Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 60

1 A Rise , shine , for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

A word of encouragement accommodated to the Jewish, or Hebrew st[illegible: 1+ letters]le, wherein▪ as by lying down is described a servile and calamitous condition, chap. 47. 1. So by rising, and standing up, a recovery out of it into a free, and prosperous one, as may be seen frequently; Ro[illegible: 1+ letters]ze up, intimating her deliverance to be at hand, and here under a type, or hieroglyphical description of Ierusalems re stauration▪ is displayed the flourishing state of the Gentile Church under the Messiah, and that in the greatness, for quality, and also the number of her Proselites, in the description whereof the Evangelical Prophet, whatever he doth in other parts of his Prophecy, doth here most briskly sparkle forth in divine Eloquence.

Discover thy self as one breaking forth from a dark night, or look out, as men do at Sea, who use to look out sharp, to [illegible: 1+ letters]ee what they can discover after a dark, and stormy season; or be enlightned with more knowledge; or, be thou filled with joy, a metaphorical metonymy of the efficient, as thou art about to change thy condition, change thy countenance, be cheerful in that light, or salvation that is approaching.

Either, 1. Thy flourishing, and prosperous estate, an allusion to peoples rising, when after a dark night the light breaks forth, they begin to rise; Or▪ 2. The Causer of thy light, the effect for the efficient, viz. Thy God, or Christ, because the fountain of all happiness, as the Sun and Moon are called Lights, because they give light, Gen. 1. 16. Thus Christ is called the true Light, Ioh. 1. 9. and compare Iohn 8. 12. with Eph. 5. 14. and you'l find these words quoted to that purpose.

i. e. The greatest glory, as the Cedars of God, the mountains of God, &c. comp. Rev. 21. 11. or, the glorious Lord, or the Lord of glory, or Christ, who is the glory of the Father is come unto thee, he is at hand to make himself glorious in some wonderful work for thy salvation: either, in his Doctrine, or Miracles, or work of Redemption, that his glory may rest upon thee suitable to the Psalmists prayer, Psal. 85. 6, 7, 9.

Like as when the Sun spreads it self into every place, leaving none dark, thus it refers to the glorious Gospel, called such a glorious Light, 2 Cor. 4. 4.

Marginal references: Or, be enlightned▪ for thy light cometh.; Mal. 4. 2.

2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth , and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Either Affliction, and Misery, a known Metaphor, or Ignorance, and Idolatry, as also all kinds of Errours, and Immoralities, with which all that are out of the Church are smutted, and polluted, compare Eph. 4. 18, 19.

Either 1. General, all the Inhabitants of the Earth, such as through ignorance reject the Gospel. Or, rather, 2. More particular, the Babylonians by a Synecdoche of the whole for a part in that dismal condition, being harassed by Cyrus, whereby the Jews were delivered, this being also a type of the [illegible: 1+ letters]eliverance of Gods People by the Messiah, which t[illegible: 1+ letters]is Text principally intends.

An allusion to that Egyptian darkness, [illegible: 1 word]. 10. 21, &c. palpable ignorance the inlet▪ and nursery to [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1+ letters] latry, and all prophaneness.

i. e. Christ, Mal. 4. 2. Luke 1. 77, 78, 79.

Shall be wonderful conspicuous; as the Lords [illegible: 1 word] answers to the darkness covering the Earth, so the glory being s[illegible: 1+ letters]en, answers to that gross darkness. The sense is, that whereas the time was, that the people of God were under great calamities, while their enemies were in ease and prosperity, now it shall be quite contrar[illegible: 1+ letters]; now these shall be in Adversity, and those in Prosperity, a great turn of Providence; and withal implies, that this light of grace is a peculiar to his people, in respect of which, all other prosperity is but darkness▪ and misery; as Light was peculiar to Goshen, when darkness was in all the Egytian houses. Exod. [illegible: 1+ letters]0. 23.

