Isaiah 27:1

CHAPTER XXVII

Destruction of the enemies of the Church, 1.

God's care of his vineyard, 2-11.

Prosperity of the descendants of Abraham in the latter days,

12, 13.

The subject of this chapter seems to be the nature, the measure, and the design of God's dealings with his people.

1. His judgments inflicted on their great and powerful enemies, Isaiah 27:1.

2. His constant care and protection of his favourite vineyard, in the form of a dialogue, Isaiah 27:2.

3. The moderation and lenity with which the severity of his judgments have been tempered, Isaiah 27:7.

4. The end and design of them, to recover them from idolatry, Isaiah 27:9. And,

5. The recalling of them, on their repentance, from their several dispersions, Isaiah 27:12.

The first verse seems connected with the two last verses of the preceding chapter. - L.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXVII

Verse Isaiah 27:1. Leviathan] The animals here mentioned seem to be the crocodile, rigid by the stiffness of the backbone, so that he cannot readily turn himself when he pursues his prey; hence the easiest way of escaping from him is by making frequent and short turnings: the serpent or dragon, flexible and winding, which coils himself up in a circular form: and the sea-monster, or whale. These are used allegorically, without doubt for great potentates, enemies and persecutors of the people of God: but to specify the particular persons or states designed by the prophet under these images, is a matter of great difficulty, and comes not necessarily with in the design of these notes. R. D. Kimchi says, leviathan is a parable concerning the kings of the Gentiles: it is the largest fish in the sea, called also תנין tannin, the dragon, or rather the whale. By these names the Grecian, Turkish, and Roman empires are intended. The dragon of the sea seems to mean some nation having a strong naval force and extensive commerce. See Kimchi on the place.