Isaiah
Isa 1:11 Isaiah
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 1:11 [1] Meaning the salvation of Jah. The book of Isaiah, in its content concerning God’s eternal economy in Christ, is the leading book among all the books of the prophets. This book is the vision that Isaiah saw (v. 1), the word that Isaiah saw (2:1), and the burden that Isaiah saw (13:1; 15:1). The vision, word, and burden in Isaiah are concerned with God’s eternal economy in Christ, which is thoroughly covered in this book.
Isa 1:11 [2] The book of Isaiah unveils that God’s dealing in love with His beloved Israel and His righteous judgment upon the nations bring in Christ, the Savior (43:3; 49:26), who is God (9:6) incarnated to be a man (7:14), possessing both the divine nature and the human nature (4:2), living on this earth (53:2-3; 42:1-4), crucified (53:7-10a, 12), resurrected (53:10b-11), ascended (52:13), and coming (40:10; 64:1) to meet the need of God’s chosen people and the nations (9:1-7; 49:6) in God’s all-inclusive salvation (12:2-3), that the restoration of all things, of the created yet fallen universe (2:2-5; 11:6-9; 35:1-10; 30:26), may be brought in, which will consummate in the new heaven and new earth for eternity (65:17). Hence, the content of Isaiah covers God’s entire economy of the New Testament, from the incarnation (Matt. 1:18-25) to the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21—22), with the Old Testament background of God’s dealing with Israel and His judgment upon the nations. According to Isaiah’s prophecy, the Christ who was processed for the divine purposes is the centrality and universality of the great wheel of the move of the Divine Trinity (Ezek. 1:15 and note 1) for the accomplishing of His economy in the divine dispensing of Himself into His elect.
Isa 1:1b Uzziah 2 Chron. 26:1
Isa 1:1c Jotham 2 Chron. 27:1
Isa 1:1d Ahaz 2 Chron. 28:1
Isa 1:1e Hezekiah 2 Chron. 29:1; 32:32
Isa 1:2a Hear Deut. 32:1
Isa 1:21b children Deut. 1:31; Isa. 46:3-4; Jer. 31:9
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 1:21 [1] In the book of Isaiah, God’s love toward Israel is exercised in a threefold way: as a Father (1:2-3; 63:16; 64:8), as a nursing Mother (66:13), and as a Husband (54:5). Since God deals with His beloved Israel in a loving way, His dealing with them, in general, is a matter not of judgment but of chastisement. God’s dealing with the Gentiles, the nations, however, is a matter of judgment based on God’s righteousness, on His justice.
Isa 1:21 [2] God deals with people according to what He is. God is holy and righteous; He is the Holy One and the righteous One (v. 4; 24:16a). As the Holy One, He chastises His people that they may be holy (Heb. 12:10), and as the righteous One, He judges the nations because they are not just and righteous. See note 131 in ch. 26.
Isa 1:4a Seed Isa. 57:3-4; Matt. 3:7
Isa 1:51 Where
Or, Why.
Isa 1:52 apostasy
Jehovah chastised the children of Israel because of their apostasy, i.e., their forsaking God and turning to and serving another god (Jer. 2:13).
Isa 1:6a bound Luke 10:34
Isa 1:8a daughter 2 Kings 19:21
Isa 1:9a Unless Lam. 3:22; Rom. 9:29
Isa 1:91 of
Or, Sabaoth. So throughout the book.
Isa 1:9b Sodom Gen. 19:24; Rev. 11:8
Isa 1:11a sacrifices 1 Sam. 15:22; Psa. 50:8-9; Prov. 15:8
Isa 1:12a appear Exo. 23:17; 34:23
Isa 1:15a hands Psa. 134:2; 1 Tim. 2:8
Isa 1:161a Wash Jer. 4:14; 1 John 3:3
After Jehovah’s chastisement on His beloved children, Isaiah presents Jehovah’s loving exhortation (vv. 16-17) and promise to His chastised people. Jehovah’s loving promise is a promise of forgiveness (v. 18) and of restoration (vv. 26-27).
Isa 1:16b evil Psa. 34:14; 37:27; 1 Pet. 3:11; 3 John 11
Isa 1:17a orphan James 1:27
Isa 1:18a white Psa. 51:7; Rev. 1:14; 7:14
Isa 1:181 snow
In God’s full salvation He not only forgives our sins, exempting us from the penalty of our sins and removing the record of our sins from before Him; He also washes away the traces of sins in us, making us as white as snow and white like wool. Both snow and wool are naturally white. Hence, as a result of God’s washing, we become not only white but also naturally white, as if we had never been defiled. The washing that makes us as white as snow is a positional washing from without through the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7; Heb. 1:3b; Rev. 1:5), whereas the washing that makes us white like wool is a washing of our nature metabolically from within by God’s Spirit and by His life (1 Cor. 6:11 and note; Titus 3:5 and note 4). Cf. note 142 in Rev. 1.
Isa 1:21a harlot Jer. 2:20; 3:1
Isa 1:241 adversaries
Cf. note 101 in Matt. 4. God chastised Israel because Israel had rebelled against God to such an extent that they became not only His adversaries, who were within God’s nation, but also His enemies, who were outside God’s nation.
Isa 1:25a purge Jer. 9:7; Mal. 3:3
Isa 1:291 you
Many MSS read, they.
Isa 1:292 terebinths
Trees used in the worship of idols.
Isa 1:311 tow
I.e., fibers shaken off from flax when beaten.
Isa 2:2a But vv. 2-4: Micah 4:1-3
Isa 2:21c mountain Psa. 68:15-16; Isa. 27:13; Zech. 8:3
The mountain here signifies the kingdom of Israel, whereas the mountains and the hills later in the verse signify the kingdoms of the nations. In the restoration (Matt. 19:28; Acts 3:21) the nation of Israel will be the foremost among the nations.
Isa 2:2d nations Psa. 22:27; 86:9; Isa. 11:10; Jer. 3:17
Isa 2:3a Come Jer. 31:6; 50:5; Zech. 8:21, 23
Isa 2:3b mountain Psa. 24:3; Isa. 30:29
Isa 2:31 in
Lit., out of; indicating the source of His instruction.
Isa 2:32 instruction
Heb. torah, frequently translated law. During the millennium, the thousand-year kingdom, the restored nation of Israel will be the priests in the earthly part of the kingdom (61:6; Zech. 8:20-23), the kingdom of the Son of Man (Matt. 13:41; Rev. 11:15), and the overcoming believers in Christ will be the priests in the heavenly part (Rev. 20:6), the kingdom of the Father (Matt. 13:43). By this priesthood all the peoples of the nations will be taught and instructed. See note 201 in Zech. 8.
Isa 2:3c Jerusalem cf. Luke 24:47
Isa 2:41 judge
In the restoration Christ will be the unique ruler on earth. See note 11 in ch. 32.
Isa 2:4a And cf. Joel 3:10; Rev. 6:4
Isa 2:4b war Psa. 46:9; Isa. 11:9; Hosea 2:18; Zech. 9:10
Isa 2:5a walk Psa. 89:15; Eph. 5:8; 1 John 1:7
Isa 2:71 silver
The nations were rich not only in money but also in idols (vv. 8, 20). Idols and money go together. This is the reason that money is called mammon (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:9, 11, 13). Because the nations trusted in idols, God judged them in order to humiliate them (vv. 9-22).
Isa 2:8a full Jer. 2:28; Acts 17:16
Isa 2:10a rock Isa. 2:19, 21; Rev. 6:15
Isa 2:111a haughty Isa. 2:17; 5:15-16; 2 Cor. 10:5
Because the nations were haughty, it was necessary for Jehovah to humiliate them, to bring them down, through judgment. God’s judgment on the haughty nations ushers in the God-man, Christ (4:2, 5-6), issuing in the restoration of the nation of Israel (4:3-6; 2:2-5), which brings in the kingdom and consummates in the new heaven and new earth (65:17).
Isa 2:121 day
See note 151 in Joel 1.
Isa 2:131 cedars
Typifying lofty persons, those who lift themselves up.
Isa 2:141 lofty
In figure signifying countries, nations, and kingdoms.
Isa 2:161 artifacts
Or, images. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
Isa 2:17a haughtiness Isa. 2:11
Isa 2:19a rocks Isa. 2:10; Rev. 6:15
Isa 3:1a taking Jer. 37:21; 38:9
Isa 3:4a youths Eccl. 10:16
Isa 3:71 food
As part of His chastisement of His people, God took away from them all their rulers, leaving them with no rulers (vv. 2-4). Here Isaiah links the ruler with the food supply. To be a ruler, one must feed the people. Ruling and feeding are not only a pair; they also work together in a cycle and give rise to each other. Thus, if there is feeding, there is ruling, and if there is ruling, there is feeding. In the church, when there is the proper feeding, everything will be in order.
Isa 3:9a Sodom Gen. 13:13; 18:20-21; Rev. 11:8
Isa 4:11 women
This verse is a link between God’s judgment (ch. 3) and Christ. According to v. 2, to these women who escaped God’s judgment, Christ as the Shoot of Jehovah will be beauty and glory, and Christ as the fruit of the earth will be excellence and splendor. This is the ushering in of the God-man, Christ, through God’s judgment.
Isa 4:21 that
The day of the coming restoration of the nation of Israel (Matt. 17:11; 19:28; Acts 1:6; 3:21; 15:16).
Isa 4:22a Shoot Jer. 23:5; Zech. 3:8; 6:12
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 4:22 [1] In this book Christ is unveiled as the God-man. The Shoot of Jehovah refers to Christ’s deity, showing His divine nature, and the fruit of the earth (Luke 1:42) refers to Christ’s humanity with His human nature. As the Shoot of Jehovah, Christ comes out of God, out of eternity (John 8:42; Micah 5:2). As the fruit of the earth, Christ, having a human body made of dust (Gen. 2:7), grows out of the earth (cf. 53:2). In the restoration, to those of Israel who have escaped, Christ in His deity will be beauty and glory, and in His humanity, which expresses His divine beauty and glory, He will be excellence and splendor. The Shoot of Jehovah denotes that through His incarnation Christ is a new development of Jehovah God for the Triune God to branch Himself out in His divinity into humanity (7:14; Matt. 1:22-23). This is for Jehovah God’s increase and spread in the universe. The fruit of the earth denotes that Christ, as the divine Shoot of Jehovah, also becomes a man of flesh from the earth (John 1:14; Heb. 2:14). This is for the Triune God to be multiplied and reproduced in humanity. As a man with the divine life, He is a seed, a grain of wheat, to produce many grains, His believers as His many brothers, through His death and resurrection (John 12:24; 20:17; Rom. 8:29).
Isa 4:22 [2] The Shoot of Jehovah denotes the riches, the refreshing, the vigor, the growth, and the productive power of the divine life. The fruit of the earth denotes the produce brought forth, carried out, and expressed in Christ’s humanity. As seen in the four Gospels, all the fruit born by Christ came out of the divine life, but it was produced in Christ’s humanity. In Christ, the God-man, God and man live together as one, with God as the life inwardly and man as the fruit outwardly.
Isa 4:3a written Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Rev. 21:27; cf. Exo. 32:33
Isa 4:4a washed Ezek. 36:25; Mal. 3:2-3
Isa 4:41 judging
Lit., the Spirit of judgment and the Spirit of burning.
Isa 4:5a cloud Exo. 13:21
Isa 4:51 canopy
In the restoration Christ as the Shoot of Jehovah in His divinity and the fruit of the earth in His humanity will be a covering canopy of glory and an overshadowing tabernacle of grace (v. 6). The canopy is the covering glory of Christ in His divinity that will cover the entire region of Mount Zion and all its convocations, i.e., all the interests of Jehovah God on the earth. The glory of Christ will cover this entire region as a canopy of two sections: a cloud of smoke for a shade from the heat in the daytime, and a cloud of brightness of a fiery flame to keep the darkness away at night (cf. Exo. 40:38; Num. 9:15). The tabernacle (v. 6) is the God-man, Christ, in His humanity with His grace to be the overshadowing protection and defense for God’s chosen people (John 1:14; 2 Cor. 12:9).
Isa 5:1a vineyard Psa. 80:8; S.S. 8:12; Isa. 27:2; Matt. 21:33; Mark 12:1; Luke 13:6; 20:9
Isa 5:11 fertile
Lit., horn of a son of oil.
Isa 5:5a hedge Psa. 80:12
Isa 5:101 bath
A liquid measure equal to approximately six gallons, or twenty-two liters.
Isa 5:102 homer
A dry measure equal to somewhere between four and eight bushels, or 140 and 280 liters.
Isa 5:103 ephah
One-tenth of a homer.
Isa 5:13a exile 2 Kings 17:6; 24:14
Isa 5:131 nobility
Lit., glory.
Isa 5:15a haughty cf. Isa. 2:11, 17
Isa 5:161 shows
Or, is sanctified.
Isa 5:162 holy
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 5:162 [1] Righteousness is the base for holiness, and on this base holiness is exhibited. Hence, holiness is higher than righteousness. With His righteousness as the base, God shows Himself as the holy God. In righteousness He exhibits His holiness.
Isa 5:162 [2] God could expect only righteousness from the nations because they are not the sons of God. It is with His sons that God expects to see holiness (Eph. 1:4-5). God’s chastening and disciplining is to uplift us from righteousness to holiness (Heb. 12:5-11). In His salvation He first justifies us to make us righteous in Christ (Rom. 3:24), and then He sanctifies us to make us holy (Rom. 6:19, 22). To be righteous is to match God’s way of doing things outwardly, but to be holy is to match God’s nature inwardly.
Isa 5:171 fat
I.e., rich men.
Isa 5:20a call Prov. 17:15
Isa 5:21a wise Prov. 3:7; Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 3:18
Isa 5:25a hand Psa. 89:13; 136:12; Isa. 40:10; 1 Pet. 5:6
Isa 5:26a standard Isa. 11:12
Isa 5:261 nation
I.e., Babylon.
Isa 5:26c ends Deut. 28:49; Jer. 5:15
Isa 6:1a Uzziah 2 Chron. 26:22-23; Isa. 1:1
Isa 6:11b Lord 1 Kings 22:19; Dan. 7:9; John 12:41; Rev. 4:2
The One who appeared to Isaiah in his disappointment over the condition of the children of Israel was Christ as the Lord, the King, Jehovah of hosts (v. 5b; John 12:41 and note). No matter what the situation might be on earth and regardless of the corruption and degradation among God’s people, Christ is still on the throne in His glory. The people had become fallen, but Christ and His throne remained the same in His glory. On this earth everything changes and fluctuates, but Christ remains the same today and forever (Heb. 13:8). Hence, we should not look down at the situation on earth but should look up to Christ on the throne (Heb. 12:2).
Isa 6:12 robe
Christ’s long robe signifies Christ’s splendor in His virtues, which is expressed mainly in and through His humanity. That Christ was wearing a long robe indicates that He appeared to Isaiah in the image of a man. Christ is the God-man with the divine glory expressed in His human virtues.
Isa 6:21 hovered
Lit., stood. The seraphim signify or represent the holiness of Christ (v. 3). They were standing there for Christ’s holiness.
Isa 6:22 Him
Or, it; referring to the train of His robe.
Isa 6:2a two Ezek. 1:11
Isa 6:31a Holy Rev. 4:8; 3:7
This was a praise rendered to Christ in His holiness. In this chapter Christ is seen in His divine glory (signified by the smoke—v. 4) with His human virtues (signified by the train of His robe—v. 1) held in His holiness (signified by the seraphim standing firmly—v. 2). Christ’s holiness is based on His righteousness (see note 162 in ch. 5). Because Christ was always righteous, He was sanctified, separated from the common people (Heb. 7:26). Cf. note 81 in Rev. 4.
Isa 6:3b earth Psa. 72:19; Hab. 2:14
Isa 6:41 foundations
The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain; the Septuagint translates this phrase as lintel.
Isa 6:42 shook
The shaking of the foundations signifies solemnity, whereas the temple being filled with smoke signifies glory burning in awe. The smoke signifies Christ’s glory (cf. 4:5).
Isa 6:4a filled Exo. 40:34; 1 Kings 8:10; Rev. 15:8
Isa 6:51a unclean cf. Exo. 4:10; 6:30; Luke 5:8
Everyone who truly sees a vision of the Lord in His glory is enlightened in his conscience regarding his uncleanness (cf. Luke 5:8).
Isa 6:5b seen Judg. 6:22; 13:22
Isa 6:61 ember
The ember from the altar signifies the effectiveness of Christ’s redemption accomplished on the cross.
