Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 51

1 HEarken to me, ye that follow after righteousness , ye that seek the LORD : look unto the rock whence ye are hewen, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged .

Now he turneth his Speech again to the believing and godly Jews.

That make it your chief care and business to seek favour and help from God

Consider the state of Abraham and Sarah, when they procreated Isaac, from whom Iacob and all of you sprang: For so he explains the Metaphor in the next verse. He compareth, the Bodies of Abraham and Sarah unto a Rock, or Pit, or Quarry out of which stones are hewed or digged, thereby implying that God in some sort actually did that which Christ said he was able to do, Mat. 3. 9. even of stones raise up Children unto Abraham; it being then as impossible by the course of nature for Abraham and Sarah in that age to procreate a Child as it is to hew a living Child out of a Rock, or to dig one out of a pit of stone.

Marginal references: Or, were.; Or, were.

2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you; for I called him alone , and blessed him; and encreased him .

From his own Country and kindred to follow me to an unknown Land, where I promised that I would multiply and bless him, as is particularly explained, Gen. 12. 1, 2, 3.

Heb. one, either 1. Him only of all his kindred; for though he carried some few of them with him, yet I called none but him. So this notes Gods singular favour to their Progenitors above all the rest of the World. Or 2. Him when he was alone or solitary, to wit, as to any Issue, when he neither had nor was likely to have any Child by Sarah. And this word, alone, seems to belong not only to this word wherewith it is joined, but also unto the two following words, especially if we consider the order of the words in the Hebrew Text, where they lie thus; for, one (or alone, or when he was alone, or but one) I called him, and blessed him, and encreased him.

Into a vast multitude, when his condition was desperate in the eye of reason. And therefore God can as easily raise and deliver his Church when they are in the most forlorn condition, and seem to be dead, and buried, and consumed, so that nothing but dry bones remain of them, as it is declared at large, Ezek. 37.

3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion : he will comfort all her wast places, and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desart like the garden of the LORD : joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

So this comes in as a reason why they should look unto, or consider that famous example of Abraham and Sarah, because they should find the like wonder wrought on their behalf. Or, Therefore, or for the sake of Abraham, my Friend, and of that Covenant which I made with him, and by which I promised to bless him and his seed for ever.

His Church, which is frequently called by that name both in the Old and New Testament.

Although she shall be waste, and desolate, and like a Wilderness or Desart for a time, yet she shall be restored, and be made as pleasant and flourishing as the Garden of Eden was.

4 Hearken unto me, my people , and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people .

Seeing the Gentiles will hearken to me, as I have formerly told you, take heed that you Jews, whom I chose to be my peculiar people, do not reject my counsel, nor forsake your own mercies, as I fear you will do.

A new Law, even the Doctrine of the Gospel, which ought to have the force of a Law with you, and I expect your Obedience to it, no less than to my Law delivered by Moses.

Iudgment is here the same thing with Law in the former clause, the word of God, which is frequently called Iudgment, as hath been observed again and again, or the Evangelical Doctrine, of which he saith that he will make it to rest, i. e. settle and establish it: whereby he may possibly intimate the stability and perpetuity of this light in the Church, that it shall not be like the light of the Mosaical Dispensation which was only to shine for a season, even untill the time of Reformation, Heb. 9. 10. when all those dark shadows were to vanish and give place to the Sun of Righteousness, and to that Kingdom and State that should never be moved, as we read Dan. 2. 44. Heb. 12. 26, 27, 28. and in many other places.

Heb. of or to the peoples, not only to you Jews, but unto people of all sorts and Nations, who shall receive and walk in that light which you will reject, and use all possible endeavours to extinguish.

5 My righteousness is near: my salvation is gone forth , and mine arms shall judg the people : the isles shall wait upon me , and on mine arm shall they trust.

My Salvation, as it is expounded in the next clause, the Redemption of all my people, both Jews and Gentiles, which is the effect of his Righteousness, either his Justice, or his Faithfulness, or his Mercy & Goodness, for all these are called by the name of Righteousness in Scripture, and all these contributed to the work of Mans Redemption.

Shall shortly go forth: my secret and eternal purpose of saving my People shall speedily be fulfilled.

Either 1. Shall destroy those People who obstruct or oppose this work. Or rather 2. Shall subdue the Gentiles to mine Authority, and rule them by my Word and Spirit, which agrees best with the following clause.

The remote Countries of the Gentiles, as Isa. 41. 1. & 42. 4. and elsewhere.

Shall confidently expect and hope for this promised Righteousness and Salvation from me, and from me only, and not from Idols, as they have none, nor by any other way.