3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Either to congratulate thy deliverance, or the respect that should be shewn them by other Nations upon their deliverance or rather▪ shall be allured by thy light to c[illegible: 1+ letters]me to thee, as Travellers in a dark night, and out of their way, when a light discovers itself, do make to it, so the Doctrine of the Gospel shall shine so bright, and be made so conspicuous by preaching, and miracles, that they shall not only congratulate them, and wish them much joy, but rejoyce and participate with them in their happiness, Rev. 21. 24. A plain prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles, which promise was made to Christ, Ch. 49 6.

Or yea, or even kings, which was fulfilled under Cyrus, Darius, Alexander, and the Aegyptian Kings.

To add to thy lustre, thou shalt not be honoured only by the conversion of mean persons, but even of honourable Personages, embracing the Christian faith, and submitting themselves to Christs Scepter and Government. See ch. 49. 23. To observe thy progress, and how thou shalt encrease by degrees, as the Su[illegible: 1+ letters] in its ascending; In Christs time there were 12 Apostles, afterwards 120 Disciples, in a short time many thousands, then the Church grew into Congregations, and then to spread Nations.

Marginal references: Rev. 21. 24.

4 Lift up thine eyes round about and see; all they gather themselves together , they come to thee, thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.

Or in a Circle; into all parts of the Earth; it seems to rel[illegible: 1+ letters]te to the Apostles, and Disciples, with their successors, carrying the Gospel into all parts of the world: And in regard it would be as it were a thing incredible, he bids them lift up their eyes, as if they were to behold it in some Vision, or, upon some Watch-Tower in Ierusalem; there is the like expression, chap. 49. 18.

He speaks more particularly either of the Jews flocking from all parts to Ierusalem, when they shall hear of their return from Babylon, which may be true in the type or especially, of the coming in of some of all nations to the Gospel.

The same thing, onely for elegancy sake expressed in its parts, the sense respects both Persons, and place; as to Persons, thy Sons and thy Daughters also shall be brought unto thee tenderly, as it [illegible: 1 word] in arms, Isa. 49. 22. where by thy side by equivalent expressions of Arms, Bosom and Shoulders▪ is supplied with reference to them both, and may import they shall be brought into the Church of Christ as unto their Mother, and it may further be observed, that where the Masculin[illegible: 1+ letters] gender is joined with the Feminine of the same species, it notes multitude, and variety as, Eccl. 2. 8. Men▪Singers, and Women▪Singers i. e. All sorts and variety of vocal Musick: and as to place both thy Sons and thy Daughters that are not only near▪ but also afar off, shall come to thee as we say far and near, Acts 2. 39. or, it is the same with what was said before round about in all quarters of the world; from far noting the Longitude, and ad latus at, or on thy side the Latitude, and even those that perhaps were before at enmity one with another.

Marginal references: Chap. 49. 1[illegible: 1+ letters], [illegible: 1+ letters]2, 23. & 6[illegible: 1+ letters]. 11, 12.

5 Then shalt thou see , and flow , together, and thine heart shall fear , and be enlarged , because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee , the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

viz. With a great deal of delight the multitudes of thy Children running to thee.

As when one River meeting with another and joining Waters, run sweetly together as one and the same River, this notes the abundance▪ of their united Joys and delights; or they shall flock together to behold such an amazing fight.

As standing amazed to see such multitudes come in to the Lord Christ, see on Chap, 54. 1, 2. &c. As it were surprized with it, as those, Act. 2. 7. or, overwhelmed with the joyfull sight, as Iacob was with the tydings of Ioseph, Gen. 45. 26. and those of the Circumcision, that were with Peter, Act. 10. 45. such a mixture of fear and [illegible: 1+ letters]oy you have expressed, Ier. 33▪ 9. the sense is much the same with, Chap. 49. 18.

Both with Joy, and love; Joy within at the coming in of the Gentiles, and this outwardly expressed in the enlargedness of love, and Charity towards them. Fear doth properly contract the heart, therefore this expression intimates it to be a fear mixed with such an affection as will[illegible: 1+ letters]dilate it.