Isa 6:7a mouth Jer. 1:9; Dan. 10:16
Isa 6:71 purged
Or, expiated. The more we see the Lord and are exposed, the more we are cleansed (1 John 1:7 and note 3). According to our enlightened conscience, we are clean, but according to the actual facts of our situation in the old creation, we are not clean, for the old creation is unclean (see note 21 in Lev. 12 and notes on 1 John 1:8). After our body is redeemed (Rom. 8:23; Phil. 3:21), we will no longer be in the old creation. At that time we will be completely clean.
Isa 6:81 I
The words I and Us here indicate that the One speaking is triune, that this One is not merely Christ but Christ as the embodiment of the Triune God. See note 13, par. 1, in Gen. 1.
Isa 6:81a Us Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7
See note 81.
Isa 6:8b Here Gen. 22:1; 31:11; 46:2; Exo. 3:4; 1 Sam. 3:4; Isa. 65:1; Acts 9:10
Isa 6:91 Go
Isaiah was sent by the Christ who is full of the divine glory and the human virtues held in His holiness, to a people who were short of the divine glory, were violating the divine holiness, and were corrupt in the human virtues (v. 5). After sending the prophets to Israel, God sent His Son and then sent the New Testament apostles, to bring His chosen people into a state of living Christ (Phil. 1:21a) that they might express His divine glory with His human virtues in His holiness.
Isa 6:9a Hear Isa. 43:8; Jer. 5:21; Matt. 13:14; Mark 4:12; Luke 8:10; Acts 28:26; cf. Rom. 11:8
Isa 6:9b not Deut. 32:28; Isa. 27:11; Jer. 4:22
Isa 6:10a Make Matt. 13:15; John 12:40; Acts 28:27
Isa 6:10b heart 2 Cor. 3:14
Isa 6:10c eyes Isa. 44:18; 2 Cor. 4:4
Isa 6:101e healed Heb. 12:13
The word in vv. 9-10 indicates that there would be no way for the people of Israel to be healed and recovered. Except for the word concerning the holy seed in v. 13, the prophetic warning in vv. 9-13, given in approximately 758 B.C., has been fulfilled. It was fulfilled beginning in about 605 B.C. by the Babylonian invasion and captivity (2 Kings 24—25). This warning was quoted by the Lord Jesus in Matt. 13:14-15, and again by the apostle Paul in Acts 28:25-27, as a reminder to the rebellious and stubborn Jews under their ministry. Both the Lord’s reminding and the apostle’s reminding were fulfilled in A.D. 70 by the Roman army under Titus (Matt. 23:37-38; 24:2). Furthermore, after A.D. 70 this warning has been fulfilled throughout the centuries.
Isa 6:13a holy Ezra 9:2; Isa. 65:9; Mal. 2:15; cf. Isa. 1:9; Rom. 11:5
Isa 7:1a Ahaz 2 Kings 16:1-5; 2 Chron. 28:1-6
Isa 7:21 Ephraim
Representing the northern kingdom of Israel.
Isa 7:31 Shear-jashub
Meaning a remnant will return.
Isa 7:3a upper 2 Kings 18:17; Isa. 36:2
Isa 7:8a And 2 Kings 17:5-6; Isa. 8:4
Isa 7:111 make
Following some ancient versions; the Hebrew text reads, make the request deep.
Isa 7:112 Sheol
See note 231 in Matt. 11.
Isa 7:14a Behold Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:31
Isa 7:14b virgin Gen. 3:15; Luke 1:27, 34; 2:7; Gal. 4:4
Isa 7:141d Immanuel Isa. 8:8
Meaning God with us. The actual fulfillment of this sign was the birth of a son by Isaiah’s wife (8:3). The ultimate fulfillment was the incarnation, in which Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary as a child of a dual nature, the divine nature and the human nature, issuing in Immanuel, i.e., God with us, for the salvation of God’s people, including those of Israel and those of the church (Matt. 1:20-23 and notes). Christ, the God-man, the mingling of God and man, who is the Shoot of Jehovah and the fruit of the earth (4:2), is Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 18:20; 28:20). Immanuel is all-inclusive; He is first our Savior (Luke 2:11), then our Redeemer (John 1:29), then our Life-giver (1 Cor. 15:45b), and then the all-inclusive indwelling Spirit (John 14:16-20; Rom. 8:9-11). Actually, the content of the entire New Testament is an Immanuel (Matt. 1:23; 18:20; 28:20; Rev. 21:3), and all the believers in Christ, as the members of Christ, are a part of this great Immanuel, the corporate Christ (1 Cor. 12:12; Col. 3:10-11). The sign of Immanuel consummates in the New Jerusalem, which will be the aggregate of Immanuel, the totality of God being with us.
Isa 7:151 until
This indicates that the lands of the two kings whom Ahaz dreaded would be abandoned, made desolate, by the king of Assyria (v. 16). God sent the army from Assyria in the northeast to deal with the king of Aram and the king of Israel, who were threatening Ahaz (7:17-25; 8:5-8).
Isa 7:17a since 1 Kings 12:16
Isa 7:17b bring 2 Chron. 28:19-21
Isa 7:181 flies
Signifying the soldiers.
Isa 7:20a razor Ezek. 5:1; cf. 2 Kings 16:7-8; 2 Chron. 28:20-21
Isa 7:201 River
I.e., the Euphrates.
Isa 7:202 head
The hair on the head signifies glory (1 Cor. 11:7, 15), the hair on other parts of the body signifies strength, and the beard signifies dignity. Thus, the glory, strength, and dignity of Judah would be removed through the “razor” of the king of Assyria.
Isa 8:1a write Isa. 30:8; Hab. 2:2
Isa 8:11 Maher-shalal-hash-baz
Meaning swift is the booty, hastening is the prey. This name, given to Isaiah’s son (v. 3), indicates the carrying away of the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria before the king of Assyria (v. 4).
Isa 8:2a Urijah 2 Kings 16:10
Isa 8:31 conceived
This was the actual fulfillment of the sign spoken of in 7:14. See note there.
Isa 8:61 waters
Signifying the tender blessings of the divine provision.
Isa 8:6a Shiloah Neh. 3:15; Luke 13:4; John 9:7
Isa 8:71a waters Isa. 17:12-13; Jer. 46:7-9; 47:2-3; Rev. 12:15
Signifying the strong and great Assyrian army.
Isa 8:81 land
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 8:81 [1] Indicating that the land of Judah, the Holy Land, is the territory of Christ, who is Immanuel, God with us. This land, which was invaded by the army of Assyria, is the land that Christ will inherit to build up His millennial kingdom with His two elect peoples, the chosen Jews as His earthly people and the chosen believers as His heavenly people. God’s eternal economy is to gain for Himself these two peoples as a treasure.
Isa 8:81 [2] Satan, God’s enemy, uses the nations to frustrate the accomplishing of God’s economy. The invaders and occupiers of the Holy Land, the land of Immanuel, are signified by the human image in Dan. 2, the head of which is Babylon. The enemies of God’s people in the Old Testament began from Babylon (2 Kings 24—25), which issued from Babel (Gen. 11:1-9). In the New Testament the enemy of God’s chosen people, the church, still is called Babylon—Babylon the Great (Rev. 17—18). Eventually, both the religious Babylon (the apostate Roman Church) and the material Babylon (the city of Rome) will be destroyed, after which the kingdom will come. Even the termination of Babylon is included in the sign of a virgin bearing a son called Immanuel. The sign of Immanuel is still being fulfilled today. It is an all-inclusive sign that covers the Bible from Gen. 11 through Rev. 22. See note 141 in ch. 7.
Isa 8:8a Immanuel Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23
Isa 8:10b God Matt. 1:23
Isa 8:12a fear Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 3:14
Isa 8:13a sanctify Num. 20:12; 1 Pet. 3:15
Isa 8:141a sanctuary Ezek. 11:16; Rev. 21:22
Christ the Immanuel becomes a sanctuary, i.e., the inner temple, the Holy of Holies, to God’s chosen people, the place where they as God’s priests live with God and worship and serve God (John 1:14; 2:19, 21; 14:23; 15:5; Rev. 21:22). He is also a smiting stone to the nations (Matt. 21:44b; Dan. 2:34-35), and He is a stone to strike against, a rock of stumbling, a trap, and a snare to the unbelieving ones and the opposers (Matt. 21:44a; 1 Pet. 2:7-8; Rom. 9:32-33; 1 Cor. 1:22-23). See notes on Matt. 21:42 and 44.
Isa 8:141b stone Isa. 28:16; Matt. 21:44; Luke 20:18; Rom. 9:32; 1 Pet. 2:8
See note 141.
Isa 8:14c stumbling Matt. 11:6; Luke 7:23; 1 Cor. 1:23
Isa 8:151 at
Or, among them.
Isa 8:161 testimony
I.e., the law. See note 11 in Exo. 20.
Isa 8:17a wait Psa. 27:14; Isa. 25:9; 26:8; 30:18; 40:31; 42:4; 64:4
Isa 8:17b hides Isa. 54:8; 59:2; 64:7
Isa 8:181 I
The prophet Isaiah and the children whom Jehovah had given to him typify Christ and His believers (Heb. 2:13b).
Isa 9:1a land vv. 1b-2: Matt. 4:15-16
Isa 9:1b Naphtali 2 Kings 15:29; 2 Chron. 16:4
Isa 9:11 sea
The Sea of Galilee.
Isa 9:12 Galilee
See note 151 in Matt. 4.
Isa 9:2a darkness Luke 1:79; Acts 26:18
Isa 9:21b light Isa. 60:1-3; Micah 7:8-9
This prophecy was fulfilled in Matt. 4:12-16, when Christ came to Galilee as the great light—the true light, the light of life (John 1:9, 4; 8:12)—to shine on the people who walked in darkness (John 1:5; Acts 26:18; 1 Pet. 2:9b) and who dwelt in the shadow of death (Luke 1:78-79). Christ’s shining as the great light on God’s people saves them from the darkness of death, releases them from bondage in darkness (v. 3; Col. 1:13), breaks the yoke that has been upon them (v. 4; 10:26-27), and destroys their enemies with their armor (v. 5).
Isa 9:31a multiplied Isa. 26:15
This prophecy refers to the increase, spread, and growth of Christ on earth through all the New Testament believers, who are the farmers in the harvest and the fighters gaining the spoil, mentioned later in the verse.
Isa 9:41a Midian Judg. 7:25; Psa. 83:9; Isa. 10:26
By the shining of Christ, the Lord broke the yoke of the burden of the people of God, broke the staff on their shoulder, and broke the rod of their oppressor as in the day of Midian, when Gideon gained a great victory over the Midianites (Judg. 7:22-25). The Assyrians came to invade Judah and to oppress them, but the Lord destroyed them as He had destroyed the Midianites through Gideon (2 Kings 19:35-37).
Isa 9:5a blood Rev. 19:13
Isa 9:5b fire Isa. 66:15-16
Isa 9:61 child
The child born of a human virgin (7:14) is the Son given by the Eternal Father. Christ is the child born of both the divine and human natures (Matt. 1:20-23), and He is also the Son in the divine nature given by the Eternal Father. Through the birth of the divine-human child, the Eternal Father gave us His divine Son as a gift. Through such a giving, everyone who believes in, i.e., receives, this dear Son receives eternal life (John 3:16; 1 John 5:11-12). See note 141 in ch. 7.
Isa 9:6a born Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:21; Luke 2:11
Isa 9:62 to
The phrase to us, especially by its repetition, indicates emphatically that every aspect of Christ revealed in this verse is for our personal and subjective experience.
Isa 9:63 government
Or, rule, dominion. So also in the next verse. The divine administration is upon the shoulders of Christ, the wonderful One.
Isa 9:64c Wonderful Judg. 13:18
Lit., Wonder of a Counselor, or, Wonder, Counselor. Christ is wonderful (Judg. 13:18), and He is also the Counselor. He gives us counsel, and then, as the Mighty God, He is the power and strength for carrying out the counsel (1 Cor. 1:24).
Isa 9:65 Mighty
As the child born to us, Christ is the Mighty God (Matt. 2:11; Rom. 9:5; Heb. 1:8), and as the Son given to us, He is the Eternal Father (63:16; 64:8; John 5:43; 10:30; 14:7-10). See note 161 in ch. 63.
Isa 9:6d God Psa. 45:6; Titus 2:13
Isa 9:6e Father cf. John 14:10
Isa 9:66 Prince
Christ is the Prince of peace to us (Eph. 2:14) mainly by His ruling within us (Col. 3:15).
Isa 9:6f Peace Luke 2:14; Eph. 2:14; Heb. 7:2
Isa 9:71 government
From the time, in Gen. 11, when mankind gave up God as their Governor and made themselves the governors, the matter of government has been a great problem to man. But when the restoration comes (Acts 3:21), Christ will be the unique Governor, and the government of the Triune God will be upon His shoulder (v. 6). This government will increase and fill every corner of the earth (Psa. 72:8; Zech. 9:10b; see note 353 in Dan. 2), causing the earth to be full of peace (cf. 2:4; 11:6-9).
Isa 9:7a no Dan. 2:44; Luke 1:32-33
Isa 9:72b throne Luke 1:32
Christ’s ruling on the throne of David over His kingdom will be first in the millennium and then in the new heaven and new earth unto eternity. See Luke 1:32-33 and note 331.
Isa 9:7c zeal 2 Kings 19:31; Isa. 37:32; John 12:34
Isa 9:81 Jacob
Isaiah 9:8—10:34 shows that both the oppressed, the kingdom of Israel, and the oppressor, the kingdom of Assyria, were under the judgment of God. These two judgments were actually one (10:22-23). After the time of Solomon, the nation of Israel was divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 11:26—12:20). Because the kingdom of Israel had fallen to the extent that it was on the level of the Gentile nations, even becoming an ally to the king of Aram (7:1), Israel was not only under God’s chastisement but also under His judgment. God’s chastisement on Israel (Ephraim—v. 9) became His judgment on Israel.
Isa 9:13a not Jer. 5:3; Hosea 7:10
Isa 9:14a in Isa. 10:17; Rev. 18:8
Isa 9:16a mislead Isa. 3:12; Matt. 15:14
Isa 10:31a day Isa. 26:21; Hosea 9:7; Luke 19:44
Referring to the day of judgment.
Isa 10:32 glory
Referring to their wealth.
Isa 10:51a rod Isa. 10:24
Because Israel had become corrupt, God used Assyria as a rod and a staff to judge Israel (2 Kings 18:9-12). But Assyria, overstretching the limitation set by God, did not think of the matter in this way, nor did their heart conceive it in this way (v. 7). Thus, Assyria acted excessively, and the king of Assyria became haughty (vv. 12-15). Jehovah, therefore, judged the king of Assyria (vv. 16-19). See note 131 in ch. 26.
Isa 10:9a Carchemish 2 Chron. 35:20
Isa 10:9b Damascus 2 Kings 16:9
Isa 10:12a Assyria’s Jer. 50:18
Isa 10:13a removed 2 Kings 15:29
Isa 10:15a him Jer. 51:20
Isa 10:17a Light Isa. 60:19
Isa 10:20a remnant Isa. 11:11, 16; 28:5; 37:31-32; Jer. 23:3; Joel 2:32; Micah 2:12; Zech. 8:12
Isa 10:201 escaped
After the judgment on Israel and the judgment on Assyria, there would be the return and release of a remnant of Israel (vv. 20-27).
Isa 10:20b rely 2 Chron. 13:18
Isa 10:21a remnant Isa. 7:3
Isa 10:22a For vv. 22-23: Rom. 9:27
Isa 10:221 sand
See note 171 in Gen. 22.
Isa 10:24a Egypt Exo. 1:11, 13-14
Isa 10:25a little Isa. 54:7
Isa 10:25b completed Dan. 11:36
Isa 10:26a Midian Judg. 7:25; Isa. 9:4
Isa 10:26b staff Exo. 14:26-27
Isa 10:27a shoulders Isa. 14:25
Isa 10:281 He
Referring to the Assyrian.
Isa 10:28a comes 2 Kings 18:13
Isa 10:321 daughter
Or, house of Zion.
