Isaías 28

Horae Homileticae de Charles Simeon

Isaías 28:5

5 Naquele dia o Senhor dos Exércitos será uma coroa gloriosa, um belo diadema para o remanescente do seu povo.

DISCOURSE: 900
THE FELICITY OF GOD’S PEOPLE

Isaías 28:5. In that day shall the Lord of Hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty unto the residue of his people.

THE sublime expressions of Scripture frequently raise in our minds a pleasing sensation, while yet we entertain but very confused notions of the truths contained in them. It is scarcely possible to read the words of the text without being struck with wonder and admiration: but we cannot enter into their full import without a careful attention to the preceding context. Samaria was the capital of the ten tribes: it was situated on a high hill, and surrounded by fertile vallies, which were skirted with other hills: hence it was compared to a crown or chaplet; which, while it adorned the adjacent country, marked its pre-eminence above all the other cities of Israel. But for the pride and intemperance of its inhabitants, God denounced his judgments against it, declaring that this beautiful chaplet should be “a fading flower,” and this boasted fortress, a desolation. He foretold that its wealth and beauty should but excite the avidity of its enemies, who, as soon as they came against it, should prevail over it, and greedily devour it, as one would devour a delicious piece of fruit which he unexpectedly found hanging on a tree. Then, to mark as strongly as possible, the contrast between them and his faithful people, he promises that He himself will be to his people a crown of glory that shall never perish, and a diadem of beauty that shall never fade—

This was fulfilled in the preservation of the two tribes under Hezekiah from the forces of the Assyrians, after they had destroyed Samaria and carried captive the whole kingdom of Israel. But its full accomplishment must be sought for in the blessings which God vouchsafes to his people under the Gospel dispensation. To illustrate it we must observe, that,

I. In the most degenerate times God has a remnant of faithful people—

There has been no season when God has not had some faithful adherents—
[In the antediluvian world all flesh had corrupted their way, and it seemed as if the very remembrance of God had been effaced from the minds of his creatures: but yet there was one small family who maintained their steadfastness, and openly acknowledged the true God. Before God separated the Israelites for himself, the world was again reduced to a state similar to that before the deluge: yet even then there were found an Abraham, a Melchizedec, a Job, and perhaps a few others connected with them. The times of Elijah were extremely degenerate: yet then, though he thought himself the only servant of God in Israel, there were seven thousand others that had never bowed their knee to Baal. Though therefore the knowledge of God has frequently been almost extinct, yet there never has been a period when he had not some to be his witnesses in the ages in which they lived.]
But at no time has he had more than a little remnant—
[When first the twelve tribes were established in Canaan, piety prevailed among that nation more than at any other period: but there is no reason to imagine that the godly bore any proportion to the ungodly; nor, if their whole nation had been pious, did they bear any proportion to the world at large. There were many converted in the days of the Apostles; and religion flourished far beyond what it ever did before or since that time: yet Christians were even then “like the gleanings of the olive, one or two upon the topmost boughs.” The name of Christ is indeed very widely spread; but if his professed followers be sifted, how little true wheat would be found in comparison of the chaff! Truly it is “a little flock,” “a remnant according to the election of grace;” “though the nominal Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is only a small remnant that will eventually be saved [Note: Romanos 11:5; Romanos 9:27.].”]

Their state however is peculiarly happy; for,

II.

While they honour God, God greatly exalts and blesses them—

The terms used in the text import that God will be to his people a source of,

1. Honour—

[A crown is the highest honour to which a human being can aspire in this world. But how poor and contemptible is such a dignity, when compared with that which God confers on his people! “He is not ashamed to be called their God:” He acknowledges them as “his sons and daughters:” they are the very “members of Christ’s body,” yea, they “are one spirit” together with him. While monarchs are surrounded by their nobles, the saints are attended by holy angels, who, as “ministering spirits, are sent from heaven to minister unto them.” When they go hence they have a crown of righteousness, and a throne of glory on which they shall sit with Christ at the right hand of God, in whose presence they shall “reign as kings and priests for ever and ever.” “Such honour have all his saints.”]

2. Beauty—

[A crown is deemed the brightest ornament to the person that wears it; nor is any thing wanting to it that can increase its splendour. This idea is particularly marked in that a crown is called “a diadem of beauty.” But God puts a far brighter ornament around the head of his people: “He beautifies them with salvation.” He encircles them, as he did Moses of old, with rays of his own glory, insomuch that “his own glory is seen upon them.” A meek and quiet spirit is but a single grace out of many with which they are endued; yet that is “an ornament of great value even in the sight of God” himself; what then must be the constellation of graces that form their character? But what can God himself say more than this, that they are “renewed after his own image in righteousness and true holiness,” and that they are progressively “changed into his image from glory to glory by the agency of his almighty Spirit?” Is the ornament of a glittering bauble worthy to be compared with this?]