Either the Islands of the Sea, viz. the Nations as before a Meto[illegible: 1+ letters]ymy of the subject, shall turn to thee in Religion, or Affection, they that formerly so much hated thee (they that live by the Sea coasts being usually noted for the worst of men) shall now love thee; or, the wealth, and traffick of those, that trade by Sea, the Riches of the Merchant, and so possibly the Prophet may allude to Psa. 72. 10. for Tharsis is sometimes taken for the Sea, as hath been before shewed: see on, 1 Kin. 10. 22.

Thy traders shall not so much convert their Riches to their own use as to thine.

Or wealth, thou shalt not have only the wealth, but the strength of the Nations to stand by thee, which hath also an Eye, as in the type, to that readiness, and willingness that would be in the Nations to help them out of Babylon.

Marginal references: Or, shin[illegible: 1+ letters].; Or, noise of▪ the sea shall be turned toward thee.

6 The multitude of camels q shall cover thee: the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah : all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense , and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

or, also, or even the Dromedaries, which are a lesser sort of Camel, so called from their swiftness in running, to which they are the better enabled, because, as Pliny observes, they can indure thirst four days together. q. d. They shall make all the hast imaginable in bringing their Riches to thee.

Both these Midianites, and Ephaites descended from Abraham by Keturah, Gen. 25. 2. 4. they dwelt beyond Arabia, and Camels are mentioned coming from hence, because of all places they were the most numerous here, Iudge. 7. 12.

This Sheba descended from Cush, the Son of cursed Ham the Son of Noah, Gen. 10. 6, 7. from whom a certain Country in Arabia Felix took its name, whose Queen it was, that came to visit Solomon, 1 Kin. 10. 1. and her bringing gifts might be a type of this, Solomon being a type of Christ, of which the wise men might be the first fruits, Mat. 2.

The Principal Commodities with which this Country abounded, and by which we are to understand what ever is precious; and Frankincense is onely peculiar to Arabia.

The motive drawing them thither being more for Religion then trade.

g i. e. The abundance of wealth, and Treasure, that is brought upon Camels, this being the Creature the Eastern people used for carriage of their gold, and spice, and other rich Treasure, which are said to cover them, the like phrase with that Iudg 6. 5. or, whereby is understood those people, that did use to ride on Camels, as the Arabians, and the bordering Countries; for by these, and such like figurative, and borrowed expressions in several verses of this Chapter is particularized several Nations, and by them is implyed the coming in of all Nations unto Christ, and therefore they are brought in as presenting the choicest Commodities of their respective Countries, so that we may be the better excused from speaking particularly to them in their respective places.

Marginal references: Or, wealth.; Chap. 61. 6.

7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebajoth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory .

The people whereof descended from Ishmael, and lived in Arabia Petrea, who were principally Shepherds

q. d. Nay the chief of the flock, viz. for Sacrifice, this Neb[illegible: 1+ letters]joth being put for the people thereof, and sprang from Ishmael also, Gen. 25. 13. Rich, as the other were in flocks▪ [illegible: 1 word] inhabiting the same Country, as the Sabeans offered the Proper Commodities of their Country, as gold, and spice, so these of theirs, viz. Cattle, shewing that each Country, and so each Person should bring that wherewith they did most excel.

This shews that Abraham's Children according to the flesh should also be brought in to the Gospel, comp. Mal▪ 1. 11.

Being offered▪ they shall not now, as heretofore, be rejected, and hereby they shall be distinguished from the profane oblations of the Gentiles. i. e. In the name of Christ, who is the true, and only Gospel Altar.

i. e. The Temple, or my house: Glory being put here by a Metonymy of the Adjunct for God himself, who is glorious: God shall become glorious by the multitude of Sacrifices, that shall be offered, and accepted here, Psa. 29. 9. and it is a type how glorious his New Testament Spiritual Worship shall be, this Altar pointing at Christ, out of whom nothing is accepted, and that his Church should be glorious being built of living stones, 1 Pet. 2. 5.

