Behold — The prophet having given one eminent instance of God's
certain fore — knowledge, in the deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus,
now adds another more eminent example of it, by foretelling the coming
of the Messiah. This place therefore is expressly interpreted of
Christ, Matthew 12:18, &c. And to... [ Continue Reading ]
Cry — In a way of contention, or ostentation. Lift — His voice.
Heard — As contentious and vain — glorious persons frequently do.... [ Continue Reading ]
Break — Christ will not deal rigorously with those that come to him,
but he will use all gentleness, cherishing the smallest beginnings of
grace, comforting and healing wounded consciences. Quench — That
wick of a candle which is almost extinct, he will not quench, but
revive and kindle it again. Ju... [ Continue Reading ]
'Till — 'Till he has established his law or doctrine, among the
nations of the earth. Isles — The countries remote from Judea, shall
gladly receive his doctrine.... [ Continue Reading ]
He — This description of God's infinite power, is seasonably added,
to give them assurance of the certain accomplishment of his promises.... [ Continue Reading ]
Called thee — To declare my righteousness, or faithfulness. With —
hold — Will give thee counsel and strength for the work. Give thee
— To be the mediator in whom my covenant of grace is confirmed with
mankind. The people — Of all people, not only of Jews but Gentiles.
A light — To enlighten them wi... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord — Heb. Jehovah: who have all being in and of myself, and
give being to all my creatures. The everlasting, and unchangeable, and
omnipotent God, who therefore both can, and will fulfil all my
promises.... [ Continue Reading ]
I tell you — That when they come to pass, you may know that I am
God, and that this is my work.... [ Continue Reading ]
Sing — Upon this new and great occasion, the salvation of the world
by Christ. From the end — All nations from one end of the earth to
another. Ye — You that go by sea carry these glad tidings from
Judea, where Christ was born, and lived, and died, and published the
gospel, unto the remotest parts o... [ Continue Reading ]
The wilderness — Those parts of the world which are now desolate and
forsaken of God, and barren of all good fruits. Kedar — The
Arabians: who were an Heathen and barbarous people, and are put for
all nations. Mountains — Who are commonly more savage and ignorant
than others.... [ Continue Reading ]
The islands — In the remotest parts of the world, as well as in
Arabia, which was near to them.... [ Continue Reading ]
Go forth — To battle. Stir up — He shall stir up his strength, and
anger against the obstinate enemies of his Son and gospel. Roar — As
a lion doth upon his prey, and as soldiers do when they begin the
battle.... [ Continue Reading ]
Long — I have for many ages suffered the devil and his servants, to
prevail in the world, but now I will bring forth and accomplish that
glorious work which I have long conceived in my mind; yea, I will
suddenly destroy the incorrigible enemies of my truth.... [ Continue Reading ]
Hills — My most lofty and flourishing enemies. Dry up — I will
remove all impediments out of the way.... [ Continue Reading ]
The blind — The Gentiles. By a way — By the way of truth, which
hitherto has been hidden from them, yea, I will take away all
hindrances; I will direct then in the right way; I will enlighten
their dark minds, and rectify their perverse wills and affections,
until I have brought theirs to the end of... [ Continue Reading ]
Hear — O you, whosoever you are, who resist this clear light.... [ Continue Reading ]
My servant — The Jews, who will not receive their, Messiah.
Messenger — My messengers, the singular number being put for the
plural, namely the priests and other teachers whom I have appointed to
instruct my people. The Lord's servant — As the most eminent
teachers and rulers of the Jews, who were c... [ Continue Reading ]
Heareth not — Thou dost not seriously consider the plain word, and
the wonderful works of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Well pleased — Altho' God might justly destroy thee suddenly, yet he
will patiently wait for thy repentance, that he may be gracious; and
that not for thy sake, but for the glory of his own faithfulness, in
fulfilling that covenant, which he made with thy pious progenitors.
Magnify — He will maintai... [ Continue Reading ]
But — But not withstanding this respect which God hath to his
people, he hath severely scourged you for your sins. Hid — They have
been taken in snares made by their own hands, and by God's just
judgment cast into dungeons and prisons. None — None afforded them
help.... [ Continue Reading ]
Fury — Most grievous judgments. Yet — They were secure and stupid
under God's judgments.... [ Continue Reading ]