Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · Isaiah

Observations Upon the Old Testament · Commentary · Isaiah

p. 351Esay.

ESAY Prophesies of the Destruction of the Kingdomes, of Syria, and Samaria, shortly to be accomplished by the Assyrian. And of the Kingdome of Iudah afterwards, by the Babylonian. And of the Neighbouring Kingdomes round about, by them both. And of the Ruine of the Assyrian Empire, by the Babylonian. And of the Babylonian by the Mede, and Persian. Intermixing sharp accusations of sins; severe threatnings of judgments and comfortable Promises; chiefly to the Jewes, and Israelites: And extending his Evangelical Prophecies, and Promises to Christ, and his glorious, spiritual Kingdome; And the Vocation of the Gentiles to the Communion of it. And all in a stately stile, and lofty language. The time of his Prophesying must needs be 46. years from the first of Iotham to the 14th of Hezekiah, Besides the Times that the Prophesied in the dayes of Vzziah, and after the 14th. of Hezekiah; which for the number of years are uncertaine. Yet it is recorded that he writ the Acts of Uzziah, first and last, 2 Chron. XXVI. 22. though that Book seeme not extant now, as not so necessary for the use of the Church. As neither that of Iasher, 2 Sam. I. 18. Nor that of Ieremy, 2 Chron. XXXV. 25.

The Times in Esay may seem to be thus distinguished; viz. In the dayes of King Uzziah, Chapter I.—5. whose reigne is mentioned, chap. I. 1. and his Death, chap. VI. 1. Wherein some things most Prophetickly be spoken, and understood, both of sinnes, and Punishments, which otherwise are fitting rather to the times of Ahaz.

In the dayes of Iotham, chap. VI. In the dayes of Ahaz. Chap. VII.—XIV.

p. 352ver. 28. whose reigne is mentioned, chap. VII. 1. And his Death, chap. XIV. 28. And the rest may seeme most, if not all, to be in the dayes of Hezekiah; wherein there is a special notation of time in chap. XX. mentioning the year that Tartan (2 Kings XVIII. 17.) came to Ash…od (or Azotus) and took it, when Sargon, next Predecessor to Sennacharib, or Sennacharib himself King of Assria sent him, which seems to be about the eighth or ninth year of Hezek. And in the XXXVI. & XXXVII. chap. mentioning the 14th year of Hezekiah, and the Histories contained in it. And in chap. XXXVIII, XXXIX. containing Histories that fell out in the later end of that fourteenth year of Hezekiah; without any other or further Notation of Times, to the end of all the Book. In this Prophecie are chiefly contained manifold Evangelical Promises and Prophecies of Christ, of his Person, and Offices, his Gospel, and Kingdome; more Particularly, of his Incarnation, and Birth; His Breeding, Calling, Teachings, Sufferings, Life, Death, Rising again, Glory ensuing, Kingdomes Length and Extent; That Esay is well called an Evangelical Prophet, or Prophetical Evangelist: Concluding with the destruction of Babylon: and the Deliverance of Gods People thence: the glorious restauration of the Church: and Numerous Vocation of the Gentiles. And by reason of the Premises it is, That this Book is so often cited in the New Testament. As in the Table ensuing may appear.

p. 354Chap. VII. ver. 16. hath reference to Shear-jashub.

Chap. VIII. ver. 18. hath reference to Shear-jashub, and Mahershalah-hash-baz.

Chap. XXXVIII. ver. 5. Ezekiah's tears, among other causes, might chiefly be, because at that time he had no sonne; Manasseh being borne after, chap. XXXVIII. 5. 2 Kings XXI. 1. 2 Chron. XXXIII. 1.

As the Sun stood still at Joshuah's Prayer; and the Moone likewise; and consequently with them the whole frame of the Heavenly Bodies, and their Motions, about a whole day, Josh. X. 12, 13. So upon Ezekiah's choise, the Sunne went back, and consequently the other Celestial Bodies with it, ten degrees, in the Heavens, [that the Chaldeans took notice of the wonder, 2 Chron. XXXII. 31.] as well as in the Sun-dial of Ahaz, chap. XXXVIII. 8. Making that miraculous anomalie of time, in obedience to their Creators will.

Esaiah his going naked, without his upper raiment, or Prophetical rough garment, (as that, 2 Kings I. 8. Zech. XIII. 4. Matth. III. 4.) and bare-foot; though but three dayes; (like to that, Ezek. IV. 4, 5, 6.) yet was a three yeares Prophetick signe, that Egypt and Ethiopia, by that time, should be led into captivity, naked and bare, by the King of Assyria, chap. XX. 3, 4.

The 185000. were slaine by the Angel, in the Camp of Sennacharib, not after their returne from the Ethiopians, but in that very next night after the message and promise sent from God by Esay to Hezekiah, Esay XXXVII. 21,—35. And slaine either before Jerusalem in the Camp that Rabshakeh brought thither, and in his returne to the King at Libna left there, Esay XXXVI. 2. Or in Sennacharib's Camp before Libna, where himself was, so drawing near to Jerusalem, chapter XXXVII. 8, 9. 14 33, 36. 2 Kings XIX. 8, 32, 35, 36. 2 Chron. XXXII. 9. If not in both Camps.

The Vision] chapter I verse 1 One of those meanes whereby God in those times imparted his minde and word to his Prophets.

Of Isaiah] Heb. Jeshajahu. In other places, Jeshajah. In the Greek, Esaias; whence our English, Esay, and Esaiah. It signifies Gods salvation.

saw] Hence the Prophets of old called Seers.

Judah and Jerusalem] Chiefly and mainly. Though likely in a relation to them, he prophesied also concerning and against other neighbouring Nations.

Hezekiah] Heb. Jechizkijahu, Micah I. 1. Jechizkijah; sometimes Chizkijahu; and Chezkijah. Greek, Ezekias. Likely Esay died in the latter end of his reigne; and was not sawn in sunder in the reigne of Manasseh; as commonly, out of Heb. XI. 37. but groundlessely, it is conceived.

Heare, verse 2 &c.] His first Sermon, in this first chapter. And if so, Then we must understand the desolations herein mentioned to be Propheticaly denounced: for they seeme to have relation to Ahaz his time.

O heavens,] See Deut. XXXII. 1. and XXX. 19. and IV. 26. See Micah VI. 1, 2.

p. 355Israel] The common name of Gods people; verse 3 yet meaning hereby Judah and Jerusalem.

your countrey, &c.] Spoken Propheticaly, as was said, if this were his first Sermon and Prophecie. See chap. IX. 12. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 5, 17, 18.

Heare, verse 10 &c.] Thus wicked they were, likely in King Uzziah's time.

upon thee] Or rather, verse 25 unto thee as the work-man turnes his hand to the work. I will once more set upon the reforming and new moulding of thee. So mitigating that direful doome in the former verse.

as at the first] Fulfilled in the times of Hezekiah, verse 26 and Josiah: and after the returne from the Babylonish captivity, in Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, and others.

oaks] Trees set apart and used for idolatrous services. verse 29

gardens] Where they practised Idolatry, as well as in Groves, and Woods.

strong] Strong Idols, as ye esteeme them.

The word, verse 31 &c.] A second Sermon, to the end of the IV. chap.

in the last dayes] Micah IV. chapter II verse 1 1, 2, 3. the dayes of the Messias, and of the Gospel. verse 2

all Nations] The Gentiles.

He will teach us, verse 3 &c.] The Messias will. And so, ver. 4.

Nation shall not, verse 4 &c.] Such shall be the peaceable meek disposition among themselves which the Gospel shall bring them to, Acts IV. 32. Though the wicked will rise up in war, with fire and sword against them, Mat. X. 21, 22. Luke XII. 49, 53.

O house of Jacob, verse 5 let us] Provokes the Jewes so to do, by the example of those Gentiles.

Therefore thou hast forsaken, verse 6 &c.] A sad charge against the present people, for their grievous manifold sinnes; whereby God is brought to desert them, and proceed in fierce wrath against them.

boweth down] To their Idols in their Idol-worship. verse 9 And therefore God will bow them down, and humble them, by his judgements, ver. 11.

forgive them not] Spoken by way of imprecation, if not rather as a meere prediction or denunciation; that God would now at length, without further delay, proceed most severely to punish them, without sparing.

Enter into, verse 10 &c.] So foretelling what sorry shifts they should be then driven to; though to small or no purpose, verse 19. and 21.

Cedars of Lebanon] Not any, verse 13 not all their strongest hopes, and helps shall any whit availe them, against the wrath of the Lord; when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth; when he comes to make a terrible earthquake in the State, for their hainous and hideous sins.

to the moles] His most precious Idols, verse 20 in whom he trusted; seeing no help or hope in them, he shall cast them away with indignation and disdaine, into the vilest and filthiest holes and corners, chap. I. 29.

p. 356Cease ye from man] Seeing no humane help, verse 24 no might or height will availe against the Lord, therefore cease to put any confidence in frail man, Psal. CXLVI. 3, 4. Ier. XVII. 5, 6. Psal. LXXVI. 7.

For, chapter III verse 1 behold, &c.] God will take away the stay and the staff of man, and of other creature-comforts and supports, one and other.

children] In age, verse 4 or men of childish dispositions.

Oppressed] Which followes of none, verse 5 or of evil government.

I will not, verse 7 &c.] Men will refuse publike imployment, to undertake the care and cure of the State, and to be Rulers in it, being so full of confusion, so perplexed and perilous as theirs then should be.

is ruined] And therefore for their extreme obstinacie and impudencie; verse 8 as the words following do declare.

Say ye] A consolation to the small companie of the Godly among them, verse 10 in those calamitous times.

As for my people] Proceeds on to declare the confusion and disorders of the times; verse 12 that even boyes and women, persons so qualified, abused them, and domineered over them.

The Lord] He riseth up to plead and judge for his people, verse 13 against those cruel oppressors.

Moreover, verse 16 &c.] Comes from the Men to the Women.

tinckling ornaments] Divers names following in this wardrobe of Women, verse 18 are of conjectural, rather then certaine and sure signification, to us at this day.

glasses] Looking-glasses; verse 23 of bright brasse, or steele, or like mettal, Exod. XXXVIII. 8. Of glasse properly so called we finde no certaine mention in the Old Testament.

girdle] Girding. verse 24 The word is used of those aprons or girdings, which of twigs twisted or wreathed, rather then leaves sowed together, our first parents made to cover their shame with.

a rent] Or rags.

burning] Sun-burning, tanning.

gates] Cities, verse 26 Lam. I. 4.

She] The Land of Iurie, or the mother-City Ierusalem.

seven women] Chap. chapter IV verse 2 III. 25. Such should be the paucity of men surviving, as chap. XIII. 2. that is uncouth, immodest motion and sollicitation should fall out, and finde place with them.

In that day] After these calamities overpast; when the Lord shall have washed, &c. as it is, ver. 4.

the branch] The Messias, chap. XI. 1. Zech. III. 8. and VI. 12. Jer. XXIII. 5. and XXXIII. 15. Yet some understand this here of the Church. And so to the end of this short Chapter.

of the Lord] The Messiah himself; And likewise the Church, and her beauty, and holinesse, and defence, and shade, and shelter, come and spring all from the Lord.

and the fruit of the land] Literaly. And may be applied spiritualy.

that remaineth] The remnant that shall escape, verse 3 be left, and survive

p. 359Altar] The brazen Altar in the Court before the doore.

the voice of the Lord] Not of the Seraphs.

I send] The Unity of the Deity.

for us] The Trinity of the Persons.

send me] Being so fitted, as formerly, he now promptly offers himselfe.

make the heart of this people fat] This God doth not by infusing any wickednesse or corruption, of any kinde, into them: but indirectly, and by accident, and consequent, thus; By not hindering it, but permitting it; justly, for their sinnes, withholding, or withdrawing his Restraining Grace, which holds them in as a Grayhound is held in from an hare by a slip; Denying his blessing to the meanes of Grace, not vouchsafing his special and free grace and assistance to them; but withdrawing the efficacy of his Spirit, which things he is not bound to give to any: and justly leaving them so both to all Satans tentations, and his instruments; And also to their owne vile lusts, the inbred hardnesse of their hearts, rebellion of their wills, and the universal corruption of their natures; which enslaves them to sinne, and fires them after it; yea, the more for any opposition of Gods Commands, Word, or Works, or any meanes else used to the contrary; as we see Lime burne with water cast upon it. Even so the Heathen could say, Nitimur in vetitum, semper cupimúsque negata: according with that of the Apostle, Rom. VII. verse 8,—13. Yea, God justly suffering and presenting such objects, and occasioning such things to fall out, as are not simply evil in themselves, yet through their default will prove stumbling-blocks unto them, as whereupon their own wicked hearts will still work and improve their own induration, excecation, and irritation to further sinning. Thus they willingly fall further into sinfull actions. The power of doing which acts, as they are acts, are yet from God alone, in whom we live, and move, and have our being; but the obliquity, malignity, and evil of them is from the wicked Agent. And all this God doth in a way of justice: It is a just thing with God, when men wilfully winkand shut their eyes against the light; And when they harden their hearts, and stop their eares against him, his Word, and Will, and Works; It is just with him, in maner aforesaid, to let them have and enjoy what they so love and desire to have and enjoy. And so to punish sin with sin. For all the premises, see Deut. XXVIII. 28. and XXIX. 2, 4. Psal. LXIX. 23. and LXXVIII. 32. and LXXXI. 12. and CVI. 7. Esay XXVIII. 13. and XXIX. 10. and XLIV. 18. Jer. V. 31. Ezek. II. 5, 7. and III. 7. and XX. 25. Zech. VII. 11, 12. Matth. XIII. 14. John XII. 37. Acts XIV. 16. Rom. I. 21, 22, 26, 28. and II. 4, 5. and Chap. VII. ver. 8, 9, 11, 13, 23. and XI. 8. 10. 2 Cor. II. 15, 16. 2 Thes. II. 10, 11, 12. 2 Tim. III. 13. Heb. VI. 4, 6, 7. Apoc. XVI. 9, 11. All this I say is just for Him who knoweth how, and orders withal, out of the infinitenesse of his wisdome and goodnesse, so as to make them serve his providence for the producing of good out of evill, the greetest good out of the greatest sinne; as Acts p. 360IV. 28. See my Annotations on Ezek. III. 20.

Lord, verse 11 how long?] Shall this sad condition last?

utterly desolate] Yet there is mention of a Reserve, v. 13.

farre away] Into Assyria, verse 12 and Chaldea; yea, some extend this to the last destruction by Vespasian, and Hadrian, the Romane Emperours.

But yet in it shall be a tenth] God will still in his dreadfulest judgements preserve a small remnant, verse 13 to continue his Church. Thus he concludes with this comfort here: as he likewise concluded his first and second Sermon.

a Teil-tree] Or a Line-tree, of goodly boughs and leaves.

and an oak] So most do render the word.

whose substance is in them when they cast their leaves] As in winter.

so the holy seed] The seed of Saints. The application of the similitude. These God reserves, by them to propagate his Church, Rom. XI. 15.

And it came to passe] chapter VII verse 1 The fifth Sermon.

in the dayes of Ahaz] In the third, or the beginning of the fourth yeare of his reigne. For within the fourth of his reigne was Pekah slaine, 2 Kings XV. 30, 33. in the twentieth yeare of Jotham, reckoning so both the four yeares of Jotham in his father Uzziahs life-time, and the sixteen yeares of his reigne after the death of his father. Or rather, reckoning from the beginning of Jothams sixteen. And so this will fall out in the fourth of Ahaz. See my Observations on 2 King. I. pag. 103. Of the death of Ahaz, See chap. XIV. 28.

that Rezin] Rezin and Pekah severaly by themselves, had made some attempt against Iudah, in the end of Iothams, or the very beginning of the reigne of Ahaz, and then mightily prevailed, 2 Kings XV. 37. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 5, 8. But now joyntly they bend their forces together, to make a full conquest: yet in this prevaile not; And so 2 Kings XVI. 5. One Rezon was the first King of Syria, 1 Kings XI. 23.

Syria] See the Observations on 2 Sam. VIII. 5.

as the trees] Their hearts quaked and quivered, verse 2 as an aspin leafe. And the rather, because of what they had formerly suffered from them severaly. Which put them instantly upon dispatching of messengers, for aide, unto the King of Assyria, which God sends here to disswade them from, 2 Kings XVI. 7, 8.

Shear-jashub] Signifies the remnant shall returne. verse 3 This name given him in a prophetical way: as that of his other sonne, chap. VIII. 3. and those of Hosheah, chap. I. 4, 6, 9. Here brought with Esay, because he was to make use of him in his message to Ahaz, v. 16.

upper poole] The very place where Rabshakeh afterwards stood, ch. XXXVI. 2. 2 Kings X. 17. See the Observations on Neh. III. 1. And the Annotations on this text of Esay.

fullers field] See the Observations on Neh. III. 1.

the sonne of Tabeel] Uncertaine who. verse 6 But whoever, a King to hold from and under them.

p. 357the forementioned calamities. These a Type of the Elect, Phil. IV. 3. Apoc. III. 5. and XVII. 8.

and by the spirit of burning] By the fire of Gods zeale, verse 4 chap. IX. 7. rhe fire of his Spirit.

And the Lord will, verse 5 &c.] A promise of Gods gracious presence among his people, for their direction, and protection, after they are so washed and purged.

her assemblies] for the solemne services of God, Psal. XLVI. 5. Zech. II. 5.

a cloud] As the Pillar was to the Israelites, Exed. XIII. 21. a cloud by day, and a fire by night. Even the same Pillar, Exod. XIV. 19, 20, 24.

all the glorie] All Gods people. Or rather all that glorious estate, that God would advance his people unto, as aforesaid, should continue firme and stedfast unto them, under his protection over-spreading every part of it, and preserving it from all annoiance in any kinde.

Now will I sing, chapter V verse 1 &c.] His third Sermon.

what could have been done more, &c?] Matth. verse 4 XXIII. 37. and ch. XI. 21. more, in regard of Ordinances and means offered and used: more, as a Vine-dresser, more in this kinde and way, by my Ministers and Labourers, and Husbandmen; more, to leave them inexcusable. Gods absolute power, and will, are not here questioned. See Matth. III. verse 10 9. and ch. XI. 25, 26. 1 Cor. III. 6, 7. Rom. IX. 16.

one bath] See the Observations on Gen. XVIII. 6.

an Homer] See the Observations on Exod. XVI. 36.

the work of the Lord] The judgements, verse 12 either impendent, or incumbent; And the Lords hand in them.

are gone into captivity] Or, verse 13 are going. It is as sure so to be, as if it were done already. So Jer. IX. 1. and John III. 18.

Hell] The grave: or any kinde of receptscle of mans dead body, verse 14 Gen. XXXVII. 35. Jonah II. 1, 2.

Mean man] See the Annotations on Ch. verse 15 II. 9. Adam, of base earth.

mighty man] Ish.

in judgement] In his righteous judgements upon them. verse 16

Then] After the judgements threatened, verse 17 are accordingly executed.

shall the Lambs] Literaly. Or rather the godly poore ones.

after their maner] Freely and quietly, as they had wont to do, before their disturbance and expulsions by their great oppressors. And this, either in the time of the captivity, when they were left in the land, and the great ones carried away; or upon their returne, quietly enjoying their own lands and meanes againe, whence by the injurious dealings of the mightier sort they had formerly beene ejected.

strangers eate] As Chap. I. 7.

Woe] More wilde grapes, verse 18 and vile fruits that Gods Vineyard brought forth: And woes with them.

p. 358draw iniquity] Toile and tire themselves with all their might to draw on iniquity, to practise it.