8 Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

In the 4th verse he spake to them as upon some high watch Tower, where they might behold as in a Circle all the parts of the World. Now espying from all parts, he brings them in calling out with admiration who are these? Partly with reference to the number, or partly with reference to the Persons, so the Heb. what are these? They being not Jews, but strangers▪ and so directly intimating the Gentiles flocking into the Church that come so swi[illegible: 1+ letters]tly, and in so great flocks, the same thing still; The former Metaphor, of clouds imports their number as well as their speed, Ezek. 38. 9. thus abundance of Witnesses is called a cloud of Witnesses, Heb. 12. 1. the scope is to note the great confluence of people that should come into the Church, that should be begotten by the Apostles Doctrine; which the LXX Translation seems to point at, who render it as Doves with their young ones, unto me, and by flying may be noted their Spiritual state being elevated above the world, as the Clouds above the Earth, and Doves when upon the wing.

9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first , to bring thy sons from far , their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God: and to the holy One of Israel because he hath glorified thee .

See Chap. 41. 1. and 59. 18.

viz. to conveigh them to me.

i. e. Those that Traffique by Sea, as before, see Chap. 2. 16. these lying most convenient for that imployment, in naming this he implies by a Synecdoche all that had commerce with other Nations.

Preferring this before any other business they take in hand; this hath undergone the various senses of divers Interpreters, such as are not futilous, and vain I conceive may run into one of these two; either 1. By reading it with a supplement of the note of similitude, which is frequent, as at first, or formerly, viz. As in the days of Solomon, who was a type of Christ, the matter here spoken of seeming to s[illegible: 1+ letters]it with it, 1 King. 10. 12. See 2 Chro. 9. 21, &c. Or rather 2. By taking the word first, as the Hebrews mostly do, not so much with reference to time, or order, as to dignity, namely they shall have the precedency, and honour of bringing themselves, and conducting others; this may be true also as to time, and so verified in the wise men coming the first to Christ, when he was born, and as a first fruits of the rest of the Gentiles.

Begotten by the word.

From the remotest parts, this may be understood with reference either to place, at how great a distance soever either in place or state, they shall come to Christ who hath Sons abroad in Gods decree, not yet called, other Sheep that he will bring into his sold, Ioh. 10. 16.

Their may refer either to the Merchant bringing traffique with him, as verse 6. or the Jews, as Israel came out of Egypt with all their treasure with them, and what others gave them, Ezr. 1. 4. as also the vessels, that were sent back with them, Ezr. 1. 7.

i. e. To the Lord himself by a periphrasis, or to his Temple, where his name was placed, the type of the Church, comp. 2 Sam. 7. 13. with, 1 Chro. 17. [illegible: 1+ letters]2. or in the name of the Lord, or for his sake, who is the holy one, the like Metonymies having been formerly and frequently pointed at.

He will spread thy fame, and make thee honourable in the Eyes of the world and that especially in setting up the ministry of the Gospel in the midst of thee. The name of God, and so also of Israel were contemptible among the Gentiles before the coming of Christ, and spreading of the Gospel, but (as a consolation to his people) it is promised they shall both be honourable; and here God by an Enallage of the Person speaks of himself in the third Person.

Marginal references: Gal. 4. 26.

10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

viz. Such as were not Israelites, and he puts Sons of strangers by an usual Hebraism for strangers properly termed alienigenae, see Chap. 56. 3. this was literally fulfilled in repairing the walls of Ierusalem; he spake before of the Temple, now of the City, and Spiritually in the Ministers of the Gospel, who are the walls, and Bullwarks of the Church by Preaching, and writing for her; and Ecclesiastical History affords us many instances of Kings, and Princes that were great Benefactors to her, among whom Constantine did greatly excel, not caring what he bestowed on her, Valentinian and Theodosius, &c.

Shall administer all necessaries to thee; as they had been demolished by the Babylonians, so they were repaired by the favour of Cyrus, Darius Hystaspes, Artaxerxes, &c. All strangers, Ezra 6. 7. &c. or strangers becoming Proselytes, see Chap. 56. 6.

As I afflicted thee in my anger, so out of my compassions I will abundantly bless thee.

