Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

CHAP. XLII.

1. BEhold a, my servant b whom I uphold c, mine elect d in whom my soul delighteth e: I have put my Spirit upon him f, he shall bring forth g judgment h to the Gentiles i.

2. He shall not cry k, nor lift up l, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street m.

3. A bruised reed shall he not break n: and the ‖ smoaking flax shall he not † quench o: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth p.

4. He shall not fail, nor be † discouraged q, till he have set judgment in the earth r: and the isles s shall wait for his Law t.

5. Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which com∣eth out of it, he that giveth breath unto the People upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein u:

6. I the LORD have called thee in righte∣ousness x, and will hold thine hand y, and will keep thee z, and give thee for a covenant a of the people b, for a light of the Gen∣tiles c;

7 To open the blind eyes d, to bring out the prisoners e from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.

8. I am the LORD f that is my name g, and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images h.

9. Behold, the former things are come to pass and new things do I declare i: before they spring forth I tell you of them k.

10. Sing unto the LORD a new Song l, and his praise from the end of the earth m: ye that go down to the sea, and † all that is there∣in; the isles and the inhabitants thereof n.

11. Let the wilderness o and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar p doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains q.

12. Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands r.

13. The LORD shall go forth s as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousie t like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar u; he shall ‖ pre∣vail against his enemies.

14. I have long time held my peace x, I have been still and refrained my self, now will I cry like a travailing woman y, I will destroy and † devour at once x.

15. I will make wast mountains and hills a, and dry up all their herbs, and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools b.

16. And I will bring the blind c by a way that they know not d, I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things † straight e. These things will I do unto them, and not for∣sake them f.

17. They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed that trust in graven images g, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.

18. Hear ye deaf, and look ye blind, that ye may see h.

19. Who is blind but my servant i? or deaf as my messenger k that I sent? who is blind as he that is prefect l, and blind as the LORDS servant m.

20 Seeing many things, but thou observest no•…•…: opening the ears, but he heareth not n.

21 The LORD is well pleased o for his righteousness sake p, he will magnifie the Law, and make it honourable q.

22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled r, ‖ they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison-houses s: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a † spoyl, and none faith, Restore t.

23 Who among you will give ear to this? will hearken and hear † for the time to come u?

24 Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD x, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his wayes, neither were they obedient unto his law.

25 Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battel y: and it hath set him on •…•…ire round about, yet he knew not z; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.

Notes

• a

  The Prophet, having in the former Chapter detected the vanity of Idols, by their gross Ignorance of future things, and having given one eminent instance of Gods certain Foreknowledge of things to come, in the prediction of the destruction of Babylon, and the deliverance of the Iews out of it by Cyrus; he now addeth another more eminent & remote example of it, & foretelleth the Coming of the Mes∣siah, and several great effects or consequences thereof. Which he the rather doth, because this was the person by whom the Idols were to be utterly abolished, as was foretold, Isa. 2. ver. 18. compared with ver. 2, 3, 4. and as it fell out in the event: This having been observed not onely by Christians, but even by the learned Heathens, not without astonish∣ment, ment, That at that time, when Christ came into the world, •…•…dols were generally struck dumb, and the Oracles ceased.
• Mat. 12. 18.
• b

  The person▪ of whom he here speaketh, is by some supposed to be Cyrus, and by others Isaiah himself, and by others the People of the Iews. But the most and best interpreters understand this place of Christ. And although I am sen∣sible, that some learned men have done wrong to the sacred text, and to the Christian cause, by expounding some pla∣ces of Christ without sufficient evidence, yet this is one of the many places in this Prophesie, which cannot without manifest violence be applied to any other; which is so evident, that not onely the Generality of Christians, but di∣vers of the most learned Iews understand it of the Messiah, and of him alone; and pass a severe censure upon their Brethren, that expound it of any other person, and affirm that they are smitten with blindness in this matter. More∣over this place is expressly interpreted of Christ, Matth. 12. 18, &c. And to him, and to him onely all the particu∣lars here following do truly and evidently belong, as we shall see.
• c

  Whom I will assist and enable to do and suf∣fer all those things which belong to his Office to do.
• d

