Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 51:16

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.