6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the Heavens shall vanish away like smoak, and the earth shall wax old like a Garment , and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner : but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

The Heavens and Earth shall pass away, either 1. Simply, and by a substantial corruption or annihilation, which yet is to be understood comparatively or conditionally, that these should sooner vanish into nothing, than Gods promise of Salvation should not be accomplished: as when it is said, Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away, Mat. 24. 35. It is thus expounded▪ It is easier for Heaven and Earth to pass, than (for) one tittle of the Law to fail. Or 2. In regard of their present State, and Properties, and Use, as Smoak is here said to vanish, although the substance of it be not destroyed.

As they shall be dissolved, as we read, 2 Pet. 3. 11. and death is nothing else but a dissolution.

Marginal references: Ps. 102. 26. Mat. 24. 35.; Or, as a [illegible: 1 word].

7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law , fear ye not the reproach of men , neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

That love and practise it, as knowing is commonly used.

Who are tacitly opposed to the carnal Jews that had the Law written only in Tables. Compare 2 Cor. 3. 3. Heb. 8. 10.

The censures of the carnal Jews, who will load their believing and godly Brethren with a world of Reproaches: but let not these things discourage you.

Marginal references: Ps. 37. 31.; Mat. 10. 28.

8 For the moth shall eat them up , like a Garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool b: but my Righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

Your Reproaches shall be easily destroyed, and so God will revenge your cause upon them, and deliver you from their Reproaches.

l Like a woollen Garment, which is sooner corrupted by Moths or such Creatures than linnen.

Marginal references: Ch. 50. 9.

9 Awake, awake , put on strength , O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab , and wounded the dragon ?

Thou who hast carried thy self like one asleep, and unconcerned for thy People, and unable to save them. The Prophet having foretold what great things God would do for his Church, and longing for the accomplishment of them▪ and knowing that Prayer was one means by which God fulfills his Promises, he poureth forth this Prayer to God in his own name, and in the name of Gods People.

Cloath and adorn thy self with mighty works, put forth thy strength.

Heb. hewed with thy Sword.

Egypt, so called here, and Psal. 87. 4. & 89. 10. either from its Pride or strength, or from the shape and figure of that Land.

Pharaoh, so called, Psal. 74. 13. Ezek. 29. 3. & 32. 2.

Marginal references: Ps. 74. 13, 14. Ezek. 29. 3. Ch. 27. 1.

10 Art thou not it which hath dried the sea , the waters of the great deep? that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

Art not thou the same God, and as potent now as then thou wast.

For thy people whom thou didst redeem and bring out of Egypt.

Marginal references: Ex. 14. 21.

11 Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their head : they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Or, So. Heb. And. This verse contains an answer to the Prophets Prayer. It is true, I did these great things, and I will do the like again.

Like a Crown of Glory. But for the accomplishment of this magnificent Promise we must needs look beyond their return from Babylon into their own Land, when they met with many discouragements, and troubles, and calamities, and extend it unto the coming of Christ, by whom these great things were procured, and actually conferred upon his People.

Marginal references: Ch. 35. 10.; Ps. 7. 16.

12 I, even I am he that comforteth you: who art thou , that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass ?

How unreasonable and distrustful art thou, O my Church! how unlike to thy self! how unsuitable in these despondencies unto thy own professions and obligations!

Of a weak Mortal and perishing Creature.

Marginal references: Ps. 118. 6.; Ch. 40. 6. 1 Pet. 1. 24.

13 And forgettest the LORD thy maker , that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth? and hast feared continually every day, because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy ? and where is the fury of the oppressour ?

And dost not consider the infinite power of that God who made thee, and who will plead thy cause.

As if it were in his power to destroy thee in a moment.

What is become of the power & rage of the Babylonians? Is it not all gone? Are not they broken, and thou delivered? He speaks of the thing as if it were already done, because it should certainly and suddenly be done. Where is it? It is no where, it is quite lost and gone, as this Phrase is frequently used, as Psal. 42. 3. Zech. 1. 5. 1 Cor. 15. 55.

Marginal references: Job 9. 8. Ps. 104. 2. Ch. 40. 22▪ & 42. 5. & 44. 24.; Or, [illegible: 1+ letters]ade himsel[illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1 word] ▪

14 The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed , and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

God is not slack, as you think▪ but maketh haste to fulfil his promise, and to rescue his captive and oppressed People from all their oppressions and miseries.

16 And I have put my words in thy mouth , and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand , that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth , and say unto Zion, Thou art my people .