  Chosen by me to this great work of Mediation and Re∣demption, to which he is said to be sealed and sent, Iohn 6. 27. 29. and predestinated, 1 Pet. 1. 20. and chosen of God. 1 Pet. 2. 4.
• Mat. 3. 17. & 17. 5. Eph. 1. 6.
• e

  Or, as this same word is oft rendred, is well pleased, both for himself and for all his people, being fully satisfied with that Sacrifice, which he shall offer up to me.
• Chap. 11. 2. John 3. 34.
• f

  I have furnished him with that abundance and eminency of gifts and graces, which are necessary for the discharge of his high and hard employment.
• g

  Shall publish or shew, as this word is translated, Mat. 12. 18. shall bring to light what before was hid in his breast, or in his Fathers bosome.
• h

  This word is very ambiguous, and elsewhere is put for punishment, which cannot be meant here, because the whole context speaks of his mercy and sweetness, and not of his severity: but here it is clearly put for Gods Law, as this very word is expounded here below, ver. 4. and as it is frequently used in the Holy Scriptures, as Psal. 119. and elsewhere: which also best agrees with the bringing forth or publishing of it here mentioned, publication being necessarily required and constantly used about Laws. And this interpre∣tation is confirmed by the following words, to the Gentiles. For the great things which Christ published unto all the World, both Iews and Gentiles, was nothing else but the Law and Will, and Counsel of God concerning mans sal∣vation, and the way, and means of obtaining it.
• i

  Not onely to the Iews, to whom the knowledge of Gods Laws had been hitherto appropriated, but to the Heathen Nati∣ons of the World.
• k

  Either 1. In a way of contention, as anger is oft ac∣companied with clamour, Eph. 4. 31. Or, 2. In a way of ostentation. It seems to be meant both wayes, by compar∣ing this place with Mat. 12. 16, 17, 20. He shall neither erect nor manage his Kingdom, with violence and outward pomp and state, as worldly Princes do, but with meekness and humility.
• l

  His voice, which is easily understood out of the following clause, and from many other Scriptures, where that word is added to this verb, to compleat the Phrase.
• m

  As contentious and vain-glorious persons fre∣quently do.
• n

  He will not break it to pieces, but rather will strength∣en and binde it up. It is a common figure, whereby more is understood than was expressed, and one contrary is left to be gathered from another, of which many instances have been given in former Texts. The sence is plainly this, Christ will not deal roughly and rigorously with those that come to him, but he will use all gentleness and kindness to them, passing by their greatest sins, bearing with their present infirmities, cherishing and incouraging the smallest beginnings of grace, comforting and healing wounded consciences, and the like.
• ‖

  Or, dimly burning.
• †

  Heb. quench it.
• o

  The same thing is repeated in other words, to give us the greater assurance of the truth of it. That wiek of a Candle (called Flax metonymically, because it is made of Flax) which is almost exstinct, and doth onely smoke and not flame, he will not utterly quench, but will revive and kindle it again.
• Psal. 94. 15.
• p

  Iudgment may be here taken either, 1. For the Law or Will of God, or the Doctrine of the Gospel, which he will bring forth, i. e. publish, which he will do unto or in or with or according to (for this preposition is used all those wayes) truth, i. e. truly and faithfully, not concealing nor corrupting it, as false teachers commonly do. So this is a character, like that which is given to Christ, Mat. 22. 16. Thou art true and teachest the way of God in truth: And thus this phrase of bringing forth Iudgment, is taken here as it is ver▪ 1. Or, 2. for the Cause which is debated, or for the sentence which is given in the cause, as this word is most frequently used, which he will bring forth, i. e. bring to light, or dis∣cover or publish; and this he will do according to truth and equity, and not unjustly and partially, as corrupt judges use to give sentence against the poor and meek. In this sence this very phrase of bringing forth Iudgment, is taken Psal. 37. 6. And this sence seems to be favoured, both by the consideration of the quality of the Persons, to whom this judgment is here implied to be brought forth, who are called bruised Reeds, and smoaking Flax, whereby they are supposed to be Persons discouraged, and oppressed, and in a contest with themselves, or with their spiritual adver∣saries about the state of their Souls; as also by comparing this place with Mat. 12. 20. where these very words are quoted, and thus rendred, Till he send forth Iudgment unto Victory, i. e. till judgment or sentence be given for him, in which case a man is said to be victorious in Judgment. If it be said for the former interpretation, that it seems most reasonable to understand Iudgment here as it is understood, ver. 1. and 4. and bringing forth Iudgment here as it is taken, ver. 1. it may be truly and fairly answered, that it is a very common thing in Scripture, for the same words or phrases to be used in several sences, not onely in two Neighbou∣ring verses, but sometimes also in the very same verse, where∣of I have formerly given divers instances.
• †

