View Isaiah 42 in the note window.
The person and office of Christ appointed by the Father, ver. 1 - 9.
A new song to God for his gospel, among the Gentiles, ver. 10 - 16.
The idolatry of the Heathen, and obstinacy of the Jews, ver. 17 - 25.
1: Behold - The prophet having given one eminent instance of God's
certain fore - knowledge, in the deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus, now
adds another more eminent example of it, by foretelling the coming of
the Messiah. This place therefore is expressly interpreted of Christ,(Mt 12:18), &c. And to him, and to him only, all the particulars
following, truly and evidently belong. Whom - Whom I will enable to do
and suffer all those things which belong to his office. Elect - Chosen
by me to this great work. Delighteth - Both for himself and for all his
people, being fully satisfied with that sacrifice, which he shall offer
up to me. Bring forth - Shall publish or shew, as this word is
translated, (Mt 12:18).
Judgment - The law, and will, and counsel of God, concerning man's
salvation. Gentiles - Not only to the Jews, but to the Heathen
nations.
2: Cry - In a way of contention, or ostentation. Lift - His voice.
Heard - As contentious and vain - glorious persons frequently do.
3: Break - Christ will not deal rigorously with those that come to
him, but he will use all gentleness, cherishing the smallest beginnings
of grace, comforting and healing wounded consciences. Quench - That wick
of a candle which is almost extinct, he will not quench, but revive and
kindle it again. Judgment - The law of God, or the doctrine of the gospel,
which he will bring forth, unto, with, or according to truth, that
is, truly and faithfully.
4: 'Till - 'Till he has established his law or doctrine, among the
nations of the earth. Isles - The countries remote from Judea, shall
gladly receive his doctrine.
5: He - This description of God's infinite power, is seasonably
added, to give them assurance of the certain accomplishment of his
promises.
6: Called thee - To declare my righteousness, or faithfulness.
With - hold - Will give thee counsel and strength for the work. Give
thee - To be the mediator in whom my covenant of grace is confirmed
with mankind. The people - Of all people, not only of Jews but
Gentiles. A light - To enlighten them with true and saving knowledge.
8: The Lord - Heb. Jehovah: who have all being in and of myself,
and give being to all my creatures. The everlasting, and unchangeable,
and omnipotent God, who therefore both can, and will fulfil all my promises.
9: I tell you - That when they come to pass, you may know that I am
God, and that this is my work.
10: Sing - Upon this new and great occasion, the salvation of the
world by Christ. From the end - All nations from one end of the earth
to another. Ye - You that go by sea carry these glad tidings from
Judea, where Christ was born, and lived, and died, and published the
gospel, unto the remotest parts of the earth.
11: The wilderness - Those parts of the world which are now desolate
and forsaken of God, and barren of all good fruits. Kedar - The
Arabians: who were an Heathen and barbarous people, and are put for
all nations. Mountains - Who are commonly more savage and ignorant than
others.
12: The islands - In the remotest parts of the world, as well as in
Arabia, which was near to them.
13: Go forth - To battle. Stir up - He shall stir up his strength,
and anger against the obstinate enemies of his Son and gospel. Roar - As
a lion doth upon his prey, and as soldiers do when they begin the battle.
14: Long - I have for many ages suffered the devil and his servants,
to prevail in the world, but now I will bring forth and accomplish that
glorious work which I have long conceived in my mind; yea, I will suddenly
destroy the incorrigible enemies of my truth.
15: Hills - My most lofty and flourishing enemies.
Dry up - I will remove all impediments out of the way.
16: The blind - The Gentiles. By a way - By the way of truth,
which hitherto has been hidden from them, yea, I will take away
all hindrances; I will direct then in the right way; I will
enlighten their dark minds, and rectify their perverse wills and
affections, until I have brought theirs to the end of their journey.
18: Hear - O you, whosoever you are, who resist this clear light.
19: My servant - The Jews, who will not receive their,
Messiah. Messenger - My messengers, the singular number being put
for the plural, namely the priests and other teachers whom I have
appointed to instruct my people. The Lord's servant - As the most
eminent teachers and rulers of the Jews, who were called and obliged
to be the Lord's servants, in a special manner.
20: Heareth not - Thou dost not seriously consider the plain word,
and the wonderful works of God.
21: Well pleased - Altho' God might justly destroy thee suddenly, yet
he will patiently wait for thy repentance, that he may be gracious; and
that not for thy sake, but for the glory of his own faithfulness, in
fulfilling that covenant, which he made with thy pious progenitors.
Magnify - He will maintain the honour of his law, and therefore is not
forward to destroy you, who profess the true religion, lest his law
should upon that occasion be exposed to contempt.
22: But - But not withstanding this respect which God hath to his
people, he hath severely scourged you for your sins. Hid - They have
been taken in snares made by their own hands, and by God's just judgment
cast into dungeons and prisons. None - None afforded them help.
25: Fury - Most grievous judgments. Yet - They were secure and
stupid under God's judgments.
