_Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation_ THE PROPHECY EXPLAINED Let me venture to give what I conceive to be the true rendering of the prophecy--a rendering which at least in its main particulars has the support of the best modern interpreters--and the striking beauty an... [ Continue Reading ]
_The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light_ THE TRUE LIGHT The prophet’s vision has been fulfilled. The true light now shineth; Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh is the true Light which lighteth every man. There is no light in any real sense but that which comes to man through... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the Joy_ NATIONAL POWER AND NATIONAL CHARACTER The difference between national power and national character, between the success and the worthiness of a State, is suggested by these words. Scientific insight shows us that a planet is under the do... [ Continue Reading ]
_For Thou hast broken the yoke of his burden_ DELIVERANCE FROM THE BURDEN OF SIN I. SIN IS A BURDEN (Psalms 38:4). Sinners are heavy laden with this insupportable load, which detains them from God, who alone can relieve them; enfeebles their minds; and harasses them with perplexing fears, and the... [ Continue Reading ]
_For every battle of the warrior_ SIGNIFICANCE OF Isaiah 9:5 The verse is more noteworthy for its connection than for its contents. As it stands it suggests a not very vivid contrast between two sorts of battle, which contributes nothing to the progress of the prophet’s thought as well as quite mi... [ Continue Reading ]
_For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given_ THE “CHILD” HEZEKIAH--YET SOMEONE ELSE I am unable to form any distinct notion of Isaiah as a man and a Hebrew, and as a prophet of Jehovah in contrast with those muttering wizards he denounces, without supposing that, at this period of his life... [ Continue Reading ]
_Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end_ THE MISSIONARY WORK I. WHAT IS THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED AND WHOSE AGENCY SHALL ACCOMPLISH IT? 1. The missionary work is the increase of Messiah’s government and peace: the proclamation of Messiah as King of kings and Lord of lord... [ Continue Reading ]
_The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones_ A DRINKING SONG It has been conjectured that these words are a fragment of a drinking song actually sung in Ephraim. (_Prof. J. Skinner, D. D._) ISRAEL’S PRESUMPTION In the first strophe Isaiah depicted the Ephraimites’ proud supe... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him_ OPPOSITIONS “The Lord shall set up the adversaries. ” This accounts for many oppositions which otherwise would be without explanation. We wonder why such and such people should be opposed to us. Ask them questions about this op... [ Continue Reading ]
_For all thin ms anger is not turned away_ THE END OF JUDGMENTS AND THE REASON OF THEIR CONTINUANCE I. THE DESIGN AND INTENTION OF GOD IN SENDING JUDGMENT UPON A PEOPLE; that is, to reclaim them from all their sins, implied in these words, “for the people turneth not to Him that smiteth them.” Thi... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the people turneth not unto Him that smiteth them_ GOD’S ROD SHOULD BE KISSED “The people turneth not unto Him that smiteth them. ” That is one element of the cause of this judgment. They do not kiss the rod: they see it to be a rod only; they do not understand that judgment is the severe as... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore the Lord will cut off from Israel head and tall, branch and rush, in one day_ GOD GIVING ACCOUNT OF HIS ACTIONS I. THE GROUND OR OCCASION OF THE JUDGMENT in the particle “therefore.” Wherefore? (Isaiah 9:13). The cause which is here expressed may be conceived to proceed in the way of a... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the leaders of this people cause them to err_ LEADERS MISLEADING Render: “And the leaders of this people have become misleaders. ” (_Prof. J. Skinner, D. D._) LEADERS’ RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PEOPLE’S FAULTS 1. By conniving at their wickedness. 2. By countenancing wicked people. 3. By set... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore the Lord shall have no Joy in their young men_ “THE LORD SHALL HAVE NO JOY IN THEIR YOUNG MEN” The meaning is full of suggestion God delights in the young. God has made the young a ministry of instruction and comfort to old age. God keeps the world young by keeping children in it, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_For wickedness burneth as the fire_ WICKEDNESS AS FIRE Wickedness, _i._., the constant willing of evil, is a fire which man kindles in himself. And when the grace of God, which stifles and checks this fire, is at an end, it breaks forth The fire of wickedness is nothing else but God’s עֶבְדָה for... [ Continue Reading ]