  Heb. broken.
• q

  Though he be thus meek, and gentle, yet he is also cou∣ragious, and resolute against all the great, and many diffi∣culties and conflicts, to which he will be exposed, and will not give over till he have finished his work: Or, as others render the words, He shall not be darkned (This glorious light shall not be eclipsed or obscured: Or, He shall shine forth brightly and gloriously, as the Seventy render this word) nor broken, by all the attempts and vigorous indea∣vours of his enemies who design it.
• r

  Till he hath publi∣shed and established his law or doctrine (as this Iudgment is expounded in the next clause) among the nations of the Earth. And this word, till respects onely the time past, but not the time come, as if he would then fail, or be discou∣raged, when once he had set Iudgment in the Earth; which is contrary to reason, and to other evident Scriptures. And so this word is used, Gen. 28. 15, Psal. 71. 18. Mat. 1. 25.
• s

  The Countries remote from Iudea to which Gods Law was now confined, as this word is oft used.
• t

  Shall gladly receive his Doctrine and commands from time to time.
• Chap. 44. 24. Zech. 12. 1.
• u

  This large description of Gods infinite power, is here seasonably added, to give them assurance of the certain ac∣complishment of these great and wonderful promises, which otherwise would seem incredible.
• x

  To declare my righteousness, as is said, Rom. 3. 26. or my faithfulness, which is frequently called Righteousness in Scripture, according to my promise long since made, and oft renewed. As the former verse asserted Gods Power, so this clause declares his will and firm purpose and obli∣gation, to effect this work, and both together evince the certainty and necessity of it.
• y

  Will give thee counsel and strength for thine high and hard work.
• z

  That thou shalt not fail in, nor be hindred by thine enemies, from the ac∣complishment of thy work.
• Chap. 49. 8.
• a

  To be the Angel of the Covenant, as Christ is called Mal. 3. 1. or the Mediator in and by whom my Covenant of Grace is made, and con∣firmed with mankind.
• b

  Either of my People, the Iewes: Or, Indefinitely or universally, of all People, not onely Iews but Gentiles also, as it follows.
• Chap. 49. 6. Luk. 2. 32. Act. 13. 47.
• c

  To enlighten them with true and saving knowledge, and to direct them in the right way to true happiness, from which they had mise∣rably wandred. He alludes to Gods fiery Pillar, which enlightned and directed the Israelites in the Wilderness.
• d

  The eyes of their minds blinded with long ignorance, and deep prejudice and inveterate error, and by the Power and Policy of the God of this World, 2 Cor. 4. 4. which nothing but the almighty Power of God could cure.
• e

  Sinners who are taken Captive by the Devil at his will, as we read, 2 Tim. 2. 26. and as daily experience sheweth, and who are enslaved and chained by their own lusts, and made Free-men onely by Christ, Ioh. 8. 32, 36. Compare this portion of Scripture with Isa. 61. 1. and both with Luke 4. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. Where it is said to be fulfilled in and by Christ.
• Chap. 35. 5. & 61. 1. Luk. 4. 18. Heb. 2. 14. 15.
• f

  Heb. Iehovah: Who have all being in and of my self, and give being to all my Creatures, and to all my promises, as this name signifies, the everlasting, and unchangeable, and omnipotent God, who therefore both can, and will fulfill all my promises, and plead the cause, and set up the Kingdom of my Son in spight of all opposition, and de∣stroy all those Idols which are set up against him and me.
• g

  Which I must own and justifie to the World. He seems to allude to Exod. 3. 14, 15. and 6. 3.
• Chap. 48. 11.
• h