Let him make speed] That scoffe at his threatenings, verse 19 jest at his judgements.

Therefore as the fire] Gods judgements at the heeles of sinne. verse 24

their carcases] 2 Chron. verse 25 XXVIII. 6. 120000 in one day.

And he will lift up, verse 26 &c.] More, and greater judgements, should follow after those; still more.

to the Nations] The Assyrians, in the time of Hezekiah. Some stretch it to the Chaldeans, in the time of Nebuchadnezzar.

slumber or sleep] Be drowzie and sloathful; verse 27 but vigilant and diligent.

girdle] They shall not lay their armes aside, but be alwayes ready for journey, and march, and action.

nor the latchets] Nothing should befal them that might retard them in their march, or hinder their expedition.

roare like young lions] See the Annotations on Job IV. verse 29 10. By sundry similies, and hyperbolees he sets forth the fiercenesse of the enemies, and their armies.

and if one look] The forlorne and perplexed condition of the Jewes, verse 30 by the irruption of so fierce and powerful an enemie; that cast they their eye which way soever they could, downward, or upward, yet no hope of help or comfort should appear. So again, chap. VIII. 21, 22. in the closing up of this hideous prediction.

yeare that Uzziah died] And the beginning of Jothams reigne. chapter VI verse 1 Jotham had ruled some yeares in the life-time of Uzziah. See the Annotations on Hos. I. 1. And the Observations on 2 Kings I. But this here is after Uzziah's death.

This is the fourth Vision or Sermon of Esay.

I saw the Lord] One God in Trinity of persons: as the Plural terme, ver. 8. go for us? seemes to imply. Esay saw him, not in his Essence, but in this visible module of glory here represented.

traine] Of his robes.

filled the Temple] The Throne then, it seemes, was in that high Portal of 120 Cubits high; and the traine of his robes filled the Temple or the Sanctum.

flie] Verse 6. verse 2 Dan. IX. 21.

one cried to another] As by course singing out the praises of the Lord. verse 3

holy] Thrice, to denote the superlative eminencie of the Lords holinesse: and likely the holinesse of his justice.

And the posts, verse 4 &c.] The Temple doores and posts shaken; and the body of the Temple filled with smoak. Signes of Gods anger and indignation, Psal. XVIII. 8.

at the voice of him that cried] A loud and dreadful voice. See Amos IX. 1.

woe is me] As Hab. verse 5 III. 16. See the cause here; and, v. 7.

p. 351within sixty five yeares] From the fourth of Ahaz, verse 8 to the four and twentieth of Manasseh, wherein he was carried to Babylon, by Esarhaddon, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11. who withal swept away the remainder of those that Shalmaneser had left, Ezra IV. 2. are 65. years.

and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's sonne] Pekah. verse 9 And he was slaine by Hoshea. And Rezin by Shalmaneser; both almost presently after; 2 Kings XV. 30. and chap. XVI. 9. See my observations on 2 Kings I.

Ask thee a signe] Seeing thou still remainest staggering and doubtful, verse 11 for all this. A great grace offered to a gracelesse man.

I will not ask] Not as loath to tempt God; verse 12 though he pretend that. But because he beleeved nothing of that the Prophet spake, and was resolved to go on another way, contrary to the Prophets minde; to seek help of the Assyrian, and not to rely on God and his help.

O house of David] Speaking as to him, verse 13 so to his traine and attendants; alike herein faulty as he was.

weary my God] In distrusting him, and me his messenger?

Therefore] Or, verse 14 Neverthelesse. Though you are unworthy of it by your refusal.

a signe] Such as never any was before it, or since.

a Virgin] This fell out in many ages after. And so things to ensue afterwards, are sometimes given for signes: as chap. XXXVII. 30. Exod. III. 12. Jer. XLIII. 9, 10. and LI. 63. By this signe God shewes that he can do a greater thing, then he promised to Ahaz, to save him by his help against those two Kings. And this signe indeed is the foundation of all Gods promises, and of the fulfilling of them; In this Sonne all the promises of God being Yea and Amen. This here is applied to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Matth. I. 18, 23. Luke I. 27, 35.

and beare a Sonne] A Virgin still, in, and after the birth; which continues on the strangenesse of this miraculous signe. Not yet but that otherwise he was borne in the ordinary maner, by the opening of the womb, Luke II. 22, 23.

Butter and honey] Meats that young children affect. verse 15

shall he eate] The Virgins Sonne.

that he may know] That he may grow up, and attaine to yeares of discretion, &c. Luke II. 52.

For before the childe] A childe: verse 16 or rather, pointing to Shear-jashub. For no other use appears of his being there with his father, but this alone. See chap. VIII. 4.

The Lord shall bring] The Prophet now proceeds to foretel him, verse 17 a farre worse evil then that he now feared, that should befall him and his, from the Assyrians themselves, whom he now so much rested upon.

King of Assyria] King or Kings collectively.

flie] Egyptians; verse 18 or others neighbouring to them, 2 King? XXII. 33, 35.

holes of the rocks] As Bees do. verse 19 Whence is that of honey out of the p. 362rock, Psalme LXXXI. 16. Deut. XXXII. 13.

that is hired] Ezek. XXIX. 18, verse 20 19. Or rather, 2 Kings XVI. 7, 8. So that Ahaz in issue, did but hire a razor to shave himself, and his estate.

the river] Euphrates.

And it shall, &c.] verse 21 The condition of those that shoule be left in the Land, after this shaving.

a young cow and two sheep] That had numbers of them, before the plundering.

abundance of milke] Through the depopulation, verse 22 and great paucity of inhabitants; and large pasturage occasioned thereby.

where there were a thosand vines, &c.] verse 23 The richest and fruitfulest places, for want of husbanding and manuring, should be overgrowne with uselesse and harmful trash, ver. 24.

with arrowes] To defend themselves against wilde beasts, verse 24 and other harmful creatures as might lurk there.

And on all hills] Such places on the hills, verse 25 which the rich had by undue inclosures, fenced in for pleasure or profit, that such fences being now cast downe, they should lie open to cattel, great and small, to grase upon, and trample downe at pleasure.

Moreover, chapter VIII verse 1 &c.] The sixth Sermon, in this, and the four Chapters following. And that of the same nature, and subject matter for the most part, with that in the last chapter aforegoing. But as that was to Ahaz; so this to the People.

and write in it] Some think, only the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz. Others rather, this whole Sermon or Prophecie contained in these five Chapters.

Maher-shalal hash-baz] As in relation to the King of Assyria, make speed to the spoile, haste to the prey; intimating what he should speedily do to Israel and Syria.

Witnesses to record] The name given to the childe, verse 2 and the reason of it.

Uriah the Priest] The High Priest. Of whom, 2 Kings XVI.

went unto] Or, verse 3 had gone in to. And so in the words following.

bare a Sonne] Or had borne a Sonne: was newly delivered of a male-childe.

this people] Of Israel and verse 6 Samaria.

of Shiloah] The soft rivolet of Jerusalem.

over all his channels] Or rather, with all his channels; or from all his channels, and his banks; meaning his owne; That the King of Ashur should come with all the forces he could make.

thtough Judah] Having subdued Israel, verse 8 should make his way thereby to passe through Judah also.

even to the neck] To Jerusalem; that all Judah should be in danger to be drowned, by the inundation of this river, the Assyrian and his forces.

Associate your selves] Speaking to the enemies, verse 9 the Israelites, Syrians, p. 363Assyrians, & all their people & armies; & that in way of derision.

and ye shall be broken] All shall turne to your ruine.

for God is with us] Even that Immanuel, ver. 8. verse 10 and, ch. VII. 14.

spake thus to me] To comfort, and confirme the godly in Judah, against their distrusts and fears, in these calamitous times.

a confederacie] Be against that confederacie with the Assyrian. verse 11

Binde up the Testimony] God would not have the Prophet to deale further in this kind, verse 16 with these faithless and prophane people; but reserve such sacred mysteries to be imparted to the faithful, his disciples.

And I will waite] The Prophets resolution, verse 17 what he would do.

Behold, verse 18 I, and the children] My self, and my children, chap. XX. 2, 3. and, chap. VII. 16. and, ver. 3, 4. of this chapter. Indeed, Heb. II. 13. These words are produced, as spoken, either of, or by Christ: As likewise those words, 2 Sam. VII. 14. are applied to Christ, Heh. I. 5. And the like is againe in that same text, Heb. II. 13. The truth is, Many speeches of the Prophets, concerning themselves; and many Prophecies concerning Cyrus, and others▪ who were types of Christ, are in the New Testament applied unto Christ; being one way, and in one maner verified of them; and another way, and in another maner also, many times fulfilled in him.

seek unto them that have familiar spirits] People in times of straits are prone this way, verse 19 1 Sam. XXVIII. 7, 15. 2 Kings I. 2. And so likely at this time. The Prophet therfore here armes the faithful against this course.

And they shall passe] The evil that shall betide such men: verse 21 In their distresses they shall flit and fling to and fro; but meeting with no meanes of succour or relief, either from above, or below, they shall be at their wits end.

and curse their King] Who brought them to that miserable distress, and should rather have saved and preserved them.

And their God] Even God himself, in their murmuring desperation. Or rather, their Idol-god.

unto the earth] Downward: or abroad into the Land, as, verse 22 ch. V. 30.

Neverthelesse] This Chapter hath dependance upon the Chapter aforegoing, chapter IX verse 1 and is a continuation of that discourse. Here the beginning imports some allay of the calamitous condition there mentioned.

he lightly afflicted] By Pul, rather then Tiglath-Pileser, 2 Kings XV. 19, 20.

more grievously] By Shalmaneser, 2 Kings XVII. 3, 6. Or, by Tiglath-Pileser rather, 2 Kings XV. 29.

by the way of the sea] Of Cinnereth, Josh. XIII. 27. called also the sea of Galilee, the sea of Tiberias, the lake of Genesareth.

beyond Jordan] Or beside Jordan, on the West-side of it. The word signifies either side.

in Galilee of the Gentiles] The upper Galilee, in the Tribe of Naphthali; much replenished with the Gentiles, being near the Confines of Tyre and Sidon, and having the Cities in it, made over by Solomon to Hiram, though he refused them. And our Saviour preached much p. 364in this Galilee also, Matth. IV. 2, 13, 18, 24. The Evangelist cites this text, Matth. IV. 15, 16. and picks out only so much, as did concerne his present purpose, and applies it thereunto.

The people] In those places, on which the darknesse of affliction had first seized in those times, There the spiritual light of joy and life, had, by our Saviours preaching, first sprung forth: He includes here the lower Galilee, in the tribe of Zebulun.

hath seene] He speaketh in prophetical maner, of things to come, as already effected.

Thou] Speaking to God. verse 3

hast multiplied] Wilt multiply. The Prophet runs all along here in a prophetical straine.

the Nation] The Jewish Nation; in the dayes of the Messias, by the confluence of the Gentiles, of all Nations.

and not increased the joy] Read this interrogatively: and so it makes a strong affirmative. Or thus, Thou hast increased the joy to him, or it; that is, to the Nation.

They joy before thee] And the greatnesse of their joy, is amplified by two similitudes.

For thou hast broken] One reason of their joy. verse 4

Midian] Chap. X. 26. Judges VII.

For every battel, &c.] Or, verse 5 to be rendered thus; When the whole battel of those that were in battel, was with clashing of armes, and rayment rolled in gore blood; which by burning became food for the fire. Thus it was in the Midianites Camp.

a childe is borne] Who it is, verse 6 and what maner of person, by whom all that hath beene said, shall be effected. Emmanuel, the Vigins Son.

Unto us] And for us.

The Lord sent a word] After these comfortable Promises interlaced, verse 8 for the stay of the faithful, the Prophet here returnes again, torelate th calamities that should, for their excesse of sin, and obstinacie therein, befall the people of Israel, and the Syrian King their confederate.

hath lighted] Shall light.

adversaries of Rezin] The Assyrians. verse 11

against him] Against Rezin.

his enemies] Israels enemies. Under the Assyrian afterwards. Or, rather, these enemies are the Assyrians and Philistines, ver. 12.

Thy Syrians] The Syrians, verse 12 being now subdued by the Assyrian, shall now as his subjects, come under his conduct and command.

cut off] By Shalmanazer.

and rush] 2 Kings XVII. 6, 23, 24. verse 14

an hypocrite] Or rather prophane. verse 17

no man shall spare his brother] But plunder and spoile one another, verse 19 Jer. XIX. 9.

his owne arme] Prey, and devour the substance of those that are nearest unto them.

Manasse Ephraim] The Israelites one against another.

p. 365and they together] Both of them against Judah.

Woe] Here is a further charge, chapter X verse 1 with a denunciation annexed to it against Israel. Though some would apply it to Judah.

What will ye do, verse 3 &c?] As, Matth. XXIII. 33. Rom. II. 3. Job XXXI. 14, 23.

from far] From the Assyrian.

without me, verse 4 &c.] What will ye do then? or to whom will ye flee for help? ye shall by no shift be able to escape, either to be taken prisoners, or be put to the sword.

O Assyrian,] Here might best beseeme this Chapter to begin. verse 5 God purposing to use the Assyrian as the rod of his anger, against his people; doth here for the support and comfort of his faithful ones, insert a denunciation of destruction to befall him afterwards: and a gracious promise of deliverance of his people from him. O… the Assyrians, see the Observations on 1 Chron. V. 26.

Is not Calno, &c.] Cities here mentioned, verse 9 were near Euphrates.

As I have done unto Samaria] The successe of his predecessors, verse 11 Tiglath-Pileser, and Shalman-Eser against Samaria, Sennacherib here takes to himself.

I will punish] Chap. verse 12 XXXVII. 23, 29, 36, 37, 38.

egges that are left] The dam forsaking them for fear. verse 14

his fat ones leannesse] Among the chief and choise ones in his armies, verse 16 upon his hoasts, verse 17 God will send a consumption.

And the light of Israel shall be for a fire] A light to his people; a fire to his adversaries.

in one day] Chap. XXXVII. 36.

stay upon him that smote them] The Assyrian. verse 20

a remnant] As but a remanant only of Sennacheribs armie. verse 22

thy people Israel] As God speaking to the Prophet; or rather thy people, O Israel, speaking so to Jacob of his posterity.

yet a remnant] And but a remnant only. Alluding again to Shearjashubs name. See Rom. IX. 27, 29. and XI. 5. That remnant being a type of Gods elect.

the consumption decreed] The reason, why but a remnant.

Therefore] Comforts the few faithful ones. verse 24

and as his rod was upon the sea, verse 26 so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt] As God destroyed the Egyptians then, so he will the Assyrians now. Allusion is here had to Moses his lifting up his rod over the red-sea.

because of the anointing] Christ the anointed. verse 27

He is come] The Prophet here describes the Progresse of Sennacherib with his armie, verse 28 through Benjamin, whereunto most of the townes here mentioned did appertaine, to and against Jerusalem; as if he plainly beheld it in a prophetical rapture and vision.

They are gone over the passage] Not of Jordan, verse 29 but the straits between the hills near Michmash, 1 Sam. XIII. 23. and XIV. 1, 4, 5.

Gallim] 1 Sam. XXV. verse 30 44. p. 364duplicate page p. 365duplicate page

p. 366top the bough] The chief and principal in Sennacheribs armie. verse 33

and Lebanon shall fall] The Assyrian King is called a Cedar of Lebanon, verse 34 Ezek. XXXI. 3. And Carmel, though a mount of Israel, is in this very argument applied to him, and his forces, verse 18. These then may resemble other great States, Persons, and People, as well as those of the Jewes. And therefore by the tenure of the context, Lebanon here is no other then the Assyrian vast host.

by a mighty one] An Angel, chap. XXXVII. 36.

And there shall come] Here, chapter XI verse 1 as usualy upon occasion of particular great deliverances, the Prophet riseth higher, and proceeds unto that spiritual deliverance of the Church by the Messias, at his coming: This temporal being a kinde of type of that spiritual. And withal, it shews a reason why it was said, for the anointing, chap. X. 27. Here then in this Chapter we have Christ the Messias prophesied of, and described, by his descent, and meane appearance, and low condition, in our humane nature; the meane estate his parents were then brought unto; his transcendent excellencies and endowments, by meanes whereof he should be enabled to effect and accomplish such strange and unheard of archievements as are herein mentioned; and particulatly, the Calling of the Gentiles.

second time] As formerly out of Egypt, verse 11

to recover] Into his possession againe.

the remnant] A small parcel. See chap. X. 22.

of his people] The Jewes; distinguished from those, ver. 10. See Apoc. VII. 4,—9.

from Assyria, &c.] And other forreigne places here mentioned, where they were scattered.

for the Nations] Or, verse 12 to the Nations; for them bring or send in, the Israelies that are in captivity with them, or sojourne among them. This typicaly and chiefly relates to the calling home of the elect of them to Christ, wheresover dispersed; some at one time, some at another, and also the maine body of the residue, in his own appointed season, Acts II. 41. and IV. 4. and XXI. 20. Rom. XI. 5, 25, 26. 2 Cor. III. 16.

The envie also of Ephraim] That had beene between them, verse 13 and Judah, since the rent of the Kingdomes by Jeroboam the Ephraimite, 1 Kings XII. was to cease, when united either to other in Christ, Ezek. XXXVII. 16. Jer. III. 18.

and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off] In the time of the Messias, the obstinate enemies of the Church of God, shall by Christ be destroyed, see chap. LX. 12.

But they shall flie, verse 14 &c.] They shall subdue these inveterate enemies; the enemies of the spiritual Kingdome of Christ hereby typified.

the tongue of the Egyptian sea] verse 15 The Prophet here promiseth from God a removal of all impediments that might hinder the Jewes in this their returne into their land. This their returne, shadowing out the reducing of people to the obedience of Christ, and his spiritual Kingdome. p. 367By this tongue there is meant the red-sea, which is like a tongue.

the river] Nilus.

in the seven streames] By which, as by so many mouths, it emptieth it self into the Sea. To make way for the Jewes returne from her into their own land. The meaning is, that no impediment or obstacle should be so great, that might hinder those, who were to be brought home to Christ, and his Church, out of all quarters, but it should be removed.

an high way] The same meaning for Assyria, verse 16 as in the former verse, for Egypt.

in that day] chapter XII verse 1 Of thy returne home.

thou shalt say] And sing, these or the like Hymnes of Praise; composed by the Prophet, as set formes; or as directories to them; or both. So 1 Chron. XVI. 7, 35, 36.

in that day] A preface or passage into a new forme, verse 4 another ditty: and this in way of exhortation to others, to do the like.

Babylon] Here begin Prophecies, chapter XIII verse 1 purposely against forreign States.

And first against Babylon, that should be their principal enemy. The Inscription of this Sermon is here in the first words. Of Burden, See Jer. XXIII. 33, 36. Of Babylon, see my Observations on Dan. IV. 30. Of her Fall, see Jer. L. and LI. And this seemes to be the seventh Sermon.

Lift ye up a banner] To summon those that were to be imployed against Babylon. verse 2

nobles] The great Peeres of Babylon.

my sanctified ones] Set apart to this service, verse 3 ver. 17. Jer. LI. 27, 28.

a far countrey] Media and Persia. verse 5

whole land] Of Chaldea.

Howle ye] Babylonians.

their faces shall be as flames] Lam. IV. verse 6 8. and V. 10. Ezek. XX. verse 8 47. Yet this here seemes to be for fear of evil yet to come. See therefore that, Jer. XXX. 5, 6. Joel II. 6. Nahum II. 10. Yet the Original word seemes to incline, to the faces of Lybians, or tawny-moores.

the stars] All shall be so full of horror and terror, verse 10 that the heavenly bodies may seem to have lost their light; no glimps of comfort shall appeare.

