark,andoverthenumberof
his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of
MosestheservantofGod,andthesongoftheLamb,saying,Great,andmarvellousarethy
works,LordGodAlmightyjustandtruearethyworks,thou[Page328]Kingofsaints.Whoshall
notfearthee,0Lord,andglorifythyname?forthouonlyartholy:forallnationsshallcome
andworshipbeforetheeforthyjudgementsaremademanifest.

The second proof is derived from Heb. 1: 6, And when he bringeth in the Firstbegotten a
secondtime(SeeGk.)intothehabitableworld(SeeGk.),hesaith,Andletalltheangels
ofGodworshiphim.NowthesewordshavebeenwilfullyomittedbytheJewsinthissong,
butareretainedbytheSeptuagint.Itfollows,then,thatthissongreferstoChristssecondadvent
intotheworld,which,aswehaveseen,willbeforterriblevengeanceonhisenemies.Yetthenshall
all the angels of God worship Christ, when he comes hither with all their host, and then shall the
GentilesrejoicetogetherwiththeJews,andthebloodofthemartyrsshallbeavenged,andtheearth
purified. For it is a time of joy to his people, as the 7th verse of the present chapter of Isaiah
discovers:thoughitisadayofuniversalwrathtohisfoes.Thismercyismoreovermainlyseenin
Godssendingnotanangelordelegatetorelievehissaints,buthisownSon.Heshallcome,that
borewithIsraelstransgressionsduringtheirfortyyearssojourninthewilderness,andallthedaysof
old.But,itissaid,theyrebelledandvexedhisHolySpirit,bytheirrejectionoftheSaviour,
forhowcouldtheSpiritsanctifythosewhohadrejectedtheSon?andalsobytheirblasphemyagainst
himself, Thereforewasheturnedtobetheirenemy,andfoughtagainstthem.Butafterhis
visitationofwrath,heshallrememberhismerciestotheminformertime,andhispromiseto
their fathers. The great deliverance under Moses at the Red Sea is especially mentioned, as the
nearestresemblingthatperiodofmingledwrathandmercy.ButatthattimeIsraelwillhavenoleader
ordeliverer:Abrahambeingignorantofthem,andIsraelnotrecognizingthem,asitiswrittenin
Eccles. 9: 5, The dead know not anything, (of that which passes [above them] on earth.)
ThereforetheJewsentreattheSaviourtocomeandhelpthem,becausetheyarewithoutstrength,and
their adversaries have trodden down the sanctuary. Hence, we conclude that it is that time
prophetically described in the seventyninth Psalm, 0 God, the heathen (Gentiles, ) have
come into thine inheritance thy holy temple have they defiled (the abomination of
desolationstandingintheholyplace),theyhavelaidJerusaleminheaps.[Likeanautumnal
shed,LXX.] Thedeadbodiesofthyservantshavetheygiventobemeattothefowlsofthe
heaven,thefleshofthysaintsuntothebeastsoftheearth.Theirbloodhavetheyshedlike
waterroundaboutJerusalemandtherewasnonetoburythem.Wearebecomeareproach
toourneighbours,ascornandderisiontothemthatareroundaboutus.Howlong,Lord?
wiltthoubeangryforever?shallthyjealousyburnlikefire?Pouroutthywrathuponthe
heathen (Gentiles) that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called
upon thy name. For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwellingplace. This
complaintisurgedagaininthecloseofthenextchapter.

ThecityofthineHolyOneisbecomedeserted,
Zionisawilderness,Jerusalemacurse
Ourholyandbeautifulhouse
Whereinourfatherspraisedthee,
Isburnedupwithfire.

EventhusspaketheSaviour, JerusalemshallhetroddendownoftheGentiles,untilthetimes
oftheGentiles(thethreeyearsandahalf) arefulfilled.AsimilarcomplainttothatofIsaiahis
foundin Psalm74.,Liftupthyfeetuntotheperpetualdesolation(LXX.muchbetter,Liftup
thine hands against their perpetual haughtiness,) even all that the enemy (the Man of Sin) hath
donewickedlyinthesanctuary.Amanwasfamous(afore,Prayerbookversion) according
ashehadliftedupaxesuponthethicktrees.But now they break down the carved work
thereofatoncewithaxesandhammers.Theyhaveburnt(LXX.)thysanctuaryeventothe
ground, they have defiled the dwellingplace of thy name. The reader is requested to
examineforhimselftheremainderofthesePsalms.