3. Happiness—

[Men conceive that the possession of imperial honours must of necessity contribute greatly to their happiness: hence, if such a station be within their reach, there is nothing which men will not do to attain it. But supposing that all the satisfaction which men expect from their elevation were invariably attached to it, how much greater happiness does God impart to his chosen people! Their “peace passeth all understanding;” their “hope is full of immortality;” their “joy is unspeakable and glorified.” They are not indeed exempt from sorrows; but they have “joys with which the stranger intermeddleth not.” No tongue can declare the comfort they sometimes feel in a sense of the divine favour; nor can the heart of man conceive those joys which are prepared for them at the right hand of God.]

4. Security—

[The idea of security attaches to the condition of a king, because, the instant that he is in danger, there are thousands at his command to rally round the throne, and to expose their lives in his defence. But if “the Lord of Hosts himself be our crown,” then are we secure indeed. And has he not said that “He standeth round about his people;” that “their place of defence is the munition of rocks [Note: Isaías 33:16.];” that “He himself will be to them as a broad and rapid river that can neither be passed nor navigated [Note: Isaías 33:21.];” yea, that “He will be a wall of fire round about them [Note: Zacarias 2:5.],” not only to protect their persons, but to destroy all that would invade their peace? Has he not assured us that “neither the power nor the policy of hell shall ever prevail against them?” and that “none shall ever pluck them out of his hand?” Having HIM, they have all. If “none can separate them from his love,” their honour and beauty, their happiness mid security, are as firm and immovable as God himself.]

Infer—
1.

How desirable is it to be found among the little remnant!

[Look at the greatest monarch upon earth; and the condition of Lazarus is infinitely preferable to his, unless he be among the number of God’s people. Created glory, like that of Samaria, is but “a fading flower;” but if we belong to God, we have a portion, substantial in its nature, and everlasting in its duration. Let us then seek this portion with all earnestness through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.]

2. How little should we regard the scoffs and contempt of men!

[It is indeed “a small matter to be judged of man’s judgment.” If God commend us as wise, we need not be concerned though men should account us fools. Time will show, who are the truly wise, they who through the love of the world or the fear of man displease their God, or they, who face the frowns of the world, and sacrifice its interests in order that they may please him. Indeed the ungodly themselves will soon alter their sentiments respecting these things [Note: Wisd. 5:3–6.]. And, if a king upon his throne would not regard the ravings of a maniac who should conceit himself to be arrayed in royal majesty, so neither need we regard those who enjoy only the appearance of happiness, while we possess God himself for our crown of glory, and our diadem of beauty.]

3. How are we bound in our respective spheres to honour and glorify our God!

[Can we reflect a moment on such transcendent mercies, and not feel it our duty to walk worthy of them? If any ask, How shall I requite the Lord? We answer, “Be ye a crown of glory and a royal diadem in his hand [Note: Isaías 62:3.].” It is true, we cannot add to his honour, beauty, happiness, or security; but, as a diadem is that on which the prince looks with peculiar complacency, so may we be objects of pleasure and delight in the hand of our God. Let us then endeavour so to walk that we may be his boast: so to shine, that it may be seen to whom we belong; and so to honour him, that he may acknowledge us as his in the day that he shall make up his jewels.]

Introdução

CONTENTS TO VOL. VII.

