Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 50:2

2 Wherefore when I came , was there no man ? when I called , was there none to answer ? Is my hand shortned at all, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver ? Behold, at my rebuke, I dry up the sea: I make the rivers a wilderness : their fish stinketh because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.

The general Accusation delivered in the last words he now proveth by particular Instances.

When I, first by my Prophets, and at last by my Son, came unto them, to call them to Repentance, and to redeem and deliver them, as it is explained in the following clauses of this verse.

That regarded and received me, that complied with my Call and Offer of Grace, as it follows. Whereby he implies that the Generality of the Jews were guilty of gross Infidelity, and obstinate Disobedience, and therefore might justly be rejected.

Called them to Repentance, or to come unto me, or to do my Will, as Masters call their Servants.

To come at my Call, to obey my Commands.

What is the reason of this horrible contempt and Rebellion? Is it because you expect no good from me, but think that I am either unwilling or unable to save you? Because you see no Miracles wrought for you to save you from the Babylonians, and because my Son, your Messiah, cometh not with Pomp and Power, as you expect, but in the form of a Servant, poor, and exposed to contempt and death; do you therefore believe that my power to deliver you is less than it was?

Heb. I will dry up, or, I can dry up; the future verb being put potentially. As I did it once, so I can and will do it again, when occasion requires it.

As dry and fit for travel as a Wilderness.

l This Phrase is borrowed from Psal. 106. 9. and it is used Mat. 8. 26. At my word or Command, whereby I rebuke and check its proud waves.

Marginal references: Num. 11. 23. Ch. 59. 1.; Nah. 1. 4.; Ex. 14. 21.; Josh. 3. 16.