Isa 10:32a Zion Isa. 37:22
Isa 11:11a sprout cf. Job 14:7
In the restoration the coming Christ will be a sprout that comes forth from the stump of Jesse and a branch from his roots. Israel, especially the house of David, was like a tall tree. However, because of Israel’s degradation, that tree was cut down, leaving only a stump with its roots. Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of David, part of the royal family (see note 162 in Matt. 1), but they had become poor and were people of a low class, living in Nazareth, a despised city, in Galilee, a despised region (Luke 1:26-27). Christ as a sprout came forth from the stump of Jesse, above the earth, signifying that restoration is by life and of life. Furthermore, Christ as a branch came forth from Jesse’s roots, underneath the earth, signifying the depths of the restoring life, to branch out God and bear much fruit. Christ as a sprout and a branch is full of restoring power, deepening power, growing power, and fruit-bearing power. Because of His branching out, the whole world is filled with His fruit. See notes 54 in Matt. 1 and 233 in Matt. 2.
Isa 11:1c roots Isa. 11:10
Isa 11:1d fruit Isa. 4:2; Jer. 23:5
Isa 11:21a Spirit Isa. 42:1; 61:1; Matt. 3:16; John 1:32-33
The branching out of Jehovah is altogether a matter of the Spirit. Christ was born of the Spirit (Matt. 1:18, 20; Luke 1:35); i.e., He was constituted of the Spirit as His divine essence. Moreover, He was baptized, anointed, with the Spirit (Matt. 3:16; Luke 4:18). The Spirit was with Him all the time and was one with Him (Luke 4:1, 14; 10:21; John 1:32; Matt. 12:28). He walked by the Spirit and lived a life in, with, by, and through the Spirit. In His human living the Spirit was manifested with all the attributes mentioned in this verse. Thus, the Spirit is the reality of Christ (John 14:16-20; 2 Cor. 3:17).
Isa 11:3a what 1 Sam. 16:7; John 7:24
Isa 11:4a righteousness Psa. 72:2; Rev. 19:11
Isa 11:4b breath Job 4:9; 2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 19:15
Isa 11:51a girds cf. Eph. 6:14
Girding the loins (hips) gives one the strength to move, act, and especially to stand and to fight (Eph. 6:13-14). Righteousness and faithfulness are two of Christ’s virtues for standing and fighting. He stands with faithfulness and fights with righteousness (Rev. 19:11).
Isa 11:6a And vv. 6-9: Isa. 65:25; cf. Isa. 35:9; Ezek. 34:25; Hosea 2:18
Isa 11:61 wolf
When Adam fell, sin entered into him (Rom. 5:12). Since he, the head of all the creatures, became fallen, something of Satan also entered into the creatures. In the restoration Christ’s restoring power will deliver all the creatures from the poisonous element of Satan, causing a change not only in outward action but also in inward nature (Rom. 8:19-21). As a result, the situation among them will be pleasant, peaceful, and loving. The reason for this change is that the knowledge of God, i.e., the knowing of God, will fill the earth (v. 9).
Isa 11:9a My Psa. 2:6; Ezek. 20:40
Isa 11:101a root Isa. 11:1; 53:2; Rom. 15:12; Rev. 5:5; 22:16
Christ’s being the root, the sprout, and the branch of Jesse (v. 1) indicates that He is connected to humanity, whereas Christ’s resting place being the glory indicates that He is very much related to God (see note 104). He is both God and man, the God-man. Cf. note 163 in Rev. 22.
Isa 11:102 banner
Through the restoration of Israel, Christ will become a banner to the peoples and a standard to the nations (v. 12). The banner is mainly for designation, explanation, and instruction, and the standard is mainly for calling and gathering people (5:26). In this chapter Isaiah couples Christ as the sprout and the branch (v. 1) with Christ as the banner and the standard. When Christ as a sprout grows among God’s people, this growing-up sprout becomes a banner, which describes, explains, designates, and even gives instructions to the peoples of the earth concerning what Christ is to God’s people. This same Christ as a branch grows up to be a standard to call and gather the nations of the earth.
Isa 11:10b Him Rom. 15:10
Isa 11:103 nations
In the restoration all the nations on the earth will turn to seek Christ and will be willing to be His people (2:2; Zech. 8:20-22).
Isa 11:104 glory
The divine glory, which is God Himself expressed, is Christ’s resting place. This indicates that the divine glory is one with Christ (John 17:5, 24). It also implies Christ’s divinity and indicates that Christ and God are one (John 10:30).
Isa 11:111 second
The first time the Lord recovered Israel was in their exodus from Egypt.
Isa 11:112 recover
Christ as the banner to the peoples and the standard to the nations will bring in the return of God’s people and the submission of the Gentiles (vv. 11, 12b-16).
Isa 11:11a remnant 2 Kings 19:30; Ezra 9:15; Isa. 10:20
Isa 11:121 standard
See note 102.
Isa 11:12a gather Psa. 68:22; Isa. 27:13; 43:6; Jer. 23:7-8; Ezek. 11:17; Zech. 10:10
Isa 11:12b four Rev. 7:1
Isa 11:131 Ephraim’s
Ephraim was the northern kingdom of Israel, and Judah was the southern kingdom.
Isa 11:151 utterly
Lit., devote (in this case, unto destruction).
Isa 11:152 tongue
The sea of Egypt is the Red Sea, and its tongue is the Gulf of Suez. The river is the Euphrates. For the return of His people to the Holy Land, God will destroy (or, dry up) the tongue of the sea of Egypt, dry up the Euphrates, and build a highway from Assyria (v. 16).
Isa 11:15a dryshod Rev. 16:12
Isa 11:16a highway Isa. 19:23
Isa 11:16b came Exo. 14:29; Isa. 51:10; 63:12-13
Isa 12:11 praise
Or, give thanks to.
Isa 12:21 God
This verse clearly reveals that salvation is God Himself. In the New Testament Jah Jehovah, who is salvation, is Jesus, the incarnated God (Matt. 1:21 and note; Luke 2:30 and note).
Isa 12:2a salvation Psa. 27:1; Isa. 45:22; Jer. 3:23; Jonah 2:9
Isa 12:22 Jah
A shortened form of Jehovah.
Isa 12:23b strength Exo. 15:2; Psa. 118:14
Strength and song both indicate experience. When God’s salvation is experienced by us, it becomes our strength, and eventually it will be our song, our praising.
Isa 12:31a water John 4:10, 14; 7:37-38
The way to receive God as our salvation is to draw water from the springs of salvation, i.e., to drink Him (Psa. 36:8; John 4:14; 7:37; 1 Cor. 12:13; Rev. 22:17). To be our salvation, the Triune God was processed to become the life-giving Spirit as the living water, the water of life (1 Cor. 15:45; John 7:37-39; Rev. 21:6; 22:1, 17). When the living water enters into us, it permeates our entire being, causing us to be nourished, transformed, conformed, and glorified (Rom. 12:2; 8:29-30). Both the Old Testament and the New Testament show that God’s practical salvation is the processed Triune God Himself as the living water.
Isa 12:32 springs
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 12:32 [1] The fountain is the source, the spring is the gushing up, the issue, of the source, and the river is the flow. The term the springs of salvation implies that salvation is the source, i.e., the fountain. God as our salvation is the fountain (v. 2); Christ is the springs of salvation for our enjoyment and experience (John 4:14); and the Spirit is the flow of this salvation within us (John 7:38-39).
Isa 12:32 [2] Christ as the life-giving Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45) is the many springs of salvation gushing up from the fountain of the Triune God’s salvation, from whom the believers may draw the water of life for their enjoyment (v. 3a; John 4:14; Rev. 21:6). As God incarnated, Christ is the very embodiment of the Triune God (John 1:14a; Col. 2:9). Jesus, Jehovah our Savior and our salvation (Matt. 1:21), has become the source of our eternal salvation through the process of His vicarious death for the accomplishing of God’s eternal redemption (Heb. 5:9; 9:12). Based on His redemption, He as our Redeemer becomes our Savior and our salvation.
Isa 12:4a Give 1 Chron. 16:8; Psa. 105:1
Isa 12:41b call Rom. 10:12
By calling on the name of the Lord with rejoicing and praising, we draw water out of the springs of salvation. See Acts 2:21 and notes.
Isa 12:42c Make Psa. 145:4-6
This is a matter of preaching the gospel, of telling others of the deeds of Christ and reminding them that His name has been exalted (Phil. 2:9), i.e., that He has ascended and is now in the heavens. Cf. 1 Pet. 2:9b.
Isa 12:5a Sing Exo. 15:1, 21; Psa. 68:32; 98:1; 105:2
Isa 12:61a ringing Isa. 54:1; Zeph. 3:14
A ringing shout is a shout that continues to sound. Joy is inward, but rejoicing (v. 3) involves some activity to express the joy that is within. This rejoicing is related to giving a ringing shout, that is, to rejoicing in a continuing way.
Isa 12:6b Holy Psa. 71:22; Isa. 41:14, 16
Isa 13:11 Babylon
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 13:11 [1] The nations are used by God’s enemy to disturb God’s chosen people and to frustrate God from carrying out His economy. Thus, God is compelled to come in to judge them. All these judgments issue in one thing, that is, the ushering in of Christ.
Isa 13:11 [2] The judgment of Jehovah upon the nations was to destroy Babylon by the Median army (vv. 3-4, 17-19; 14:22-23; 21:2, 9a; Dan. 5:30-31) because of its cruel destruction of many nations (14:5-6, 16-17) and because of its idols (21:9b). Although Assyria, not Babylon, was the first nation to trouble God in His economy (Jer. 50:17), in the sight of God all the nations, including Assyria, are a part of Babylon, which was considered by God to be the head of the great human image in Dan. 2:32, 37-38.
Isa 13:61 day
See note 151 in Joel 1.
Isa 13:6b near Zeph. 1:7; Rev. 6:17; cf. Rev. 18:10
Isa 13:8a Pangs Jer. 13:21; cf. 1 Thes. 5:3
Isa 13:8b giving Psa. 48:6; Isa. 21:3
Isa 13:10a dark Ezek. 32:7; Joel 2:31; Mark 13:24; Rev. 8:12; cf. Isa. 24:23; Rev. 21:23
Isa 13:13a shake Hag. 2:6
Isa 13:171 I
Jehovah’s judgment upon the nations shows His sovereign and just rule over the nations (v. 17; 14:22, 24-25; 19:1; cf. Dan. 4:17; Rev. 1:5).
Isa 13:19a glory cf. Rev. 18:7
Isa 13:19b Will vv. 19-20: Jer. 50:39-40
Isa 13:19c Sodom Gen. 19:24-25; Deut. 29:23; Jer. 49:18
Isa 13:20a inhabited Jer. 50:3; 51:29, 62
Isa 13:21a animals Isa. 34:11-15; Jer. 50:39; Rev. 18:2
Isa 13:211 wild
Others translate, owls.
Isa 13:212 wild
Or, goat demons.
Isa 13:221 citadels
According to the reading of some ancient versions; the Hebrew text reads, widows.
Isa 14:11a compassion Psa. 102:13
An issue of Jehovah’s judgment upon the nations is the restoring and establishing of His beloved Israel (vv. 1-3, 32b; 17:7, 10) and His changing the heart of and blessing the judged nations (16:1-4; 18:1, 7; 19:19-25). See note 51 in ch. 16.
Isa 14:1b sojourners Isa. 60:4-5, 10; Eph. 2:12-13
Isa 14:41 raging
Following the reading of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the ancient versions; the Hebrew text is unclear.
Isa 14:7a ringing Jer. 51:48; Rev. 18:20; cf. Deut. 32:43
Isa 14:9a Sheol Ezek. 32:21
Isa 14:91 great
Lit., male goats.
Isa 14:12a fallen Isa. 34:4; Luke 10:18; Rev. 9:1; 12:4
Isa 14:121 Daystar
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 14:121 [1] The Latin Vulgate translates, Lucifer. This refers to Satan, who, as the Daystar, son of the dawn, was one of the earliest angels (the sons of God—Job 38:7, cf. Job 1:6) created by God at the “dawn” of the universe. He was appointed by God to be the head of all the angels (Ezek. 28:14; Jude 9) and later became Satan, the adversary of God, after he rebelled against God (see note 131). Because of his rebellion, Lucifer as Satan was judged by God (vv. 12-15; Ezek. 28:16-19; Luke 10:18).
Isa 14:121 [2] In vv. 12-15 Isaiah identifies Lucifer with Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon (v. 4), thus regarding Nebuchadnezzar as a figure of Satan, as one who was one with Satan (cf. Ezek. 28:12). This unveils Satan’s kingdom of darkness behind the nations (Eph. 6:12b; cf. Dan. 10:13, 20) and his oneness with the rulers of the nations.
Isa 14:131 I
Satan’s rebellion against God is revealed in vv. 13-14 and in Ezek. 28:15-18. Satan’s heart was lifted up because of his beauty, and he corrupted his wisdom by reason of his brightness (Ezek. 28:17). In his arrogance Satan declared five times, “I will…,” indicating that his intention in his rebellion was to overthrow God’s authority and to exalt himself to be equal with God. Satan’s ambition for position became the motivation of all the rebellions recorded in the Scriptures (Gen. 11:4; Num. 12:1-2; 16:1-3; 2 Sam. 15:10-12; etc.). Because of his rebellion Satan became God’s adversary, God’s enemy (Zech. 3:1-2; Rev. 12:9a; 20:2a).
Isa 14:13a ascend Matt. 11:23; Luke 10:15
Isa 14:13b exalt cf. Ezek. 28:17; 2 Thes. 2:4
Isa 14:132 uttermost
The highest place, where God sits on His throne, in the place where He assembles with all the angels (Job 1:6; 2:1). In his rebellion against God, Satan wanted to be on the same level as God.
Isa 14:14a like Isa. 47:8; 2 Thes. 2:4; cf. Ezek. 28:9
Isa 14:15a brought Ezek. 28:8; Rev. 20:3; cf. Matt. 11:23; Luke 10:15
Isa 14:151 Sheol
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 14:151 [1] This is Hades in the New Testament (see note 231 in Matt. 11). Satan wanted to exalt himself to the uttermost parts of the north (v. 13), but God judged the rebellious Satan, sentencing him to be cast from the heavens to the earth and into Sheol, to the uttermost parts of the pit (vv. 12, 15; Ezek. 28:17). See Luke 10:18 and note; Rev. 12:9 and note 1. Because Satan’s rebellion polluted not only the earth but also the heavens (see notes 205 in Col. 1 and 231 in Heb. 9), both the earth and the heavens were judged by God. As a result, the sun and the stars did not shine, and the earth was covered with darkness and buried under deep water (Gen. 1:2; Job 9:5-7).
Isa 14:151 [2] According to Rev. 12:4a and 9b, one-third of the angels of heaven joined Satan in his rebellion. They too must have been judged by God (cf. Matt. 25:41), and after being judged they became the fallen angels, Satan’s subordinates as the rulers, the authorities, the world-rulers of this darkness, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies (Eph. 6:12 and note 2; see note 111 in Dan. 10). The living creatures on the earth in the preadamic age also joined Satan in his rebellion. After being judged by God through water (Gen. 1:2), they became disembodied spirits, the demons (Matt. 8:28-32; 12:43-45), who lodge in the water with which they were judged (see notes 322 in Matt. 8 and 13 in Rev. 21) and work on earth for Satan’s kingdom of darkness (Matt. 12:26; Acts 26:18a; Col. 1:13a).
Isa 14:22a cut 1 Kings 14:10; Jer. 51:62
Isa 14:25a Assyria Isa. 30:31; 31:8; 37:36
Isa 14:25b My 2 Chron. 7:20; Jer. 2:7; 16:18; Ezek. 36:5; 38:16; Joel 1:6; 3:2; cf. Isa. 8:8
Isa 14:28a Ahaz 2 Kings 16:20
Isa 14:29b fruit 2 Kings 18:8
Isa 14:32a founded Psa. 87:1, 5; 102:16
Isa 14:32b poor Zeph. 3:12; Zech. 11:11
Isa 15:2a Upon vv. 2b-3: Jer. 48:37-38
Isa 15:5a cries Isa. 16:11; Jer. 48:31
Isa 16:41 Let
According to the reading of the Septuagint; the Hebrew text reads, Let my outcasts dwell with you, Moab.
Isa 16:5a established Dan. 7:14; Luke 1:33
Isa 16:51 One
The ultimate issue of Jehovah’s judgment upon the nations is to provide the all-inclusive Christ as the Savior to meet the need of the beloved Israel and the judged nations (v. 5; 19:20b; 22:20-25). Christ will reign as a king in the tent of David, i.e., in the kingdom of David, the Messianic kingdom (Acts 15:16), in the coming age during the restoration of the nation of Israel (Amos 9:11 and note; Luke 1:32-33 and note 331). Christ’s reigning in the tent of David signifies consolation, encouragement, and restoration. According to 24:23, the Christ who will reign in the millennium is actually Jehovah of hosts.