Discourse

Text

Subject

Isaiah

856. Isaías 1:2.

God’s Complaint against his People

857. Isaías 1:4.

The Sinfulness of the Nation

858. Isaías 1:10.

Service which alone is pleasing to God

859. Isaías 1:18.

Crimson Sins made White

860. Isaías 1:25.

God purifying his People

861. Isaías 2:5.

Exhortation to a Holy Walk

862. Isaías 3:10.

Final State of Man

863. Isaías 4:5.

God the Protector of his Church

864. Isaías 5:3.

God’s Appeal to Man’s Decision

865. Isaías 5:20.

Sinfulness of confounding Good and Evil

866. Isaías 6:5.

Isaiah’s Vision of Christ

867. Isaías 6:8.

A Missionary Spirit described

868. Isaías 8:12.

God the only proper Object of Fear

869. Isaías 8:18.

Believers are for Signs and Wonders

870. Isaías 8:19.

Seeking after God

871. Isaías 9:2.

Blessings imparted by the Gospel

872. Isaías 9:6.

Christ’s Incarnation and Character

873. Isaías 9:13.

Impenitence under Divine Chastisements

874. Isaías 10:12.

Abasement of the Assyrian Monarch

875. Isaías 11:2.

Christ’s Qualifications for his Office

876. Isaías 11:6.

Change to be wrought in the latter Day

877. Isaías 11:9.

The Millennium

878. Isaías 11:10.

Christ a Standard for the Gentiles

879. Isaías 12:1.

The Believer’s Song

880. Isaías 12:3.

The Wells of Salvation

881. Isaías 12:3.

The Believer’s Song

882. Isaías 14:2.

The Christian Warfare

883. Isaías 14:27.

Immutability of God’s Counsels

884. Isaías 14:32.

God’s Church and People secure

885. Isaías 19:20.

Christ a great Saviour

886. Isaías 19:24.

The Conversion of Jews and Gentiles

887. Isaías 21:11.

Profane Scoffers instructed

888. Isaías 22:12.

Unconcern amidst Calls to Repentance

889. Isaías 22:24.

Eliakim a Type of Christ

890. Isaías 24:23.

The Reign of Christ glorious

891. Isaías 25:4.

Christ a suitable and all-sufficient Help

892. Isaías 25:6.

The Gospel a Source of richest Blessings

893. Isaías 25:9.

Christ’s Advent a Ground of Joy

894. Isaías 26:3.

Trust in God recommended

895. Isaías 26:13.

Humiliation with Zeal

896. Isaías 26:20.

The only Refuge of Sinners


CONTENTS TO VOL. VIII

Discourse

Text

Subject

Isaiah

897. Isaías 27:3.

God’s Care for his Church

898. Isaías 27:6.

The future Prosperity of Israel

899. Isaías 27:12.

Conversion of the Jews gradual

900. Isaías 28:5.

The Felicity of God’s People

901. Isaías 29:17.

The Millennial Period fast approaching

902. Isaías 29:18.

The Gospel a Source of Blessings to Mankind

903. Isaías 30:7.

Confidence in God recommended

904. Isaías 30:26.

Benefits arising from God’s Return to the Soul

905. Isaías 31:4.

God the Protector of his People

906. Isaías 32:2.

Security and Comfort in Christ

907. Isaías 32:16.

The Work of Righteousness is Peace

908. Isaías 33:6.

The Use and Excellency of True Wisdom

909. Isaías 33:16.

Protection promised to the Godly

910. Isaías 33:20.

The Church’s Security

911. Isaías 33:23.

Encouragement to the Weak

912. Isaías 35:1.

Glorious Prospects of the Gospel Church

913. Isaías 35:3.

Encouragement to the Weak

914. Isaías 35:5.

Streams in the Desert

915. Isaías 35:8.

The Way to Zion

916. Isaías 38:14.

Help for us in God

917. Isaías 38:17.

Forgiveness known and enjoyed

918. Isaías 38:19.

Praising God for his Mercies

919. Isaías 38:20.

Hezekiah’s Thanksgiving for his Recovery

920. Isaías 40:1.

The Scope and Tendency of the Gospel

921. Isaías 40:6.

The Immutability of the Gospel

922. Isaías 40:9.

The Messiah’s Advent

923. Isaías 40:11.

Christ’s Care for his Sheep

924. Isaías 40:27.

The Desponding encouraged

925. Isaías 41:10.

The weak Believer comforted

926. Isaías 41:14.

The Worm Jacob threshing the Mountains

927. Isaías 41:17.

Consolation for the Desponding

928. Isaías 42:5.

Christ’s Commission

929. Isaías 42:16.

God’s Dealings with his People opened

930. Isaías 43:1.

God’s Care for his People

931. Isaías 43:4.

The Blessedness of the True Christian

932. Isaías 43:12.

The Saints are Witnesses for God

933. Isaías 43:20.

God’s Kindness to his People

934. Isaías 43:22.

The Greatness of God’s Mercy

935. Isaías 44:1.

The Out-Pouring of the Spirit promised

936. Isaías 44:20.

The Folly of spiritual Idolatry

937. Isaías 44:22.

The Work of Redemption a Motive to Conversion

938. Isaías 44:23.

Redemption a Ground of Joy

939. Isaías 45:8.

The Efficacy of the Gospel

940. Isaías 45:9.

Striving with our Maker

941. Isaías 45:17.

The Extent and Certainty of Israel’s Salvation