11 Therefore thy gates shall be open continually, they shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought .

For that end and purpose, or by reason of the conflux of people, that shall be continually flocking thither arguing abundance of peace and security, and great enlargement of the Church, and that the Christian Church shall be always open to the Godly, to receive all co[illegible: 1+ letters]ers freely.

Or wealth either all wherein they excell; or all the prey taken in fight.

As it were Captives in Chains, such as they took in war, being made victorious, so say some; but rather such as were led, and conducted in state.

Marginal references: Rev. 21. 25.; Or, wealth.

12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish: yea these nations shall be utterly wasted .

Do offices of kindness so is the word used, Chap. 19. 23. or rather that will not submit to Christ's Scepter.

Heb. Wasting be wasted, viz. By thy sword: accordingly we read of many victories in Iosephus that the Jews obtained, and in the book of the Macchabees as a fulfilling of this Prophecy, but this doth Principally relate to the Spiritual Ierusalem, and this seems to anticipate an objection, If the gates stand continually open, we shall be in danger of enemies; not so, saith he, for they shall all either serve thee, or perish.

y Shall be no more sui juris, but subdued to thee, and as refusing subjection to Christ shall perish everlastingly, as they all perished in the deluge, that were not in the Ark, they that should be saved were added to the Church, Act. 2. 47, and, Rev. 21. 24.

Marginal references: Zech. 14. 17.

13 The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir-tree, the pine-tree and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary , and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

The Box, the Fir, the Pine, and the Cedar, on account whereof Lebanon grew so famous, a Metonymy of the Efficient, Kings, Princes, and great ones the glory of the world, and also Persons of a lower rank, the Pi[illegible: 1+ letters]es, Firs, and Box trees, as also the choicest Persons, endued with the special gifts of the Holy-Ghost shall be the materials, and members of Christ's Church as those also of a lower size, and measure, we find the godly called trees, Ch. 61. 3. they shall have sweet Communion together; the Box shall not envy the Pine, nor the Pine despise the Box, they shall Worship the Lord together.

This is the reason and end why the glory of Lebanon is to be brought hither; by these trees understand the beauty, and Nobility of the Church. Trees being both for building and for beautifying

The Temple wherein was the Sanctuary, this being a type of the Church both actively, as that which his presence Sanctifyeth; and passively, as that, wherein he is worshipped, and Sanctified.

viz. The Ark, 1 Chro. 28. 2. described here by a periphrasis so called because supposing God after the manner of man to sit as on a seat between the wings of the Cherubims, his feet would rest upon the Ark, and therefore called the mercy seat, Exod. 25. 17, 18, 19, 20. The Temple, and Sion is called his rest, Psa. 132. 13, 14. and all this is made good in the Gospel Church 2 Cor. 6. 16.

Marginal references: Chap. 35. 2. & 41. 19.

14 The sons also of them that afflicted thee, shall come bending unto thee, and all they that despise thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, the Zion of the holy One of Israel.

Either their posterity acknowledging their Fathers sins in afflicting thee, or themselves, for it is the manner of the Hebrews to put the Sons of a thing for the thing its self.

Humbling themselves, as penitents, this being a sign of Reverence, and respect, and that either for love, or fear, submit to the yoke of Christ, they shall be like Christ, of an humble, and meek Spirit, and the degree of this is mentioned in the next clause.

This notes that great degree of Submission that eve[illegible: 1+ letters] despisers, and enemies shall yield to the Church prostrating themselves as humble suppliants. See, Chap. 49. 23. or rather to Christ the head, King, and Husband of the Church.

They shall give her that honourable title, or acknowledge her to be so, and so called both from the Love that God had for her, and from the Temple of God that was in her.

Marginal references: Chap. 45. 14. & 49. 23.; Rev. 3. 9.

15 Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated , so that no man went through thee , I will make thee an eternal excellency , a joy of many generations .

Both of God. i. e. As to outward appearance, and of her inhabitants, being upon the matter depopulated.