Isa 16:52 truth
Or, faithfulness.
Isa 16:6a We vv. 6-7: Jer. 48:29-31
Isa 16:9a Therefore vv. 9-10: Jer. 48:32-33
Isa 16:11a Therefore Jer. 48:36
Isa 17:1a Damascus Jer. 49:23; Amos 1:3; Zech. 9:1
Isa 17:6a gleanings Isa. 24:13; cf. Isa. 1:9
Isa 17:7a look Micah 7:7; cf. Isa. 22:11
Isa 17:101a God Psa. 68:19
As the eternal Rock of our stronghold, Christ is the God of our salvation (see note 21 in ch. 12), in whom we should trust. He is also the Rock of Israel for His people to contact Him as their joy (30:29).
Isa 17:12a roaring Jer. 6:23
Isa 17:12b waters Isa. 8:7-8; Jer. 46:7-9; 47:2-3; Rev. 12:15
Isa 18:11a Cush Isa. 20:4-5; Ezek. 30:4-5, 9; Zeph. 2:12; 3:10; Acts 8:27
Or, Ethiopia.
Isa 18:7a gift Psa. 68:31; 72:10; Zeph. 3:10; Mal. 1:11
Isa 18:71 from
From is supplied from the Dead Sea Scrolls and some ancient versions.
Isa 19:1a Egypt Jer. 46:13; Ezek. 29–30
Isa 19:1b cloud Psa. 18:10; 104:3
Isa 19:1c idols Exo. 12:12; Jer. 43:12
Isa 19:5a dried Jer. 51:36; Ezek. 30:12
Isa 19:11a Zoan Num. 13:22
Isa 19:12a Where 1 Cor. 1:20
Isa 19:18a language cf. Zeph. 3:9
Isa 19:19a altar Gen. 28:18; Exo. 24:4; Josh. 22:10, 26-27
Isa 19:201 Savior
In the coming age, for the Gentiles, especially for Egypt, Christ is a Savior, a Defender, who is the Mighty One.
Isa 19:211 worship
Or, serve. So also in v. 23.
Isa 19:21a offering Mal. 1:11
Isa 19:23a highway Isa. 11:16
Isa 19:24a blessing Gen. 12:2; Ezek. 34:26; Zech. 8:13
Isa 19:25a work Psa. 100:3; Isa. 29:23; Hosea 2:23
Isa 20:11 Tartan
A commander for the king of Assyria (cf. 2 Kings 18:17).
Isa 20:3b sign Isa. 8:18; Ezek. 12:6; 24:24
Isa 20:51 expectation
Instead of trusting in God, Israel expected to receive help from Cush and to gain something from Egypt for their boasting. God hated this and judged Cush and Egypt for it.
Isa 21:11 Negev
I.e., the dry southern desert of Canaan; the term is generally used to refer to the south.
Isa 21:9a Fallen Jer. 51:8; Rev. 14:8; 18:2
Isa 21:9b idols Isa. 46:1; Jer. 50:2; 51:47
Isa 21:10a threshed Jer. 51:33
Isa 21:111 Dumah
I.e., Edom.
Isa 22:11 valley
Even Jerusalem was included in Jehovah’s judgment upon the nations. In His judgment Jehovah would trample down the city of Jerusalem—the valley of vision (vv. 5-7)—because of its unforgivable iniquity: it did not look to the Lord and regard Him (vv. 11b-14).
Isa 22:3a fled 2 Kings 25:4-7
Isa 22:5a turmoil Isa. 37:3; Lam. 1:5; 2:2
Isa 22:8a Forest 1 Kings 7:2; 10:17; 2 Chron. 9:16
Isa 22:9a water 2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chron. 32:4, 30
Isa 22:10a fortify 2 Chron. 32:5
Isa 22:11a reservoir Neh. 3:16
Isa 22:11b Maker Isa. 37:26
Isa 22:12a mourning Joel 1:13; cf. Matt. 11:17; James 4:9
Isa 22:13a Eating Isa. 56:12; 1 Cor. 15:32; Luke 12:19
Isa 22:16a tomb 2 Sam. 18:18; cf. Matt. 27:60
Isa 22:201a Eliakim 2 Kings 18:18
Eliakim, the servant of Jehovah who replaced Shebna (vv. 15-19), is a type of Christ as the Steward over God’s house (v. 22, cf. Rev. 3:7). God’s house is the divine household (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15), including all the believers throughout the ages, over which Christ is the unique Steward, who takes care of God’s household in every way. While Christ as God’s Steward serves in God’s house, He also governs, rules, and administrates God’s children, who are under Christ’s care.
Isa 22:211 father
Christ is a Father to us, God’s children (cf. 9:6). As the Father, He is the source and Supplier to support us in everything and in every way.
Isa 22:221a key Rev. 3:7; cf. Matt. 16:19; Rev. 1:18
The all-inclusive Christ, as typified by Eliakim, is also the One upon whose shoulder the key of (the treasury of—39:2 and note) the house of God (typified by the house of David for the building up of the kingdom of God—2 Sam. 7:16) is set (Rev. 3:7). The church is both God’s house (1 Tim. 3:15) and God’s kingdom (Matt. 16:18-19; Rom. 14:17). The key set on Christ’s shoulder is the key for the keeping of all the treasures of the house of God, which are all the riches of Christ for our enjoyment. Christ is the One who can open and shut the door to the treasury of God’s riches, which are embodied in Him (Col. 2:9).
Isa 22:231a peg Ezra 9:8; Zech. 10:4
Christ has been driven by God as a peg, or nail, into a sure place (v. 23a), which typifies the third heaven (cf. 2 Cor. 12:2b), where Christ was exalted by God after His resurrection (Acts 2:33; 5:31). Because the Father is in the third heaven (Matt. 6:9), to be exalted to the third heaven is to be exalted to God the Father (cf. Luke 15:18). Christ today is in the heavens as a peg driven into God. See notes on v. 24.
Isa 22:232 throne
Christ will become a throne of glory for His Father’s house. The glory here is the children of God, who are vessels hanging upon Christ as the peg (v. 24 and notes). With the glory there is a throne, and this throne is actually Christ Himself. The throne signifies the administrative authority and the kingdom. Christ in His administrative authority is the throne that governs everything within the house of God.
Isa 22:241 glory
Or, weight. In this verse glory is in apposition with both the offspring and the issue and vessels. Thus, the glory of the Father’s house that hangs on Christ as the peg is the children of God as the offspring and the issue (descendants) of God, and these children of God are the vessels of Christ, who hang on Him in order to contain Him and to minister Him to others. The children of God as the offspring and the issue are glory in the house of God, and they are also the vessels.
Isa 22:242 bowls
The bowls and jars typify the different ways and means for us to partake of Christ in His riches. Bowls, or cups, are small vessels to contain water, typifying the Spirit of Christ (John 7:37-39), and jars, or pitchers, are large vessels to contain wine, typifying the divine life (Matt. 9:17 and note 1). This signifies that in the house of God all His children are vessels to contain His Spirit as water to quench people’s thirst and His life as wine to cheer people unto rejoicing. All the riches of the bountiful supply for the enjoyment of God’s children are hanging on Christ as the peg, the holder.
Isa 22:251 peg
Referring not to Eliakim (Christ) but to Shebna (v. 15), who was replaced by Eliakim. In His judgment God discharged, or “fired,” everyone and everything, including the kings of the nations, Shebna the steward, and all the bowls and jars in God’s house, and replaced them all with Christ. God discharged everyone on the cross, and He is replacing everyone with Christ. Because Christ joined Himself to us, uniting Himself with us, when He died on the cross, we died with Him and were terminated (Rom. 6:6; 2 Cor. 5:14). Now, in our organic union with Christ through our faith in Him, He replaces us by living in us, with us, by us, and through us (John 15:5; Rom. 11:17; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:19-21a). Furthermore, God has replaced everything in His Old Testament economy with Christ (Matt. 17:3-5; Col. 2:16-17; Heb. 10:5-14). Thus, the all-inclusive Christ as Immanuel (7:14) replaces everything and becomes everything in God’s economy.
Isa 23:1a Tyre Jer. 25:22; 47:4; Ezek. 26–28; Matt. 11:21; Luke 10:13
Isa 23:11 it
I.e., Tyre, the subject of this burden.
Isa 23:12 Kittim
Probably modern-day Cyprus. So also in v. 12.
Isa 23:131 Chaldeans
I.e., Babylonians.
Isa 23:15a seventy Jer. 25:9-12; 29:10
Isa 24:1a earth cf. Gen. 1:2; Isa. 45:18
Isa 24:5a polluted Num. 35:33
Isa 24:8a ceases Jer. 7:34; 16:9; Ezek. 26:13; Hosea 2:11; Rev. 18:22
Isa 24:15a name Mal. 1:11
Isa 24:161 Glory
Or, Beauty, honor.
Isa 24:17a Dread vv. 17-18: Jer. 48:43-44; cf. 1 Kings 19:17; Amos 5:19
Isa 24:17b snare Eccl. 9:12; Luke 21:34
Isa 24:211 host
Here the host on high refers to Satan and his angels in the air (cf. Eph. 2:2; 6:12). Jehovah’s reaction to the nations’ excessive action on Israel deals both with Satan’s army in the air and with the kings on the earth. See note 131 in ch. 26.
Isa 24:21a kings Psa. 76:12; Rev. 6:15
Isa 24:23a moon Isa. 13:10; Ezek. 32:7; Joel 2:31; 3:15; cf. Rev. 21:23
Isa 25:61 peoples
Here peoples refers to the nations. In the restoration God will make a satisfying feast for the nations. At that time Jerusalem with Mount Zion will be the most joyful place on earth. It will be a center to which all the peoples of the earth will come to find enjoyment and satisfaction (2:2-3).
Isa 25:71 covering
Lit., the face of the covering that covers up. Today the people on earth are covered with a veil that keeps them from seeing God’s economy (cf. 2 Cor. 3:15; 4:4), but in the restoration God will take away this covering. Then all the people will see something concerning God’s eternal economy.
Isa 25:7a veil cf. 2 Cor. 3:15-16
Isa 25:8a death Hosea 13:14; 1 Cor. 15:54; 2 Cor. 5:4; Rev. 20:14
Isa 25:81 forever
Lit., unto perpetuity. The Hebrew phrase, however, also contains the notion of eminence; thus, the Septuagint translated it having prevailed, and Paul freely rendered it unto victory (1 Cor. 15:54).
Isa 25:8b tears Rev. 7:17; 21:4
Isa 25:9b rejoice 1 Sam. 2:1; Psa. 20:5; 35:9
Isa 26:2a Open Psa. 118:19-20
Isa 26:4a rock Deut. 32:15; Psa. 18:2; 92:15; 94:22
Isa 26:81 path
While the Lord is chastening us, we should wait for Him in the path of His judging in order to learn the lesson that He would give us. God’s judgments always teach us lessons in righteousness (v. 9).
Isa 26:9a night Psa. 63:6; S.S. 3:1
Isa 26:11a devour Heb. 10:27
Isa 26:12a peace Psa. 29:11
Isa 26:131 lords
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 26:131 [1] Because Israel had become rebellious, God used the nations to discipline them. But the action of the nations was excessive; they went too far, overstepping the limit set by God. In assuming to be lords and acting as if they were the master, the nations went too far. Thus, God judges them and punishes them (vv. 5, 14, 21; 24:21-22; 25:2-3; 27:1).
Isa 26:131 [2] God’s chastising of Israel and His judgment on the nations who exercise excessive action upon Israel issues in three things: (1) Israel is brought back to God; (2) the created things are restored; and (3) the all-inclusive Christ is ushered in. When Israel turns to God, there will be the restoration of all things. Then the all-inclusive Christ will be ushered in. This is the basic and governing principle of Isaiah’s prophecy, especially in the first thirty-nine chapters.
Isa 26:13a mention 2 Tim. 2:19
Isa 26:15a You Isa. 9:3; Jer. 30:19
Isa 26:151 increased
To increase the nation is to increase the people, and to extend the edges is to enlarge the territory. In the restoration the Holy Land will extend from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates (Deut. 11:24 and note).
Isa 26:15b glorified cf. John 15:8
Isa 26:161a sought Hosea 5:15
Jehovah’s reaction to Israel’s degradation issues in their turning to Jehovah (24:14-16a; 25:1, 4-5, 9; 26:8-9) and their return to the Holy Land for restoration (vv. 1-4, 15, 19; 24:23; 25:6-7; 27:2-9, 12-13).
Isa 26:17a pregnant Isa. 13:8; Jer. 4:31; 6:24; 13:21; 30:6; Micah 4:9-10; 5:3; Gal. 4:19; Rev. 12:1-2
Isa 26:19a live Ezek. 37:1, 10
Isa 26:19b rise Hosea 6:2
Isa 26:19c Awake Dan. 12:2; Eph. 5:14
Isa 26:20a shut Matt. 6:6
Isa 26:21a coming Micah 1:3
Isa 27:11a Leviathan Psa. 74:13-14
Toward Israel the nations were like leviathan, the fleeing and crooked serpent, and like the dragon in the sea. In His reaction to the nations’ excessive action on Israel (see note 131 in ch. 26), Jehovah punished leviathan and slew the dragon in the sea.
Isa 27:2a vineyard Psa. 80:8; Jer. 2:21; Matt. 21:33
Isa 27:21 wine
Some MSS read, delight.
Isa 27:6a take Isa. 37:31; Hosea 14:5-6
Isa 27:9a removal Isa. 59:20-21; Rom. 11:26-27
Isa 27:11a not Deut. 32:28; Isa. 6:9; Jer. 4:22; Matt. 13:14
Isa 27:121 grain
The grain here denotes the scattered people of Israel. The fulfillment of the prophecy in vv. 12-13, concerning the gathering of all the outcast, lost, and scattered Israelites back to the Holy Land, began with the return of the captives from Babylon; it is continuing today, and it will be fully accomplished at the time of the Lord’s second coming.
Isa 27:122 River
I.e., the Euphrates.
Isa 27:12a gleaned Jer. 3:14; Neh. 1:9
Isa 27:13a trumpet Matt. 24:31; cf. 1 Cor. 15:52
Isa 28:11 Ephraim
Representing the northern kingdom of Israel.
Isa 28:21 someone
Probably first the king of Assyria and then the king of Babylon (2 Kings 17:3-18; 24:10-16).
Isa 28:2a hailstorm Exo. 9:18-19, 23-26; Psa. 18:12-13; Isa. 30:30; Ezek. 13:11; 38:22; Rev. 8:7
Isa 28:51a crown cf. Isa. 62:3
Jehovah’s punishing of Israel issues in His restoration. Jehovah of hosts as Christ will be a crown of beauty and a diadem of glory to the remnant of Israel, God’s chosen people, in the age of restoration after all God’s dealing with Israel is completed.
Isa 28:5b remnant Isa. 10:20
Isa 28:9a milk 1 Cor. 3:2; 1 Pet. 2:2
Isa 28:101 Rule
These rules were parts of the law. Ephraim was bothered by the fact that Jehovah’s rules and statutes were scattered repeatedly in pieces.
Isa 28:11a For vv. 11-12: 1 Cor. 14:21
Isa 28:111 foreign
The tongue of the Gentile invaders, which became a bothering and a shame to Ephraim (cf. 1 Cor. 14:21 and note 2).
Isa 28:131 Rule
See note 101.
Isa 28:141 Jerusalem
Jehovah destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrian army (vv. 14-15, 17-20, 22; 2 Kings 17:3-18). This was done as a warning to Jerusalem, which represents the southern kingdom of Judah.
Isa 28:15a death Eccl. 8:8
Isa 28:16a Indeed Rom. 9:33; 1 Pet. 2:6
Isa 28:161b stone Gen. 49:24; Psa. 118:22; Matt. 16:18; 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:7-8
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 28:161 [1] Jehovah’s punishment over Ephraim’s drunkards will also usher in the trustworthy Christ as a foundation stone and a precious cornerstone for God’s building (Psa. 118:22-24 and notes). The complete fulfillment of Christ as the stone will be in the next age, the age of restoration (Psa. 118:26 and note; cf. Matt. 23:38-39 and note 391).
Isa 28:161 [2] In contrast to the priest and the prophet described in v. 7, the trustworthy Christ is the faithful High Priest and the trustworthy Prophet to God’s redeemed (Heb. 7:26; Acts 3:22-23).