Ophir] See the Observations on 1 King. verse 12 X. 11.

shake the heavens] I will cause them to be in such confusion and distraction, verse 13 as if heaven it self were falling upon their heads, and the earth moving or removing from under their feet.

And it shall be] Babylon.

turne to his owne people] Babylon shall be forsaken by her hired forces, and confederates. verse 14

found] Medes and Persians.

Medes] verse 15 Under the conduct of Cyrus and Darius. verse 17

overthrew Sodom] verse 19 This utter devastation of Babylon was not at p. 368once; but began at the conquest of it by Cyrus, and in the succeeding ages was consummated.

It shall never be inhabited] Jer. LI. 26, verse 20. 22. 29, 43.

and her time is near to come] Esay in vision seeth the judgements as if presently approaching: or, this may be taken as spoken to and for them that then should be living in the time of the captivity of the LXX. years.

For the Lord] The reason of the hastening of the destruction of Babylon, chapter XIV verse 1 which is Gods merciemercy and compassion towards his people; the deliverance of whom depended upon Babylons destruction.

strangers shall be joyned] See the like, ch. 5. XLIV. and LVI. 3. and LX. 3. Esther VIII. 17. Psal. XLVII. 8, 9. This partly accomplished at their returne from Babylon; but more in the Kingdome of Christ, by the Ministery of the Gospel.

possesse them] These Proselites and Converts. verse 2

take them captive, &c.] Partly verified in the time of the Maccabees literaly: but most of all spiritualy by the means and ministery of the Apostles, and Preachers, subduing them to the obedience of Christs Scepter.

this Proverb] Or by-word, verse 4 or taunting speech. Here the Prophet continues the denunciation of the destruction of Babylon.

the King] i. e. the Kingdome.

O Lucifer] Meaning the Babylonian. verse 12

the mount of the Congregation] Mount Sion; verse 13 or mount Moriah, being in the North-side of Jerusalem, 2 Chron. III. 1. Psal. XLVIII. 2.

that opened not the house of his prisoners] But kept them LXX. verse 17 years in captivity.

Prepare slaughter] Esay speaks to the Medes and Persians. verse 21. 23. 25.

for the bitterne] See chap. XIII. 21, 22.

that I will break the Assyrian in my land] Rather as in breaking the Assyrian in my land. Sennacheribs overthrow, it seemes, was before this. And it is brought in as an argument and example to prove, that as God had done that one, so he would as certainly do the other, that is, overthrow Babylon in its time.

In the yeare that King Ahaz died] Here begins another Sermon, verse 28 or Prophecie. And might well be the beginning of another Chapter. Chap. VI. did beare the date of the death of Uzziah. This, of the death of Ahaz.

Palestina] Meaning here the Westerne part of Jury that was inhabited by the Philistines. verse 29 Of the Philistines, see my Annotations on Zech. IX. 6. The Babylonians were the greatest enemies to the Jews, farthest off. The Philistines were their greatest enemies, nearest at hand.

because the rod, &c.] This is meant of King Uzziah, who prevailed much in his wars against them, 2 Chron. XXVI. 6, 7. But in Ahaz his reigne the state and strength of the Jews was much weakened: whereat the Philistines did much rejoyce. But Esay biddeth them not to be overjoyed; for it should not last long.

p. 369a cockatrice] Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. 8.

and his fruit shall be a fiery flying Serpent] The Serpents fruit shoul be a cockatrice, yea▪ more then so, a fiery flying Serpent.

And the first-borne of the poore] The extremely poore, verse 30 as the Jewes at that time were.

shall feed] Freely, fully, and quietly without fear of the Philistines; when they should want, and famish.

and he shall slay thy remnant.] A remnant still reserved of Gods people, in his fearfulest judgements. But not a remnant le…t here by Ezekiah to the Philistines: or at least a slaughter was among that remnant. For Jeremy, Ezekiel, and Zephanie, all after Ezekiahs dayes do againe denounce judgements against them.

thou whole Palestina] As thou whole Palestina didst rejoyce before, verse 31 verse 29. so thy dread and desolation shall be now as general and universal.

from the North] Judea, and Jerusalem, that stood North-East from the Philistines.

a smoak] Ezekiahs forces.

and none shall be alone in his appointed times] Or, Assemblies, Ezekiah's forces should come against them in flocks at his set times, and places for their randezvous. Or, none of the Philistines should care or endure to stay in their meeting places and strong holds, when Ezekiahs forces should as smoak break in upon them.

What shall one then answer?] To any messengers in general, verse 32 that upon any occasion shall come to Jerusalem.

of Moab] Of Moab, chapter XV verse 1 see the Annotations on Amos II. 1. See Jer. XLVIII, wherein are many passages found borrowed from hence.

because] Relates the destruction and devastations of some of their chief Cities, and principal parts of their Countrey; together with the Moabites distraction, and vaine devotions thereupon, flocking unto their Idols, who could do them no good.

is laid waste] The usual maner of Prophetical language. And this was done at several times, by Shalmanezer, Sennacherib, and Nebuchadnezzar. Of which see more on chap. XVI. 14.

an heifer of three years old] Ier. XLVIII. 34. as an heifer of three years old, i. e. such shall the criers, or the cry be.

shall they carry away] The enemies shall. verse 5

to the brook of the willows] Some place in Moab; verse 7 there to share it; and thence to carry it into Assyria.

Send ye the Lamb] The tribute due.

to the Ruler of the Land] The King of Iudah; chapter XVI verse 1 Ezekiah; of Davids race. See 2 Sam. VIII. 2. Moab subdued by David. After the division of the Kingdomes, it fell to Israel. After the death of Ahab, it rebelled, 2 Kings I 1. and ch. III. ver. 4, 5. and so denied the tribute, whereupon I…horam, with the assistance of King Iehoshaphat, and the King of Edom, makes that warre against Moab, 1 Kings III. 7, 9. Here the Prophet seemes to admonish Moab what course she should take, p. 370and might have taken, for the prevention of the judgements here denounced against her; to wit, by paying their due tribute to the King of Iudah; And by performing kind offices unto Gods people, in the times specially of their distresse, verse 3, 4. Wherein failing, they are again menaced with the judgements before mentioned, verse 7,—13. And a certain time set for the execution of the same, verse 14.

from Sela in the wildernesse] Or, as some, to the wildernesse.

unto the account] Where the King had his palace.

at the fords of Arnon] Which bounded their Countrey on the one side, verse 2 Num. XXI. 13.

consumed out of the land] Of Judah. verse 4 As indeed Sennacherib was. And therefore the performance of the kinde offices oi the Moabites to the Jewes should not last long, or be over-burdensome.

the throne] Of Judah. verse 5

and he shall sit] Ezekiah, the Type, Christ, the Truth.

and hastening justice] Without needlesse delayes.

his lies shall not be so] All his haughty and wrathful thoughts, verse 6 shall not take such effect, as in the pride of his heart he imagineth.

his Sanctuarie] The Temple of his chief idol Chemosh, verse 12 1 Kings XI. 7. Jer. XLVIII. 46.

since that time] That this judgement past upon Moab, verse 13 was first revealed to the Prophet; That which followeth, ver. 14. being added afterwards thereunto.

within three years] Most likely thus; verse 14 Conceiving this prophecie and denunciation to have beene delivered about the fourteenth or fifteenth year of Ezekiah, then it took effect about the eighteenth or nineteenth year of his reigne; and was put in execution by Ezarhaddon the Assyrian King. Though the utter and final destruction of Moab, here before denounced, and by Jeremy long after seconded, was to be executed by Nebuchadnezzar. That which was speedily effected, helping to confirme the truth of the former denunciation, though that were to take effect long after. Yet some conceive this to be done by Ezarhaddon in the tenth Of Hezekiah. Others, by Shalmanezer, in his way as he came to besiege Samaria.

Damascus] of Damascus, chapter XVII verse 1 Annotations on Amos I. 3, 4. The like burden against Damascus, see chap. XLIX. 23. Amos I. 2. Zech. IX. 1.

is taken away] This was partly effected by Tiglath-pilezar, 2 King. XVI. 9. and after by Shalmaneser, and after by Nebuchadnezzar.

the glory of Iacob shall be made thin] Of Israel the ten Tribes. verse 4

At that day, &c.] verse 7 The residue of Gods people, refined and reformed by these forementioned calamities, shall then abandon their idols, and seek unto God.

Which they left for the children of Israel] The enemy left. verse 9 God so disposing things out of his gracious affection to his people.

plant] Curiously. verse 10

but the harvest] For all thy curious planting, and sowing, the harvest shall be an heap, ruined, spoyled, destroyed.

p. 371Woe to the multitude of many people] Those forces that Sennacherib led against Gods people. verse 12 See chap. XXX. 28. and XXXVI. and XXXVII. that served under him.

and they shall flee farre off] So did Sennacherib, chap. verse 13 XXXI. 9.

at evenintide trouble] In Jerusalem. verse 14

before morning he is not] Most slaine by the Angel, and the rest fled.

This is the portion] A sweet Close.

A new Sermon or Prophecie. chapter XVIII verse 1 But very obscure; and full of various interpretations.

Woe] Some sense this, as if it were a Compellation Ho.

Shadowing with wings] Meaning Egypt, say some: Ethiopia, say others.

beyond the rivers of Ethiopia] The rivers and streames of Nilus above in Ethiopia, South of Egypt; where Meroe a chief Island, say some. Others understand it of the rivers of Ethiopia, not above, but under Egypt. And they there do place Meroe, where they conceive the Queen Candace reigned.

That sendeth Ambassadors] Some say, verse 2 The Ethiopians send them, and namely Tirhakah. Others, the Egyptians send them.

by the Sea] The Red-Sea.

Go ye swift] The words of Tirhakah, say some. Of the Egyptians, say others.

a Nation scattered] The Assyrians, say some; Tirhakah so provoking them to warre and battel. The Ethiopians, say others; the Egyptians thus warning them of their ruine approaching by the Assyrians. And a third sort would understand by this scattered, peeled, terrible Nation, the Israelites.

a Nation meted out, and trodden down] The Ethiopians were such, and so here to be entreated and used. But they that understand hereby the Assyrians; or the Israelites either, render the words a Nation meting out▪ and treading down; arrogating so much to themselves, and acting accordingly.

the rivers have spoiled] The forces of the King of Assyria, say some, thus should spoile the land of the Ethiopians. The others understanding here the land of the Assyrians, conceive it here to be thus described by the rivers, and the abundance and violence of them, and their streams in it.

All ye inhabitants] Esay calls all the world to observe, verse 3 how remarkable and conspicuous, Gods judgements and the execution of them by the Assyrians, should be upon the Ethiopians, say some: Gods judgements upon and against the Assyrians, say others. And accordingly they apply what is set down in the 4, 5, and 6. verses following; the one, for the Assyrian executing the judgement upon the Ethiopian: the other, for God executing his judgement upon the Assyrian; asserting to himself the defence and security of his owne people.

p. 372In that time] A prophecie of the Conversion of the Ethiopians to Christ, verse 7 in the dayes of the Messias, Acts VIII. 27,—39. As most hold.

shall the present be brought] By the Ethiopians, a present of their spiritual services. Others expound it, a present of the prey of Sennacheribs armie, chap. XXXIII. 23. consecrated to Gods service, and in way of Thanksgiving to him. Jer. LI. 44.

of Egypt Of Egypt see the Observations on Gen. chapter XIX verse 1 XII. 10.

Of this burden of Egypt, see likewise Jer. XLIII. 10. and XLIV. 30. and XLVI. 2, 13. Ezek. XXIX. and XXX. and XXXI. 2, 18. and XXXII.

swift cloud] Swiftnesse for expedition: cloud, in an extraordinary manner; for clouds are not ordinarily seen in Egypt, Psal. CIV. 3.

a cruel Lord, and a fierce King] Which some understand of Sennacherib, verse 4 some of Nebuchadnezzar; some rather of one of their own Kings; as namely, Psammetichus, who had beene a pettie King of one of the two Provinces, into which Egypt had beene divided after the death of Sethon, who had beene King of the whole Countrey before. But this Psammetichus at last overpowering the rest, made himselfe Lord of all Egypt, and was the father of Nechoh, who slew the good King Josias, 2 Kings XXIII. 29. See Herodotus, lib. 2. Diodor. lib. 1.

And the waters shall faile from the Sea] This may imply the impeaching of their trade and traffick by Sea. verse 5

and the river shall be wasted] Nilus; upon which the wealth and felicitie of Egypt did depend. The miseries which should ensue upon the wasting and drying up of it, are set downe in the five verses following.

of Zoan] See Num. verse 11 XIII. 22. Psal. LXXVIII. 12.

Land of Judah shall be a terror] Judah's overthrow shall fright Egypt; verse 17 left the like befall them, and their own turne come next.

In that day five Cities] A gracious prediction of the conversion of Egypt to God, verse 18 and his service; which principaly hath reference to the dayes of the Messias. So againe, Jer. XLVI. 26. see the like comfortable closes, chap. VI. 13. and XVII. 7. and XVIII. 7. and XXIII. 17, 18.

one shall be called the Citie of destruction] Or, of Heres. Or, of the Sunne. See the Observations on Josh. XIX. 38.

at the border thereof] Alluding to that, verse 19 Josh. XXII. 10, 24, 25, 27.

a Saviour, and a Great one] Principaly the Lord Jesus. verse 20

Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians] Both serve the Lord. verse 23 And Israel be the third. All three, serve the Lord, ver. 24, 25.

In the yeare] chapter XX The time when this Prophecie was delivered. chapter I

that Tartan] One of the three that Sennacherib sent to Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. 17.

came to Ashdod] Of Ashdod, see the Annotations on Amos III. 9.

When Sargon] Of him, see the Observations on 2 Kings XV. 19.

p. 373and took it] Some say, in the twelfth year of Ezekiah: some in the fourteenth, some in the fourth. But most likely, about the eight, or ninth year of Ezekiah after Shalmanezers decease. And the Egyptians, and Ethiopians coming to the relief of Ashdod, were by the Assyrians defeated, and carried captives, in such scornful and despiteful manner; as is described, ver. 4.

the sackcloth] Not here a mourning weed: verse 2 but such an upper garment, made of course and hairy stuff, as the Prophets ordinarily were wont to weare, 2 King. I. 8. Zech. XIII. 4. Mat. III 4.

naked] Not stark naked. But stript of his Prophetical mantle. As, 1 Sam. XIX. 24. Joh. XXI. 7. Mic. I. 8. Act. XIX. 16. As captives are wont to be led.

three yeares] And well might the siege of Ashdod continue three yeares, verse 3 as well as that of Samariah; most likely the Prophet went so three dayes, so fourty dayes, for fourty years, Num. XIV. 33, 34. Ezek. IV. 4, 5, 6.

upon Egypt, and upon Ethiopia] Judgements denounced upon them before, severally; upon Ethiopia, Chap. XVIII. upon Egypt, Chap. XIX. Here now upon them joyntly.

so shall] The explication of the signe. verse 4 It shall be so at the end of three yeares, from the beginning of the siege of Ashdod.

And they shall be afraid] both the Ashdodites, verse 5 and Jews, that relied so much upon their aid.

Isle] See the Observations on, Gen. X. 6. verse 6

of the desert of the sea] chapter XXI verse 1 Another Sermon and prophecie against Babylon. And so there are many Sermons against the Assyrians; and also against the Egyptians; by this Prophet. Babylon and Caldea is here called the desert of the sea; a desert, because a large desert, or wide Wildernesse lay between Caldea, and Media; or, it self should be made so, by the judgements ensuing. Or the word here used signifieth a Plaine, and in a plaine Babylon was built, Gen. XI. 2. And called a sea, because of the great river Euphrates, on the banks whereof Babylon was built; and because of the vast lakes made out of the river. And hence is Babylon said to sit upon many waters, Jer. LI. 13. and ver. 36. I will dry up the sea.

As whirlwindes] such shall the violent irruptions be of the Medes and Persians breaking into Chaldea.

The treacherous dealer] hath now his match; verse 2 is now paid in his own coine. Or, the treacherous dealer, dealing treacherously, which some apply to the Chaldeans, some to the Medes and Persians.

and the spoyler spoyleth] Some apply only these words to the Medes and Persians.

O Elam] The Persian.

all the sighing] Wherewith Babylon made my people sigh.

Therefore loines] Spoken in the person of the Babylonians. verse 3

The night of my pleasure] Even in their sestival night was Babylon taken by Cyrus, Dan. verse 4 5. 1, 30.

p. 374hath he turned] Though it were done about 170. years after. This is an usual Prophetick phrase.

Prepare the table] Most likely K. Belshazzars words, verse 5 for the Feast, and for the Watch.

arise ye Princes] Cyrus, and Darius.

set a watchman] Gods word to the Prophet. verse 6 And that as if God willed him to stand as on a watch-tower, to see what he could descry. And for him to relate what himself in Vision had seene; as chap. VI. 1. For this seemes to be done, in a Vision; as that 1 Kings XXII. 17, 19,—22.

…earkened diligently with much heed] A through watch-master. verse 7

A Lion] Viz. leads them. Or rather, verse 8 he cried loud, as a Lion; by his hideous noise expressing much fear and terror.

my Lord, I stand] That watchmans words: professing his constant vigilancie.

here cometh] Even now are gone into Babylon, verse 9 speaking as a thing suddenly done: the issue of what he had hitherto so vigilantly expected.

Babylon is fallen] God himself expounding more fully to the Prophet, what this apparition all tended to.

O my threshing] My threshed ones, verse 10 saith the Prophet; my afflicted ones; though not by me.

that which I have heard] Foreseene, and foreshewed, is no dreame or relation of my own devising; but what by revelation I have received from God. As, 1 Cor. XI. 23.

Dumah] In Arabia say some. Edome say others. Another Prophecie; verse 11 short, and sharp; obscure and difficult; wrapt up in two verses.

He calleth to me out of Seir] Seir so called from Seir the Horite, Gen. XXXVI. 20. in whose race it continued, untill the Edomites, or posterity of Esau, thence expelled them, Deut. II. 12.

Watchman, what of the night?] Either in a scoffing way. Or rather, implying a distracting and hazardous condition of those by whom they were uttered, unto whomsoever they were directed. What of the night? or, in the night. Or, concerning the night, hast thou seene, and observed? The night of black affliction that at the present lay heavie upon them, they seeme to enquire of.

The watchman said] As by Divine Oracle. verse 12

The morning cometh] either a faire morning; as ye suppose, having shaken off that yoake wherewith Jacobs issue kept you under, Gen. XXVII. 40. Yet this faire morning should not last long. In issue, this morning should be such a morning, as shall afford you no light or comfort at all.

and also the night] Cometh. A night of calamitie and misery will by the Assyrians ere long seize upon you; worse then the Israelitish yoak. And this as sure, as night succeedeth day.