TherestofthischapterofIsaiahisaprayerforChristsreturn,atwhosepresence themountains
shall melt, and fire devour the adversaries. This very scene is frequently described in the
Psalms. Thus, in the hundred and fortyfourth is a passage exactly parallel: Bow thy heavens, 0
Lord,andcomedowntouchthemountains,andtheyshallsmoke.Castforthlightning,andscatter
them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. So in Psalm 46: 6: The heathen [Gentiles]
raged,thekingdomsweremoved:heutteredhisvoice,theearthmelted:afterwhichfollows
the [Page 330] description of the thousandyears blessedness. And as in the third verse it is said that
tremblingatChristspresenceshallseizethemountains,sodothePsalmsprophesy. The
mountainsskippedlikerams,andthelittlehillslikelambs.Tremble, thou earth, at the
presenceoftheLord,atthepresenceoftheGodofJacob.(Psalm1144,7.)Similaristhe
prediction of Christs kingdom in the ninetyseventh Psalm: A fire goeth before him, and
burnethuphisenemiesroundabout.Hislightningsenlightenedtheworld:theearthsaw
andtrembled.ThehillsmeltedlikewaxatthepresenceoftheLord,atthepresenceofthe
Lordofthewholeearth.

Tothissucceedsaprophecyofthegoodthingstobeenjoyedattheresurrectionoftherighteous,ina
passagecitedbySt.PaulintheEpistletotheCorinthians,where,afterspeakingoftheignoranceof
theworldanditsprincesofthehiddenwisdomwhichGodordainedbeforetheworld,untoour
glory,headds,thatthishappensinfulfilmentofthewordsofJehovah:Eyehathnotseen,nor
earheard,neitherhaveenteredintotheheartofman,thethingswhichGodbathpreparedfor
themthatlovehim.ButGodhathrevealedthemtousbyhisSpirit.(1Cor.2:9,10.)Toa
likeeffectisthetestimonyofDaniel,inspeakingoftheseverymysteriesofChristscoming: None
ofthewickedshallunderstandbutthewiseshallunderstand.(Dan.12:10.)

***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER65

1Iwasfoundofthemthatsoughtmenot:
Iwasmademanifestuntothemthataskednotforme.
Isaid,Beholdme,Beholdme,
Toapeoplethatwasnotcalledbymyname.
2AlldaylonghaveIstretchedforthmyhands
Untoadisobedientandgainsayingpeople,
Walkinginawaythatisnotgood,
Butaftertheirowntransgressions
3*Thispeoplethatprovokethmecontinuallytomyface,
Thatsacrificeingardens,
Andburnincenseonbrick(altars)untodevils.
4Thatdwellinthetombs,
Andsleepincavestoobtainvisions:
Thateatswinesflesh,anddrinkbrothoftheirsacrifices:
Defiledarealltheirvessels.
5Whosay,Standafarofffromme
Comenotnighuntome:forIamholierthanthou.
Theseareasmokeinmynose,
Afirethatburnetheveryday.
6Behold,itiswrittenbeforeme
IwillnotdesistuntilIrepaythemdoubleintotheirbosom
7Theiniquitiesofthemselvesandoftheirfatherstogether,
Whoburnedincenseonthemountains,
Andblasphemedmeonthehills:
ThereforewillImeasuretheirformerworkintotheirbosom.

8ThussaithJEHOVAH,asthegreenberryisfoundinthegrapebunch,
Andmensay,Destroyitnot,forablessingisinit
*SowillIdoformyservantssake,
ThatImaynotdestroythemall.
9AndIwillbringforthaseedoutofJacob,
AndoutofJudahaninheritorofmyholymountain
Andmineelectshallinheritit,
Andmyservantshalldwellthere.
10AndSharonshallbeafoldofflocks,
AndthevalleyofAchoracouchingplaceofherds,
Formypeoplethathavesoughtme.