Isa 28:18a overflowing Isa. 8:8
Isa 28:211 rise
This is Jehovah’s reaction of fighting against the Assyrians, who had destroyed Israel excessively (see note 131 in ch. 26).
Isa 28:21a Perazim 2 Sam. 5:20; 1 Chron. 14:11
Isa 28:21b Gibeon Josh. 10:10, 12; 1 Chron. 14:16
Isa 28:22a destruction Isa. 10:22-23; Dan. 9:27
Isa 28:241 plowman
In vv. 24-29 Jehovah, as a farmer, deals with people as His crops by different utensils according to His extraordinary counsel and His great wisdom.
Isa 28:29a extraordinary Psa. 92:5; Jer. 32:19
Isa 29:11 Ariel
Meaning a lion of El. A symbolic name for Jerusalem, and representing the southern kingdom of Judah.
Isa 29:3a encamp cf. 2 Kings 25:1; Ezek. 21:22; Luke 19:43
Isa 29:10a For Rom. 11:8
Isa 29:10b eyes Psa. 69:23; Isa. 6:10
Isa 29:13a Because Ezek. 33:31; Matt. 15:8-9; Mark 7:6-7
Isa 29:131 draws
The northern kingdom of Israel was full of drunkards (ch. 28), and the southern kingdom of Judah was full of hypocritical worshippers. These two conditions characterize the condition of fallen mankind on the earth. First, people are drunk by loving things other than the Lord, and second, they are not true but false. The kind of hypocritical worship described in this verse continued until the time of Christ (Matt. 15:1-14; John 4:20-24). As revealed in vv. 1-12, 14-16, Jehovah judged the hypocrisy of the worshippers in Jerusalem.
Isa 29:14a wondrous Acts 13:41
Isa 29:14b perish Job 5:13; Jer. 49:7; Obad. 8; 1 Cor. 1:19
Isa 29:151 hide
With the hypocritical worship spoken of in this chapter, there was vanity but no reality (v. 13) and blindness but no wisdom (vv. 9-12, 15-16). Through His incarnation Christ brought to us the very reality of the universe—the Triune God, the Divine Trinity, embodied in a person, Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 17). When we realize the embodied reality, the Divine Trinity in Christ, our eyes, our ears, and our understanding are opened, and we have wisdom. Christ is the reality and wisdom to God’s redeemed people (John 14:6a; 1 Cor. 1:24, 30) that makes them true worshippers of God (John 4:23-24).
Isa 29:16a what Isa. 45:9; Rom. 9:20
Isa 29:171 Is
Jehovah’s judgment on the hypocrisy of Jerusalem’s worshippers issues in the restoration (vv. 17-24).
Isa 29:18a deaf Isa. 35:5; Matt. 11:5
Isa 29:19a afflicted Isa. 61:1
Isa 29:22a redeemed Josh. 24:3; cf. Gen. 48:16
Isa 29:23a sanctify Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:2; 1 Pet. 3:15
Isa 29:23b God Matt. 15:31; Luke 1:68
Isa 30:11 make
Lit., pour out a libation. These were drink offerings that the Gentiles poured out to their idols in making an alliance.
Isa 30:21a Egypt 2 Kings 17:4; Isa. 31:1; Jer. 43:7
Egypt typifies the world. Whenever God’s people are in a fallen condition or low estate, they go to Egypt (Gen. 12:10; 42:1-3). To make an alliance with the world or to rely on the world is sin, and it always issues in humiliation, shame, and reproach (vv. 3-5).
Isa 30:2b ask Num. 27:21; Josh. 9:14; 1 Kings 22:7
Isa 30:61 Negev
See note 11 in ch. 21.
Isa 30:81 As
According to some MSS and most ancient versions; otherwise read, Forever and ever.
Isa 30:10a not 1 Kings 22:13; Jer. 5:31; Micah 2:11; Luke 6:26
Isa 30:14a vessel Psa. 2:9; Jer. 19:11; Rev. 2:27
Isa 30:151a returning Jer. 3:22
Jehovah’s dealing with Israel’s reliance on Egypt and His dealing with the nations issue in Israel’s turn to Jehovah (v. 15; 31:6-7) and in Jehovah’s return to Israel (v. 18; 31:4-5, 9b) with the restoration (vv. 19-26, 29; Matt. 19:28; Acts 3:21).
Isa 30:15b rest Isa. 28:12
Isa 30:17a flee Lev. 26:8; Deut. 28:25; 32:30
Isa 30:18a Blessed Psa. 2:12; Prov. 16:20; Jer. 17:7
Isa 30:18b wait Isa. 8:17
Isa 30:19a dwell Isa. 65:9
Isa 30:20a bread 1 Kings 22:27; Psa. 127:2
Isa 30:201 Teacher
In the Old Testament age Christ hid Himself in a mystery, but in the age of restoration, the millennium, He will be manifested to Israel. In the New Testament age of grace Christ is already manifested to His believers as their Teacher (Matt. 23:8, 10).
Isa 30:20b hide Psa. 74:9; Amos 8:11
Isa 30:21a way Psa. 32:8
Isa 30:25a mountain Isa. 2:14-15
Isa 30:25b streams Isa. 44:3
Isa 30:26a light Isa. 60:19-20
Isa 30:261 sevenfold
In the consideration of the godly people, mainly the prophets, there was the expectation that the Messiah would come to restore not only the kingdom of Israel (cf. Acts 1:6) but also the entire universe, especially the sun, the moon, and the stars, for the growing of the living things on the earth, that the earth might be very rich in produce. In the restoration the light of the sun will be sevenfold not for scorching but for shining, for giving sunshine to grow the living things on earth. This means that the heavens will answer the earth and cause it to grow things in a rich way (Hosea 2:21-22). The sun’s shining seven times brighter indicates that the produce of the earth will be seven times richer than it is in this age. At that time there will be no scarcity but rather plenitude. See notes 111 in Hosea 6 and 181 in Joel 3.
Isa 30:28a sift Amos 9:9
Isa 30:281 nothingness
Referring to the result of destruction. After Jehovah deals with Israel, He deals with the nations, sifting them with the sieve of destruction (vv. 27-33; 31:8-9a).
Isa 30:29a mountain Isa. 2:3
Isa 30:31a Assyria Isa. 37:36
Isa 30:331a Topheth Jer. 7:31; 19:6
A place in the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem. See note 228 in Matt. 5.
Isa 30:33b brimstone Psa. 11:6; Luke 17:29; Rev. 14:10
Isa 31:1a Egypt Isa. 30:2; 36:6; Ezek. 17:15
Isa 31:1b chariots Psa. 20:7; Isa. 36:9
Isa 31:1c seek Isa. 9:13; 64:7; Dan. 9:13; Amos 5:6
Isa 31:4a Roars Hosea 11:10; Rev. 10:3
Isa 31:4b wage Isa. 37:35-36; 42:13; Zech. 9:8; 12:8; 14:3
Isa 31:5a protect Deut. 32:11; Psa. 91:4
Isa 31:8a Assyrian 2 Kings 19:35-36; Isa. 37:36
Isa 32:11a King Psa. 45:1; Jer. 23:5; Hosea 3:5; Zech. 9:9; cf. Heb. 7:2
Christ as Jehovah and also as man is the King for supplying, caring for, and covering God’s people (vv. 1-2; 33:22). He rules not directly by Himself but indirectly through the rulers. In the millennium Christ will be the King, and many of those who love Him will be the rulers, His co-kings (Matt. 19:28; 1 Cor. 6:2; Rev. 2:26-27; 12:5; 20:4).
Isa 32:12 righteousness
Righteousness is to be right, whereas justice is righteousness with a judgment. Christ will reign according to righteousness, and He will rule through His helpers, the rulers, to judge the people according to justice.
Isa 32:21 man
On the one hand, Christ will be the King ruling (v. 1); on the other hand, He will be a man protecting, covering, supplying, and overshadowing. Under Him there will be righteousness, protection, and enjoyment. This is a picture of the millennial kingdom.
Isa 32:2a refuge Isa. 4:6; 25:4
Isa 32:2b streams Isa. 35:6-7; 41:18
Isa 32:31 eyes
As the King (v. 1), Christ will bring in the restoration for Israel (vv. 3-4, 15-18; 33:2, 5-6, 20-22; 35:1-2, 5-10).
Isa 32:3a not Deut. 34:4; Isa. 29:18; 35:5-6; cf. Gen. 27:1; 48:10; 1 Sam. 3:2
Isa 32:141 Hill
The fortified slope to the south of the temple area.
Isa 32:15a Spirit Psa. 104:30; Isa. 44:3; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17
Isa 32:17a work Heb. 7:2; 12:11; James 3:18
Isa 33:21 our
Following some ancient versions; the Hebrew text reads, their.
Isa 33:2b Our Psa. 68:19
Isa 33:14a everlasting Isa. 66:24; Matt. 18:8; 25:41; Rev. 20:10
Isa 33:17a King Psa. 45:1-2
Isa 33:20a city Psa. 48:12
Isa 33:20b habitation Psa. 46:5; 125:1-2
Isa 33:21a rivers Psa. 46:4
Isa 33:221 Jehovah
In the restoration the all-inclusive Jehovah as Christ (cf. 32:1) will be the entire divine government, including the King, the Lawmaker, and the Judge, for the saving of His people.
Isa 33:22a Judge Gen. 18:25; Psa. 50:6; 75:7; 98:9
Isa 33:22b Lawmaker James 4:12
Isa 33:22c King Psa. 44:4; 95:3; Jer. 10:10
Isa 33:24a forgiven Jer. 50:20
Isa 34:2a armies Ezek. 39:4; Rev. 19:18-21
Isa 34:4a heavens Psa. 102:26; Isa. 51:6; Matt. 24:35; Heb. 1:11; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 6:14; 20:11
Isa 34:5a sword Isa. 66:16; Jer. 46:10; Rev. 6:4
Isa 34:5b Edom Jer. 49:7; Mal. 1:4
Isa 34:61 sacrifice
This sacrifice in Bozrah and slaughter in the land of Edom will be fulfilled in full in the great war at Armageddon, which will take place in a region that extends to Bozrah (63:1-6 and note 21).
Isa 34:6a Bozrah Isa. 63:1; Jer. 49:13
Isa 34:8a day Isa. 63:4; Jer. 46:10; Zeph. 1:7; Luke 21:22
Isa 34:91 its
I.e., Edom’s.
Isa 34:10a smoke Rev. 14:11; 18:18; 19:3
Isa 34:13a habitation Isa. 13:21-22; cf. Rev. 18:2
Isa 34:14a Desert Isa. 13:21
Isa 34:141 demon
Or, hairy goat.
Isa 34:142 Lilith
The name of a female deity; lit., creature of the night.
Isa 34:16a Seek Acts 17:11
Isa 34:16b book Mal. 3:16
Isa 35:1a wilderness Isa. 32:15; 51:3
Isa 35:11 desert
Heb. Arabah; i.e., the plain that runs from north of the Dead Sea south to the Gulf of Aqaba. So also in v. 6.
Isa 35:3a hands Job 4:3-4; Heb. 12:12
Isa 35:5a blind Isa. 29:18; 32:3-4; Matt. 9:30; Luke 7:22; John 9:6-7
Isa 35:51 opened
See note 12 in Matt. 10.
Isa 35:5b deaf Matt. 11:5; Mark 7:32
Isa 35:6a lame Matt. 11:5; John 5:8-9; Acts 3:2-8; 14:10
Isa 35:6b dumb Matt. 9:33; 15:31
Isa 35:6c break Isa. 41:18; 43:19
Isa 35:8a will Isa. 52:1; Joel 3:17; Rev. 21:27
Isa 35:10a And Isa. 51:11
Isa 35:10b sighing Isa. 25:8; 65:19; Rev. 7:17; 21:4
Isa 36:1a In 2 Kings 18:13; 2 Chron. 32:1
Isa 36:11 Hezekiah
The first thirty-five chapters of this book concern God’s loving chastisement on His beloved Israel and His righteous judgment on the nations, in order that His elect might turn to Him so that the created things might be restored and the all-inclusive Christ might be brought in. At this point, everyone and everything have been discharged by God, and Christ, the only One who is qualified, has come. In chs. 36—39 Isaiah provides an example in the person of Hezekiah, the king of Judah. In this example Isaiah shows how a person such as Hezekiah, who was appointed a king in God’s kingdom, who was godly, and who prayed and received miraculous answers from God, eventually became not a success but a failure because of his self-glory and self-interest. Hence, he too was eventually discharged by God. See notes in chs. 37—39.
Isa 36:2a And 2 Kings 18:17; 2 Chron. 32:9
Isa 36:3a Then vv. 3-22: 2 Kings 18:18-37
Isa 36:3b Eliakim Isa. 22:20
Isa 36:4a Thus 2 Chron. 32:10
Isa 36:6a reed Ezek. 29:6-7
Isa 36:7a Hezekiah 2 Chron. 32:12
Isa 36:7b this Deut. 12:2-6, 14
Isa 36:9a Egypt Isa. 20:5; 30:3, 7
Isa 36:11a Aramaic Ezra 4:7; Dan. 2:4
Isa 36:11b Jews’ 2 Chron. 32:18
Isa 36:16a vine 1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zech. 3:10
Isa 36:18a Be vv. 18-20: 2 Chron. 32:15-17
Isa 37:1a And vv. 1-38: 2 Kings 19:1-37
Isa 37:11 tore
Hezekiah’s response here and his prayers in vv. 15-20 and 38:2-3, 9-20 show that he was a godly person.
Isa 37:4a remnant Isa. 10:20
Isa 37:16a cherubim Exo. 25:22; Ezek. 10:1
Isa 37:16b made Isa. 42:5; Jer. 10:12; Acts 4:24
Isa 37:19a not Jer. 2:11; 5:7; 16:20; Hosea 8:6; Gal. 4:8
Isa 37:22a daughter Isa. 1:8; Micah 4:13
Isa 37:251 Egypt
Or, besieged places.
Isa 37:271 is
Following the reading of the Dead Sea Scrolls and 2 Kings 19:26; other MSS read, a plowed field.
Isa 37:29a turn Isa. 37:37
Isa 37:31a remnant Isa. 10:20
Isa 37:31b root Isa. 27:6
Isa 37:32a zeal Isa. 9:7; cf. John 2:17
Isa 37:35a enclosure Isa. 31:5; 38:6
Isa 37:351 own
That God would answer the prayer not for Hezekiah’s sake but for His own sake and for the sake of David indicates that in God’s consideration Hezekiah had very little credit before Him. All the credit was given either to God Himself or to Hezekiah’s forefather David (cf. 38:5a).
Isa 37:36a angel 2 Kings 19:35; Isa. 17:14; 30:31
Isa 38:1a In vv. 1-6: 2 Kings 20:1-6; 2 Chron. 32:24
Isa 38:51 fifteen
For God to give Hezekiah another fifteen years meant that he would live until the age of only fifty-four (2 Kings 18:2). The reason God extended Hezekiah’s life by only fifteen years was that, in the sight of God, Hezekiah was not a person who could be trusted to carry out God’s purpose. During his last fifteen years Hezekiah made a mistake that was so serious that it caused God’s kingdom on earth to be lost (ch. 39).
Isa 38:6a enclosure Isa. 37:35
Isa 38:7a And vv. 7-8: 2 Kings 20:9-10
Isa 38:7b sign 2 Kings 20:8; Isa. 7:11; 38:22
Isa 38:10a gates Job 17:16; Matt. 16:18
Isa 38:12a dwelling 2 Cor. 5:1; 2 Pet. 1:13-14
Isa 38:121 from
Or, with a languishing sickness.
Isa 38:151 deliberately
Hezekiah’s use of this word indicates that he realized that he had been too hasty in the past and that his walk had not been proper in the sight of God. Thus, in his prayer he said that he would walk deliberately all his years. But when the visitors from Babylon came (39:1-2), instead of walking in a deliberate way, he walked in a hasty way. See note 21 in ch. 39.
Isa 38:17a cast Isa. 43:25; Micah 7:19
Isa 38:181a Sheol Psa. 6:5; 30:9; 88:10
See note 231 in Matt. 11. In vv. 18-19 Hezekiah asked Jehovah in a selfish way to put him among the living so that he could praise Him. This indicates that he was for God, but in a selfish way. See note 81 in ch. 39.
