Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 63:18

18 The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while : our adversaries have trodden down thy Sanctuary .

Or thy holy people, as being set a part for his Servants, holiness being to be understood for a Covenant separation from other people.

i. e. 1. Comparatively to the promise which was for ever, though they had possessed it about 1400 years. Or, 2. It seeming to them so, as things, especially such as are desirable, seem when they are past▪ Iob. 9. 25, 26. and Psa. 90. 4. or 3. they enjoyed but small spaces of time in quietness so they had small enjoyment of it, or 4. It may respect the Temple which stood but 400 years.

The Temple called the Sanctuary from the holiness of it, this our Adversaries the Babylonians have troden down. 2 Chro. 36. 19. and this also implies their ruining of their whole Ecclesiastical Policy.

Marginal references: Or, they [illegible: 1+ letters]ave possessed thy [illegible: 1+ letters] ly people for a while.; Psal. [illegible: 1+ letters]4. 7.