11ButyehaveforsakenJEHOVAH,
Andforgottenmyholymountain
YepreparefortheDevilatable,
AndfillupadrinkofferingtoFortune.
12ThereforewillInumberyoutothesword,
Andyeshallallbowdowntotheslaughter:
BecausewhenIcalledyedidnotanswer:
WhenIspake,yedidnothear,
Butdidevilbeforemineeyes,
AndchosethatwhereinIdelightednot.
13ThereforethussaiththeLordJEHOVAH,
Behold,myservantsshalleat,
Butyeshallbehungry:
Behold,myservantsshalldrink,
Butyeshallbethirsty:
Behold,myservantshallrejoice,
Butyeshallbeashamed:
14Behold,myservantsshallsingforjoyofheart
Butyeshallcryforsorrowofheart,
Andhowlforvexationofspirit.
15Andyeshallleaveyournameforacursetomineelect,
FortheLordJEHOVAHshallslayyou:
Andshallcallhisservantsbyanothername,
16Sothathewhoblessethhimselfontheearth,
ShallblesshimselfintheGodoftruth:
Andhethatswearethontheearth,
ShallswearbytheGodoftruth
Fortheyshallforgettheformertribulations,
Evenbecausetheyarehiddenfromtheireyes.
17For,behold,Icreatenewheavensandanewearth,
Andtheformershallnotberemembered,
Norcomeintotheirmind.
18*Butbeyegladandrejoiceforeverinmycreation
For,behold,ImakeJerusalemarejoicing,
Andmypeopleajoy.
19AndIwillrejoiceinJerusalem,
Andjoyinmypeople.
Andthevoiceofweepingshallbenomoreheardinher,
Northevoiceofcrying.
20Thereshallbenomorethereonebornprematurely,
Noranoldmanthathathnotfilledhisdays:
Fortheyouthshallbeanhundredyearsofage,
Butthesinnerthatdiethatahundredyearsshallbeaccursed.
Andtheyshallbuildhouses,andinhabitthem
Andtheyshallplantvineyards,
Andeatthefruitofthem.
22Theyshallnotbuild,andothersinhabit
Theyshallnotplant,andotherseat:
Forasthedaysofthetreeoflife
Shallbethedaysofmypeople,
*Andmineelectshalllongenjoytheworksoftheirhands.
23Theyshallnotlabourinvain,
Norbringforthuntoacurse,
FortheyareaseedblessedbyGod,
Andtheiroffspringwiththem.
24Anditshallcometopass,
ThatbeforetheycallIwillanswer,
*AndwhiletheyareyetspeakingIwillhear.
25Thenthewolfandthelambshallfeedtogether,
Andthelionshalleatstrawlikethebullock:
Butdustshallbetheserpentsmeat.
Theyshallnothurtnordestroy
Inallmyholymountain,saithJEHOVAH.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER65

[Page330]
TheopeningversesofthesixtyfifthchapterarethusquotedintheEpistletotheRomans:ButIsay,
Did not Israel know [the sound of the Gospel]? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to
jealousybythemthatarenopeople,andbyafoolishnationIwillangeryou.ButEsaiasis
verybold,andsaith,IwasfoundofthemthatsoughtmenotIwasmademanifestuntothem
thataskednotforme.ButuntoIsraelhesaith,AlldaylonghaveIstretchedforthmyhands
unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. From which we learn that in this passage the
rejectionoftheJewsandthecalloftheGentilesistreatedof.TothisendthecharacteroftheJews,
whencastoff,isdescribedtheyarerepresentedasintheirownland,justbeforethewrathofGodis
poured on them. We find [Page 331] them accused of burning incense on brick altars unto devils.
Thisisverysignificant,assetsidebysidewiththepassagefromMosessong,adducedbytheapostle
justbefore.Fortherethechargeisrepeated, Theysacrificeduntodevils,andnottoGod: to
godswhomtheyknewnot,tonewgodsthatcamenewlyup,whomtheirfathersfearednot.
(CompareDan.11:3739.)ForthisreasonGoddeclaresthathewillleavethemtothemselves.Yet
thereisagraciouspromisethataremnantshallbesaved.Asthegreenberryissparedinthegrape
bunch,thoughitbeharshandsour,notforwhatitis,butforwhatitshallbeso,thoughIsraelthenbe
abominableinthesightofGod,forthesakeofhischosenseedthatshallspringfromthem,andafter
them, he will not destroy all. Accordingly St. Paul saith, in the chapter in which he treats of the
rejection of the Jews and calling of the Gentiles, As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for
yoursakesbutastouchingtheelection,theyarebelovedforthefatherssakes.Similarlythenext
verseofIsaiahdeclares,IwillbringforthaseedoutofJacob.