If ye will enquire] Not scoffingly, but seriously; do it then with p. 375all earnest, eager, and ardent inquisition.

returne, come] Returne to God; Come to his People.

upon Arabia] Another Prophecie. verse 13 Of Arabia see the Annotations here. They did wander up and down, and did pitch in tents, chap. XIII. 20. The Arabians were neere the Egyptians, 2 Chron XXI. 16. Mount Sinai was in it, Gal. IV. 25. Paul went into it, Gal. I. 17. Solomon had yearly gold from all the Kings of it, 1 Kings X. 15. They traded with Tyre, in Lambs, and Rams, and Goats, Ezek. XXVII. 21. They brought Jehoshaphat presents, flocks, 7700. Rams, and 7700. He Goats, 2 Chron. XVII. 11. But they rose up against his sonne Jehoram in battel; and their camp slew all his eldest sonnes, save onelyonly the youngest, 2 Chron. XXI. 16. and XXII. 1. In Uzziah's time, God helped him against them, 2 Chron. XXVI. 7. Nebuchadnezzar subdued them, Jer. XXV. 24. Yet afterwards in Nehemiah's time, they eagerly endeavoured to hinder him in the building of the walls of Jerusalem, Neh. II. 19. and IV. 7, 8.

In the forrest] Leaving their abode in the champion, they should be driven to seek shelter in the Woods. See Jer. XLIX. 28, 29.

O ye travelling companies of Dedanim] A people of Arabia, descended from Dedan, one of Abrahams sonnes by Keturah, Gen. XXV. 3. These travelling companies, are like those, Gen. XXXVII. 25, 28. We now call them Caravans.

Tema] Another people of Arabia: verse 14 of Ismaels race, Gen. XXV. 15. Arabia had in it a mingled people. See Jer. XXV. 23, 24. Job VI. 19. This intimated unto the Temanites, what distresse their Countreymen of other parts of Arabia should be brought unto.

For they fled] It was no groundlesse feare that makes them flee thus. verse 15

within a yeare] A shorter time that assigned to the Moabites, verse 16 chap. XVI. 14. Or that, to the Egyptians and Ethiopians joyntly together, chap. XX. 3. the Assyrian falling in upon these parts of Arabia, before those other of the other Countries.

an hireling] Which reckons his year accurately.

Kedar] The sonne of Ishmael, Gen. XXV. 13. Another people of Arabia. They and their Princes also occupied with Tyre, in Lambs, and Rams, and Goats, Ezek. XXVII. 21. They also dwelled in tents; and therefore called Scenites, which they were wont to remove from place to place, to procure change of pasture for their cattel. See Psal. CXX. 5. Cant. I. 5. Nebuchadnezzar did smite them, Jer. XLIX. 28. Yet in the dayes of the Gospel they should be converted unto Christ, Esay XLII. 11. and chap. LX. 7.

valley of Vision] Judah, chapter XXII verse 1 and Jerusalem, ver. 4, 8, 10. Ierusalem and Iudea, were full of mountains; and consequently of Valleys. And the Patriarchs, and Prophets, had therein many Visions from God.

What aileth thee now] In this distresse by Sennacherib, in the dayes of Ezekiah. Rather then that by Nebuchadnezzar.

house tops] To lament, or look about for help, &c.

p. 376not slaine with the sword] But, verse 2 as it were, stark dead with fear, ere they came to any fight.

they are bound by the archers] Or, verse 3 from the bowe. Their hands are so restrained, and tied up with extremity of fear, that they are not able to manage and make use of their bowes. Or, they are bound and captived by the archers of the enemies.

of crying to the mountains] So loud, verse 5 as will cause the mountains to ring againe with it. Or, so making to the mountains for shelter and safeguard.

Elam] Under the Assyrian, verse 6 fighting in his army.

Kir] A Citie in Media, and under the dominion then of the Assyrian, 2 Kings XVI. 9. Amos I. 5.

thou didst look] About thee, verse 8 and bestir thee.

in that day] When the Countrey was full of forreigne forces.

to the house of the forrest] The name of an armory situate within Jerusalem. Most likely that which Solomon built, and called the house of the forrest of Lebanon, 1 Kings VII. 2. See the Observations there.

of the lower poole] See the Observations on Neh. verse 9 III. 1.

between the two walls] See 2 Chron. XXXII. 5. Jer. XXXIX. 4.

for to morrow we shall die] Either desperately: verse 13 or rather thus mocking the threatnings of the Prophets.

revealed] The Lord of Hoasts did in my hearing reveale himself, verse 14 saying, &c.

Shebna] He was a rotten-hearted man, and one that had much abused his power, verse 15 being in likelihood of meane parentage; and it may be a stranger by descent. See ver. 16. and chap. XXXVI. 3. He is called the Scribe, or Secretarie, 2 Kings XVIII. 18. Here, over the house; as high Steward. Wherein Eliakim succeeded. He was one of the three sent out to Rabshake.

and will surely cover thee] With shame and sorrow. verse 17 As Ester VII. 8. 2 Sam. XV. 30. Job IX. 24. Ezek. XII. 6, 12.

Eliakim] Invested, verse 20 after the devesting of Shebna.

they shall hang upon him] As things are wont to be hanged on a pin. verse 24

his fathers house, the off-spring and the issue] All his kindred and allies, as well small, as great shall partake of his honour, one way or other. Or, there should be nothing in the Kings house but should be under his power, and have dependance on him.

fastened in a sure place] As Shebna accounted himself to be. verse 25

…e cut downe] Meaning Shebna.

Tyre] Of Tyre, See the Observations on Josh. XIX. 29. And the Annotations on Amos I. 9. See the like Prophecies against this Towne and State, Ier. XXV. 22. and XLVII. 4. Ezek. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. chapters, Amos II. 9. Zech. IX. 2, 4.

Tarshish] Of this see the Observations on 1 Kings X. chapter XXIII verse 1 22.

from the Land of Chittim it is revealed to them] It is revealed, and the report is come unto them that formerly traded with Tyre, how it p. 377fared with her, that she is sacked; so that now all harbour in Tyre, or entrance into it is denied unto them. Who these of the land of Chittim should be, there are variable conjectures; but little certainty.

inhabitants of the Isle] Ye, verse 2 Tyrians.

the seed of Sihor] Tyre described here, verse 3 by her traffick with Egypt; as formerly with Sidon. See Ezek. XXVII. 7. By the great waters of the midland Sea, the graine of Egypt, and all the trade and commodities of it, of Sihor, that is, Nilus, were brought to Tyre. Of this Sihor, or Shichor; and that it is Nilus, see the large Annotations upon this Text.

the Sea hath spoken] Tyre. verse 4

The Lord of Hoasts hath purposed it] By his Agents to do it. verse 9 By Nebuchadnezzar, who spent thirteen years in the siege of it, as Josephus against Appion, lib. 1. doth testifie. And by Alexander the Great long after, in his rage; as Curtius in his fourth Book, IV. Chapter doth witnesse.

He] The Lord. verse 11

Behold the Land of the Chaldeans] This is, verse 13 or shall be brought to ruine. And therefore it is not impossible but Tyre may be so.

in that day] Wherein Tyres calamities here foretold shall be accomplished, by Nebuchadnezzar. Ezek. verse 15 XXVI. 7.

seventy years] During the same time of the Jewes captivity in Babylon.

dayes of one King] One Kingdome; as, Dan. VII. 17. and VIII. 21. to wit, in the dayes and reignes of Nebuchadnezzar, and his sonne, and his sonnes sonne, Jer. XVII. 7.

sing as an harlot] To renew her lovers; her traders and traffickers.

turne to her hire] Of trading and traffick.

with all the Kingdomes] The amplitude of her commerce and trade, ver. 8.

Holinesse to the Lord] The conversion of the Tyrians to God, verse 18 in the Kingdome of the Messias.

it shall not be treasured, nor laid up] Not reserved for any common or prophane use, publike or private, for themselves or their posterity.

that dwell before the Lord] The Lords Ministers for their plentiful maintenance, in food and clothing.

the earth empty] Another Sermon or Prophecie; chapter XXIV verse 1 continuing to the end of Chapter XXVII. This is more General then those going before: And comprehends Judea, and the neighbouring Nations on every side. And the judgements herein denounced, to be executed, partly by the Assyrians, and partly by the Chaldeans, and afterwards also by others, upon them. See the like, Jer. XXV. 15,—38. and XXVII. 2,—8.

as with the people, &c.] All estates, verse 2 and conditions should fare alike.

p. 378is defiled] The reason of the former denunciations. verse 5

The new wine] He proceedeth in particular, verse 7 to instance in some specialties of judgements

The Citie] Taken collectively, as, verse 10 chap. XXV. 2. and XXVII. 10.

every house is shut up] So as there is no going out, or in.

as the shaking of an Olive-tree] Few shall be left, verse 13 yet this remnant shall be to praise the Lord, ver. 14.

from the Sea] The transmarine lands, verse 14 and Sea-coasts in general.

God in the fires] In the fires of tribulations, verse 15 glorifie God, by patient sufferings, and depending upon him for deliverances.

uttermost] The generality of the joy of this Remnant left. verse 16

my leannesse, my leannesse] The Prophet breaks off here his relation of the gladsome joy, and praises of the foresaid Remnant; And falls into a passionate bemoaning of himself, and regret, for the miseries, that were the mean while, for their sins, to befal the others.

the windows from on high are opened] Gods vengeance surprizing them, verse 18 both from above, and from beneath; as well over their heads, as under their feet; and as no shelter for them against the one, so no steady standing for them against the other. To amplifie which, hyperbolies are here used.

the hoast of the high ones] Such as the Assyrian, verse 21 and Chaldean Monarchs were.

and after many dayes shall they be visited] In favour and mercy. verse 22 Verified of sundry States and Nations, in the Gospel-times, under the Messias.

Then the Moone, &c.] Esay closeth this first part, verse 23 after his wonted manner; with a passage concerning the spiritual, yet illustrious glory and majesty of Gods reigning in his Church, in the times of the Gospel; the brightnesse and splendor whereof should be such, as no light of Sunne, or Moone; no glory, or magnificence of any worldly estate, should be comparable thereunto.

O Lord, chapter XXV verse 1 &c.] Esay falleth into a solemne celebration and praising of God, for his foresaid wonderful works, as well of judgement, as of mercy.

the Citie] Collectively. verse 3

of the terrible Nations] That were a terrour to others, shall then stand in awe of thee.

when the blast] Even in times of most need, verse 4 and greatest dangers.

And in this mountain] Mount Zion, verse 6 a Type of the Church.

unto all people] As well Gentiles, as Jewes.

wines on the lees] Pure and strong wines.

The face of the covering] That ignorance and obstinacy, verse 7 wherewith the minds and hearts of the Gentiles were formerly possessed.

veil] 2 Cor. III. 14, 16.

death] The second benefit accrewing to the convert Nations; verse 8 a freeing them from the power of death, of death spiritual.

p. 379in victorie] Or, unto victory, i. e. until an utter conquest be made of him. So the LXX. which the Apostle retaineth, 1 Cor. XV. 54 because the sense is good and sound; though it do not exactly render the letter; for the Hebrew is, for ever.

wipe away] A third benefit accrewing to the godly converted ones: fulfilled partly in this life, and perfectly in the next.

Shall be said] Their thankful and joyful acknowledgement for those his mercies and favours. verse 9

For] A reason of their rejoycing and triumphing. verse 10

in this mountain] Verse 6, 7.

Moab] Put for the enemies of Gods people in general.

And he] The Lord. verse 11

Swimmeth] Stretcheth out his armes with all his might. So shall the Lord in powerful maner, reach and smite his enemies, on either side, Zech. V. 3.

thy walls] The walls of Moab, ver. verse 12 11.

this Song] A large Song of purpose penned in this set forme, chapter XXVI verse 1 by Esay, for Gods people, then to be made use of, what time these foresaid benefits should betide them.

For in the Lord Jehovah] Heb. verse 4 Jah Iehovah. See the Observations on Psal. LXVIII. 4. Both used distinctly, Psal. CXXXV. 1. Iehovah the usual name, &c.

the feet of the poore] He setteth up his poore formerly afflicted ones, verse 9 over the power of their proud oppressors.

Thou most upright] Esay directeth his speech unto God; verse 7 and so runneth on in the greatest part of that which followeth; relating therein the various passages of his Providence; and acknowledging his goodnesse in going along with them, for his people, and in due time giving a good issue of them.

will learne] Or should learne. verse 6

for their envie at the people] Their envious and spightful carriage towards Gods people. verse 11 Or, thy zeale and ardent affection which thou bearest towards thy people, and in behalf of them, against those that oppose them.

yea the fire of thine enemies] The fire prepared for thine enemies, the fire whereof they are the object.

Lord,] Esay speaks still in the person of Gods people. verse 12

all our works] Those gracious protections, and strange deliverances, to God alone they ascribe them; all our works, not done by us, but for us.

in us] Heb. unto us, to our hand, or for us.

They are dead] Gods dealing with other people and persons, verse 14 irrecoverably destroying them.

Thou hast increased the Nation] He deales otherwise with his owne people, verse 15 ver. 19. though he variously afflict and chastise them.

we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth] By all their devices, verse 18 and designes, they were not able to compasse or accomplish ought for the succour or safeguard of them, and their Countrey.

p. 380Thy dead men] In opposition to that, ver. 14. Thus Gods people relate their faith and confidence in God, even in the midst of their deepest miseries: Alluding haply herein, to the general resurrection at the last day.

my dead body] In this restitution, and National resurrection of the Jewish people, no one of them shall faile to have his share in the same.

Come my people] Esay having ended his Song; verse 20 adviseth Gods people to hide and shelter themselves, under Gods protection, till the storme of Gods foresaid general indignation be overpast.

In that day] Justice shall be done upon those, chapter XXVII verse 1 be they never so great, that have been the murtherers and oppressors of Gods people.

even Leviathan that crooked Serpent] Collectively taken, not of any one particular person alone, but of sundry great Tyrants, that had been principal oppressors of Gods people, ch. XXVI. 13.

In that day] When the potent adversaries of Gods people shall be destroyed; verse 2 and Gods people by the former afflictions and chastisements pruned and purged.

Fury is not in me] No implacable fury towards mine; verse 4 as it is towards mine, and my Churches enemies. I am towards my people reconcileable, Jer. III. 1.

Who would set the briars] Sinners set against me in their strength, should by me be soone consumed.

Or let him] So much rather let the Sinner do. verse 5

He shall cause them] The blessing and benefit upon such as should so make peace with him. verse 6

Hath he smitten him, as] Not so. verse 7 He deales better in his chastisements of his people.

In measure] Not over-roughly, verse 8 but accordingly as he enables them to beare, Jer. XXX. 11. 1 Cor. X. 13. Psal. LXXVIII. 38.

when he maketh all the stones of the Altar] When Jacob, verse 9 by his repentance, shall abolish all monuments and reliques of his idolatry.

yet the defenced Citie] But Gods dealing with his enemies shall be as followeth in this, verse 10 and the next verse, even without mixture of mercy.

in that day] Esay, verse 12 after his wonted maner, Concludes this long Sermon, with a gracious promise of Gods restitution of his people, after the maine body of the obstinate wicked were by his judgements destroyed from among them, and the residue reformed.

the Lord shall beat off] Sever his dispersed people from the Nations among whom they remained; to gather them to him, and his worship.

the great trumpet] Cyrus his Proclamation, verse 13 Ezra I. 1, 2.

Woe] chapter XXVIII verse 1 Another Sermon or Prophecie.

Ephraim] Describes them, as men drunk with pride and prosperity, and drowned in sensuality. Thus were the ten Tribes, whereof Ephraim was the head.

fat valleys] Under the mountaine of Samaria. verse 2

and strong one] Salmanezer.

p. 381with the hand] By maine might.

unto the residue of his people] To Judah. verse 5

to the gate] Of the enemie; verse 6 beat them thither.

But they] Even they of Judah, verse 7 whom God vouchsafeth these favours unto, yet take the same evil courses with Ephraim.

Whom shall he teach] Their sensuality and and riotous excesse, verse 9 made them sottish, and unteachable.

Precept upon precept] Yet all to as little purpose to them, verse 10 as if it were done to a new wearied infant.

another tongue] They no more reaped fruit from ought spoken to them, verse 11 then if it had been spoken in a strange tongue, utterly unknown to them. See 1 Cor. XIV. 21.

he said] God by his Prophets. verse 12

This is the rest] The only means to procure rest and refreshing.

But the word of the Lord] Through their obstinacie, verse 13 and Gods judgement thereupon.

scornful men] Verse 15. 2 Pet. 2, 3. verse 14

are we at agreement] We have made provision for our safety, verse 15 ver. 18.

come unto us] Or at us.

I lay in Zion] For the stay of the minds and hearts of the faithful ones, verse 16 in the midst of all the ensuing judgements, God maketh this provision for them to rest and build upon.

a precious corner stone] Jesus Christ, Psal. CXVIII. 22. Matth. XXI. 42. Acts IV. 11. 1 Pet. I. 4.

shall not make haste] But with patience wait and expect, Rom. IX. 33. the Apostle in his quotation renders it, shall not be abashed or confounded; regarding not the words, but the matter. Or having an eye to this text, and that also, ch. XLIX. 23. As in the former part of that quotation he joyneth two places together, ch. VIII. 14. and XXVIII 16.

lay to the line] God will in an exact and precise way of justice proceed against those sensual, verse 17 secure, and scornful wretches. A metaphor taken from Carpenters.

For the bed] They should be in such straits and distresses, verse 20 as all their wiles and shifts should not be able either to secure, or sucour them in.

as in mount Perazim] 2 Sam. V. 20. See the like, verse 21 ch. X. 26. and XIII. 19.

Valley of Gibeon] Either, that 2 Sam. V. 25. Or, that Josh. X. 10.

his strange work] His dismal judgement; and that upon his owne people; grown to such an extreme height of sin and obstinacie. Strange, in it self, strange to God, to deale so with the body of his own people.

lest your bands] Lest God tie them up the shorter for it. verse 22

a consumption] Of such of you, as so continue, through the whole land.

Doth the ploughman] He doth not alwayes insist upon one piece of verse 24 p. 382his work. And so God will not alwayes, and only be menacing.

Another Sermon seemes to begin; and to continue, ch. XXX. and XXXI.

Woe] A sad prophesie against Jerusalem, chapter XXIX verse 1 and the Temple; and consequently the whole State of the Jewes.

to Ariel] The word signifies a Lion of God. Hereby is meant the brazen Altar, so called, Ezek. XLIII. 15, 16. and called Gods furnace or chimney, ch. XXXI. 9.

the Citie] Or of, Or in. Or, and to the Citie.

adde ye year to year] Cause feastival sacrifices still to be slaine.

and it shall be unto me as Ariel] The whole Citie shall be as an Ariel; all on a light fire, verse 2 all full of gore blood, and dead bodies of men slaughtered, after the surprisal of it.

And I will camp] Bring an enemy to do it, verse 3 verse 8. my self commanding them, as in chief. This enemy may be understood both of the Assyrian Sennacherib; and the Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar.

of thy strangers] All thy help's from abroad, verse 5 or at home.

with thunder] In a most dreadful and direful maner. verse 6

As when an hungry man] Sets out the appetite, verse 8 the eagernesse and unsatiablenesse of the enemies cruelty and thirst after blood.

and wonder] At the strange stupidity of the body of the people; verse 9 that regarded not what had been threatned.

the Lord hath powred] Verse 14. verse 10 See the Observations on ch. VI. 10. See ch. XIX. 14. And the Apostles allegation of this text, Rom. XI. 8.

draw near me with their mouth] Matth. XV. 3, 8, 9. verse 13

deep to hide] Hide deep, verse 15 from the Lord, for him to be able to discerne and discover. Thus these scoffing States-men conceived of their own contrivances, their wiles and shifts for themselves: and derided all that the Prophets spake.

as the potters clay] Lieth as open to his eye; verse 16 and as easie for him to mould, or marre.

