Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 50:4

4 The LORD GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned , that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary : he wakeneth morning by morning , he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned .

God having asserted his own power to shew the groundlessness of the Infidelity of the Jews, he proceeds to shew what excellent and effectual means he used to bring them to Repentance and Salvation; which he mentions as a great aggravation of their Unbelief and Rebellion, which by this means was without all excuse. This and the following passages may be in some sort understood of the Prophet Isaiah, though but obscurely and imperfectly, but they are far more evidently and eminently verified in Christ, and indeed seem to be meant directly of him. For seeing there are many other passages in this Prophecy, which are directly meant of Christ, and of his Ministry, a[illegible: 1+ letters]d not at all of the Prophet, why may not this be added to the number of them? especially considering that there is nothing here which forceth us to understand this place of Isaiah, and several of these passages are expounded of Christ in the New Testament, as is confessed. Besides, this seems to suit best with the coherence: For according to this exposition the same person speaketh here who hath spoken in all the foregoing Verses of the Chapter, even the Lord himself considered as Man, because he was both God and Man, as is abundantly evident from many Scriptures, both of the old and new Testament, as hath been already proved, and will hereafter be more fully evinc[illegible: 1+ letters]d.

An ability of speaking plainly, and convincingly, and persuadingly, and in all points so as becometh a person taught of God, and filled with all Divine and Heavenly Wisdom and Knowledg, and with a singular skill of winning Souls, and of working upon Mens Hearts and Consciences.

Burdened with the sense of his sad and deplorable condition, in which case a word of comfort is most seasonable and acceptable. This was the proper and principal design of Christs Ministry, to give Rest and Comfort to distressed Souls, according to what is said, with respect to this place, Mat. 11. 28. And all the Doctrines, Reproofs, and Threatnings of Christ were directed to this end, to make men fit for Comfort and Salvation.

To wit, me, the Pronoun being oft understood: or, as it follows, mine ear.

From time to time, and continually.

Because human Nature is of itself weak and sloathful, he by his Divine Power assisteth and stirreth me up to the observation and practice of all his Commands and my Duties.

Either 1. As learned Men or Teachers use to awaken their Scholars to hear, and learn of them from time to time: Or rather 2. As those that are or desire and endeavour to be learned, use to hear with all possible attention and diligence: For this title of learned is in the former part of the verse given not to the Teacher, who is said to be God, but to the person taught by him.

Marginal references: Mat. 11. 28.