Again the transgressions of the latter days are brought before our eyes rites of demonolatry and
sorcery. For these the Lord shall be wroth, and send his judgements upon the nation. To which
succeedthepromisesofjoytotherighteous: Allwhichthings,saysJerome, theChiliasts[as
he calls the Christians of his day who held Millennarian opinions] think shall take place in the
thousand years. The seventeenth verse declares that there shall be new heavens and new
earth,apromiseofwhichtherewillbeacommencingfulfilmentintheMillennium:fortheearth
willthenberenovated.Butitsfullaccomplishmentisnottotakeplacetillafterthedestructionof
thepresentworld,aswelearnfromRev.21:1:AndIsawanewheaven,andanewearth:for
the first heaven and the first earth were passed away: and there was no more sea.
(Comparealsochap.20:11.)

During the thousand years, we are informed that the life of the inhabitants of the earth shall be
lengthened to the time of the antediluvian patriarchs so that a hundred years shall be reckoned
boyhood.Thedeclarationthatthe sinnerdyingevenatthatageshallbeaccursed,appearsto
refer to the time, when after his binding, Satan shall go forth and deceive mankind again, and sin
againshallenter,[Page332]befinallypunished,and,(blessedbeGod!)everlastinglyremoved!

Thiswastheancientinterpretation,asProcopiusdiscoverstous. Someexplainthedeclaration
thatthereshallnotbethereoneprematureoraged,inthefollowingmanner:thatallthose
whoattaintomyresurrectionshallbeperfectandvigorousinsoul,sothatthereshallbe
nothingimperfect,orinfantile,oraged,butallequalsinage,asobtainingatthesameperiod
the resurrection, and partaking of one regeneration. The adult then that is saved, will be
young,andwillfindhimthatislostofthesameagewithhimself.Then,also,theywho
bytheirworkshavepreparedthemselveshabitations,shallobtainthem,andenjoytheirown
labours, cultivating their own fruits, fearless of any stranger seizing on the result of their
labours,butshallliveinendlessenjoymentoflifeaccordingtothedaysofthetreeoflife
whichwordsintimatealsothatthepromisesmadeinParadisewillbefulfilled,andthathe
that obtains them will be immortal, not growing old. Yet the distinction should be made
between those living on the earth, or born into the world at that time, and the risen [resurrected]
saints. It is of the former of these that the text appears specially to speak though the remarks of
Procopiusarealsoworthyofattention,asapplyingtothosewhohavereceivedtheirspiritualbodies.
Nor must it be supposed that all will be equal in rank. Analogy and Scripture both combine to
declare,thatasonestardifferethfromanotherstaringlory,soalsoistheresurrectionofthe
dead.

Therestofthepromisesareintelligibleatonce,iftakenliterally.Theintimationthat dustshallbe
the serpents meat is highly worthy of observation, and discovers the farreaching eye of God,
who, in the first promise in the garden, bound up together in a few simple and ordinary words the
historyofourworld,connectingtogetherthecommencementwiththecloseofhisdispensations!For
thenshallthebruisingofSatanshead,begunbytheLordsdeath,beeffectuallyperformedandthe
time of Millennial blessedness is distinctly notified in the curse then entailed on the serpent, dust
shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. The former part of its curse was literally and at once
fulfilled,uponthybellyshaltthougowhencewelearnthatitoncehadfeet:butthecurse [Page333]
thatitsmeatshouldbedust,hasneveryetbeenaccomplished.Thefulfilmentofthisisreservedtill
the thousand years: but a pledge was given of the fulfilment of the whole, by an immediate
accomplishment of a part. Finally, Jerome reinforces this interpretation by his testimony that the
JewsandearlyChristiansunderstoodthesethingsliterally.