  I will not any longer suffer that Honour and Worship, which is peculiar to me, to be given to Idols as it hath been, but I will by Christ and the Gospel, abolish Idolatry in the World.
• Chap. 43. 9. 10. & 44. 7, 8. & 46. 9, 10.
• i

  As all things, which I have formerly promised or fore∣told, have exactly come to pass in their proper seasons, and not one of them failed, as was noted Iosh. 23. 14. So you have great reason to believe, that what I now promise, though it be new, and strange to you, shall infallibly be accomplished.
• k

  That when they come to pass, you may know that I am God, and that this is my Work. Compare Iohn 13. 19.
• Psal. 33. 3.
• l

  Upon this new and great occasion, the calling and salvation of the World by Christ.
• m

  All Nations from one end of the Earth to another, who shall be sharers in this Mercy.
• †

  Heb. the ful∣ness thereof.
• n

  You that go by Sea carry these glad tidings from Iudea, where Christ was born, and lived, and died, and published the Gospel, unto the remotest parts of the Earth, that they may joyn with you in singing forth Gods praises for his marvellous kindness and grace to them.
• o

  Those parts of the World which are now like a Wil∣derness; not literally, for he speaks of their Cities in the next clause, but spiritually, desolate and forsaken of God, dry and destitute of the waters of Gods grace, and barren of all good fruits.
• p

  The Arabians: which were an Hea∣thenish and Barbarous People, and well known to the Iews, and are synecdochically put for all Nations in the same circumstances.
• q

  Having mentioned Cities and Villages, he now adds those who dwell upon Rocks and Mountains, which are commonly more savage and ignorant than others, and therefore harder to be taught and reformed.
• r

  In the remotest parts of the world, as well as in Ara∣bia, which was near to them.
• s

  To wit, to war, or battle, as this Phrase is used, Numb. 1. 3, 18. 2 Sam. 11. 1.
• t

  He shall stir up himself, and his strength, and anger against the obstinate and implacable enemies of his Son and Gospel.
• u

  As a Lyon doth upon his prey, and as Souldiers do when they begin the battle.
• ‖

  Or, behave himself mighti∣ly.
• x

  I have for many ages suffered the Devil and his Ser∣vants, Tyrants, and Idolaters and Persecuters to prevail in the world, to afflict my people, and to hinder the enter∣tainment of my Doctrine and Worship in the World.
• y

  Now I will bring forth and accomplish that glorious work which I have long conceived in my mind.
• †

  Heb. swallow or, sup up.
• z I will sud∣denly and utterly destroy the incorrigible enemies of my Truth, and of my Sons Kingdom. He alludes to those wild Beasts which open their mouths wide, and devour all their prey at one morsel or at one time.
• a

  Not dry and barren ones, for these were wast already, but such as are clothed with Grass and Herbs, as the fol∣lowing words imply. Which is to be understood Metapho∣rically, of Gods destroying his most lofty and flourishing enemies, who are oft compared in Scripture unto Mountains and Hills.
• b

  I will remove all impediments out of the way: which is expressed in the Prophetical dialect, by drying up Euphrates, that the way of the Kings of the East might be pre∣pared, Revel. 16. 12. He seems to allude to that which God did in drying up first the Red Sea, and then Iordan, to give his people passage into Canaan. And this expositi∣on is confirmed by the following verse.
• c

  The Gentiles who were blind and were called so above ver. 7. and in many other places of Scripture, and were so accounted by the Iews.
• d

  By the way of truth, which hi∣therto hath been hidden from them, until by my Word and Spirit I revealed it to them.
• †

  Heb. unto straightness.
• e

  I will take away all hinde∣rances, and give them all advantages and conveniences for their Journey. I will direct them in the right way. I will enlighten their dark minds, and rectifie their perverse wills and affections.
• f

  Until I have brought them with safety and comfort to the end of their journey.
• Psal. 97. 7. Chap. 1. 29. & 44. 11. & 45. 16
• g