Isa 38:19a children Deut. 4:9; 6:7; Psa. 78:3-6
Isa 38:21a Then vv. 21-22: 2 Kings 20:7-8
Isa 39:1a At vv. 1-8: 2 Kings 20:12-19; 2 Chron. 32:31
Isa 39:21 his
Hezekiah’s showing the visitors from Babylon his treasury, his whole armory, and everything in his dominion was a foolish act and a great mistake. The showing of these riches became a temptation to Babylon. A little over one hundred years later, the king of Babylon came and took away those riches (2 Kings 24—25). Hezekiah did not consider his action carefully, nor did he pray about it. He did not take thought concerning what the king of Babylon might do. This shows that Hezekiah was hasty and not very considerate or careful. Furthermore, his making a show offended God, who hates man’s pride (1 Pet. 5:5).
Isa 39:7a eunuchs cf. Dan. 1:2-3, 7
Isa 39:8a good 1 Sam. 3:18
Isa 39:81 my
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 39:81 [1] Hezekiah’s response to Isaiah’s word indicates that he was selfish, caring only for himself. The kingdom of Judah, over which Hezekiah became king, was actually God’s kingdom on earth, and Hezekiah should not have regarded it as his own kingdom (cf. note 61 in 1 Sam. 31). For Hezekiah to lose his kingdom was a small thing, but for God to lose His kingdom was a great thing. Hezekiah’s response in this verse indicates that he had no thought for God and God’s kingdom, nor did he care even for his own children. He was altogether for himself.
Isa 39:81 [2] The factors of Hezekiah’s failure include (1) making a show of what he had, according to his flesh, (2) not being watchful, (3) not seeking the Lord, (4) not praying, (5) not considering the result of his actions, and (6) caring only for himself and not for God’s kingdom on the earth.
Isa 40:11a Comfort Isa. 49:13; 51:3, 12
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 40:11 [1] Isaiah is a book of two main sections. The first section (chs. 1—39) concerns God’s governmental dealing with His beloved Israel and His punishing judgment on the nations so that Israel may be brought back to God and the all-inclusive Christ may be ushered in with the expected restoration of all things (11:6-9; 35:5-6; cf. Matt. 19:28; 10:1; Rom. 8:19-23). The last section of Isaiah (chs. 40—66) is the kind word of Jehovah spoken to the heart of Israel, His beloved people. This word unveils the prophet’s vision concerning the redeeming and saving Christ as the Servant of Jehovah and reveals the all-inclusive salvation brought in by Christ to Israel and the nations, with the full restoration of all things, consummating in the new heaven and new earth.
Isa 40:11 [2] The first thirty-nine chapters of Isaiah, corresponding to the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament, focus mainly on the old creation, whereas the last twenty-seven chapters, corresponding to the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, center on the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15). Both this chapter and the New Testament begin with the coming of John the Baptist, who ushered in the expected Christ for the initiation of the new creation (v. 3; Mark 1:1-11). The coming of the new creation does not immediately end the old creation; rather, the old creation remains for a time, until it is terminated at the end of the millennium (cf. 2 Pet. 3:7, 10-12). The end of the thousand-year kingdom will be the termination of the old creation as well as the completion, the consummation, of the new creation, which is signified by the New Jerusalem in the new heaven and new earth (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1-2).
Isa 40:2a double cf. Rev. 18:6
Isa 40:3a The Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23
Isa 40:3b Make Mal. 3:1; Luke 1:76
Isa 40:31 Jehovah
In this chapter the all-inclusive Christ is revealed as Jehovah the Savior. To make clear the way of Jehovah is to make clear the way of Jesus, who is the New Testament Jehovah (see note 211 in Matt. 1). Moreover, the way of Jesus is a highway for our God, indicating that Jesus is our God. See note 32 in Matt. 3.
Isa 40:32 desert
See note 11 in ch. 35.
Isa 40:3c highway Psa. 68:4; Isa. 49:11
Isa 40:4a Every vv. 4-5: Luke 3:5-6
Isa 40:51a glory Psa. 72:19; Isa. 35:2
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 40:51 [1] In this chapter the speaking of the word of comfort to the heart of Jerusalem (vv. 1-2) is actually the announcing of the gospel (cf. 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-19). The first thing announced is the coming of John the Baptist (vv. 3-4). This is followed immediately by the appearing of Christ, the One recommended by John, as the glory of Jehovah (v. 5). The glory of Jehovah is the center of the gospel for the new creation (2 Cor. 4:4-6). Christ is the effulgence of God’s glory (Heb. 1:3), and this effulgence is like the shining of the sun (Luke 1:78-79). Thus, when Christ appeared, the glory of Jehovah was revealed to be seen by the God-seekers and Christ-believers (Matt. 17:1-2, 5; Luke 2:25-32; 9:32; John 1:14; 2 Pet. 1:16-18). To those on whom Christ has shined, Christ is the glory of God and the hope of glory within them (Col. 1:27).
Isa 40:51 [2] In this chapter the coming Christ as the glad tidings is to be announced as Jehovah our God (v. 3); as Jehovah of glory (v. 5); as the Lord Jehovah coming with might to rule with His arm, having His reward with Him and His recompense before Him (vv. 9-10); and as a Shepherd feeding His flock, gathering the lambs in His arms, carrying them in His bosom, and leading those who are nourishing the young (v. 11).
Isa 40:52 spoken
Jehovah is revealed through His speaking. Jesus was sent by God for the purpose of speaking the word of God for God’s expression (John 3:34a; 7:16; 14:24). In the word, the speaking, of Jesus, God is unveiled and presented to men that they may see God (John 14:7-10; Heb. 1:1-2).
Isa 40:6a All vv. 6b-7: Job 14:2; Psa. 90:5-6; 102:11; James 1:10-11; 1 Pet. 1:24
Isa 40:61 flesh
See note 241 in 1 Pet. 1.
Isa 40:6b grass Isa. 37:27; Matt. 6:30
Isa 40:8a The 1 Pet. 1:24b-25
Isa 40:81b word Matt. 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; 1 Pet. 1:25; cf. John 12:34
The word of God is actually Christ, the embodiment of God (Col. 2:9), as the gospel of God (Rom. 10:6-8). This word is abiding, and as the word of life (1 John 1:1), it is also living. All men of flesh, all withering and fading human beings, should receive Christ, the glory of God (v. 5), who comes to people as the living and abiding word of God. Those who receive Christ as this word of God are regenerated (John 1:1, 12-13; 1 Pet. 1:23) that they may become a part of the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) and may have eternal life to live forever (John 3:15-16). The Lord’s word will stand forever (1 Pet. 1:25) to enliven men that they may partake of His eternal life for their enjoyment.
Isa 40:9a glad Isa. 41:27; 52:7
Isa 40:91b Behold Isa. 25:9
This is the revealing of the Lord Jehovah, the appearing of the very God as the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior, in His becoming a man through incarnation (Matt. 1:18-23; Luke 1:35; John 1:1, 14). Such a brief word—Behold your God!—is the glad tidings.
Isa 40:10a arm Psa. 89:10; 98:1; Isa. 51:9; Luke 1:51; 1 Pet. 5:6
Isa 40:101 rule
The Lord Jehovah as Jesus Christ is the Ruler who comes as a mighty One to rule over us (Matt. 2:6). He is also the Judge who will either reward us or punish us (Matt. 25:14-30; 2 Cor. 5:10). This is His recompense, which is His judgment.
Isa 40:10b reward Isa. 62:11; Rev. 22:12
Isa 40:11a flock Isa. 63:11; Micah 5:4; Luke 12:32; Acts 20:28-29; 1 Pet. 5:2
Isa 40:111b Shepherd Ezek. 34:15, 23; 37:24; Matt. 2:6; John 10:11; Heb. 13:20; Rev. 7:17
As the mighty One, the ruling and judging One (v. 10), Christ comes to be a Shepherd (Matt. 2:6; 9:36; John 10:2-4, 11, 14). He cares for His flock by ruling and correcting His sheep and by feeding His flock, gathering the lambs in His arm, carrying them in His bosom, and leading those who are nursing the young.
Isa 40:12a waters Prov. 30:4
Isa 40:13a directed Job 21:22; 36:22-23; 1 Cor. 2:16
Isa 40:13b counselor Rom. 11:34
Isa 40:151 drop
The proper preaching of Jesus as the glad tidings, the gospel, causes people to realize that they are nothing and that Christ is everything (vv. 15, 17; cf. Phil. 3:7-8).
Isa 40:17a nothing Dan. 4:35
Isa 40:17b vanity Psa. 62:9
Isa 40:18a liken Deut. 4:15; Isa. 40:25; 46:5; Acts 17:29
Isa 40:21a Do Psa. 19:1; Acts 14:17; Rom. 1:19-20
Isa 40:22a stretches Job 9:8; Psa. 104:2; Isa. 42:5; Jer. 10:12; Zech. 12:1
Isa 40:251a liken Isa. 40:18
Our Savior, Jesus, is the Holy One, the eternal God, Jehovah, and the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who sits above the circle of the earth (vv. 22, 25-26, 28a). As the Holy One, Jesus is unlimited, unsearchable, incomparable, and high (vv. 12-14, 17-18, 28b, 22a). There is no comparison between Him and anyone or anything else.
Isa 40:261 things
I.e., the stars and the planets.
Isa 40:26a number Psa. 147:4
Isa 40:28a Creator Gen. 1:1; Eccl. 12:1; Rom. 1:25; 1 Pet. 4:19
Isa 40:28b no Psa. 147:5; Rom. 11:33
Isa 40:29a power 2 Cor. 12:9
Isa 40:311a wait Isa. 8:17
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 40:311 [1] To wait on the eternal God (v. 28) means that we terminate ourselves, i.e., that we stop ourselves with our living, our doing, and our activity, and receive God in Christ as our life, our person, and our replacement. Such a waiting one will be renewed and strengthened to such an extent that he will mount up with wings like eagles. He will not only walk and run but also soar in the heavens, far above every earthly frustration. This is a transformed person. This chapter leads us to a comparison between Hezekiah, a godly man who was still in the old creation (chs. 36—39), and a regenerated and transformed person in the new creation.
Isa 40:311 [2] In Isa. 40 there are the announcing of the gospel (corresponding to the four Gospels—vv. 1-5), salvation through regeneration (corresponding to the Acts—vv. 6-8), and transformation (corresponding to the Epistles—vv. 28-31).
Isa 40:312 wings
The eagles’ wings signify the resurrection power of Christ, God’s power in life, becoming our grace (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 4:7; 12:9a). Those who stop themselves and wait on Jehovah will experience the power of resurrection, will be transformed, and will soar in the heavens (cf. Phil. 4:13; Col. 1:11).
Isa 40:31b eagles Psa. 103:5; Rev. 12:14; cf. Exo. 19:4
Isa 41:11 Listen
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 41:11 [1] In chs. 41—66 three parties are used by Isaiah to typify Christ as the Servant of Jehovah (Matt. 12:15-21): Cyrus king of Persia, Israel, and Isaiah the prophet. These three servants and the all-inclusive Christ are one, serving Jehovah God for His good pleasure in releasing and raising up God’s elect to build God’s temple and God’s city and to set up God’s kingdom, which will be enlarged to consummate in the New Jerusalem.
Isa 41:11 [2] In the first forty chapters of this book Isaiah unveiled in a hidden way God’s economy, which is to have a people so that Christ as the embodiment of God can be expressed as everything, that He may be the centrality and the universality of everything in God’s economy (see note 251 in ch. 22). God in Christ and Christ with God have reached this point, i.e., to have Christ expressed as God’s centrality and universality, to such an extent that these three parties—Cyrus the Gentile king, the pitiful Israel, and Isaiah—became one with Christ that God might have a corporate expression. Everyone who is one with Christ, including the New Testament believers, is a type of Christ, who is the Servant of God, and such persons also are servants of God because they are part of Christ. All other persons have been terminated, put aside by God. Those who are one with Christ have become a great corporate Christ (1 Cor. 12:12; Col. 3:10-11), the same as the individual Christ in being the testimony and servant of God.
Isa 41:2a east Isa. 46:11; cf. Matt. 2:1
Isa 41:21 him
Referring to Cyrus king of Persia. In chs. 41—48 Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is typified by Cyrus in the following aspects: He was raised up by Jehovah (vv. 2a, 25a; 45:13a; Acts 3:26a), anointed by Jehovah (45:1a; Luke 4:18a), and loved by Jehovah (48:14b; Matt. 3:17). He did God’s pleasure in destroying Babylon (48:14b; Rev. 17:1—19:4). He was God’s counselor (46:11b) to subdue the nations and have dominion over the kings (vv. 2b, 25c; 45:1b; Ezra 1:2a; Acts 5:31a; Rev. 1:5a). He was also Jehovah’s shepherd for the fulfilling of His desire in building up the city (symbolizing the kingdom) and the temple of God and in releasing God’s captives (44:28; 45:13b; Ezra 1:2-3; John 10:11; 5:30b; 2:19; Luke 4:18b).
Isa 41:2b him Isa. 41:25; Ezra 1:2
Isa 41:4a first Isa. 43:10; 44:6; 48:12; Rev. 1:17
Isa 41:41 He
The pronoun has the force of a proper name here: Jehovah is “He.”
Isa 41:7a craftsman Isa. 40:19; 44:12
Isa 41:81 Israel
According to vv. 8-20, Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is typified by Israel for the carrying out of the kind word of comfort spoken by Jehovah to Israel (40:1-2). As a type of Christ, the Servant of Jehovah, Israel was chosen by Jehovah and upheld with the right hand of His righteousness (vv. 8-10; 42:1a, 6). Like Christ, Israel overcame the enemies by Jehovah and rejoiced and gloried in Him, the Holy One of Israel (vv. 11-16; Rev. 3:21; Matt. 11:25-26). Israel also typifies Christ as the Witness of Jehovah (43:10; Rev. 1:5a; 3:14). Just as the Spirit was poured out on Christ, the Spirit of Jehovah was poured out on Israel for the blessing of his offspring (44:1-5, 21; 42:1b; Matt. 3:16; Luke 4:18-19). Also, in Israel Jehovah was glorified, just as God was glorified in Christ (43:7; 49:3; 46:13b; John 17:1; 12:28).
Isa 41:8a servant Isa. 43:10; 44:1-2, 21; 45:4; 48:20; Jer. 30:10; 46:27-28; Luke 1:54; cf. Isa. 49:3
Isa 41:8b chosen Deut. 7:6; 10:15; Psa. 135:4
Isa 41:8c friend 2 Chron. 20:7; James 2:23
Isa 41:9a ends Psa. 107:3; Isa. 43:5-6
Isa 41:10a not Gen. 26:24; Isa. 43:5; Jer. 46:28; Matt. 14:27; Mark 6:50; Luke 12:32; Acts 27:24
Isa 41:10b with Deut. 31:6, 8
Isa 41:13a not Isa. 41:10
Isa 41:14a few Deut. 7:7
Isa 41:14b Redeemer Isa. 43:14; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7, 26; 54:5; 60:16; 63:16; Jer. 50:34
Isa 41:17a not Gen. 28:15; 1 Sam. 12:22; 1 Kings 6:13; Psa. 94:14; Isa. 42:16; Heb. 13:5
Isa 41:18a rivers Isa. 35:6-7; 43:19; 44:3
Isa 41:211 case
According to vv. 21-29, Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is for the exposing of the falsehood and vanity of the idols, the head of which is Satan. Everything except Christ is false, vain, and an idol (see note 213, par. 1, in 1 John 5).
Isa 41:25a one Ezra 1:2; Isa. 41:2
Isa 41:25b rising Rev. 16:12
Isa 41:27a glad Isa. 40:9
Isa 42:1a Here vv. 1-4: Matt. 12:18-21
Isa 42:11b Servant Isa. 42:19; 49:6; 52:13; 53:11; Ezek. 34:23; Acts 3:13
Isaiah 42 reveals Christ (Matt. 12:15-21), the Servant of Jehovah (Mark 10:45; Phil. 2:5-11), as a covenant for God’s chosen people, Israel, and a light for the Gentile nations (see notes 61 and 62). The source of Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is His divinity, His deity (vv. 1, 6; 49:5, 7-8), whereas His qualification is in His humanity, in His human virtues (vv. 2-4). Christ’s commission is to raise up the tribes of Jacob; to bring Jacob back to Jehovah so that Israel would be gathered to Him (49:5b, 6a); to be a covenant of the people, i.e., of Israel (v. 6d; 49:8d); to restore the land (49:8e); to be a light to the nations (v. 6e; 49:6c); to bring forth justice for salvation in truth to the nations (vv. 1, 3b; 49:6d); to open the eyes of the blind that they may see the divine and spiritual things concerning God’s eternal economy (v. 7a; Luke 4:18b; Acts 26:18a); and to bring the prisoner out from the prison, those who dwell in darkness out from the prison house, that they may be released from the dark kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (v. 7; Col. 1:12-13).