***

TRANSLATION

CHAPTER66

1ThussaithJEHOVAH
Heavenismythrone,
Andearthmyfootstool.
Whatisthehouseyewillbuildme?saithJEHOVAH,
Orwhatistheplaceofmyrest?
2Hathnotmyhandmadeallthesethings?
Andarenotthesethingsmine?saithJEHOVAH.
ButtowhomshallIlook,
Buttothehumbleandcontriteofspirit,
Andthattremblethatmywords?
3Buttheungodlythatsacrificethtomeacalf,
Isasifhemurderedaman
Hethatofferethasheep,asifheslewadog
Hethatpresentethaflouroffering,asifitwereswinesblood.
Hethatofferethfrankincense,asifhewereablasphemer.
Asthesehavechosentheirownways,
Andtheirsouldelightethintheirownabominations,
4*Ialsowillchoosetheirdelusions,
*Andwillbringtheirfearsuponthem:
BecausewhenIcalled,nonedidanswer:
WhenIspake,theydidnothear
Buttheydidevilbeforemineeyes,
AndchosethatinwhichIdelightednot.

5HearthewordofJEHOVAH,yethattrembleathisword:
SayuntoyourbrethrenthathateandcastyououtformyNamessake,
JEHOVAHshallbeglorified!
Yea,heshallappeartoyourjoy:
Buttheyshallbeashamed:

6.Asoundofnoisefromthecity
Avoicefromthetemple!avoiceofJEHOVAH,
Renderingrecompensetohisenemies.
7Beforeshetravailed,shebroughtforth
Beforeherpaincame,shewasdeliveredofamanchild.
8Whohathheardsuchathing?
Orwhohathseenitthus?
Shalltheearthbemadetobringforthinoneday?
Orshallanationbebornatonce?
ForassoonasZiontravailed,
Shebroughtforthherchildren.
9*ShallIbringtothebirth,andnotcausetobringforth?saithJEHOVAIL
HaveInotmadeboththefertileandthebarren?saithyourGod.
10RejoicewithJerusalem,andbegladinher,
Allyethatloveher.Rejoicewithjoywithher,
Allyethatmournonherbehalf.
11Thatyemaysuck,andbesatisfied
Withthebreastofherconsolation
Thatyemaymilkout,andbedelighted
*Withtheabundanceofherglory.

12ForthussaithJEHOVAH:
*Behold,Iwillturnpeaceuponherasariver
AndlikeaflowingstreamthegloryoftheGentiles.
Thenshallyesuck,yeshallbeborneonhershoulders
Andonherknees,caressed.
13Asonewhomhismothercomforteth,
SowillIcomfortyou
AndyeshallbecomfortedinJerusalem.
14Andwhenyesee(this)yourheartshallrejoice,
Andyourbonesflourishlikeanherb
AndthehandofJEHOVAHshallbeknowntohisservants
Andhisindignationtowardshisenemies.
15For,behold!JEHOVAHshallcomewithfire
Andwithhischariotslikeawhirlwind:
Torenderhisangerwithfury,
Andhisrebukewithflamesoffire.
16ForbythefireofJEHOVAHshallalltheearthbejudged
Andbyhisswordallfleshshallfall
AndtheslainofJEHOVAHshallbemany.

17Theythatsanctifyandpurifythemselvesinthegardens.
Andbehindthedoorseatswinesflesh.
Andtheabomination,andthemouse,
Shallperishtogether,saithJEHOVAH.
18ForIknowtheirworksandtheirthoughts
Icometogatherallnationsandtongues
Andtheyshallcomeandseemyglory.
19AndIwillsetonthemasign,
AndIwillsendforththosethatescapeofthem,
UntotheGentilestoTarshish,andPul,andLud,
*AndMeshech,andTubal,andJavan,
Andtotheislesafaroff,
Thathavenotheardmyfame,
Norseenmyglory:
AndtheyshalldeclaremygloryamongtheGentiles.
20Andtheyshallbringallyourbrethren,
AsapresenttoJEHOVAHoutofallnations,
Onhorsesandinchariots,andinlitters,
Anduponmuleswithpanniers,
UntomyholycityJerusalem,saithJEHOVAH.
AsthechildrenofIsraelbringtheirsacrificestome
WithinstrumentsofsonguntothehouseofJEHOVAH.
21AndIwilltakeofthempriestsandLevites,saithJEHOVAH.
22Forasthenewheavensandthenewearth,
WhichIshallmake,shallremainbeforeme,saithJEHOVAH
Soshallyourseedandnameremain.
23Anditshallcometopass,thatmonthbymonth,
AndSabbathbySabbath,allfleshshallcome,
ToworshipbeforemeinJerusalem,saithJEHOVAH
24Andtheyshallgoforthandlookonthecarcases
Ofthementhathavetransgressedagainstme
Fortheirwormshallnotdie,northeirfirebequenched:
*Buttheyshallbeanabhorringtoallflesh.

