_THE PROPHET, WITH THE PROMISE OF CHRIST, CALLETH TO REPENTANCE, AND TO FAITH. THE HAPPY STATE OF THEM THAT BELIEVE._ _Before Christ 719._ THE fourth section in this chapter contains, _first,_ a general invitation to all people, without distinction, desirous of embracing the true religion, freely... [ Continue Reading ]
HO, EVERY ONE THAT THIRSTETH— It is universally agreed, that this prophesy concerns the beginning of the Gospel, in describing the attributes of which period the prophet has hitherto been particularly employed; and that in this part of it, especially, both Jews and Gentiles are invited to the commun... [ Continue Reading ]
INCLINE YOUR EAR, &C.— Vitringa is of opinion, that these words are immediately addressed to the Jews, and he paraphrases them thus: "O ye Jews, who ought to be ashamed of refusing that grace, and the blessings accompanying it, which, offered equally to the Gentiles and to you, will be received by t... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, I HAVE GIVEN HIM, &C.— The _witness_ and _leader_ here spoken of, unquestionably, is the Messiah, whom God declares that he had given, not to instruct the Jews only, but also the people of the Gentiles. Instead of _commander,_ Vitringa reads _instructor. Christ_ is the _faithful and true wit... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR MY THOUGHTS ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS— This whole period consists of two comparative sentences; the one of which sets forth the height and sublimity of the thoughts and ways of God, above the thoughts and ways of men; the other, the undoubted power of the word of God, sent forth by him to effect the... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR YE SHALL GO OUT WITH JOY— The prophet, in words and ideas which seem borrowed from the departure of the Jews from Babylon, here represents the first preachers of the Gospel going forth to preach the glad tidings of salvation to the Gentiles together with the good success of their expedition, in... [ Continue Reading ]