  This may be understood either 1. Of the Converted Gentiles; who shall be turned back from their former sin∣ful course, and shall sincerely grieve, and be ashamed that they did trust, &c. as the word may be rendred; that they should ever be guilty of such wickedness and madness to Worship and Trust in Idols: Or, rather 2. Of those Gen∣tiles who, when their Brethren embraced the true God and Christ, persisted obstinately in their Idola•…•…rous courses, who shall be confounded and destroyed: For this phrase of being turned back is generally used in Scripture in a bad sence; or of them who are overthrown, or put to flight in battel, as Psal. 9. 3. & 35. 4. & 70. 2, 3. &c. And the like I may say of being ashamed, or confounded, or put to shame, especially where this Phrase is joyned with the other, as it is in the two places of the Psalmes last quoted.
• h

  O you, whosoever you are, whether Iews or Gentiles, which shall resist this clear light, and obstinately continue in your former errours, attend diligently to my words, and consider these mighty works of God.
• Chap. 43. •…•…
• i

  But no People under Heaven are so blind as the Iews who call themselves my Servants and People, who will not receive their Messiah, though he be recommended to them, with such evident and illustrious Signs, and Miraculous works, as force belief from the most unbelieving, and obsti∣nate Gentiles.
• k

  My Messengers, the Singular number being put for the plural, as it is commonly in Scripture.
• l

  The Priests and other Teachers whom I appointed to instruct my People in the right way.
• m

  As the most eminent Teachers and Rulers of the Iews, whom he calleth Perfect, either because it was their duty to know and teach the way, and truth of God perfectly; or rather Sarcastically, because they pretended to great perfection, and proudly called themselves Rabbies and Masters, as our Saviour observed, and despised the People as cursed and not knowing the Law, Ioh. 7. 49. and dirided Christ, for calling them blind, Ioh. 9. 40.
• m Which title as it was given to the Iewish People in the first clause of the verse; So here it seems to be given to the Priests, because they were called and obliged to be the Lords Servants, in a special and eminent manner.
• Rom. 2. 2•…•….
• n

  Thou do•…•…t not seriously and impartially consider the plain word, and the wonderful Works of God, of which thi•…•…e ears and ey•…•…s have been witnesses, which are abun∣dantly sufficient for the Conviction of any considering man.
• o

  To wit, with you: Or, as this word is most common∣ly used, hath a good will, to you or to this People: which may be understood out of the following verse, as is very usual in sacred Scripture. The meaning seems to be this; Although thou art a wicked people that rebellest against the clearest light, and therefore God might justly destroy thee suddenly, yet he is very unwilling to do it, and will patiently wait for thy repentance that he may be gracious unto thee.
• Chap. 59. 16.
• p

  Not for thy sake, for thou deservest no such thing from him, but for the glory of his own faithfulness, in fulfilling that Promise and Covenant, which he made with thy pious Progenitors for themselves, and for their Seed.
• Or, him.
• q

  He will maintain the honour of his law, and therefore is not forward to destroy you, who profess Gods Law, and the true Religion, least his Law should upon that occasi∣on be exposed to contempt.
• r

  But notwithstanding this great respect which God hath to his Law, and to his people for the sake of his Law, it is apparent that God hath severely scourged you for your sins: and therefore take heed that you do not pro∣voke him by your obstinate infidelity, lest he cast you off for ever.
• ‖

  Or, in snar∣ing all the young men of them.
• s

  They are, or have been, taken in snares made by their own hands, and by Gods just judgment delivered into the hands of their enemies, and by them cast into Pits or Dungeons and Prisons.
• †

  Heb. a tread∣ing.
• t

  None afford them either pity or help in their extremites.
• †

  Heb. for the who after-time.
• u

  O that you would learn from your former and dear∣bought experiences to be wiser for the future, and not to provoke God to your own total and final ruine.
• z Do not flatter your selves with a conceit of impu∣nity, because you are a people whom God hath favoured and endowed with many, and great priviledges, which the Iewes were very prone to do, as we see, Ier. 7. 4, &c. and elsewhere; for as God hath punished you formerly, doubt not, but if you continue to sin, he will proceed in punishing you more and more for your sins.
• y

  Most grievous Judgments.
• z

  They were secure and stupid under Gods Judgments, neither fearing them when threatned, nor truly sensible of Gods hand in them, and of the causes of Gods displeasure against them, and of the means of cure.