Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 40:9

9. O Zion that bringest good tidings , get thee up into the high mountain : O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid : say unto the Cities of Judah , Behold your God .

O Zion, to whom the glad tidings of the coming of Christ into the World, and of the Salvation of Mankind by him were first published by Christ and his Apostles, and by whom they were published to all Nations. But the words are otherwise rendred in the margent, and by others, O thou (whosoever thou art, Prophet or Apostle) that bringest good tidings to Zion. So Sion is not the deliverer but the receiver of these good tidings, as she is in the Parallel place, Isa. 52. 7. But our translation seems to agree better with the Hebrew Text, in which the particle, unto, is not here expressed, as it is in the latter part of the verse, by comparing which part with the former, it seems most probable, that Zion or Ierusalem is the Speaker or Publisher, and the Cityes of Iudah the hearers.

That thy voice may be better heard, as appears from the next branch of the verse. See Iudg. 9. 7. 1 Sam. 26. 13, 14.

Lest thou shouldest be found a false Prophet; for it shall certainly be fulfilled.

To all my People in the several places of their abode, whether Cityes or Countries. Onely he names Cityes to intimate, that they also, though they should be destroyed, yet should afterward be rebuilt, and inhabited again.

Take notice of this wonderful Work, and glorious appearance of your God, who will be visibly[illegible: 1+ letters] present with you, so that men may point at him and say, Behold here he is.

Marginal references: Or, O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion.; ‖ Or, O thou that tellest good tidings to Ierusalem.