***

EXPOSITION

CHAPTER66
[Page333]
St. Stephen adduces the opening words of this chapter, in his sermon to the Jews, as follows: But
Solomonbuilthimanhouse.HowbeitthemostHighdwellethnotintemplesmadewithhands:as
saiththeprophet,Heavenismythrone,andearthismyfootstool:whathousewillyebuildme?saith
theLord:orwhatistheplaceofmyrest?Hathnotmyhandmadeallthesethings?Yestiffnecked
anduncircumcisedinheartandears,yedoalwaysresisttheHolyGhost:asyourfathersdid,sodo
ye. (Acts 7: 475l.) Therefore, from the tenor of this passage, it appears that it was intended to
reprovetheJewishnationforboastingofthepossessionofthetempleoftheLord,whiletheywerein
theirheartsuncircumcisedandstiffnecked.AndpreciselythusdoesIsaiahcontinuehisrebuke:
ButtowhomshallIlookbuttothehumbleandcontriteofspirit,andthattremblethatmy
word? Thus were they taught that the [humble and obedient] believer is the temple of the
HolyGhost,inwhich,afterapeculiarandintimatesense,Godwilldwell.Itspropheticreference
may be twofold, either as a warning to the Jews when returned in unbelief to their own land,
reconstructingthetemple,andrestoringitssacrifices,thatabuildingwillnotcauseJehovahtodwell
amongthem,seeinghewillnotdwellwithanybutthecontriteinheart.Itmayalsohaveareference
to the Millennial times and as St. Paul warns us that the kingdom of heaven is not meat and
drink, but righteousness, and joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost, so these words may be
intendedtoteachusthatthegloryofChristsreignwillconsist,notsomuchintherestoredtemple
and its splendours, as in the renewal of the souls of men, and the spiritual indwelling of the Holy
Ghost.Butitappearstohavetheprincipalreferencetotheformertime.Forwemaybesure,thaton
the return of the Jews [Page 334] to their own land, their first step would be to rebuild the temple, and
restorethesacrifices.ForwhichreasontheLordrebukestheirfoolishhopethattherebytheycould
conciliate,orevenforce,hisfavourtowardsthemasinthetimeofElitheymadetheearthringagain
withtheirshoutwhenthearkofGodcameintothecampasifJehovahmustthenofnecessityfight
forthem.But,asinthatinstance,theMostHighdefeatedthembeforetheirfoes,andgaveuptheark
for a prey, so at this time also will he give up Israel to the destroyer, and permit him to defile the
sanctuary.FortheLordacceptsnottheoutwardshowintheworshipperheregardsonly thespirit
andtruth,andtheformsofworshipofferedbytheungodlyareanabominationtohim.For,assaith
theWiseMan, Hethatturnethawayhisearfrombearingthelaw,evenhisprayershallbe
abomination.PreciselysimilaristhesentimentofIsaiahinthethirdverse.

