Isaiah 49:8

Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

Ver. 8. In an acceptable time.] Heb., In a time of my good pleasure, or good will - i.e., when of free grace I am pleased to send thee into the world, and to cause the gospel to be preached all abroad, thereby declaring myself fully appeased with the "men of my good will," as the elect are called. Luk 2:14 2Co 6:2

Have I heard thee?] Or, Will I hear thee - sc., interceding; and will I help thee - sc., conflicting.

And give thee for a covenant,] i.e., For a mediator of the new covenant, which is ratified by thy blood: as was signified by the book sprinkled with the blood of the slain sacrifice.

To establish the earth.] Had not Christ undertook the shattered condition of the world to uphold it, it had fallen about Adam's ears.

To cause to inherit the desolate heritages,] i.e., Heaven, forfeited by us in our first parents; or, as others, the countries of the nations now converted.