942. Isaías 45:21.

Jehovah a just God and a Saviour

943. Isaías 45:22.

Looking to Christ

944. Isaías 45:23.

Exaltation of Christ

945. Isaías 46:3.

God’s Care for his People

946. Isaías 46:12.

Christ the Salvation of Israel

947. Isaías 48:16.

Offices of the Holy Trinity in the Work of Redemption

948. Isaías 48:17.

God’s tender Concern for his People

949. Isaías 49:6.

Christ the Light and Salvation of the Gentiles

950. Isaías 49:7.

Christ’s future Reign

951. Isaías 49:8.

The Greatness of Christ’s Salvation

952. Isaías 49:14.

God will not forget his People

953. Isaías 49:18.

Promised Increase of the Church

954. Isaías 49:24.

Desponding Fears removed

955. Isaías 50:5.

Messiah’s Sufferings and Support

956. Isaías 50:10.

A Word Season

957. Isaías 51:1.

Consolation for the Afflicted

958. Isaías 51:7.

A Dissuasive from the Fear of Man

959. Isaías 52:9.

The Church pleading with God

960. Isaías 52:1.

Despondency reproved

961. Isaías 52:7.

The Nature of the Gospel

962. Isaías 52:8.

The Saint’s Vision of Christ

963. Isaías 52:13.

Christ rewarded for his Services

964. Isaías 52:14.

The Depth of our Saviour’s Humiliation

965. Isaías 52:15.

The Means and Evidence of Conversion

966. Isaías 53:1.

Men’s Neglect of the Gospel

967. Isaías 53:2.

The Characters and Treatment of the Messiah

968. Isaías 53:4.

The True Cause of our Lord’s Suferings

969. Isaías 53:6.

Means of Man’s Restoration to God

970. Isaías 53:7.

Christ’s Behaviour under his Sufferings

971. Isaías 53:8.

Our Lord’s Trial and Execution

972. Isaías 53:9.

The Father’s Conduct towards the innocent Jesus explained and vindicated

973. Isaías 53:10.

Christ’s Death a Condition of our Salvation

974. Isaías 53:11.

Christ’s Satisfaction in his People

975. Isaías 53:11.

Means of our Justification before God

976. Isaías 53:12.

Fruits of Christ’s Death and Intercession

977. Isaías 54:5.

Our Maker our Husband

978. Isaías 54:6.

God’s Faithfulness to his Covenant

979. Isaías 54:13.

Peace the Fruit of Divine Teaching

980. Isaías 54:17.

The Saints’ Heritage

981. Isaías 55:1.

The Blessings of the Gospel

982. Isaías 55:4.

Christ a Witness and Commander

983. Isaías 55:6.

Of seeking the Lord in time

984. Isaías 55:7.

Encouragement to turn to God

985. Isaías 55:8.

God’s Ways above ours

Isaías 55:10.

Resemblance of the Gospel to Rain and Snow

987. Isaías 55:12.

The Change wrought by the Gospel

988. Isaías 56:4.

Acceptance for all sincere Worshippers

989. Isaías 57:15.

The Majesty and Holiness of Gad

990. Isaías 57:17.

God’s Mercy to obstinate Sinners

991. Isaías 57:20.

No Peace to the Wicked

992. Isaías 58:1.

The Ministerial Office

993. Isaías 58:5.

The Services which God requires

994. Isaías 58:13.

Observance of the Sabbath enjoined

995. Isaías 59:8.

No Peace in the Way of Sin

996. Isaías 59:15.

The Righteous a Prey to the Wicked

997. Isaías 59:19.

The Means of spiritual Victory

998. Isaías 59:20.

The Perpetuity of Christ’s Kingdom

999. Isaías 60:1.

Our Duty arising from the Advent of Christ

1000. Isaías 60:8.

Millennial Piety described

1001. Isaías 60:13.

Excellency of the Church of Christ

1002. Isaías 60:15; Isaías 60:10.

Future Prosperity of the Jewish Church

1003. Isaías 60:19.

The Church’s Prosperity

1004. Isaías 61:1.

Christ’s Commission

1005. Isaías 61:9.

Blessedness of the Lord’s People

1006. Isaías 61:10.

The Believer clad with the Garments of Salvation

1007. Isaías 61:11.

The Conversion of the World promised

1008. Isaías 62:3.

The Church a Royal Diadem

1009. Isaías 62:5.

God’s Delight in his People

1010. Isaías 62:6.

Duty of interceding for the Church

1011. Isaías 62:10.

Restoration of the Jews

1012. Isaías 63:1.

Messiah’s Triumphs

1013. Isaías 63:7.

The Loving-kindness of the Lord

1014. Isaías 63:8; Isaías 63:10.

Vexing the Holy Spirit

1015. Isaías 63:9.

The Love of God towards his People

1016. Isaías 63:11.

God contemplated

1017. Isaías 63:15.

Pleading with God

1018. Isaías 64:6.

Imperfection of our best Services

1019. Isaías 64:7.

The Consequences of neglecting Prayer

1020. Isaías 65:12.

Danger of disregarding God

1021. Isaías 65:17.

The new Heavens and the new Earth

1022. Isaías 65:24.

The Efficacy of Prayer

1023. Isaías 66:2.

The Poor and Contrite the Objecte of God’s Favour

1024. Isaías 66:10.

God delights to comfort his People

1025. Isaías 66:18.

The Jews to convert the Gentiles