Isaiah 29 - Introduction

"A.M. 3279. B.C. 725.

One principal “subject of this and the four following Chapter s is the invasion of the Assyrians, and the great distress of the Jews while it continued; their sudden and unexpected deliverance by God's immediate interposition in their favour; the subsequent prosperous state of the kingdom under Hezekiah; interspersed with severe reproofs and threats of punishment for their hypocrisy, stupidity, infidelity, their want of trust in God, and their vain reliance on the assistance of Egypt; and with promises of better times, both immediately to succeed and to be expected in the future age.” That section of the prophet's discourse which is contained in this chapter is directed wholly to the Jews of Jerusalem, and is nearly of the same argument with the preceding. It may be divided into two parts; the first containing the denunciation of a temporal, the second, of a spiritual judgment. It is foretold,

(1,) That Jerusalem should be greatly distressed, but that their enemies, who distressed them, should be baffled and defeated, Isaiah 29:1.

(2,) A reproof is given to three sorts of sinners. To those that were stupid and regardless of the warnings given them, Isaiah 29:9. To those that were formal and hypocritical in their religious performances, Isaiah 29:13; Isaiah 29:14. And to those that profanely despised God's providence, and set up their own projects in competition with it, Isaiah 29:15.

(3,) Precious promises of grace and mercy are made to a remnant w