Is it not yet, &c.] This seemes rather a Promise, verse 17 then a Commination, chap. XXXII. 15. That great should be the fruitfulnesse of the Land, upon the restitution of their State, either after the Assyrian devastation; or after the Babylonian deportation.

shall the deaf hear] Esay here, verse 18 after his usual maner, beginneth to close up his Sermon, with matter of comfort, and gracious promises; fulfilled partly in those times; but chiefly in the Kingdome of the Messias: The Promises concerne the illumination of the minde, in this verse, the joy of the godly, verse 19. the confusion of those that wronged them, verse 20, 21. the vindication from shame and fear; and the propagation and enlargement of the Church, by accesse of many Proselites, verse 22, 23, 24.

In this, and the next Chapter, Esay principaly bends himself against those that sought and trusted to forreigne helps and succours; and not to God.

p. 383Zoan] This; chapter XXX verse 4 and Hanes, otherwise called Tahapanes, and Tahpanhes, were famous Cities in Egypt. Thither they sent for help against the Assyrian: and after, against the Babylonian.

The burden of the beasts of the South] The burden that the beasts of the Jewes were to carry Southward into Egypt, verse 6 either to secure their treasures there, or to procure aid thence.

from whence come the young and the old Lion,] The way thither so dangerous. And the Egyptians themselves should prove such and so dangerous to the Jewes.

write it before them in a table] Or, write this prophesie on a table, verse 8 that it may be with them: to witnesse against them hereafter.

And therefore] Having reference to what followes. verse 18 Or, Notwithstanding, if it relate to the premises.

Will the Lord wait] Here is matter of comfort, concerning the deliverance and restitution of Gods people, ver. 18,—26. And the destruction of the Assyrian, their enemie, ver. 27,—33.

and thine eares] Not as before, verse 21 ver. 10, 11.

Get thee hence] As Matth. IV. 10. verse 22 and ch. XVI. 23.

great slaughter] Of Sennacheribs camp. verse 25

towers fall] His great ones, and Princes in state and place.

as the light of seven dayes] Put all in one. verse 26 So great then should their joy be.

burning with his anger] The destruction of Sennacherib, verse 27 and his forces: And the great joy that Gods people should have thereupon. With the same are divers Chapters and Sermons concluded: as ch. X. 33, 34. and XIV. 24, 25. and XVII. 12,—14. and XXXI. 8, 9. and XXXIII. 13, 14.

the Nations] That served under Sennacherib. verse 28

causing them to erre] And wander to and fro, to make what haste they could into their own Countrey again.

as in the night] Of their holy Festivals. verse 29 Some solemne night-wakes they used to have, before, or after the day of their Feastivals.

goeth with a pipe] With musick in the way going up to Gods House: to cheere up themselves; the journey being sometimes long.

scattering, and tempest, and hailstones] It may seeme that together with the Angel smiting, verse 30 there was an horrible and hideous tempest, wherewith the Assyrians were surprized. And thus also it is by some deemed that God disturbed the Egyptian at the red-sea, with a storme like this described.

Assyrian] Sennacherib. verse 31

Tophet] See the Observations on 2 Kings XXIII. 10. verse 33

for the King] His forces, wherein he suffered; or those Kings that served under Sennacherib: yea, his Commanders he counted as Kings, ch. X. 8. 33. For himself, his Temple was his Topheth, chapter XXXVII. ver. 38.

This Chapter is of the same subject with the former.

p. 384for help] Against the Assyrians, chapter XXXI verse 1 chap. XXX. 6, 7. and XXXVI. 8. As after in processe of time, against the Chaldeans, Jer. XXXVII. 5. and XLIII. 5, 6, 7.

For thus] Here beginneth the Comfortable part of this Prophecie. verse 4

to fight for mount Zion] Farre higher mounts incircled it.

As birds flying] And fluttering about their nests, verse 5 to defend their young ones, in what they may; so God in all affection and sedulity will defend Jerusalem, and those that trust in him.

Turne ye unto him] And so should they partake of the promised protection. verse 6

children of Israel] Meaning here Judah.

deeply revolted] Hos. V. 2. and IX. 9.

cast away his idols] Wherein they trusted for help, verse 7 ch. II. 20.

fall with the sword] Not of a man; verse 8 but of an Angel.

flee] As he did, ch. XXXVII. 37.

strong hold] To Nineveh.

afraid of the Ensigne] That God by his Angel had lifted up, in the slaughter of their fellowes.

whose fire is in Zion] Kept on his Altar there ever burning. Or rather, fire to burne up the enemies of him, his worship, his people.

a King] Ezekiah. chapter XXXII verse 1 Yet a type of Christ; as before him, David, Ezek. XXXIV. 24.

Shall reigne] Hence some suppose this Prophecie to have been delivered in Ahaz his dayes. Some in Hezekiahs, concerning his religigious and righteous government of his people, specialy after the overthrow of Sennacherib; and his recovery out of his sicknesse.

Princes] Under Hezekiah.

And a man] Each one under him. verse 2

in a weary land] Where men are weary of travelling, through heat, and drought.

not be dim] Or closed, as those, ch. XXIX. 10. and VI. 9. Not look another way, verse 3 from God, unto Idols: from the light of Gods Word, and his judgements conspicuously manifested unto them; not wilfully shut their eyes, or turne them aside from them; as those, chap. XXVI. 11.

Shall hearken] Not refuse to hear, as formerly, chap. XXVIII. 9,—13. and XLVIII. 18. but hearkeu diligently, as chap. XXI. 7. and XXIX. 18. and XXX. 21. and XXXV. 5.

stammerers] That did but stammer before at any good and religious speech, verse 4 shall now manifest the inward alteration and change of their hearts by their ready religious speaking the language of Canaan, that which may minister grace and edification to the hearers.

no more called liberal] They shall no more call vice, verse 5 vertue; evil, good; but they shall in singlenesse of soul call sinne, sinne, a spade, a spade.

For the vile person] His description. verse 6

Churle] His description. verse 7

p. 385Liberal] His description. verse 8 The drift seemes to be this, That in Hezekiah's reigne, base-minded, and evil-affected persons should not be now raised and advanced unto places of honour and authority, as in his father Ahaz his time too many had been; and too likely base and wicked Shebna: But now, only worthy men.

Rise up] Esay here returnes to speak of those troubles that were to come, verse 9 before the establishment of the State, in maner before described.

ye women] The Court-Ladies especialy, that were faulty, as the men; and the more secure and carelesse, as lesse fore-seeing dangers to come; and yet must suffer in them alike, though lesse able to bear them then the men. Therefore Esay rouzeth up them; and by them, the men.

Many dayes and years] Heb. Many dayes above a year. verse 10 Some use the translation in the text: and apply it to the LXX years in the Babylonish captivity: Others rather use the marginal reading; and apply it to a just and exact limitation of that calamitous time of almost two years, whiles the Assyrian abode in the land; For full two years he could not be there, considering he came in, in the fourteenth year of Hezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. 13. And afterwards Hezekiahs life was prolonged fifteen years, chap. XXXVIII. 5. And he reigned but 29. in all, 2 Kings XVIII. 2.

for the teats] Which were to them as teats. verse 12 Some translate, There shall be beating upon the breasts, Nahum II. 7.

shall come up thornes] Esay seemes here to passe from that short invasion of the Assyrian, verse 13 to that greater and longer of the Chaldean Nebuchadnezzar: As if he should say, I am now farther to acquaint you with this later; and which is far worse every way, and of a far longer continuance; in this, and the next verse.

for ever] a long time, about seventy years. Of, ever, see the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.

Vntill the Spirit] Esay concludes, verse 15 as usualy, with gracious Promises. This promise may extend also to the time of the Messias.

when it shall haile coming down on the forrest] God will preserve the fruits of the earth for them, verse 19 that they shall not with storme and tempest be destroyed.

and the Citie shall be low in a low place] Though the Cities built there, yet shall be there secure, verse 18. even though, say some, it haile never so much; and Cities be brought never so low.

Blessed are ye] Gods blessing on their husbandry and labours. verse 20 Appliable to Gods spiritual husbandry, in the Ministery of the Gospel.

This Chapter seemes to begin another Sermon, chapter XXXIII continued on in the two next Chapters. And in the whole Sermon Esay mainly insists upon the destruction of the enemies of Gods people; and upon their defence and deliverance, their priviledges, and joyful flourishing estate, thereupon ensuing, and opposed thereunto.

This Chapter is much of the same nature and subject with the former Chapter.

p. 386Woe to thee] Nebuchadnezzar; or rather Sennacherib, ver. 8. verse 1

they shall deale treacherously with thee] This may relate to Sennacheribs two sons slaying their father, ch. XXXVII. 38.

O Lord] The Prayer of the faithful in time of trouble. verse 2

At the noise] This is in way of answer to the former Prayer. verse 3

fled] As the maner of the Prophets is, to speak of things future as past. So it came to passe in the Assyrian Camp.

your spoils] Speaking to the Assyrians. verse 4

shall he run upon them] The Jew pillaging the Assyrian camp.

of thy times] O Hezekiah. verse 6

their valient ones shall cry] Shew the disttesse of Gods people, verse 7 the Jewes should be in.

the Ambassadors] Sent with presents to Sennacherib, 2 Kings XVIII. 14. Or those sent out to Rabshakeh, ch. XXXVI. 3.

He hath broken the Covenant] Sennacherib did so, verse 8 2 Kings XVIII. 14, 17.

Now will I arise] To help and deliver my people, verse 10 in this extremity.

ye shall conceive chaffe] The Assyrians. verse 11

as the burnings of lime] Describes that fatal blow in the Assyrian Camp. verse 12

The sinners in Zion are afraid] Terrified with this dreadful execution done upon the Assyrians, verse 14 and complaining, and fearing lest the like vengeance might light also upon them, as they knew they deserved it; As, Num. XVI. 34.

with devouring fire?] With God, who is a consuming fire?

He that walketh] The Prophets answer. verse 15

Thine eyes shall see the King] A further blessing that such should enjoy, verse 17 the sight of their King, and State settled in prosperity and glory.

the land that is very far off] Liberty to travel abroad in safety, unto the remotest parts of the land, without danger or disturbance. Or, as some, remote lands subdued by the King.

Where is the Scribe?] So now taunting Sennacherib, verse 18 and his Officers in the Camp, 1 Cor. I. 20. either minds not this Text; or alludes only to the phrase in it.

not see] For they shall be slaine, verse 19 or flee.

Look upon Zion] See how safe, verse 20 and whole it is.

No galley] Of any enemie shall be able with help of winde and oars, verse 21 to get up to it, to annoy it.

Thy tacklings] Speaking to the Assyrians. verse 23

the inhabitant] Of Jerusalem.

forgiven their iniquity] Being refined by their chastisements, verse 24 and reformed; and so God reconciled to them.

This Chapter, chapter XXXIV for the subject matter of it, agreeth much with ch. XXIV. This being a Prophecie of the destruction of the enemies of Gods people: And more particularly of the Edomites in Idumea: set p. 387forth in many hyperbolical expressions.

And all the hoast of heaven] So strange and dreadful shall Gods judgements be, verse 4 that the whole frame of the world shall seeme to be dissolved. It is the maner of Gods Prophets, in their descriptions of some extraordinary judgements to set them forth in such colours, as if they were deciphering the face of that last universal judgement; whereof such are, in some sort, resemblances and forerunners. And again to set forth the restitution and restauration of Gods people out of greatest calamities, in such termes, as have occasioned many to be mistaken in them▪ conceiving no other then the general and joyful resurrection at the last day to be described in them.

Unicorns] Or Rhinocerots. See the Observations on Num. XXIII. 22. verse 7

for ever and ever] Heb. verse 10 ever of evers.

The Cormorant] See the like, verse 11 Chap. XIII. 18,—22. and XIV. 23. Zeph. II. 13, 14. Apoc. XVIII. 2.

Seek ye out] The certainty of this Prophecie: verse 16 As if each thing here were entred into a roll of Record. In the day of the execution of this judgement, take this Book, read this passage; and see if any of these be found wanting then and there.

they shall] These wilde creatures shall. verse 17

This Chapter agreeth much with chap. chapter XXXV XXV. And containes the joyful and glorious restitution, exaltation, and exultation of Gods people.

Sharon] A fertil region, verse 2 and pleasant, lying beneath mount Lebanon, in the Tribe of God, and adjoyning unto Bashan, 1 Chron. V. 16. There were the Roses mentioned, Cant. II. 1. There had David his herds feeding, 1 Chron. XXVII. 29. Likely it is the same with Lassharon, Josh. XII. 18.

Strengthen ye] He incites them to hearten and encourge one another, verse 3 with faith and patience to expect the accomplishment of those glorious promises.

Then the eyes of the blind] Fulfilled in Christs time, verse 5 both corporaly and spiritualy.

For in the wildernesse] Literaly true in the Jewish Kingdome: verse 6 being there …n a Type of Christs.

And an high way] They shall be blessed with peace, verse 8 and safety.

the way of holinesse] A Type of the way to heaven.

but it shall be for those] Holy ones, verse 5, 6.

No Lion shall be there] As the way so plaine; verse 9 so as free from danger.

This History is brought in to confirme and seale up the truth of some of the Prophecies and Predictions aforegoing. This is recorded, 2 Kings XVIII. and XIX. 2 Chron. XXXII.

came up] Upon pretence likely of the Contribution with-held by Hezekiah, chapter XXXVI verse 1 which his father Ahaz had paid to Tiglath-Pilezer, 2 Kings XVI. 7, 9. and XVIII. 7.

p. 388without the Lord] Heb. Jehovah, verse 10 that sonne of four letters, as the Hebrews call it: used here by Rabshakeh six times in his Speech.

Syrian language] See the Observations on Ezra IV. 7. verse 11

dung and pisse] See the Observations on 2 Kings X. 27. verse 12

and take you away] The maner of Conquerours to transplant the Natives. verse 17

Sepharvaim] Subdued before his time, verse 19 2 Kings XVII. 24.

Eliakim] Now in Shebna's office and place. verse 22 And Shebna now the Scribe; and so here is the beginning of his fall, chap. XXII. 20, 21. chap. XXXVII. 2.

This Chapter the same in substance with 2 Kings XIX. chapter XXXVII

a rumor] Verse 9. and 36. verse 7

So Rabshakeh returned] Most likely leaving the armie still before Jerusalem. verse 8

Libnah] See the Observations on 2 Kings VIII. 22.

Lachish] See the Annotations on Micah I. 13.

Ethiopia] See the Observations on Gen. II. 13.

warre with thee] Either to assist the Jewes; verse 9 or in Assyria, in the absence of Sennacherib and his forces.

Thus shall ye speak] Instructions to his messengers, verse 10 delivered to them in writing; and so by them in writing to Hezekiah: Likely as if he scorned to write himself to Hezekiah, but sent him only a Copie of the Instructions.

Eden] See the Observations on Gen. II. 8. verse 12

Cherubims] See the Observations on Gen. III. 24. verse 16 And the Annotations on Ezek. IX. 3. and on this text.

a Signe] See the Observations on chap. VII. 14. verse 30 and on Exod. III. 12.

ye shall eate this yeare] A confirmation of Sennacheribs sudden departure and returne home: And also including in it an assurance of a comfortable provision of necessary food for them, out of the Land; notwithstanding all the havock that Sennacheribs armies had made in it; and the coincident Sabbatical year, for intermission of culture. See the Observations on Lev. XXV. 21.

Then] In that night, verse 36 2 Kings XIX. 35. the very next night after the message sent from God, by Esay.

and smote] The maner how is not expressed.

in the camp] Likely both before Jerusalem, and Libnah. See Ch. XXXVI. 2. and verse 8, 9, 14, 33. of this Chapter.

all dead corpses] All in a maner. Yet some escaped, and sled with Sennacherib himself. See chap. XVII. 14.

Nineveh] See the Annotations on Jonah I. 2. verse 37 and on this text.

his sonnes] These words here written; verse 38 are read in the margin, but not written in the text, 2 Kings XIX. 37.

Armenia] Heb. Ararat on the mountains whereof the Arke rested.

Esarhaddon] See the Observations on Ezra IV. 2.

p. 389In those dayes] chapter XXXVIII verse 1 Shortly after Sennacheribs defeat and departure.

shalt die] Yet a secret reservation there was. See Jer. XVIII. 7, 8. Ezek. III. 18. See the Observations on Jonah III. 4.

to the wall] Which haply might be towards the Temple: verse 2 or by that withdrawing, that he might with the more privacie, and intention, make his addresse to God.

remember now] Humbly appealing to God, verse 3 touching the integrity and sincerity of his heart, and endeavours.

wept s…re] One cause might be the want of a son. Manasseh was not yet born. And the State of Church, and Common-wealth much unsetled.

Then] Afore Esay was gone out into the middle Court, verse 4 2 Kings XX. 4. where the text is Citie; but the margin, Court. And the first Court of the Kings house, that neerest the Palace, and farthest from the street or Citie, seemes here to be meant.

to thy dayes] That he had lived already. verse 5

fifteene years] About the one half of his reigne. verse 6

will deliver thee and this Citie] The promise before made, is again here renewed; assuring him, as of his life; so of peace and tranquility to be continued to him, with it; that Sennacherib should not return; or any Assyrian to molest him, or this Citie, 2 Chron. XXXII. 22. which yet afterwards was done in the dayes of his son Manasseh, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11.

a Signe] Asked by Hezekiah, ver. 22. verse 7 and put to his choise, 2 Kings XX. 8, 10.

So the Sunne returned ten degrees] Not the shadow only: verse 8 which indeed depended upon the Sunne. Nor could forraine people in remote places have taken notice of this miracle, had no alteration beene in the course of the Universe, 2 Cron. XXXII. 31. For this miracle as it was visible in Judea, so in other parts of the world also; particularly in Babylon; the King and Princes whereof observing the thing, yet ignorant of the occasion, except by report only, which might deceive, for their further satisfaction send Ambassadors to Hezekiah, not only to congratulate his recovery, but to enquire of the wonder, 2 Chron. XXXII. 31. In this Miracle, if the Sunne went back in its ordinary pace and swiftnesse; and in like sort did returne forward againe, then that Day-light must be long thirty two hours, if by a degree, an hour be understood. If the Sunne returned back ten degrees in an instant, then it must be long twenty two hours. But by a degree here most likely half an hour is understood. See more of this in the Annotations on this text, and my Observations on 2 Kings XX. 9, 10, 11.

by these things men live] By thy promises, verse 16 and preformances of the same, by his speaking and doing, verse 15.

is the life of my spirit] As the life of all men is so continued; so by these things is the life of my spirit miraculously prolonged, and I recovered; and shall out-live in all the rest of my years that bitternesse of my soul into which I was formerly cast, ver. 15.

For Peace I had great bitternesse] Instead of it, verse 17 or presently after it, p. 390and upon it; upon that peace from the Assyrian, by his overthrow; then this grievous bitter affliction suddenly surprized me.

a lump of figs] This might have no power in it; verse 21 or, if any at all, yet not sufficient to this so signal and sudden a cure.

that I shall go] So soone as within three dayes, verse 22 as God had graciously promised, 2 Kings XX. 5. And for which he asked the Signe, 2 Kings XX. 8.

Merodach Baladan] 2 Kings XX. chapter XXXIX verse 1 12. Beredach Baladan. Of the change of letters, see the Observations on Gen. IV. 25. and 2 Sam. VIII. 3. And of Names, see the Annotations on Dan. I. 7. And on this text, Merodach, one of their Idols, Jer. L. 2.

King of Babylon] Under the Assyrian.

glad] over-much; verse 2 for self-ends, of pride, or profit.

