Isaiah 49:1

CHAPTER XLIX

In this chapter the Messiah is introduced, declaring the full

extent of his commission, which is not only to be Saviour to

the Jews, but also to the Gentiles. The power and efficacy of

his word is reprehended by apt images; the ill success of his

ministry among the Jews is intimated, and the great success of

the Gospel among the Gentiles, 1-12.

But the prophet, then casting his eye on the happy, though

distant, period of Israel's restoration, makes a beautiful

apostrophe to the whole creation to shout forth the praises of

God on the prospect of this remarkable favour, 13.

The tender mercies of God to his people, with the prosperity of

the Church in general, and the final overthrow of all its

enemies, make the subject of the remaining verses, 14-26.

NOTES ON CHAP. XLIX

Verse Isaiah 49:1. Listen, O isles, unto me - "Hearken unto me, O ye distant lands"] Hitherto the subject of the prophecy has been chiefly confined to the redemption from the captivity of Babylon; with strong intimations of a more important deliverance sometimes thrown in, to the refutation of idolatry, and the demonstration of the infinite power, wisdom, and foreknowledge of God. The character and office of the Messiah was exhibited in general terms at the beginning of Isaiah 42:1 c. but here he is introduced in person, declaring the full extent of his commission, which is not only to restore the Israelites, and reconcile them to their Lord and Father, from whom they had so often revolted, but to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, to call them to the knowledge and obedience of the true God, and to bring them to be one Church together with the Israelites, and to partake with them of the same common salvation procured for all by the great Redeemer and Reconciler of man to God.