Isa 42:1c chosen Luke 23:35
Isa 42:1d in Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11
Isa 42:12e Spirit Isa. 11:2; Luke 4:18; John 3:34
Jehovah’s Spirit is Jehovah Himself. Hence, Jehovah’s putting His Spirit upon Jesus (Matt. 3:16; Luke 4:18a; John 1:33) meant that He gave Himself to Jesus and that Jehovah and Jesus, His Servant, are one.
Isa 42:13 justice
See note 43. So also for v. 3.
Isa 42:21 cry
In His ministry the Lord did not strive with others (Matt. 12:19), and He did not promote Himself. He did not seek to make Himself known to people on the streets (cf. John 7:3-9).
Isa 42:31 bruised
See note 201 in Matt. 12.
Isa 42:41 faint
Or, burn dimly; from the same root as dimly burning in v. 3. Christ does not extinguish the dimly burning flax (v. 3), but He Himself never burns dimly.
Isa 42:42 be
Or, be crushed; from the same root as and an allusion to bruised in v. 3.
Isa 42:43 justice
Justice (vv. 1, 3-4) is righteousness passing through judgment. It is the verdict of the judgment on righteousness. In this book it refers to salvation as the result of God’s judgment on Christ, the righteous One, which was executed according to God’s righteous law and completely fulfills all the requirements of that law (cf. Gal. 2:19 and note 1). To establish justice in the earth means to establish God’s salvation as the issue of God’s judgment on Christ. God’s salvation is of two aspects—justification as the judicial aspect and the impartation of life as the organic aspect (Rom. 5:10, 18). God justifies and imparts life to the believers based on Christ’s redemption accomplished through God’s righteous judgment; this is justice. Christ will come again when He finishes the establishing of God’s justice, God’s salvation, in this earth.
Isa 42:5a heavens Isa. 40:22; Zech. 12:1
Isa 42:5b earth Psa. 136:6
Isa 42:5c breath Acts 17:25
Isa 42:51 spirit
For His chosen people to receive Christ as a covenant and as light (v. 6), God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth and as the One who gives breath to men, gives also spirit to them (Gen. 2:7; Zech. 12:1) that they may be able to enjoy Him, the Triune God, who is Spirit (John 4:24a), as their inheritance and life.
Isa 42:61b covenant Isa. 49:8
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 42:61 [1] Christ has been called by Jehovah to be a covenant for the people, i.e., for Israel (v. 6b; 49:8b; Heb. 7:22). The covenant is the legal agreement between God and His people (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-12). Through the death of Christ, the covenant became a testament, a will (Heb. 9:16-17 and note 161). Christ enacted the new covenant (which became the new testament—the will) with His blood according to God’s righteousness through His redeeming death (Matt. 26:28; Luke 22:20; Heb. 9:15). In resurrection Christ became the reality of all the bequests of the new testament and the Mediator, the Executor, to execute the new testament according to God’s righteousness (Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). Therefore, Christ is the new covenant as the new testament.
Isa 42:61 [2] Christ, as the embodiment of the riches of the Godhead (Col. 2:9; 1:19) and as the crucified and resurrected One, has become the covenant of God given to His people. He is the reality of all that God is and of all that God has given us. God’s salvation, God’s righteousness, God’s justification, God’s forgiveness, God’s redemption, God’s riches, and all God has and will do have been covenanted to us. As the reality of all the bequests in the new testament, Christ, who is the all-inclusive, life-giving, indwelling, consummated Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45; 2 Cor. 3:17; Rom. 8:9-11), is in our spirit and has become one spirit with us (2 Tim. 4:22; 1 Cor. 6:17). As a covenant Christ is the surety (Heb. 7:22), and the Spirit is the pledge (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:14), to guarantee that God embodied in Christ is the inheritance to His people (Rom. 8:17a; Acts 26:18 and note 6).
Isa 42:62c light Isa. 49:6; Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47
Christ has also been called by Jehovah to be a light for the nations (v. 6b; Matt. 4:13-16). He is the light of life, the true light, that shines over the world and enlightens every man to enliven man for regeneration (John 1:4, 9, 12-13). He is the divine, marvelous light to open the eyes of the blind (v. 7a; Luke 4:18; John 9:14) and to deliver God’s chosen people out of the darkness of death, the death-realm, the authority of Satan, into God’s life-realm of light (v. 7b; 1 Pet. 2:9b; Acts 26:18a; Col. 1:12-13). Christ as the covenant is for God’s people to gain God with His riches as their inheritance (see note 61), whereas Christ as the light is for God’s people to receive God as life. See note 62 in ch. 49.
Isa 42:7a blind Isa. 29:18; 35:5
Isa 42:7b prison Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18
Isa 42:8a give Isa. 48:11
Isa 42:9a new Isa. 43:19; Rev. 21:5
Isa 42:10a new Psa. 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Rev. 5:9; 14:3
Isa 42:111 Sela
Or, the high rock, or, the cliff; the name of a city in Edom.
Isa 42:13a man Exo. 15:3
Isa 42:141 gasp
Some MSS read, destroy and devour.
Isa 42:16a darkness 1 Pet. 2:9
Isa 42:16b crooked Isa. 40:4; 45:2; Luke 3:5
Isa 42:18a deaf Isa. 43:8; Ezek. 12:2; Mark 8:18; John 9:39, 41
Isa 42:191 servant
Referring to Israel, typifying Christ as the Servant of Jehovah in the restoration (see vv. 22-24). Israel was blind and deaf, having no understanding or power of perception. Therefore, Israel could not hear God’s word nor see His vision. However, in the restoration Israel will become one with Christ and thus, being able to see and hear, will have the power to perceive and the ability to understand.
Isa 42:20a not Mark 8:18
Isa 42:25a heart 1 Kings 8:47; Isa. 57:11
Isa 43:1a formed Gen. 2:7; Isa. 43:7, 21; 44:2, 21, 24; 45:11
Isa 43:1b not Isa. 41:13; Matt. 14:27
Isa 43:1d called Isa. 42:6; 45:4
Isa 43:2a pass Psa. 66:12
Isa 43:2b with Deut. 31:6, 8
Isa 43:2c walk Dan. 3:25, 27; Heb. 11:34
Isa 43:31 Cush
Or, Ethiopia.
Isa 43:5a not Isa. 41:13
Isa 43:5b gather Isa. 11:12; 27:12; 49:12; Matt. 24:31
Isa 43:6a sons 2 Cor. 6:18
Isa 43:7a name Acts 15:17
Isa 43:71 glory
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 43:71 [1] Israel is God’s servant in the sense of fulfilling God’s desire in His economy to have a corporate expression of Himself for His glory (41:8; 45:4; 49:3). The people of Israel were to be used by God to express Him in a corporate way for His glorification. In this sense Israel was one with Christ as God’s servant (Hosea 11:1; cf. Matt. 2:15). The servant of Jehovah is corporate, and Israel was part of this corporate servant. See notes 11 and 81 in ch. 41.
Isa 43:71 [2] In the present age the church is the testimony of God in the sense of being one with Christ as God’s testimony (Rev. 1:2 and note). In being such a testimony, the church serves God. Thus, all God’s elect can be considered servants of God with Christ for the expression of God’s glory (cf. John 17:22; Eph. 3:21). The glorification of God is the purpose of our service. The highest service we can render to God is to express His glory.
Isa 43:8a deaf Isa. 35:5; Mark 7:32
Isa 43:101a witnesses Isa. 44:8
See note 81 in ch. 41.
Isa 43:101b servant Isa. 41:8; 44:1; 45:4
See note 101.
Isa 43:102 God
That Jehovah is the unique God can be proved only by a group of people who are His witnesses (44:8; Acts 1:8).
Isa 43:11a no Isa. 45:21; Hosea 13:4
Isa 43:12a no Deut. 32:16; Psa. 81:9
Isa 43:131 before
Or, from eternity.
Isa 43:132 from
Or, apart from My hand.
Isa 43:14a Redeemer Isa. 41:14
Isa 43:15a Creator Isa. 43:1
Isa 43:19a new Rev. 21:5
Isa 43:19b Rivers Isa. 41:18
Isa 43:21a formed Psa. 102:18; Isa. 43:1
Isa 43:22a not Isa. 64:7
Isa 43:24a calamus Exo. 30:23
Isa 43:25a wipes Isa. 44:22; Psa. 51:9; Acts 3:19
Isa 43:25b sins Isa. 1:18; Jer. 31:34; 50:20; Mark 2:7; Luke 5:21
Isa 44:21c Jeshurun Deut. 32:15
From the Hebrew root meaning upright.
Isa 44:3a water Isa. 35:7; 43:20; Joel 3:18; cf. John 7:38; Rev. 22:17
Isa 44:3b pour Isa. 32:15; Ezek. 39:29; Joel 2:28; Zech. 12:10; Mark 1:8; Acts 2:17
Isa 44:6a Redeemer Isa. 41:14; 44:24
Isa 44:6b First Isa. 41:4; 48:12; Rev. 1:17
Isa 44:81a witnesses Isa. 43:10, 12
See note 102 in ch. 43.
Isa 44:8b Rock Deut. 32:4, 31; 1 Sam. 2:2; Psa. 18:31
Isa 44:10a god Acts 19:26
Isa 44:10b idol Jer. 10:5; Hab. 2:18
Isa 44:121 sharpens
Supplied from the Septuagint text.
Isa 44:122 the
Lit., it.
Isa 44:211a servant Isa. 41:8; Luke 1:54
See note 81 in ch. 41.
Isa 44:21b formed Isa. 43:1
Isa 44:22a wiped Isa. 43:25; Acts 3:19
Isa 44:23a Sing Isa. 49:13; Psa. 96:11-12
Isa 44:23b lower Eph. 4:9
Isa 44:231 glorified
See note 71 in ch. 43.
Isa 44:24a formed Isa. 43:1
Isa 44:24b stretches Job 9:8; Psa. 104:2; Isa. 40:22; Zech. 12:1
Isa 44:25a foolish 1 Cor. 1:20
Isa 44:28a Cyrus 2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2; 6:3; Isa. 45:1, 13
Isa 44:281 shepherd
In chs. 43—45 Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is typified by Cyrus king of Persia, who was Jehovah’s Shepherd and who fulfilled all the desires of Jehovah. Cyrus served God by defeating Babylon, God’s enemy (48:14), which had captured His people and destroyed the temple (2 Kings 24—25), by declaring the release of Israel from captivity, and by issuing a decree allowing the Jews to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem (45:13; Ezra 1:2-3). These three things are types, signifying Christ’s defeating Satan (Heb. 2:14), releasing His believers from Satan’s captivity (Luke 4:18b; Eph. 4:8), and building up the church as God’s temple (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 2:21). See note 21 in ch. 41.
Isa 45:11 Cyrus
See note 21 in ch. 41.
Isa 45:4b chosen Matt. 24:22
Isa 45:5a God Deut. 4:35, 39; 32:39; Isa. 44:8; 1 Tim. 2:5
Isa 45:6a besides Mark 12:32
Isa 45:7a light Gen. 1:3-5; Jer. 31:35; 2 Cor. 4:6; cf. Jer. 31:35
Isa 45:81 flow
The clouds flowing down righteousness means that the Spirit will flow down to dispense Christ as righteousness into the people on earth, who are signified here by the earth. On the one hand, God causes the Spirit to flow down from heaven to impart Christ as righteousness into people; on the other hand, God causes people as the earth to open and bring forth salvation and righteousness, both of which are Christ Himself (Luke 2:30; 1 Cor. 1:30). God carries out His salvation by using His Spirit to bring down Christ as righteousness and by opening people to receive Christ as salvation and righteousness.
Isa 45:8a righteousness Psa. 72:3; 85:11
Isa 45:8b bring Isa. 61:11; cf. Isa. 32:15
Isa 45:9b clay Isa. 29:16; 64:8; Jer. 18:6; Rom. 9:21
Isa 45:11a sons Jer. 31:9
Isa 45:11b work Isa. 19:25; 29:23
Isa 45:12a made Gen. 2:4; Exo. 20:11; Neh. 9:6; Isa. 45:18; Jer. 27:5; 32:17
Isa 45:12b created Gen. 1:26-27
Isa 45:12c stretched Isa. 40:22
Isa 45:13a raised Isa. 41:2
Isa 45:131 him
Referring to Cyrus in v. 1. See note 21 in ch. 41.
Isa 45:13b build 2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2
Isa 45:141 Cush
I.e., Ethiopia.
Isa 45:14b no Isa. 45:5; Mark 12:32
Isa 45:15a hides Psa. 44:24; Isa. 8:17; cf. Rom. 11:33
Isa 45:17a eternal Isa. 51:6; Heb. 5:9
Isa 45:18a created Isa. 42:5
Isa 45:181b waste cf. Gen. 1:2; Jer. 4:23
See note 42 in Job 38.
Isa 45:21a from Isa. 41:22; 43:9; 44:8; 46:9-10; 48:3; Acts 15:18
Isa 45:21b no Isa. 44:8; 1 Tim. 2:5
Isa 45:22a ends Psa. 22:27; 65:5
Isa 45:23a sworn Gen. 22:16; Heb. 6:13
Isa 45:23b every Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:10
Isa 45:241 righteousness
Here righteousness refers to salvation, and strength, to life.
Isa 45:251 justified
Here to be justified is to be saved. In Jehovah all the seed of Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:26-27) and will glory.
Isa 46:11a Bel Isa. 21:9; Jer. 50:2; 51:44
One of the gods of the Babylonians, supposed by some to be the Babylonian name of Baal.
Isa 46:12 Nebo
A Babylonian idol.
Isa 46:13 burden
When Israel was captured by the Babylonians, God’s people still would not give up their idols and had to carry them from the good land to Babylon. Anything that replaces God or occupies the position of God is an idol that becomes a burden to the worshipper.
Isa 46:2a captivity Jer. 43:12; 48:7
Isa 46:3a remnant Isa. 10:20
Isa 46:3b borne Exo. 19:4; Deut. 1:31; Psa. 71:6
Isa 46:4a I Isa. 41:4; 48:12; Psa. 102:27; Mal. 3:6
Isa 46:5a To Isa. 40:18, 25
Isa 46:6a gold Isa. 40:19; Hab. 2:19; Acts 17:29
Isa 46:10a counsel Psa. 33:11; Prov. 19:21; Acts 4:28
Isa 46:111 bird
Referring to Cyrus in 44:28 and 45:1. In chs. 46—48 Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is typified by Cyrus to release Jehovah’s captives of the beloved Israel from Babylon. See note 21 in ch. 41. Cyrus was a “bird of prey” called by God to subdue the nations.
Isa 46:11a east Isa. 41:2, 25
Isa 46:13a near Isa. 51:5; cf. Rom. 10:6-8
Isa 47:2a grind Exo. 11:5; Judg. 16:21; Matt. 24:41; Luke 17:35
Isa 47:4a Redeemer Isa. 41:14
Isa 47:5a queen Rev. 17:18; 18:7
Isa 47:71 them
Lit., it.
Isa 47:8a And Isa. 47:10; Zeph. 2:15
Isa 47:81 your
Lit., her.
Isa 47:82 dwell
Or, sit, as in Rev. 18:7.
Isa 47:9b sorceries Nahum 3:4; Rev. 9:21
Isa 47:12a sorceries Nahum 3:4; Rev. 9:21
Isa 47:15a traded Rev. 18:11
Isa 48:1a Israel Gen. 32:28
Isa 48:11 waters
Some versions read, loins.
Isa 48:3a declared Isa. 41:22; 42:9; 43:9
Isa 48:4a neck Exo. 32:9; Deut. 31:27; Acts 7:51
Isa 48:10a refined Psa. 66:10
Isa 48:12a First Isa. 41:4; 44:6; Rev. 1:17; 22:13
Isa 48:13a laid Psa. 102:25
Isa 48:13b spread Isa. 40:22
Isa 48:141a him Isa. 44:28; 45:1
Referring to Cyrus in 44:28 and 45:1, typifying Christ as the Servant of Jehovah. God loves Israel, loves His kingdom, signified by the city of Jerusalem, and loves His house, signified by the temple. In subduing Babylon and releasing the captives of Israel, and in charging Israel and supporting them to build up the temple and the city of their God (Ezra 1), Cyrus did God’s pleasure. Thus, God loved Cyrus. It was a matter of love for God to use a Gentile king to do what was in His heart.