And of thy sonnes] Manasseh was carried thither, verse 7 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11.

Eunuchs] Or Officers. Thus those of the posterity, and issue of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 6, 10, 20. Dan. I. 3, 4.

for there shall be peace] An humble submission preceding.. verse 8 And here an acknowledging this interim of favour, in the delaying and deferring the judgement.

In the former Chapter Esay, chapter XL upon the occasion therein related, having made some mention of the Babylonian captivity; doth now in the ensuing Prophecies mostwhat insist upon that same subject matter. For the subsequent Sermons are generaly most, if not all of them, concerning that their Captivity, the delivery out of it, and the restitution of their Church and State, in after-times. Yet so, as that all this reacheth farther, unto the spiritual delivery of Gods people from the thraldome under sinne and Satan, by the Messias herein typified, and the glorious advancement, and enlargement of his spirituall Kingdome, in the dayes of the Gospel.

Comfort ye] The Promulgation and approach of Gods purpose, verse 1 concerning his peoples deliverance, he commands, for their comfort, to be published to them; Relating herein both to the time of the Babylonish captivity; and also to the time of the coming of the Messias.

double] Abundantly; verse 2 so much to the full as God deemed fit to be inflicted.

The voice] The undoubted certainty of the performance of it, verse 3 is set forth, and confirmed, notwithstanding all obstructions and difficulties lying in the way. And that first, by the stability of Gods Word, illustrated by the ficklenesse and frailty of all humane excellencie, ver. 3,—8.

of him that crieth] This applied to John the Baptist more especialy, Mal. IV. 5. Matth. XI. 14. Marke I. 2, 3. John I. 23.

surely the people is grasse] Yea, verse 7 even the Babylonian Monarchy; and it cannot hinder the performance of Gods Word, purpose, and promise for the deliverance of his people. Saint Peter applies this to the p. 391work of Regeneration, wrought in the soul, by the Ministery of the Word, 1 Pet. I. 23, 24, 25. So, John VIII. 51. 2. John II.

O Zion, that bringest good tydings] Or, verse 9 thou that bringest good tydings to Zion] A second command, for the promulgation and proclamation of this good tydings to Zion, to Jerusalem.

be not afraid] Make no scruple or doubt of publishing it.

and his work before him] even that work, verse 10 verse 11. lies open, and easie to him.

who hath measared] A second proof of the undoubted certainty of Gods performance of this his glorious Promise, verse 12 from the immensity of his power and essence, illustrated by the feeblenesse and vanity of all Creatures; of Idols especialy, ver. 12,—20.

To whom then will ye liken God] He is not like to Idols. verse 18 They are not able to hinder him in the performance of his gracious promise for the glorious deliverance of his people.

Have ye not known] Appliable both to the people of God; verse 21 and also to the Heathen Idolaters.

yea, verse 24 they shall not be planted] Be, as if not planted; &c.

How sayest thou, verse 27 O Jacob] He taxeth now his own people, who had been taught better things, for their diffidence and distrust.

my way is hid from the Lord] He looketh not after me, what I endure and suffer; or what course is to be taken for my deliverance.

He giveth power to the faint] He maketh his might to appeare in mans weaknesse. verse 29

This is much of the same argument with the former Chapter. chapter XLI

Keep silence] God standing up to debate his cause, verse 1 by his Prophet, against the enemies of his people, with them and their Idols, requireth silence, that he may be heard.

renew their strength] To support themselves, and their Idols; and to hinder my work for the recovery of my people, if they can.

the righteous man from the East] Cyrus from Persia, verse 2 to manifest my righteousnesse in fulfilling my promises, and in righting the wrongs done to my people. Yet Cyrus herein a type of Christ.

calling the generations] Having them at call and command. verse 4. 5.

saw it] These strange works of God, by Cyrus, set on foot for the deliverance of his people.

and feared] Their own safety.

drew near, and came] Not to God; but to take counsel together, how to secure and save themselves.

So the Carpenter] They made recourse to their Idols, verse 7 making more of them, as if their safety consisted in the multitude of them.

But thou] Confirmes and strengthens his against all fear from the enemies; verse 8 undertaking to secure them, and make them successeful against all that should oppose them.

whom I have taken] Abram from Ur of the Chaldees. verse 9. 15.

Sharp threshing instrument] To thresh the mountains; even thy greatest enemies.

p. 392I will open rivers] Rather then my people shall want meanes of comfortable subsistance. verse 18

the Cedar, verse 19 &c.] God will by his providence and provision so accommodate them, as if such things had been done.

Produce your cause] God challengeth the Idolaters to produce the strongest pleas they can, verse 21 in the behalf of their Idols; and to prove the truth of their religion, by producing the like works, foretold first, and effected afterwards, by their Idols, to those of his before mentioned, when they shall see them accomplished, and withal so long foretold.

from the North] Cyrus, verse 25 who was a Medo-Persian, Media lying more Northerly; and Persia more Easterly, ver. 2. He brought people and forces from both parts, against Babylon.

shall he call upon my Name] Or proclaime my name, Ezra. I. 1, 2.

who hath declared] Which of your Idols? verse 26

from the beginning] Of old time; near two hundred years before it shall come to passe.

he is righteous] That so he may be rightly called a God.

The first shall say] Or, verse 27 I say first to Zion; I am the first that signified ought to Zion concerning her deliverance; or the destruction of Babylon; and the persons by whom these should be effected; which none of your Idols could do, ver. 26.

amongst them] Their Idols. verse 28. 29.

all vanity] The conclusion, of, and against their Idols.

Another Sermon, chapter XLII in this, and the three Chapters following; which are much of one Subject with the former: Foretelling the Blessings that God would confer upon his people, partly by Cyrus; and principaly by Christ: Discovering the vanity of Idols, and sottishnesse of Idolaters: Taxing his people for their incredulity, blindnesse, excesses, and obstinacie, the causes of their captivity: and yet Promising pardon, and restitution, upon their sincere repentance.

my servant] Christ the Messias, verse 1 Matth. XII. 14, 18, 19, 20. Some weakly, and in a low degree, make also application of this; and what follows, to Cyrus, in some sort herein as a Type of Christ.

thee] My Sonne, verse 6. 8. the Messias.

neither my praise to graven Images] By my failings in my Predictions, and promises.

of the rock sing] Of Petra, verse 11. 13. the chief Citie of Arabia, chap. XVI. 1.

The Lord shall go forth] To warre, against the enemies of his people.

I have] The words of God himself. verse 14 He long restrained his wrath: but now will hasten the execution of it; and lay desolate the whole Countrey of Chaldea, and of those that were adjacent, and adjutant to it.

the rivers Islands] It was so done by Cyrus, verse 15 in the siege of Babylon.

And I will bring the blinde] Partly true, verse 16 in the returne of the p. 393Jewes out of the Babylonish Captivity more true, spiritualy, in the Conversion of Jew and Gentile to grace in the Kingdome of Christ, under the Gospel.

Hear ye deaf] Jewes, verse 18 of whom many still continued such; notwithstanding all that God had said and done, and they had heard and seene.

who is blinde] A reason why he gave his own people those titles, verse 19 ver. 18. because they deserved them, as well, yea rather, then any other.

as he that is perfect] Should be so; and hath best means to be so.

opening the eares] In shew at least, verse 20. 21. listening.

he will magnifie his Law] He is pleased to magnifie his Law; as well by execution of justice upon the transgressors of it, as by making good his Promises unto those that observe it. Or, he magnified and dignified him with his Law.

But this is a people] After all those favours and honours conferred upon them, verse 22 yet see what calamities and miseries are befallen them, for their sins.

will give eare to this] To amend, verse 23 and grow wiser for time to come?

laid it not to heart] Their extreme stupidity; verse 25 even in their present afflictions.

But now] though a great part of my people continue still thus obstinate and impenitent, chapter XLVIII verse 1 yet I will have care of my chosen ones among them, whom I will protect in all dangers, and in due time restore.

I gave Egypt for thy ransom] Exod. verse 3 XIV. 20,—38. and XV. 9, 10.

Ethiopia, and Seba for thee] 2 Chron. XIV. 9,—15.

bring thy seed] by Cyrus temporaly, verse 5. 8. by Christ spiritualy.

Bring forth the blinde people,] challenging the Gentiles, who were blinde and deaf, as their idols▪ to see if they can yet produce ought in defence of their idols, ver. 9.

who among them] which of their idols could foretel those, verse 9 or the like things?

It is truth] that the Lord alone is the true God, and they all but base idols.

ye are my witnesses] ye my people; verse 10 speaking thus to them, that had plentiful and pregnant proofs of his divine power and providence.

and my servant] the Messias: and in some degree, Cyrus.

that I am he] the onelyonly true God, ver. 12.

whose cry is in the ships.] verse 14 They wanting water, by Cyrus his draynings, to carry them in their flight away: Or, they cry, to the ships, to the ships, for safety; as chap XXII. 5. to the hils, to the hils. Yet some translate thus, the Chaldeans, together with their choise ships which they vaunt of.

which maketh a way in the sea] Red-Sea; verse 16. 17. and Jordan.

Chariot] Pharaoh and his armie.

p. 394they shall lie together] In the bottome of the Sea, Exod. XV. 10.

Remember ye not the fermer things] in comparison of the New; verse 18 the deliverance by Cyrus; but principaly and spiritualy by Christ.

I will even make a way] I will fit, verse 19 and furnish them in the way as they shall returne from Babylon.

they shall shew forth my praise] Or at least should; verse 21 It was their duty.

But thou] Hast not beene so careful to worship me: verse 22 But hast been weary of me, and my service.

me] But Idols, verse 23 and strange gods.

I have not caused thee] Not I, but thine Idols have made thee at so much cost with them, tyring thee out, as a slave to them, with such services.

But thou hast] Hitherto of their Failings; verse 24 now of their Faults. And all this, to shew, that the deliverance of them from their thraldome, was of his own free favour and merciemercy, not for any merit of desert of theirs, as in the two next verses.

Thy first father] Or forefathers, verse 27 and not you alone, have sinned. And therefore no cause in your selves, or them, why I should do you so great a favour, as this is.

yet now] Notwithstanding all their sinnes; chapter XLVI verse 1 and his judgements and chastisements; yet he would now at length, relieve and refresh them, restore them, and cause them to thrive and prosper again.

I will poure] A type of that spiritual blessing, verse 3 and growth and increase of Gods Church, and the members of it, under the Messias, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit.

One shall say] Gods blessing to them, verse 5 in the addition of many Proselytes.

since I appointed the ancient people] The lineage of Abraham to be my peculiar people. verse 7

things that are coming] Things to come, in a continued course, from the first to the last, like lincks of a chaine, hanging one upon another.

Is there a God besides me?] That can so foretel, verse 8 and do?

They that make a graven Image] The sottishnesse of them, verse 9 their makers, and worshippers, is largely set down, ver. 9,—20.

Remember these] Their sottishnesse: verse 21 and thy duty, by all my dealings with thee, so freely, and bountifully, above my dealings with others.

Sing, verse 23 O ye heavens] At the redemption and deliverance of Gods people. Implying such abundant matter of joy, as might well affect the whole Creation, were it all sensible of it.

that frustrateth the tokens of the liars] Specialy those that would prognosticate the long continuance of the Babylonian Monarchy. verse 25

messengers] Such as Esay, verse 26. 28. Jeremy, Ezekiel, and others.

That saith of Cyrus] Thus naming him about two hundred yeares p. 395before he was borne. So to assure them of their deliverance by him.

This Chapter is also of the same subject with the former: chapter XLV And begins where that did end.

two-leaved gates] Such as great mens houses and Palaces are wont to have. verse 1

and create evil] Specialy to the Babylonians. verse 7. 8.

Drop down] A command of a Blessing from God: That Gods mercy and goodnesse should so manifestly and plentifuly appear in the deliverance of his people, and disposing all things for their behoof; as if the heavens, and the earth, were full of blessings for them, even of righteousnesse, and salvation.

woe to him that] A curb to restraine the impatiencie of some, verse 9 that murmured at their miseries, and at the delay of their deliverance. Or, against the Babylonians, that would strive, even against God himself, to keep his people in perpetual slavery. And many other passages of Gods providence, concerning the affaires of those times, might be, which flesh and blood would be over-prone to be quarrelling with God about, and controuling his carriage of them.

Ask me] Or by interrogation; verse 11 will ye presume to appoint and direct me, what I shall do, and how I shall carry matters concerning the disposition and ordering of my people? Or positively; seek to me for these things, concerning my sonnes; and not to Idols.

raised him up] Cyrus. verse 13

build my Citie] Give order for it; and the Temple especialy, Ezra I. 1.

shall come over unto thee] How, verse 14 and by whom, they should be furnished with supply of all requisite commodities, Ezra I. 4. and chap. VII. 21, 22.

Some expound this whole passage of Cyrus himself; That because he had dealt so freely with Gods people, God would therefore give him, as a reward, the wealth of those rich Kingdomes, and Countries, which together with Babylon, of whom they formerly held, at the fall of that State, fell also into his hands.

surely God is in thee] Or, with thee, with Cyrus typicaly; with Christ realy: And he, in his Church.

verily] Esay here admires the hidden depth of Gods dispensations, verse 15 in the passages of his providence. And men ought not therefore to take upon them, to control and censure him therein.

I have not spoken in secret] As your false gods deliver their Oracles: verse 19 But plainly.

Assemble your selves] Ye that escaped the sword of Cyrus; verse 20 ye Chaldeans, and other Nations; seeing now how much God is able to do for his people; how little their Idols for those that served them.

Look unto me] Leaving Idols, verse 22 betake your selves unto me, who am the only true God, and able to save you, ver. 16, 17.

unto me every knee shall bow] And it is your wisest course therefore, verse 23 p. 396to come willingly in unto me, ver. 22. Psal. II. 8, 10. The Apostle, Rom. IV. 11. applyeth this text to the last judgement, which is a thing herein necessarily included.

be justified] God approving their innocencie, verse 25 and unjust sufferings at the hands of their enemies; notwithstanding their pretences in doing justice upon them on Gods behalf, for their sinnes; and therefore they took them as lawful prize. God would clear them, deliver them: and punish their enemies.

In this Chapter, chapter XLVI and the next (as in the 13. and 14. Chapters before) is set down a full and pregnant Prophecie against Babylon, and of her utter overthrow: and of Gods deliverie of the Jewes from her. Asserting withal, the vanity of the Babylonian Idols; and his owue incomparable divine power, to effect it.

Bel] This Chapter begins with the ruine of their Idols: verse 1 See the Observations on Judges VIII. 33.

Nebo] Another of their Idols. Whose name is found inserted in many of the names of their Kings, and Nobles; as Nabonassar, Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar, Nabuzaradan. The name imports Prophecie. And so this may seeme, their Apollo; as Bel, their Jupiter.

A burden to the weary beast] On whose backs the Medes and Persians lead them, to carry them away.

which are borne] Minding them of his Divine power and love. verse 3 God not like to those Idols, ver. 1, 2.

and shew your selves men] Not beasts, verse 8. 10. like these idolaters.

Declaring the end from the beginning] Foretelling the issue of things; in a continued course and progresse, from the first to the last: which no other then my self can do.

bird from the East] Cyrus from Persia; verse 11. 12. which is East from Babylon.

ye stout-hearted] Impious obstinate of the Jewes: or rather, stomackful and proud enemies.

far from righteousnesse] Or righteous dealing with my people.

my righteousnesse] In executing judgements on you; verse 13 and righting the wrongs done to my people.

This Chapter prosecutes the destruction of Babylon: chapter XLVII and begins with the ruine of their State. And describes throughout it, her dejected and despicable condition upon her overthrow, together with the procuring Causes, and the suddennesse, and unavoidablenesse of it.

Uncover thy locks] Cast off thy stately head-tire; verse 2 and go bare-headed, as captives and drudges are wont to do.

as a man] But in full wrath, verse 3. 9. and power, as God.

in a moment, in one day] That night of Belteshazzars feast, Dan. V. 30.

This Chapter is also much of the same subject, chapter XLVIII and frame, especialy with Chapters XLIII. and XLIV.

out of the waters of Judah] The stock of Judah, verse 1 the royal Tribe; that had kept the true worship of God; and not fallen away, as the ten Tribes.

p. 397and thy neck is an iron sinew] A reason why God was pleased to foretel things to his people, verse 4 that they might not be ascribed to their Idols, or to any other, which he foreknew that this stiff obdurate people would be too prone to do, ver. 5.

new things] Yet further to convince thee of thy wilful obstinacie I acquaint thee again, verse 6 with other of my secret counsels, which shall also in their due time be fulfilled.

very treacherously] In ascribing them, verse 8 and the foreknowledge of them to thine Idols, or Southsayers.

For my Names sake] No merit of thine. My mercy and might, verse 9 my grace and glory.

but not with silver] Not so fully as silver, verse 10 till all the drosse be exactly wrought out. But chastised them with moderation, regarding their infirmities.

my glorie unto another] He is charie and jealous of a corrival. verse 11. 14. 17.

loved him] Cyrus.

hath sent me] Me the Prophet Esay. This added, to give the greater assurance of the truth and certainty of it.

Go ye forth from Babylon] Ezra I. 1. verse 20

Esay having prophesied much of the Returne of the Jewes from the Babylonish captivity; chapter XLIX from the fourtieth Chapter hitherto: doth now mainly insist upon the instauration of the Church by Christ; And plaies the Evangelist, as it were, to the end of this Book and Prophecie.

Listen, O Isles,] Christ calls for audience; verse 1 declaring his Calling to his Office, by the Lord, to be the Saviour both of Jew and Gentile.

from the womb] Yet designed thereto from eternity, 1 Pet. I. 20.

my mouth like a sharp sword] God furnisheth him with abilities to this great office and work of mans Redemption. verse 2

Thou art my servant, verse 3 O Israel, &c.] Or rather thus; Israel it is, in whom I will be glorified by thee, the true Israel of God. And indeed to the Jewes in general he was first sent, as the minister of Circumcision.

whom man despiseth] Christ in the dayes of his flesh and humiliation. verse 7

Kings shall] Chap. XLV. 23. and LII. 15. Psal. LXXII. 10, 11. Ephes. I. 21 Phil. II. 10.

In an acceptable time] God the Father speaking unto Christ. verse 8

to establish the earth] Of Judea, to restore and settle the State of it againe, after their returne from the Captivity: A Type of the other.

prisoners, Go forth] From Babels bonds, verse 9 corporaly: from Satans bonds spiritualy.

They shall feed in the wayes] In their returne from Babylon to Judea, God will provide them of all necessaries in the way; and make it even and easie to them.

Sinim] Or, verse 12 Sini, the Sinites, that lived in the desert of Sin, or about mount Sinai. Or, from Sin, a chief Citie in Egypt, Ezek. XXX. p. 39815, 16. And all this a Type of those that out of all quarters of the world should be converted unto Christ, and come in to him.

But Zion said] Her objection. verse 14. 15. 18.

Can a woman] Gods answer, full of a tender affection to her.

gather themselves together] A Type of those numberlesse numbers that should be brought home to the Church of God, under Christ, by the Ministery of the Gospel.

to the Gentiles] Their Conversion should make up this numberlesse number. verse 22

And Kings shall be thy nursing fathers] As Persian Emperours first; verse 23 and much more Christian Emperours afterwards.

and lick up] An expression of the lowest submission that may be.

even the captives of the mighty] Notwithstanding their pretended might and right; verse 25 God would yet deliver his people from them.

And I will feed them] And thus destroy their enemies. verse 26

This, chapter L and the next Chapter, seeme to make one Sermon.