Either slighted, and neglected, or suffering actual miseries, and Slaughters; thus was she dealt with, Lam. 1. 2.

Thy streets were left desolate.

The Abstract is put here for the Concrete▪ whereby the Hebrews are wont to express the superlative degree, and in this happy estate we find the Church, Zech. 2. per to[illegible: 1+ letters]. and 9. 9. &c. Which refers to the coming of Christ; and it is said to be Eternal. i. e. For a great while, it being an hyperbolical expression frequent with the Hebrews, who express a long time by eternity.

The Churches happiness should be the rejoicing and comfort of succeeding generations, she would be the matter of their great rejoicing, a Metonymy of the Object.

16 Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings, and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy saviour and thy redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob .

A Metaphor taken from Children sucking nourishment from the breast, the sense is that the Church should draw, or drain the wealth of Nations, and the riches, and power of Kings, and what ever is most excellent, and that it should come freely, and affectionately, as milk flows from the breast of the Mother; the same thing intended, Chap. 49. 23. and in the foregoing verses.

i. e. Experience it; knowing is often put for an experimental knowing.

Styled so either with reference to Iacob's Person, he being the first that gave God this title, Gen. 49. 24. or with reference to Iacobs posterity, viz. the Jews. These things will certainly be accomplished, for he is the mighty God, and so able, and the God of Iacob, so obliged by Covenant, and Relation.

Marginal references: Chap. 49. 23. & 61. 6.; Chap. 43. 3.

17 For brass I will bring gold , and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace , and thine exactours righteousness .

Here is the effect of the former promise, thy poverty shall be turned to riches, all things shall be altered for the best, an allusion to the days of Solomon, when gold was as brass: thus on the Contrary, when they change for the worse in the state, it useth to be expressed by the like Metap[illegible: 1+ letters]ors, Ch. 1. 21, 22, 23.

i. e. Loving, Me[illegible: 1+ letters]k and Peaceable, the Abstract put for the Concrete, as is usual, whether you understand it of Under-officers, they shall be Officers of peace, or, of Governours, thou shalt have a peaceable Government, as was made good to them under Ezra, Nehemiah, Zoro[illegible: 1+ letters]abel, and such like.

Most righteous, as before peace for peaceable, the Church is not freed from Taxes, and paiments, that is given by Christ and Peter unto Caesar, but it shall be without oppression▪ and grinding; no more then is necessary, and not exacted rigorously; though all these were made good in their return out of Babylon, yet doth it more properly relate to the meliorating of the Church under the Gospel wherein instead of carnal Ceremonies, she had Spiritual Ordinances, which is the scope of the Apostle, Heb. 9. and larger measures of the holy Spirit and should have such Officers as would speak peace to the Consciences by discovering the compleat, and perfect righteousness of him, who fulfilled all righteousness.

18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders : but thou shalt call thy walls salvation , and thy gates praise .

That this, and what follows, must necessarily be understood of the Church Triumphant (though there only it will be compleat) I see no necessity, neither will I obtrude my Judgment, but leave it to the judicious as being more proper in a Comment; none to ofter violence to this quiet state thou shalt attain to, either within thee to oppress by Injustice, Rapine, or Fraud, or without thee by hosti[illegible: 1+ letters] invasions, and this the Prophet mentions as the effect of good Officers in the former verse.

no havock made among thy people

They shall be safe, and able to defend thee, thou shalt be as safe, as salvation it self can make thee, when a thing is said in Scripture to be called so, it often signifies as much as to be so, Ch. 26. 1. & 47. 1. and 56. 7. and it intimates as much as that God will be salvation to his Church, when they shall be without Gates, and Walls, he will be their safety, and the matter of their praise, see Isa. 26. 1. and God's care of his Church is the matter of that exhortation to praise him, Psa. 147.

A double Metonymy, viz. of the Effect, as salvation will cause praise, and of the Adjunct as it is worthy of praise; so that within or upon thy Gates and Walls, thou shalt sing praises.

Marginal references: Chap. 26. 1.

19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day, neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light , and thy God thy glory .