After giving utterance to this sentiment, consolation is offered to the believers in Jesus, who are
abhorredforhisnamessakewordswhichclearlydesignatethetimeofwhichthisisspoken,as
thetimeofGreatTribulationandofpersecutiononaccountofbeliefinChristJesus.Forthusdidthe
Saviour predict of the times preceding his coming, in words almost identical with those quoted
above. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you and ye shall be
hatedofallnationsformynamessake!Butthecoincidenceisyetmoreexact,foritis their
brethrenthatabhorthemandthustheLordprophesies, Yeshallbebetrayedbothbyparents,
andbrethren,andkinsfolks,andsomeofyoutheyshallcausetobeputtodeath.(Luke21:
16.)Soinanotherplace,Andthebrothershalldeliverupthebrothertodeath,andthefather
thechild,andchildrenshallriseupagainsttheir,parents,andcausethemtobeputtodeath.
Andyeshallbehatedofallmenformynamessake.(Matt.10:21,22.) Then shall be
fulfilledalsothatwhichiswrittenin John16:1,2,ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou,that
yeshouldnotbeoffended.Theyshallputyououtofthesynagogues:yeathetimecometh,
that whosoever killeth you shall think that he doeth God service. Yet in the midst of the
saints trouble, Christ shall appear to their joy, and the persecutors shall be ashamed.
Immediatelyafterfollowsthedescriptionofthatcoming, [Page335] inthesoundofChristsvengeancein
thecityandtempleofJerusalem,whenheshallrendervengeancetotheManofSinandhiscollected
armies.Then,asinamultitudeofcasespreviously,afterthecompletionofGodswrath,theprophet
burstsoutintoadescriptionof theglorythatshallfollow.Inthe 15thverseChristscomingis

described with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind. For the chariots of God are
twentythousand,eventhousandsofangels,andtheLordisamongthemasintheholyplace
ofSinai,andthisdeclarationoccursinthemidstof Psalm68.,whichalsogivesadescriptionof
Christsappearing,andtowhichthereaderisreferred.

Take also the coinciding interpretation of Procopius on the 15th verse. Having declared the
promisestobelievers,andthethreatstounbelievers,henowexhibitshisgloriouscoming,
andproclaimsthathewillcomewiththe glory of his Father and his angels to judge the
livingandthedead.Bythewordchariotshemeanshisangelsandattendantpowers,asit
iswritteninthePsalms,ThechariotsofGodaretenthousandfold,eventhousandsofthe
happyones[ofangels,ourtranslation.]And as a whirlwind shall he come to them that
areworthyofvengeance.Andhisrebukesignifiestherejectionofthosetowhomhewill
say,Departfromme,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire.

That by the sword of Jehovah and his devouring fire all flesh shall be judged, has been
frequently proved before. His especial vengeance shall fall on those who addict themselves to
magicalandforbiddenpractices.

ForChristcomestogatherallnationsandtongues,asheforetelsinhisparableofthesheepand
goats.

WhentheSonofManshallcomeinhisgloryandallhisholyangelswithhim,thenshall
he sit on the throne of his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations (all the
Gentiles,[SeeGk.]),andheshallseparatethemonefromanother,asashepherddivideththe
sheepfromthegoats.(Matt.25:31,32.)Inwhichparablethejudgementofthequick,orof
thoselivingonearth,andoftherisensaints,isforeshown.

SubsequentlyisapredictionofthebringingbackofIsraelbymeansofthehorses,andchariots,and
ships of the Gentiles, unto the presence of Christ at Jerusalem. The words as a present to
Jehovah,connectthepresent [Page 336]chapterwiththeeighteenthofthisprophet,andprovethatthe
Jewsarethepeoplepredictedofthere.

AtthatseasonapresentshallbebroughttoJehovahofhosts,
Evenapeopledraggedawayandplucked,
Apeopleterriblefromtheirbeginninghitherto,
Anationalwaysexpectant,yettroddenunderfoot,
Whoselandrivershavespoiled,
UntotheplaceofthenameofJehovahofhosts,MountZion.

