Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 24:15

15 Wherefore, glorifie ye the LORD in the fires , even the Name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea .

These are the Words either, 1. of the Remnant, who being themselves delivered, do encourage and exhort their Brethren to glorifie God with them: or, 2. of the Prophet, directing and exciting God's People to glorifie God in their Afflictions, because of that Deliverance which he had promised, and would assuredly give to them.

When you are in the Furnace of Affliction; although this Word is never used in Scripture in this sence. Others therefore render the Word, in the valleys; and others, in the holes, you that are now forced to hide your selves in Holes. Possibly it may be better rendred, for light or illumination; which may be understood either of the Light of the Truth which God would reveal to them; or for the Comfort and Felicity which God would confer upon them; Light being frequently taken both ways in Scripture. For this Hebrew Word, in all other Places of Scripture where it is found, signifies that Urim which was in the High-Priest's Breastplate, and which properly signifies illumination, as both Jews and Christians render it, whereof that was both a Sign and an Instrument; of which see on Exod. 28. 30. Add to this, that this part of the Prophecy seems to concern the Days of the Gospel, and that Light which the Jews should then receive by the Messias, of whom the High-Priest with his Ephod and Urim was a Type. And so this is an Exhortation to the converted Jews to bless God for the true Urim, even for Christ and the Gospel. And some of the ancient Translators had this Signification of the Word in their Eye, as the Vulgar Latin, who render it, in doctrines; and the Chaldee, who translate it, when light shall come to the just. But this I propose with submission.

In remote Countries, beyond the Sea, which in Scripture are commonly called isles, as hath been formerly and oft observed. Whereby he seems to imply, that he here speaks not so much of a Temporal Felicity which the Jews should receive and enjoy in their own Country, as of a Spiritual Advantage which they should have by the Messias in the Places where they were dispersed.

Marginal references: Or, valleys.; Ezek. 39. 6.