These great and glorious Promises which are in thy mouth, are not the vain words of Man, a weak, and unconstant, and unfaithful Creature, but the words of the Almighty, unchangeable, and faithful God, and therefore they shall be infallibly accomplished. These words are manifestly spoken by God, either 1. To Isaiah, by whom these promises were delivered▪ Or 2. To Christ, of whom, and to whom many things are said in this Prophecy, as we have already seen, and will further appear. And such abrupt and sudden Apostrophe's to persons not mentioned in the foregoing words are not unusual in this Prophesie, as hath been observed. Or rather 3. To Israel, to Gods Church and People, to whom he speaks both in the foregoing and following verses. For Gods Word is frequently said to be put into the mouths, not only of the Prophets, but of the People also, as Isa. 59. 21. as also Deut. 30. 14. Ios. 1. 8. &c.

Have protected thee by my Almighty power. See the same Phrase, Isa. 49. 2.

I have given thee these Promises, and this protection in all thy calamities, to assure thee of my care and kindness to thee, and that I will reform thee in a most glorious manner, and bring thee unto that perfect and blessed estate which is reserved for the days of the Messiah, which in Scripture Phrase is called a making of new Heavens, and a new Earth, Isa. 65. 17. & 66. 22. 2 Pet. 3. 13. and elsewhere.

That I may own thee for my People, in a more illustrious manner than ever I have done.

Marginal references: Deu. 18. 18. Ch. 49. 2, 3.; Ps. 11. 3. & 60. 2. & 75. 3.

17 Awake , awake, stand up , O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury ; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling , and wrung them out .

Either 1. Out of the sleep of security. Or 2. Out of the sleep of death. Heb. Ro[illegible: 1+ letters]ze up thy self: come out of that forlorn and disconsolate condition in which thou hast so long been. This sense suits best with the following words.

Upon thy feet, O thou who hast falln, and been thrown down to the ground.

Which hast been sorely afflicted; for so this Metaphor is used, Psal. 75. 8. Ier. 25. 15, &c. & 49. 12.

Which striketh him that drinketh it with a deadly horrour.

Drunk every drop of it. See on Psal. 75. 8.

Marginal references: Ch. 52. 1.; Ps. 75. 8.; Z[illegible: 1+ letters]ch. 12. 2.; Or, sucked them out.

18 There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth: neither is there any that taketh her by the hand, of all the sons that she hath brought up .

When thou wast drunk with this Cup, and not able to go, neither thy Princes, nor Prophets, nor Priests, were able or willing to lead and support thee.

19 These two things are come unto thee: who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee ?

Either 1. Those who were now▪mentioned, 1. that she was drunk with the cup of Gods Wrath, v. 17. 2. that she had none to support or comfort her in that condition. Or 2. Those which here follow, which although they be expressed in four words, yet they may fitly be reduced to two things, the desolation or devastation of the Land, and the destruction of the People, by Famine & Sword. So Famine and Sword are not named as new evils, but only as the particular ways or means of bringing the destruction there mentioned, and the words may be thus rendred, desolation and destruction, even (this Hebrew particle being oft taken expositively, whereof many instances have been given) famine (or, by famine) and sword. Or, two may be put indefinitely for many, as double is put for abundantly more, Iob 11. 6. Isa. 40. 2. & 61. 7. Zech. 9, 12. & elsewhere.

I cannot find any man who is able to comfort and relieve thee.

Marginal references: Ch. 47. 9.; Heb. [illegible: 1+ letters]appened.; Heb. breaking.

20 Thy sons have fainted g, they lie at the head of all the streets as a wild bull in a net : they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God.

Dead by Famine or the Sword of the Enemy.

Where men enter in or go out of the streets, where the Enemy found them either opposing their entrance, or running out of them to make an escape.

Those of them who are not sla[illegible: 1+ letters] are struggling for Life, and although they murmur at God, and fight with Men, yet they cannot prevail or escape.

f They are so far from being able to comfort thee, as was said, v. 18. that they themselves faint away for want of comfort, and through Famine.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1+ letters]am. 2. 11. 12.

21 Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine .

But with the cup of Gods fury mentioned above, v. 17.

Marginal references: Ch. 29. 9.

22 Thus [illegible: 1+ letters]aith thy Lord, the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people , Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury: thou shalt no more drink it again.

Who though he hath fought against thee, is now reconciled to thee, and will maintain thy cause against all thine adversaries.

23 But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee: which have said to thy soul, Bow down that we may go over : and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street to them that went over.

Lie down upon the ground, that we may trample upon thee, as Conquerors used to do upon their conquered Enemies. See Ios. 10. 24. Psal. 110. 1.

Marginal references: Jer. 25. 26, 2[illegible: 1+ letters].; P[illegible: 1+ letters]. 66. 11.