AfterthisitispromisedthatasthefinalabodeoftheblessedshalleverremainunshakenbeforeGod,
soshallthenameandseedofIsraelremain.Moreoverthatshallbeatimeofuniversalworshipof
ChristitshallbethedutyandtheprivilegeofthoselivingonearthtogouptoworshipatJerusalem
theChristofGod,andthusshallbefulfilledthewordsoftheRedeemer,thatthetempleatJerusalem
shallbe anhouseofprayerforallnations.Norisitprophesiedinthisplacealone. Andit
shallcometopass, testifies Zechariah, thateveryonethatisleftofallthenations which
cameagainstJerusalem,shallevergoupfromyeartoyeartoworshiptheKing,theLord
ofhosts,andtokeepthefeastoftabernacles.Anditshallbe,thatwhosowillnotcomeup
ofallthefamiliesoftheearthuntoJerusalemtoworshiptheKing,theLordofhosts,even
uponthemshallbenorain.AndifthefamilyofEgyptgonotup,andcomenot,thathave
norainthereshallbetheplague,wherewiththeLordwillsmitetheheathenthatcomenot
up to keep the feast of tabernacles. (Zech. 14: 1618.) The Chiliasts explain this, says
Jerome, that they who are in the neighbourhood, every Sabbath shall come to Jerusalem
theywhoarefartheroff,everymonththosewhoareveryfaroff,everyyearthatis,inthe
days of the passover or the tabernacles, as it is said in Zech. 14:16. Then shall the
worshippersalsogoforthtothevalleyofHinnomandseetheUsurperChristpunishedinTophets
firewithallhishost,andthenceshalltheylearnbothtofearandtoloveJehovahofhoststolovehim
forhisplenteousbenefitsscatteredaroundtheminplenaryabundanceoveralllands:andtofearhim,
by the spectacle of the punishment of those who denied his existence and defied his power. The
Lordhastenitinhistime!Amen.

Tobecontinued,D.V.

Govett On Isaiah

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19/6/2015 GOVETTONISAIAH

1 THE VISION OF ISAIAH THE SON OF AMOS, WHICH HE SAW

1. THE WORD WHICH ISAIAH THE SON OF AMOS RECEIVED

Itwasthediscoveryoftheremarkableprophecyrestoredinthe9thand10th verses of this chapter,

Thethreatofcaptivitywhichfollowswas,totheletter,fulfilled,and that, becausetheyknewnot

ThissignAhazrefused,eitherfromsuperstitiousslavish [Page 151]fearorfrompride,lestthetrueGod

1 THE VISION AGAINST BABYLON WHICH ISAIAH THE SON OF AMOS

ThepassagequotedfromRevelation,mentionstheseas locusts:therebyreferringusto Joel1:1,

AtthistimeJehovahshallgivetoIsrael restintheirownland,whichpromiseisrepeatedin verse

Again,heisentitled, thecruelPersecutor.Soisherepresentedin Dan.7:21,Ibeheld,and

Hislastassumptionofblasphemyis, IwillbeliketheMostHigh.Intoxicated with a power,

Now,howexactlydoesthistallywiththeprophecy [Page194]onMountOlivet (Matt.24.)?Whenye

Respectingthe 4thversethereissomuchuncertainty,thatthoughHorsleys version is retained in

Thattheinterpretationheregivenwastheoriginalidea [Page 206]entertainedbytheancientChurch,the

Butfurther,thosewhohaveperusedBurghsExposition of the Revelation,andaresatisfiedwith

BishopHorsley, in his commencing note on this chapter, observes, that it canbeexpoundedof

Eusebius,commentingonthewords, Thineancientcounsel,beautifullyrefersto Matthew25:

The commencement of this chapter is obscure, probably because it is yet to be accomplished. It

Howwellthisaccordswiththeprecedingneednotbenoticed.ThewordsofJerome may now be

triumphingovertheminit.According to the testimony of St. Paul (Eph. 6: 12) the Christian

So also as John Baptist heralded the firstcoming of Christ inthespiritandpowerofElias,

Butatthe 6thversethesubjectchanges,andtheRedeemerappropriatestohimselfthenameof the

On this passage Theodoretobserves, ThenatureoftheLordaccordingtothefleshwasthat

Inhishumiliation,hisjudgementwasindeed takenaway, for all justice was abandoned at

Theensuingdeclarationisthereforeperfectlytrue,thatIn his humiliation his judgement

Jerusalemtheearthlyisthemarriedwife,whosehusband [Page310]is thelaw,asSt.Pauldiscoversto

united,thewordsofProcopius,inhiscommentonthe 21stverse,arehereadded, Us,then,the

Thesamesceneofvengeancedoesthe songofMosesforetell. IfIwhetmyglitteringsword,

burstsoutintoadescriptionof theglorythatshallfollow.Inthe 15thverseChristscomingis

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