Where is the Bill] A conviction of the Jewish people, verse 1 as authors of their own forlorn condition; together with a justification of God and his Ministers against them, verse 1,—9.

divorcement] Either, none at all; or not for sleight causes, as they used to give Bills of divorcement, but for great disloyalty, yet God ever had his reserved remnant, in all times among them, Rom. XI. 1,—5.

none to answer?] Their wilful obstinacie; verse 2 and rebellious, refractory courses. This retarded their delivery, and kept them in this deplorable plight, this desolate and disconsolate condition.

is my hand shortned?] No want of power in God, to deliver them.

tongue of the learned] The Prophet Esay maintains his own Ministery, verse 4 and his faithful discharge of it: So to justifie God, that there was nothing wanting on his part, to reclaime and reduce them. It is true, that divers understand all this as spoken in the person of Christ. And indeed there are divers passages, that very fitly agree to him, and whereof concerning Esay there is no mention in the holy Story. And it is true, that the same may be said of sundry particulars, in Psal. XXII. and XL. and LXIX. applied expressely unto our Saviour Christ, in the New Testament, Matth. XXVII. 34, 35, 43, 46. Heb. X. 5,—10. And yet none make doubt, but that those Psalmes, as they were by David composed, so in his own person they concerned him; and that in all likelihood, in some particulars which yet are not found expressely recorded in the story of him. The like may be here.

my back to the smiters] Matth. XXVI. 27. verse 6 and XXVII. 26. John XVIII. 22.

He is neere that justifieth me] Saint Paul alludes to this, verse 8 Rom. VIII. 33, 34. The Apostles maner is, to enlarge the promises of God, made to some particular persons, as to Jacob, Joshuah, David, and others, Gen. XXVIII. 15. Josh. I. 5. Psal. XXIII. 1. extending them to all p. 399the faithful in general, as having a joynt interest therein, with them, Heb. XIII. 5, 6. And the Apostles argument, borrowed hence, stands firme and good, in general.

Who is among you] An exhortation to the godly party among them, verse 10 to rest and rely upon God, in these calamitous times: with a sad commination to those that trusted to ought else; notwithstanding all their shifts and fetches: for which Esay derides them.

Hearken] Esay returnes to Comfort the godly party again, chapter LI verse 1 endeavouring to keep them from being dismaid, either by the consideration of their own fewnesse and feeblenesse, or by the apprehension of the supposed might, malice, and multitude of the adverse party

alone, and blessed him, and increased him] And so I will deale with you.

shall comfort Zion] God can do, verse 3 and will do as much for his Church, as he sometime did for Abraham.

a Law] As a Law, verse 4 at mount Sinai; so a second Law, even the Gospel.

my salvation is gone forth] Aiming at Cyrus his Proclamation, verse 5 Ezra I. 1, 2.

the Isles shall wait upon me] The Gentiles, at the law of the Gospel.

Awake, verse 9 awake,] Spoken either in the person of Gods people; or by the Prophet himself, moving in their behalf.

Rahab] Egypt.

Dragon] Pharaoh.

returne] From the Babylonish captivity. verse 11 Gods answer to the former supplication.

and where is the fury?] The Babylonians are perished; verse 13 and their fury is gone.

thy mouth] The mouth of Esay. verse 16 Yet so as more eminently intending Christ.

that I may plant the heavens,] To make a new world, a new heavens, and a new earth, chap. LXV. 17. and LXVI. 22. 2 Cor. V. 17, 18. 2 Pet. III. 13.

Awake, verse 17 awake,] He largely declares the deep misery of Gods people; their delivery; and the utter overthrow of their enemies; in the residue of the Chapter.

To the thirteenth verse, chapter LII seemes to be an Appendix to the foregoing Prophecie; running all along in the same tenor with the latter part of it.

How beautiful] These bringers of good tydings of the delivery from Babels captivity: verse 7 And much more from Satans slavery, by preaching the Gospel of Christ: that publish salvation, corporal by Cyrus; spiritual by Christ.

Behold, verse 13 my Servant] Here seemes to begin a new Sermon; and continued in the end of the next Chapter, joyntly making up an entire Prophecie, of Christ, his person, parentage, condition, manner of life, sufferings, humiliation, exaltation, benefit redounding thence to his, and to himself.

p. 400shut their mouthes at him] In admiration, verse 15 and reverence.

our report] Chap. chapter LIII verse 1 LII. 7. Unto the times of his being in the flesh, we finde these words applied in John XII. 37, 38. Rom. X. 16.

Stripes] Mat. XXVI. verse 5. 7. 67. and XXVII. 16.

Opened not his mouth] Mat. XXVI. 39, 42. 1 Pet. II. 23. Acts VIII. 32.

He was taken from prison, verse 8 and from judgement] From all those harsh and cruel courses, as under pretence of judgement were exercised upon our Saviour, whereby his life was taken from him.

And he made his grave, verse 9 &c.] His burial was at the disposal of wicked ones, and of rich ones, or Rulers, at his death. They not only took his life from him, but disposed of his burial▪ at their pleasure.

he shall] Christ shall die no more, verse 10. 11. but live and reigne for ever.

by his Knowledge] Objectively. The words of God the Father.

justifie many] The maine fruit and effect of Christs Passion.

many] So, verse 12. Matth. XX. 28. and XXVI. 28. Rom. V. 15, 19.

Therefore I will divide him] God the Father will. verse 12

a portion with the great, and he shall] God would bestow many upon him, or give many unto him, to be his subjects; whether with an allusion to a portion of inheritance, or distribution of spoils, it is indifferent. This intimates the numerous, or rather innumerable multitude of those that should be converted unto Christ.

was numbred with the transgressors.] Mat. XXVII. 38. Marke XV. 27, 28. Barrabbas let loose, rather then he should be let live.

made intercession] Luke XXIII. 34. Yet may relate further, to Christs intercession, which still continueth, Rom. VIII. 34. Heb. VII. 25. and IX. 24. 1 John II. 1, 2.

Another Sermon or Prophecie, chapter LIV this seemes to be distinct from the former: though much of the same subject and argument; and depends well upon the latter end of it. For this insists upon swarmes of people that should come in to Christ, and become members of his Church.

O barren] The Church under the New Testament; verse 1 that little sister, Cant. VIII. 8.

of the desolate] She that had been desolate: the Church of the Gentiles; then that of the Synagogue of the Jews.

Enlarge] Thou Christian Church. verse 2

when thou wast refused] As in the time of the Babylonish captivity. verse 6

I have sworne] No expresse mention of that oath. verse 9 As neither of that to Isaac, Psal. CV. 9. yet meanes as much as if he had taken a solemne oath; as he used in such solemne Covenants.

nor rebuke thee] To forsake thee utterly.

For the mountains shall depart] Sooner may. verse 10

tossed with tempest] In the Babylonish captivity; verse 11 seemingly then forsaken of man, and of God.

thy stones with fair colours] The spiritual excellencies of the Church under the Messias are here described in way of hyperbolies. See the p. 401like, Apoc. XXI. 11,—21. The stones here seeme to be those of the Pavement.

borders] Or walls. verse 12

taught of the Lord] Jer. verse 13 XXXI. 34. John VI. 45. 1 Cor. II. 10. 2 Cor. XIII. 3. Ephes. IV. 20, 21. 1 John II. 20, 27.

gather together] To attempt against thee. verse 15. 17.

No weapon that is formed against thee] By the Smith, ver. 16.

tongue that shall rise] To accuse or charge thee wrongfully.

their righteousnesse] The reward of their righteousnesse.

Ho,] chapter LV verse 1 A free invitation of all that are thirsty and hungry, both Jew, and Gentile to come and partake of the true spiritual food and graces of Christ in the Gospel, Mat. XI. 28. John VI. 35, 37.

buy] This impeacheth not the freenesse of the Gift. A Princes almes may be said to be freely given, albeit it be required, that those that desire to share in them, do repaire to his Almoner. And a Scholar may be said to have his learning freely given him, when no stipend is required for the teaching; yet must he ply the School hard.

the sure mercies of David] Acts XIII. verse 3 34. In this Citation the Apostle addes this, I will give you, for the fuller explication, and fitter application of it; to his purpose. The like is, Luke IV. 18. See Psal. LXXXIX. and 2 Chron. VI. 42. touching these mercies of David. But the full meaning is, The mercies of the Messias, the David, not past, but to come; the mercies before promised, and to be exhibited in, and by him; in whom the Covenant is made with Gods people, and in whom all Gods Promises are Yea and Amen, 2 Cor. 1. 20. which Promises had never been made good, had not Christ been raised up from the dead; And therefore the Apostle, Acts XIII. 34. to good purpose alledgeth this Text.

I have given him] The words of God the Father concerning the Messias. verse 4. 5.

And Nations that knew not thee] The Gentiles.

he hath glorified thee] When after thy state of humiliation he shall have glorified thee in heaven.

Seek ye the Lord] An exhortation both to Jew and Gentile, verse 6 to make request to Christ for grace and favour; to repent, and amend, and turn to him.

his thoughts] They not free. verse 7. 8.

For my thoughts are not] But prone to pardon; and constant and immutable therein: as that shews which follows.

For as the heavens] My disposition and dealings, verse 9 both for merciemercy and goodnesse, and for firmnesse and faithfulnesse, is as farre above yours, as, &c.

So shall the Word] My Promise to my people concerning reconcilement with them, verse 11 upon their returne to me; and my deliverance of them out of captivity, be as firme and sure, and take effect.

In stead] Relating to the Jewes returne out of the Babylonish captivity, verse 13 chap. IV. 2. and XXXV. 1, 2. The face and state of their p. 402Land and State should be strangely altered to the better. And generaly the flourishing estate of the Church of God, hereby is intimated, as abounding in spiritual graces and comforts.

signe] Monument, Memorial, Trophie: an everlasting honour to God, and a signe to his Church of his merciemercy to her.

Keep ye judgement] chapter LVI God admonisheth his people to do that whereby they may obtaine a part in the favours and mercies last mentioned. verse 1

Neither let the Sonne of the stranger] He comforts the Proselyte, verse 3 and Eunuch. The Partition-wall should be broken down under the Messias.

a Name better] Of great honour, verse 5 and more durable; an everlasting Name, that should more then countervaile the other defect.

yet will Igather others to him] John X. verse 8 16. Acts X. 34, 35.

All ye beasts] Here seemes to begin a new Sermon: verse 9 Declaring againe Gods most fearful judgements upon his People, by their enemies, the Babylonians especialy, and those that served under them: And that for the manifold shameful sinnes of the Jewish watch-men, Shepherds, and Seers.

The righteous perisheth] Esay here inserts somewhat for the Comfort of the godly, chapter LVII verse 1 though by death taken away in those sad times: The wicked nothing heeding Gods hand and end in it.

from the evil to come] As was the sonne of Jeroboam, 1 Kings XIV. 12, 13. and good Josiah, 2 Kings XXII. 20. the evil, in the general ruine of the State, and deportation of the people.

But draw neere] Esay returnes now to the surviving wicked ones; verse 3 as having another maner of errand to them: in lively colours laying out their abominable courses.

are ye not, &c?] Deny it if ye can. verse 4. 5. 6.

slaying the children] 2 Kings XVI. 3. Psal. CVI. 37, 38.

is thy portion] Thine Altars, and thine Idol-service, is thy portion that thou choosest and delightest in. As God is to his people, Psalme XVI. 5, 6.

a drink-offering] Used and annexed to most Kinds of sacrifices. Of this kind were those, Jer. VII. 18. and XLIV. 19. offered to the Queen of heaven.

And thou wentest to the King] i. e. verse 9 Kings, collectively, for forreign aid and succour.

unto hell] Abasing thy self to them in most servile maner.

thou hast found the life of thine hand] Thou still imaginest so to do, verse 10 and thinkest thou hast found sufficient means and aids to support thee, and to strengthen thine hand. And therefore thou wast not grieved in so doing.

And of whom] Whom needest thou to have feared, verse 11 and sought for forreign aid; if thou hadst feared me?

hast lyed] And dealt disloyaly with me.

my peace, even of old] My Lenity thou abusest.

p. 403thy righteousnesse] As thou esteemest it: verse 12. 13. But I so call it ironicaly.

let thy companies deliver thee] Thy troopes of strangers, or strange gods, Judg. X. 13, 14.

And he shall say] God; verse 14. 16. or, it shall be said.

for the spirit should faile] This moveth God, in way of commiseration to stay his hand, Psal LXXVIII. 38, 39. and LXXXIX. 47.

and will heale him] For my own Names sake, verse 18 and free merciemercy; notwithstanding his frowardnesse, and crosse and contrary wayes.

Peace, verse 19 Peace] Whereas before was no speech but of warre; Now it shall be of abundant peace and prosperity; and consequently of praise and thanksgiving. The fuller complement of this is under the Messias in the Gospel.

In this Chapter Esay reproves them mainly for their Hypocrisie in Fasting. chapter LVIII

and take delight] They seeme so to do. verse 2. 3.

you finde pleasure] You do not break off your sinful desires, minds, pleasures, and purposes; but persist still in a purpose to pursue them; though haply not upon the very day of the Fast to act them.

and exact all your labours] Debts, and services; with all rigour.

for strife and debate] Your fastings end in, verse 4 and are seconded with vexatious suits, quarrels, and brawles.

to make your voice to be heard on high] By your loud clamours used in your prayers in the times of fasting. Or, that God on high should by fasting be induced to hear your voice, and grant your requests.

Is not this the Fast] When it is joyned with reformation and amendment of your lives? verse 6 As, Acts X. 2, 4.

Then shalt thou call,] Then no cause to complaine, verse 9 as, verse 3.

the putting forth of the finger] Forbearing not acts of violence, and threatening termes only, but even all gestures, and expressions of that kinde whatsoever.

and makes fat thy bones.] Fill them with marrow, verse 11 arme and strengthen them.

the old waste places] Of Jerusalem, verse 12 and the Cities of Judah, and other like places.

thy soot from the Sabbath] Thy affections, and wayes, which would pollute the Sabbath. Whether it be the yearly, or the weekly Sabbath.

a delight] See Psal. XXVII. 4. and XXXVI. 8. and XLII. 1, 2, 4. and XLIII. 2, 3, 4. and LXV. 1,—5. and LXXXIV. and CXXII. 1, 2.

honour him] In it; by sanctifying him, and it.

thine own wayes] Wicked works, and courses.

nor speaking thine own words] Those, verse 9.

to ride upon the high places of the earth] Aloft, verse 14 in places of security, and safety, ch. XXXIII. 16. Deut. XXXII. 13.

This Chapter relates their various enormous iniquities; chapter LIX and them to be the causes of their sad calamities, verse 1,—15. And a promise p. 404to the faithful ones, of deliverance from them; and of spiritual mercies and blessings in and from the Messias, ver. 16,—21.

is not shortened] Either to hear, verse 1 and help you out of those calamities; or to make good those large and liberal blessings promised upon your repentance.

spiders web] To entangle and destroy others. verse 5

he that eateth] There is no safe dealing any way with them.

Their feet] Rom. verse 7. 8. III. 15, 16, 17.

not know peace] Experimentaly, to have and enjoy it. See Phil. III. 10. Apoc. II. 17.

Therefore is judgement farre from us] God stands off farre from you, verse 9 neither executing judgement and vengeance on your enemies, nor protecting you against their wrongs.

our transgressions are with us] Stick close to us; verse 12 we cannot shun, or shift them off.

is fallen] For want of support. verse 14

cannot enter] But is shut out by violence.

a prey] He cannot be safe, verse 15. 16. that will not be wicked.

wondered] Spoken in an humane straine, Rom. III. 9,—19. the Apostle concludes hereupon the universal depravation of man-kind, in his natural condition.

no intercessor] No interpo…er.

his arme] He did the work alone himself.

brought salvation] Temporal, vers. 17, 18, 19. Spiritual, verse 20, 21.

breast-plate] Here is God, verse 17. 18. 20. as a man of armes.

repay] Vengeance to the enemies of his people.

And the Redeemer] Rom. XI. 26. the Apostle applies this verse to Christ; and the conversion of the Jewes, when the fulnesse of the Gentiles be come in. Where the Apostle retaines the Ancient Greek version, as Hierom witnesseth it to have beene in his time, having nothing in it disagreeing from truth, or crossing that in ought for which he alleadgeth it. This then cannot have relation to the Angel slaying Sennacheribs army; or to Cyrus, further then as Types of Christ, and his spiritual deliverance. And Esay useth to slip from temporal deliverances, in a close way, unto spiritual; and to close up the Prophecies of the one, with the Promises of the other.

my Covenant] Of sending the Redeemer to them; verse 21 and of continuing his Word and Spirit to Zion, his Church.

This Chapter containes the glorious state of the Church under the Messias; chapter LX the abundant accesse of the Gentiles; and their Kings, and chief ones adjoyned to it, and their riches, endowments, and services humbly submitted, and chearfully yeelded unto it.

Thy light is come] The night of affliction is over; verse 1 and the day is dawning, the light of the morning is risen upon thee.

glory of the Lord] In thy deliverance, and restauration.

But the Lord shall arise] The Sunne of righteousnesse, verse 2 Mal. IV. 2.

p. 405And Gentiles] To congratulate with thee, verse 3 and to enjoy the light together with thee.

and thine heart shall fear] With admiration, verse 4 and joyes so sudden and excessive.

shall come in to thee] By tendering both themselves, verse 5 and whatsoever they are stored with, unto thee, and thy service.

Ephah] The posterity of Midian, verse 6 by his eldest sonne, Gen. XXV. 4.

the praises of the Lord] Repairing thither not for traffick, but to worship, Acts VIII. 27.

the house of my glory] My Temple, verse 7. 8. a Type of the Church.

what are these] A question moved by Zion, touching their multitude; and speed.

Surely] The Answer returned. verse 9

first] With the first, or among the first.

their silver] Ezra I. 4, 6,—11. ch. LXVI. 20. and LV. 5. Rom. XV. 16.

sonnes of strangers] Proselytes. verse 10

Kings] Cyrus, and others his successors.

and I will make the place of my feet glorious] The Ark, verse 13 Temple, Zion, all resembling the Church. verse 7.

such the breasts of Kings] Being as thy foster-fathers, verse 16 chap. XLIX. 23. and LXVI. 12.

For brasse] Thy damages shall be repaired with advantage, verse 17

thine exactors righteousnesse] Overseers; not such as shall pill and poll thee, exact upon thee; but deale most righteously, moderately, and mercifully.

thy walls salvation] All should be safe with them, verse 18 under Gods protection.

The Sunne] Their chief and principal light and comfort should consist in such a plentiful enjoyment of Gods gracious love, verse 19 favour and kindnesse, that in comparison thereof the Sunne and Moone should be as of no account or regard. This may relate to the glory of the life to come.

Thy Sunne] Not clouded, verse 20 or eclipsed; but continualy shine, without interruption.

Thy people] Sanctified here, verse 21 perfected hereafter.

inherit the land for ever] The new world, chap. LVII. 13. and LXV. 17, 18. 2 Pet. III. 13. Apoc. XXI. 5, 7. Canaan was a Type of this.

the branch of my planting] My in the margin: his in the text. The meaning may be this, A branch of my plantations (by way of eminencie and excellencie,) a work of my hands, to glory in.

A like one] A miraculous multiplication of the Church. verse 22

in his time] Speedily, when its due time is come, and till then they must expect, chap. XIII. 22 and XXVIII. 16. and XXXVIII. 18. Hab. II. 3. Luke I. 20.

p. 406This Chapter is much of the same matter, chapter LXI and to the like purpose, with the former.

