Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 49:5

5. And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered , yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD , and my God shall be my strength.

To Convert the Wicked and Apostate Israelites unto God.

Not brought home to God by my Ministry. This Word implies, That the Israelites were divided and scattered from God, and divided among themselves, as they were in an high degree when Christ came into the World, and Turned every one to his own way, as is said, Isa. 53. 6. and therefore needed to be gathered. Either it is a Metaphor from wandring Sheep, which the good Shepherd diligently seeketh, and bringeth home to the Fold: Or, it is an Allusion to the state of the Israelites, who either now were, or shortly were to be dispersed into several parts of the World, from whence God had promised to gather them, and bring them into their own Land, and unto his Temple, Isa. 43. 5, 6. and elsewhere. The Sence is, Though Israel, God's own and onely People, reject me, which will be an occasion of great wonder and scandal.

God will not despise me for the unsuccessfulness of my Labours, but will honour and glorify me, both with himself and in the face of the World, in crowning my Indeavours with glorious Success among other People.

r To support and strengthen me under this, and all other discouragements and difficulties in the discharge of mine Office.

Marginal references: Or, that Israel may be ga thered to him, and I may &c.