These shall not be at all esteemed in comparison of the Spiritual light of the Church and this is laid down as the [illegible: 1 word] of the Churches comfort as the former was for her safety, so that God will not only be a shield, but▪a Sun to her, Psa. 84. 11. [illegible: 1+ letters]ot [illegible: 1+ letters]at they shall not have the Sun, and Moon among them, but that the light of the godly as such, should principally consist in what is [illegible: 1+ letters] tual.

Christ shall scatter all darkness and ignorance, enlightning thee with the doctrines of the Gospel, and graces of his Spirit, and this shall be Everlasting, not wax, and wane, and suf[illegible: 1+ letters]r [illegible: 1+ letters]lipses▪ and settings, as the Sun, and Moon do, but it shall be con[illegible: 1+ letters]ant without shadow of change, no night, which will be undoubtedly tru[illegible: 1+ letters] of the Church in Heaven, whatever it will be, or, how near soever it will come to it here, which I presume will bear its analogy.

Always ministring matter of thy glorying in him▪ or, thy interest in this God shall be great honour [illegible: 1+ letters]o thee; or else, it is the same thing with the sentence immediately before in o[illegible: 1+ letters]her words, that will make thee glorious, a Metonymy of the Efficl[illegible: 1+ letters]t, thus he is said to give glory, Psa. 84. 11.

Marginal references: Rev 21 23. & 22. 5.; Zech. 2. 5.

20 Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended .

Literally he means the Jews mourning in Babylon; but especially the uninterrupted happiness of the Church; the Hebrew here for ended signifies recompensed, their days of rejoicing shall abundantly recompense all their days of mourning.

21 Thy people also shall be all righteous : they shall inherit the land for ever , the branch of my planting , the work of my hands, that I may be glorified .

i. e. the greater part, the word in this use hath been shewn frequently, or, altogether righteous, compleatly righteous.

As this respects the Jews, the sense may be, they went into Captivity wicked, but most of them being dead, and many of the Survivours tarrying behind, they that returned are said to be righteous, Chap. 1. 25, 26, 27. and 4. 4. but Principally as it respects the Church they shall be all Saints either by profession, as Paul calls them frequently Saints by calling, or rather by an inherent righteousness or perfectly by the imputed righteousness of Christ, see on ch. 35. 8.

i. e. for a long time, as you have many instances, and this is spoken, lest that poor remnant should be afraid of being driven out again; but with reference to the Church, that they should for ever be continued as God's peculiar people.

put by apposition, viz. Thy people being of my planting, and so also the next clause, the work of my bands, and therefore cannot miscarry, being what I shall take delight in, and thus the Children of God are said to be his workmanship created in Christ Iesus, Eph. 2. 10.

Either that I may make them glorious in being thus planted, or, my self glorious in thus planting them.

Marginal references: Chap. 4. 2. & 61. 3. See Chap. 32. 16. Mat. 15. 13.; Chap. 29. 23. & 45. 11.

22 A little one shall become a thousand , and a small one a strong nation : I the LORD will hasten it in his time .

Though of very small beginning and contemptible, yet shall greatly multiply: Though the Church at first will be but a very few, yet will it encrease into many thousands, this plant or seed will spring up to many; some understand it, that many shall be converted, and brought into the Church by men of very few, low, and mean parts; however these things seem to agree better to some state of the Church here, then to the state of the Church Triumphant.

If this signify not the same with the other, as probably it may, the word strong signifying numerous, Io[illegible: 1+ letters]l 1. 6. then we may understand it, that as the former respected their number, so this their strength.

viz. In due time, the time that I have appointed. q. d. Let not this be doubted because I have undertaken it, to whom nothing is difficult, when the time of the promise comes, he will make hast, it will be done speedily; or, as soon as it begins, it shall hasten apace, as it did in Peters Sermon, 3000 in one day, Acts 2. and 5000 in another, Acts 4. and so soon filled the whole world, and one Paul planted whole Churches, as the people in Egypt increased from 70 Persons to a vast multitude.