The Spirit of the Lord] Christs calling to his Ministery, verse 1 and the exercise of his Prophetical Office; Shadowed out in that of Esay here. Christ applieth this to himself, Luke IV. 18.

hath anointed me] In a special maner above his fellowes, Ps. XLV. 7. Acts X. 38. Col. II. 3, 9. Heb. I. 8.

good tydings] Whence our Gospel; signifying, not Gods-spel or Word; but Good-spel, Evangelium.

to proclaime liberty] Temporal, by Cyrus; spiritual, by Christ, Luke IV. 8.

year of the Lord] Relating to the Jubile. verse 2

of vengeance] For his people, of their Oppressors.

build the old wastes] Upon their returne to their own countrey, verse 4 reedifie the Cities and townes that had been ruinated, during the captivity.

And strangers shall stand] As servants waiting and attending on their Master. verse 5

the Priests of the Lord] In that repute, verse 6 as they; as near to God, and in as honourable a condition, as they, 1 Pet. II. 9. Heb. XIII. 15. Apoc. I. 6. and V. 10.

For your shame, verse 7 double] Honour, verse 6. as 1 Tim. V. 17. Zech. IX. 12.

possesse double] Double in extent, or double in worth upon Gods blessing, when they returne to their land againe.

love judgement] And therefore will right and repay the wrongs and dammages done to my people. verse 8

and I will direct] As verse 7. returning them a reward in lieu of their misery: And directing their affairs in a successeful course, in a prosperous way.

shall be known] Eminently, verse 9. 10. As, Psal. LXXVI. 1.

I will greatly rejoyce] A solemne acknowledgement made in the Churches name, of the manifold blessings of God, bestowed on her; mentioned, verse 3. and 7,

For Zions sake] Esay his resolution constantly to solicite God, chapter LXII verse 1 for the compleat performance of his Churches restitution, promised before, chap. LX. and LXI.

thy righteousnesse] The Prophet Esay turneth his speech to Zion. verse 2 a new name] Verse 4. chap. LXV. 15.

Hephzibah] i. e. verse 4 my delight is in her, Psal. XVI. 2.

Benlah] i. e. married.

thy sonnes marry thee] Thy sonnes shall as in marriage possesse thee, verse 5 keep thee, enjoy thee; in such a chearful and comfortable maner.

thy God] Christ, God and Man.

I have set] Spoken in the person of God. verse 6 Have; Or, will. Watchmen] Prophets, and Pastors.

p. 407make mention] Are his remembrancers; specialy by office and function.

arme] Let me not be deemed Almighty, verse 8 if, &c. Of which forme of an Oath, see on chap, V. 9. and XXII. 14.

Go through,] The gates of Babylon, verse 10 to returne to your land, as ch. XLVIII. 20. and LII. 11.

gather out the stones] That nothing may hinder them in the way.

Proclaimed] By Cyrus. verse 11

thy salvation] God thy Saviour, as Luke II. 30.

sought out] Or, chapter LXIII sought unto, sought after.

Who is this] This seemes to have relation to that, verse 12. 1. chap. LXII. 11.

Esay asks this question, to whom the sight or apparition was offered in a vision or extasie.

from Edom] Idumea. And Bozrah, the head-Citie of it. Put here for the enemies of Gods people.

died garments] Verse 3. Apoc. XIX. 13.

glorious] Gorgeous; as great Commanders and Generals use in warre; and returning in triumph from the slaughter. See Psal. LXVIII. 7, 8, 21, 22, 23.

travelling] Marching, stalking, with a stately gate, as victor.

I] Gods answer.

thou red] Saith Esay againe.

I have troden] Gods answer to Esay again. verse 2 Somtimes he treads down thus Gods people themselves for their sins; as Lam. I. 15. Somtimes the wine-presse of Gods wrath, to expiate the sinnes of his people, Apoc. XIX. 15. Here, the enemies of his people as grapes in a wine-presse.

alone] In the greatnesse of his strength, verse 1. So, Deut. XXXII. 12. Yet see verse 12. in this Chapter. And so, Zech. IV. 6. The power of the instrument is from him alone. Some application of this may be made to that, Apoc. XIX. 15.

them] The Edomites, none of them to withstand me, nor any other assistant to me.

staine all my raiment] Not with my blood in my passion; but the Edomites blood.

none to help] Chap▪ LIX. verse 5 16. Then God struck in, when all humane helps failed, chap. XXVI. 18, 19. and XXXVII. 3, 36. 2 Chron. XX. 12, 15, 16, 17.

drunck] With their own blood. verse 6. 7.

Here seemes to begin a new Sermon; and to continue to the end of the next chapter.

I will mention] Esay's thankful acknowledgement of Gods great goodnesse, and manifold mercies, to his people.

so he was their Saviour] Upon those hopes, verse 8. 9. and expectations.

In all their affliction] He took to heart their afflictions, Psal. CVI. 44. Zech. II 8.

the Angel] Christ the Messias, Exod. XXIII. 21, 22, 23. and XIII. 21. and XIV. 10, 24. Gen. XLVIII. 24. Mal. III. 1. Acts VII. 38.

p. 408But they rebelled] Their ungracious and rebellious demeanour towards God. verse 10

Where is he] The Prophet, verse 11 or the people then saying this. As, Judg. VI. 13. The want of this enquiry is complained of, Jer. II. 6, 8 And punished with the want of Gods presence in time of adversity, Hos. V. 6. And thereupon that admonition is, Chap. LV. 6.

Look down] A prayer of the people, verse 15 or of the Prophet in their person.

Where is thy Zeale] What is become of them? Psal. LXXXIX. 49.

the sounding of thy bowels] Chap. XVI. 11. rumbling, yearning in compassion, 1 Kings III. 26. Jer. XXXI. 20. Hos. XI. 8.

though Abraham be ignorant of us] As being dead, verse 16 he and Israel long ago.

made us to erre] By denying us the conduct of thy Spirit; verse 17 and leaving us to our selves, and giving us up to the spirit of error. Or, why shouldest thou give this people any occasion so to do? as, 1 Sam. XXVI. 19. Psal. CXXV. 3. See the Observations on chap. VI. 9, 10.

but a little while] In comparison of thy promise. verse 18

This Chapter beginneth in the middle of a verse, chapter LXIV according to the distinctions in the Hebrew.

wouldest rent] Considering the indignities, verse 1 and outrages against thee, and thy people, chap. LXII. 18.

come down] Psal. XVIII. 9,—16.

terrible things] Of old, verse 3 on the behalf of thy people, Ps. LXXVIII. and CV. and CVI. Nehem. IX. Exod, III. 8.

welooked not for] Were then unexpected, or beyond expectation.

mountains flowed down] Judg. V. 5. Psal. XLVII. 5. Deut. IV. 11. Exod. XIV. 3, 9. Hab. III. 3,—15.

For since the beginning of the world] This brought in, verse 4 as in the person of Gods people, to intimate that they wanted not some good ground to solicite God to do for them, as they here desire, in their present distresse; because they knew him to be such a God, as was able to do, had done, and would do such things for his people that rested and rerelied upon him, as no humane eye, or eare had ever either seene, or heard, or any other God was ever known to have done, or was able to do, chap. LXVI. 8. The Apostle, 1 Cor. II. 9. seemeth to have made use of the Prophets words in this verse, applying them to his present discourse; as he doth those other of the Psalmist, XIX. 4. in that place of Rom. X. 18.

that waiteth for him] 1 Cor. II. 9. that love him. And those that wait for him, do love him.

For thou] A continuation of their commemoration of Gods dealings for, verse 5 and with, his people in times past.

meetest] Or, didst meet, was wont to meet. As, Luke XV. 2c. Psal. XXI. 2, 3.

p. 409him that rejoyceth, and worketh righteousnesse] Him that rejoyceth to work righteousnesse, and delights in well-doing, Deut. XXVIII. 47. Psal. II. 11. and XXXVII. 4. and LXVIII. 3. and CXII. 1. and ch. LVIII 13.

in thy wayes] Of Providence; and of precepts and direction.

in those is continuance, and we shall be saved] In those thy wayes. Or, in our sinnes; and shall we be saved? interrogatively: importing the cleane contrary. Or, in those righteous works, and by their being with and among us, is our continuance, and meanes of being saved.

But we] And so none of us fit to intercede. verse 6 We not like those; ver. 4, 5. Psal. CVI. 23. Those are now all gone, verse 7. Jer. V. 1. Mic. VII. 2. Psal. XII. 1.

our righteousnesses are as filthy rags] So noting out, not the defects and defilements, the inbred vitiosities of meere infirmities; in all the best works, even of the best, and in the best maner performed; But the vile and abominable practices which had so highly incensed the Lord against his people. And the most righteous among us, for all our outward semblances of holinesse and righteousnesse, are indeed no better then such, verse 7 Micah VII. 4. 2. Sam. XXIII. 6. 7.

None] So few, as are drowned in the multitude.

hold of thee] To stay thee with us; verse 8. 9. or bring thee back unto us.

But now] A pathetical imploration of Gods favour and merciemercy.

thy people] thy peculiar people] Chap. LXIII. 19. Deut. V. 3. and XXIX. 10,—15.

Our holy and our beautiful house] Chap. verse 11 LX. 7. and LVI. 7. and LXXXIV. 1, 2.

burnt] 2 Kings XXV. 9. Lam I. 7, 10.

refraine thy self] Canst thou endure to see them, verse 12 and be still, and suffer them?

Another Sermon. chapter LXV

I am sought of them that] Rom. verse 1 X. 20. cleare this to be spoken by Christ of the Gentiles, and of their coming in to him, Acts XIII. 46.

not called by my Name] Chap. LXIII. 19.

I have spread out] To the Jewes, verse 2 Rom. X. 21. See Rom. XI. 11,—24.

in gardens] To their Idols.

altars of brick] Of matter, verse 3 and maner, according to their owne devising.

which remaine among the graves] To consult with spirits, verse 4 that haunt such places; or to have dealings with the dead; necromancers, chap. VIII. 19. Deut. XVIII. 11. 1 Sam. XXVIII. 8, 11.

and lodge in the monuments] In their idol-temples; or, in Caves under ground, haply to expect dreams from their imaginary deities; or among the corpses; as that possessed man did, Mar. V. 5.

and broth] Wherein unclean flesh had been sod.

stand by thy self] Though themselves so impure and vile, verse 5 Luke VII. 39 Such sinners would yet be such Saints.

p. 410a smoak] A continual provocation, and vexation to me.

written before me] Upon record in my sight. verse 6

and the iniquities of your fathers together] Though God lay nothing upon any person, verse 7 but what indeed comes farre short of what is due to him; Yet he hath an eye oft in inflicting judgements on notorious wicked ones descended also from such like fathers, unto the sins of the fathers also, either enhauncing, or lengthening the judgements, to make their sufferings the more exemplarie, that men may observe how execution of vengeance, though delayed for a time; yet at length falleth, with a full storme, on the race of the wicked, 1 Sam. III. 12. Lam. V. 7. Matth. XXIII. 32, 35, 36. 1 Thes. II. 15, 16.

a blessing in it] The little liquor in the cluster argued life and sap to be in the plant; verse 8 and so hope of recovery, to become fruitful againe.

not destroy them all.] A Remnant still reserved and saved, ver. 9. for the propagating of the Church, Jer. XXX. 11. Amos. IX. 8.

Sharon] Under Libanus, verse 10 1 Chron. XXVII. 29.

valley of Achor] Neere Jericho.

that prepare a table for that troope] Feasts, verse 11 for their troope of idols; pointed at as it were with the finger, in contempt, by the Prophet here. Some by this troope understand the hoast of heaven. Some, one particular Star, as Jupiter.

that furnish the drink-offering] Heb. that fill mixture; i. e. wine, Apoc. XIV. 10. Psal. LXXV. 8. Prov. IX. 2. strong wine is in these places meant, without mixture of water. For they would not offer such to their Idols; though in their ordinary drinking they did mix it for themselves.

behold] A strange alteration, verse 13 four times repeated.

by another name] Verse 16. verse 15 chap. LXII. 2, 4, 12. as being in another state and condition, then you, or they formerly. Such a name as should be used, not in Cursing, but in Blessing. See Hos. I. 6, 9. and II. 1, 23. Rom IX. 26. 1 Pet. II. 10.

I create new heavens] A further more strange alteration. verse 17 Make, as it were, a new world: Their change shall be such, that coming suddenly out of such adversity, into such prosperity, they shall seeme to be in a new, in another world. But this is chiefly applyable to the times of the Gospel, under Christ, in a spiritual sense; in regard of those plentiful endowments of spiritual graces that therein should abound, John I. 16, 17, Acts II. 17, 33. Heb. IX. 9,—12. And hereunto is this change applied chap. LXVI. 22. 2 Cor. V. 17. begun here: to be perfected in heaven, 2 Pet. III. 13. Apoc. XXI. 1, 5.

and the former] Jer. III. 16. 1 Cor. II. 9. 2 Cor. III. 7,—10.

But be ye glad] Gods speech, verse 18 as, chap. III. 10. and XXX. 10.

the childe] He that was once a childe. verse 20 None among them, young, or old, should be taken away by untimely death, but should live to the utmost course of nature, wont usualy to be attained, verse 22.

but the sinner] Such among them as remained still unreformed, unrefined, unreclaimed, though he live never so long, shall at length prove a cursed wretch

p. 411as the dayes of a tree] As the Oake, verse 22 and Elme.

before they call] Chap. LVIII. verse 24 9. Psal. XXXII. 5. Dan. X. 12. and IX. 20,—23. Luke XV. 18, 20. Acts X. 44. and XI. 15. John XIV. 13, 14. and XV. 7, 16. and XVI. 23, 24, 26.

The wolf and the lamb] Such as had beene of a wolvish disposition formerly, verse 25 should now be thus transformed. All shall be harmlesse, ch. XI. 6,—9.

Another Sermon, chapter LXVI like the former; and that as in matter; so also in many expressions, agreeing with it.

The heaven in my throne,] Cited Acts VII. verse 1 48, 49, 50. See Psalme CIII. 19. Matth. V. 34.

where is the House] That ye have, or should, or can, build unto me, when as I fill heaven and earth with my presence, Jer. XXIII. 24 See 1 Kings VIII. 27. Acts XVII. 14, 25. And this is to take off their minds from the Temple of Jerusalem, wherein they over-much trusted, and gloried, Jer. VII. 4.

place of my rest] Psal. CXXXII. 8, 14. Not but that he can well be without them; as he was also before they were. He needs no house to receive him, nor service of man to be done to him, Psal. XVI. 2. and L. 10, 11. He needs not these things, as their idols do.

contrite spirit] John IV. verse 2 21, 23, 24. God looks to him more then to his material Temple, Psal. XXXIV. 18. and CXXXVIII. 6.

He that killeth an Oxe] For sacrifice. verse 3 As in the Temple, so in their Sacrifices, the Jewes much confided and boasted, 2 Chron. XIII. 10, 11. But when they rested in these outward things and exercises, without any grace and goodnesse in the soul, and with much filthinesse, and wickednesse in their hearts and lives, God loaths their persons and their sacrifices, chap. I. 11,—14. Prov. XV. 8. and XXI. 27. Jer. VI. 20. and VII. 21, 22, 23. Amos V. 21, 22, 23. Micah VI. 6, 7. Ezek. XX. 39.

blessed an idol] With a Present or oblation, Gen. XXXIII. 10. and XLIII. 11.

I also will choose] An implication of a Retaliation; verse 4 As, chap. LXV. 12. Levit. XXVI. 27, 28. Psal. XVIII 26. Jer. XXXIV. 17.

their delusions] Passively, or objectively; their illusions or mockages, that they shall be exposed and subject unto. As they have made choice of such wayes and courses, as please not me; so will I make choice of such things for them, as they shall finde small pleasure in.

their fears] Prov. X. 24.

that cast you out] Either by unjust Censure, under pretence of a legal proceeding; verse 5 or that shun you, as persons so polluted and defiled, that there is no dealing with you, without being defiled by you. See John IX. 34. and XVI. 2. See chap. LXV. 5. Lam. IV. 15. Niddui a word of this root is the lowest degree of Excommunication in the Jewish Church

for my Names sake] For your loyalty to me; As, Matth. X. 22.

Let the Lord be glorified] Spoken in way of derision. Let him manifest p. 412his might and majesty, in doing some remarkable matter for you, if ye be so dear to him, as ye deeme your selves to be. Thus jearing their trust and confidence in God; As, chap. V. 19. Psal. XXII. 7, 8. Matth. XXVII. 43. 2 Pet. III. 3, 4.

but he shall appear] The answer to that jear.

A voice] Esay breaks out into these words, verse 6 as if in a Prophetical rapture he heard the noise and voice. Like that, chap. XIII. 4. Jer. L. 22, 28. and LI. 54. A voice of noise of the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Temple, by the Chaldeans, or by the Romanes.

from the Temple] To control their vaine confidence in it; as implying, how little relief or safeguard they should then receive from it, Lam. II. 20.

to his enemies] Most likely, the obstinately wicked amongst the Jewes, verse V. 14. chap. LXV. 6, 7, and I. 24.

Before she travelled] A prophecie of the strange sudden, verse 7 and unexpected restitution of the Church, and the dilatation of it into all parts. This may relate to the delivery out of Babylon by Cyrus, done at an instant by his Proclamation: not with so much ado, as that was out of Egypt. Here Zion is like the Hebrew women, Exod. I. 19. But principaly this relates to the times of the Gospel, and the Christian Church, under Christ; to which the other is subordinate.

a man-child] Collectively multitudes are meant, verse 8. Ezra II. 64, 65. Acts II. 41. and IV. 4.

shall I] Set upon a work, verse 9 and not go through with it?

suck] Chap. verse 11 LX. 16.

and your bowes] Shall get vigor, verse 14 and verdure againe: as those bones, Ezek. XXXVII. 1,—10.

come with fine] Towards and against his enemies. verse 15 Fully to be accomplished at the last day of judgement.

They that sanctifie themselves] Using superstitious rites of expiation. verse 17

in the gardens] Set apart for idolatrous services.

behinde one in the midst] Or, one person, or company after another; possibly purifying themselves in the fountaine in the midst of the garden.

It shall come] Since this people do take such courses, verse 18 ver. 3, 4. I will execute judgement upon them, and casting them off, take in the Gentiles, Rom. XI. 11, 12, 15, 17.

Set a signe] A Signe or Ensigne to gather them. verse 19 Or, a saving signe and mark upon them; as, Ezek. IX. 4, 6. Apoc. VII. 3. and IX. 4.

those that escape of them] The reserves and holy remnant of the Jewish Nation, the Apostles, and other faithful, to all Nations, to call them in by the preaching of the Gospel.

your brethren] In Christ, verse 20 the Converts of the Gentiles, chap. LX. 4, 9.

for Priests, verse 21 and for Levites] Make of them Ministers of the Gospel.

p. 413For as the new heaven] Chap. verse 22 LXV. 17. Heb. XII. 28.

remaine] Stand, continue for ever, Matth. XVI. 18.

to worship before me] By allusion in termes to the old Jewish maner of worship, verse 23 Zech XIV. 16.

and look upon the carcases] Be spectators and witnesses of the execution of Gods vengeance upon those wicked ones, verse 24 verse 15, 16. Psal. LVIII. 10.

for their worme] Hell here is principaly intended. See chap. XXX. 33. Matth. III. 12. and X. 28. and XVIII. 8, 9. and XXV. 41. James V. 3. Apoc. XIV. 10, 11. and XIX. 20. and XX. 14, 15.