Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 45:19

19. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth : I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain : I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right .

The Heathen Idols deliver their Oracles darkly and doubtfully, in obscure Cells and Caverns of the Earth, or out of the bellies of their Priests: but I have delivered my Oracles to Israel publickly and plainly, as one that was neither afraid nor ashamed to utter my mind, least I should be convinced of folly and falshood; which was the case of Idols.

Serve and Worship me for nought. As I appointed them work, so I promised, and from time to time have given and shall give them, abundant recompence for their service. Whereas the Gentiles seek to their Idols in vain, for they can do them no good, as is observed in the next verse.

I require nothing of my people which is not highly just and good; whereas the Idols commanded their Worshippers to do many sinful and shameful things, [illegible: 1+ letters]ven in their worship, as is notoriously known.

Marginal references: Deut. 30. 11.; * Chap. 48. 16.