Isa 48:16a sent Isa. 61:1; Zech. 2:8-9, 11
Isa 48:161 me
Referring to the prophet Isaiah.
Isa 48:162 Spirit
Isaiah was sent by God with God the Spirit. In the New Testament the Father sent the Lord Jesus with the Spirit of God (Luke 3:22).
Isa 48:17a Redeemer Isa. 41:14
Isa 48:17b leads Psa. 32:8
Isa 48:18a peace Isa. 66:12
Isa 48:19a sand Gen. 22:17; Hosea 1:10
Isa 48:20a Come Isa. 52:11; Jer. 50:8; 51:6; Zech. 2:6-7; Rev. 18:4
Isa 48:201 Babylon
In Rev. 17 and 18 Babylon has two aspects: the religious aspect, signifying the Roman Catholic Church, and the material, physical aspect, signifying the city of Rome, the capital of Antichrist’s kingdom (see note 21 in Rev. 18). God’s people need to come out of Babylon in its two aspects (Rev. 18:4).
Isa 48:20b servant Isa. 41:8
Isa 48:21a rock Exo. 17:6; Num. 20:11; Neh. 9:15; Psa. 78:15; 105:41
Isa 48:22a There Isa. 57:21
Isa 49:11 me
Referring to Isaiah, the prophet of Jehovah, typifying Christ as the Servant of Jehovah (Mark 10:45) for God’s speaking (Deut. 18:15; John 3:34; 14:24). Isaiah served Jehovah as His mouthpiece to speak forth His word, which is the embodiment of Himself (vv. 1-4). Isaiah’s prophesying helped in the release of Israel and the rebuilding of the temple and the city. Cyrus, the Gentile king, Israel, God’s chosen people, and Isaiah, the prophet set up by God, all did the same thing to please God: they served to release God’s people, to build up God’s house, and to build up God’s kingdom, signified by the city of Jerusalem. Thus, they all typify Christ as God’s servant (Luke 4:18; Matt. 16:18-19). All who are in Christ (1 Cor. 1:30) and who are thus one with Christ to release God’s people and to build up His house and His kingdom are servants of God.
Isa 49:1a from Isa. 49:5; Jer. 1:5; Matt. 1:20-21; Gal. 1:15; cf. Luke 1:15
Isa 49:2a sharp Isa. 11:4; Hosea 6:5; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16
Isa 49:31 Israel
Jehovah considered the prophet Isaiah as His servant, a part of Israel, for His glorification. Isaiah was a part of Israel; hence, he was one with Israel as the servant of Jehovah. Christ also is a part of Israel (Hosea 11:1; Matt. 2:15b). That Jehovah will be glorified in His servant typifies that God is glorified in Christ (John 13:31b) as the Israel of God. See note 71 in ch. 43.
Isa 49:41 labored
Here Isaiah typifies Christ. People judged Christ wrongly, thinking that His word was nothing and vain. However, Christ was assured that the justice due to Him would come from God (1 Pet. 2:23). God values Christ’s word (cf. Matt. 24:35) and will reward Him for His speaking.
Isa 49:51 Me
Verses 5-9a refer to Christ as the Servant of Jehovah (42:1-7). In this chapter whatever is spoken concerning Isaiah and Israel is also spoken concerning Christ. This means that Christ as the Servant of Jehovah fulfills all that Isaiah and Israel are as the servant of Jehovah.
Isa 49:52 womb
God formed Jesus to be His Servant in the womb, with His divinity mingled with His humanity (Matt. 1:18-20; Luke 1:35). Thus, when He came out of the womb of His mother, He was a God-man.
Isa 49:6a I Isa. 42:6; Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47
Isa 49:61 light
See note 62 in ch. 42.
Isa 49:62b salvation Acts 28:28; Rom. 11:11
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 49:62 [1] Christ as the Servant of Jehovah serves God by being a covenant and a light to God’s chosen people that He may be the full salvation of God extending to the ends of the earth (42:5-7; 49:6, 8b-9a). God’s full salvation is based on God’s righteousness and is consummated in God’s life (Rom. 5:17, 21). Righteousness in God’s justice and life through God’s light are the two basic factors of God’s salvation (Rom. 1:16-17; 5:18b; Titus 3:7). God’s salvation in its two aspects is composed of Christ as the covenant for justification and Christ as the light for life (Rom. 5:10). Through His death Christ as the covenant satisfies God’s righteousness for justification as the base of God’s full salvation, and in His resurrection Christ as the light imparts life as the consummation of God’s full salvation. Ultimately, the complete salvation of God is embodied in the New Jerusalem, which is a matter of life built on the foundation of righteousness (Rev. 22:1-2; 21:14, 19-20 and note 191, par. 2).
Isa 49:62 [2] Through His death and in His resurrection Christ has become the new covenant as the new testament (Heb. 8:10-12; 9:15-17) according to God’s righteousness to be the base of God’s full salvation. God gave Christ as a light to the nations that He might be God’s salvation to all the world (Matt. 4:16; Luke 2:30-32). The life of this light (John 1:4; 8:32), as the indestructible life (Heb. 7:16b), the incorruptible life (2 Tim. 1:10b), and the real and eternal life that we should lay hold on (1 Tim. 6:19, 12), becomes God’s salvation to us in His righteousness (Rom. 5:10, 17). This life also ensures us, guarantees us, the heirs of God in His life, the right to inherit God with all His riches as our eternal inheritance (Acts 26:18). Such a life of light grows in us continually, issuing in our church life today (Eph. 5:8) and consummating in the New Jerusalem in eternity (Rev. 21:2-3, 9b-11, 18-23; 22:1-5).
Isa 49:7a Redeemer Isa. 41:14
Isa 49:71b despised Psa. 22:6; Isa. 53:3
Christ was the despised One, the One abhorred by the nation of Israel, the One subjected to tyrants, i.e., the Roman officials (Matt. 27:11-26). From His resurrection until today He has been not only glorified, honored, by God (v. 5c) but also respected by human kings and worshipped by human princes.
Isa 49:7c faithful Deut. 7:9; 1 Cor. 1:9
Isa 49:8a Thus Psa. 69:13; 2 Cor. 6:2
Isa 49:81b covenant Isa. 42:6
See note 62 in this chapter and note 61 in ch. 42.
Isa 49:82 land
Or, the earth. The restoring of the land is mainly for the kingdom of God, which will eventually consummate in the New Jerusalem in the new heaven and new earth. In the believers’ experience, to restore the land means to have Christ as the land (see note 71 in Deut. 8) enlarged or expanded, to occupy Christ as the land for the building up of God’s kingdom so that His temple, His testimony, may be established (cf. 1 Chron. 4:10; Eph. 3:14-21; Phil. 3:7-14).
Isa 49:83 apportion
See note 61, par. 2, in ch. 42.
Isa 49:91 They
Because Christ has become a covenant for the people of Israel (v. 8; 42:5-7), the captives will return.
Isa 49:10a hunger Rev. 7:16
Isa 49:10b strike Psa. 121:6
Isa 49:10c guide Psa. 23:2; Jer. 31:9; Rev. 7:17
Isa 49:11a mountains Luke 3:5
Isa 49:12a from Deut. 30:3-5; Isa. 43:5-7; 51:11; 56:8; 60:4; 62:10-12; Matt. 24:31
Isa 49:121 Sinim
Probably the Chinese.
Isa 49:13a ringing Isa. 44:23
Isa 49:15a compassion Psa. 103:13
Isa 49:16a engraved S.S. 8:6
Isa 49:171 Your
Some versions read, Your builders outstrip your destroyers.
Isa 49:18a ornament cf. Prov. 17:6
Isa 49:22a bring Isa. 60:4; 66:12
Isa 49:23a nurse Isa. 66:11; 1 Thes. 2:7
Isa 49:23b wait Isa. 8:17
Isa 49:24a strong Matt. 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21
Isa 49:26a Redeemer Isa. 41:14; 60:16
Isa 50:1a bill Deut. 24:1; Jer. 3:8; Hosea 2:2
Isa 50:2a called Prov. 1:24; Isa. 65:12; Jer. 7:13
Isa 50:2b so Num. 11:23; Isa. 59:1
Isa 50:2c dry Exo. 14:21; Psa. 106:9; Nahum 1:4
Isa 50:3a blackness Exo. 10:21
Isa 50:41 me
Referring to Isaiah, who typifies Christ as the Servant of Jehovah (see 49:1-5). Verses 4-5 speak of the instruction received by Christ as Jehovah’s Servant.
Isa 50:4b weary Matt. 11:28
Isa 50:5b not Matt. 26:39; John 14:31
Isa 50:61 I
Verses 6-9 show the life lived by Isaiah as the servant of Jehovah, typifying the life that Christ as the Servant of Jehovah lived on earth (Matt. 26:67; 1 Pet. 2:23).
Isa 50:6a strike Matt. 26:67; John 18:22
Isa 50:6b cheeks Lam. 3:30; Matt. 5:39; Luke 6:29
Isa 50:6c spitting Mark 14:65; Luke 18:32
Isa 50:7a face Ezek. 3:8-9; Luke 9:51
Isa 50:9a garment Isa. 51:6; Psa. 102:26
Isa 50:9b moth Job 13:28; Isa. 51:8; James 5:2
Isa 51:11 rock
Referring not to God but to Abraham, who was the source of Israel. Jehovah’s calling of Israel is based on His calling of their father Abraham; hence, it is firm.
Isa 51:2a called Gen. 12:1-2; Ezek. 33:24
Isa 51:2b blessed Gen. 22:17; 24:1, 35
Isa 51:3a garden Gen. 13:10; Joel 2:3
Isa 51:4a instruction Isa. 2:3; 42:4
Isa 51:6a heavens Psa. 102:26; 2 Pet. 3:10, 12
Isa 51:6b garment Isa. 50:9; Heb. 1:11
Isa 51:9a Awake Psa. 44:23; Isa. 52:1
Isa 51:91b arm Isa. 40:10; 53:1; Luke 1:51
Signifying the strength of Jehovah, the dynamic might of Christ in His divinity, and referring to Christ as the all-inclusive Servant of Jehovah (53:1-2) in relation to Israel’s return from captivity (52:10-12). In Israel’s return and restoration, the all-inclusive Christ is, first, the arm of Jehovah, second, the reigning God (52:7), and, third, the exalted Christ (52:13).
Isa 51:10a dried Exo. 14:21; Isa. 43:16; 50:2
Isa 51:11a Therefore Isa. 35:10
Isa 51:111 ransomed
Referring here to the redemption of God’s people for their release from captivity in Babylon, after which they could return (cf. Exo. 6:6). Before God could redeem His people from captivity, they had to be redeemed from sin under God’s condemnation, as illustrated by the redemption through the passover lamb prior to the exodus from Egypt (Exo. 12).
Isa 51:11b Zion Jer. 31:11-12
Isa 51:11c sorrow Isa. 25:8; 60:20; 65:19; Rev. 21:4
Isa 51:12a grass Isa. 40:6; 1 Pet. 1:24
Isa 51:13a stretched Job 9:8; Psa. 104:2; Isa. 40:22; Zech. 12:1
Isa 51:161 plant
Some versions have, stretch, or, establish.
Isa 51:16a heavens Isa. 65:17; 66:22
Isa 51:17a drunk Psa. 60:3; Ezek. 23:32-34
Isa 52:1b holy Neh. 11:1; Isa. 48:2; Matt. 4:5
Isa 52:1c unclean Rev. 21:27
Isa 52:3a sold Psa. 44:12; Isa. 45:13; Jer. 15:13
Isa 52:3b redeemed 1 Pet. 1:18
Isa 52:4a Egypt Gen. 46:6-7; Acts 7:14-15
Isa 52:4b Assyrian Isa. 14:25
Isa 52:5a blasphemed Ezek. 36:20, 23; Rom. 2:24
Isa 52:7a How Nahum 1:15; Rom. 10:15
Isa 52:71 Your
This is the announcing of the restoration (Matt. 19:28). Isaiah 40:9 speaks of God coming to accomplish redemption unto salvation for His people, whereas this verse, after redemption has been accomplished, announces that in the restoration, the millennial kingdom, God reigns (cf. Rev. 11:15). The reigning God here is the Redeemer, the Savior, mentioned in ch. 40.
Isa 52:101 arm
See note 91 in ch. 51.
Isa 52:10a salvation Gen. 49:18; Luke 2:30; 3:6
Isa 52:11a Depart Isa. 48:20; Jer. 50:8; Zech. 2:6-7; 2 Cor. 6:17; Rev. 18:4
Isa 52:111 there
Referring to Babylon. See note 201 in ch. 48.
Isa 52:112 vessels
Indicating that the vessels of the temple, which had been carried away to Babylon (2 Chron. 36:18; Dan. 1:1-2), would be brought back to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:7-11).
Isa 52:12a go Exo. 14:19; Isa. 58:8
Isa 52:131a Servant Isa. 42:1; Acts 3:13
Isaiah 52:13—53:12 reveals Christ as the Servant of Jehovah not in the Old Testament economy but in the New Testament economy, i.e., as God who became a man, who died and resurrected, and who became the life-giving Spirit to enter into His elect and dwell in them as the indwelling Spirit.
Isa 52:132 wisely
From the day that He came out to minister on this earth, the Lord Jesus acted wisely and prospered in God’s pleasure (v. 13a; 53:10b; Matt. 11:19 and note 3). God’s good pleasure was first that the Son would go to the cross and die for God’s chosen people (Matt. 26:39; Heb. 10:5-10) and then that He would rise from the dead to regenerate millions of God’s people to be God’s sons (1 Pet. 1:3; John 20:17). This is the wisdom by which Christ as the Servant of Jehovah acted wisely. Since His ascension Jesus has been acting prudently and wisely on the earth, and in whatever He has done, He has prospered.
Isa 52:133b exalted Phil. 2:9
Christ has been exalted to the third heavens, to the right hand of God (Phil. 2:9; Heb. 4:14; 7:26; 8:1). He has also been lifted up. Before being exalted and lifted up, Christ was humiliated (v. 14; 53:1-10a; Phil. 2:8).
Isa 52:141 Him
According to some MSS and ancient versions; other MSS read, you.
Isa 52:142 visage
Visage denotes the appearance and also refers to the face or facial expression. Christ’s face and His form were marred (disfigured) in order that He might save us. This is astonishing, different from what people expected Christ as a servant of God to be.
Isa 52:14a marred Psa. 22:6-7; Isa. 53:2-3
Isa 52:151 surprise
Jesus will surprise many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of Him, for what He is, is altogether different from what they imagined. People are surprised to learn that a great person such as Christ was actually a small man who lived in the despised region of Galilee, in the despised city of Nazareth, in the poor home of a carpenter, and that He was rejected and put on the cross and crucified (53:2-10a).
Isa 52:15a For Rom. 15:21
Isa 52:152 recounted
The things to be recounted, to be seen, to be heard of, and to be contemplated are the things reported and revealed in ch. 53 concerning Christ in His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension according to the New Testament gospel.
Isa 52:15b heard Isa. 55:5; 1 Cor. 2:9; Eph. 3:5, 9
Isa 53:1a Who John 12:38; Rom. 10:16
Isa 53:11 report
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 53:11 [1] The prophets preached the New Testament gospel in the New Testament economy, but no one believed their report. Their report was based on God’s revelation of Christ as the arm of Jehovah, the dynamic Redeemer (see note 91 in ch. 51). Both the report and the revelation concern Christ as the Servant of Jehovah (v. 11b).
Isa 53:11 [2] This chapter speaks clearly concerning Christ in four stages: (1) the stage of Christ’s incarnation (vv. 1b-3), (2) the stage of Christ’s crucifixion (vv. 4-10a, 12b), (3) the stage of Christ’s resurrection (vv. 10b-11), and (4) the stage of Christ’s ascension (v. 12a). The entire chapter is a confession that will be made by the household of Israel who will be saved at Christ’s second coming (Zech. 12:10; Rom. 11:26-27). At that time they will confess the contents of Isa. 53, and this chapter will be full of taste to them.
Isa 53:21 For
For here introduces the reason that no one believed the report and received the revelation concerning Christ (v. 1).
Isa 53:22 plant
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 53:22 [1] Verses 1b-3 contain the prophet’s report and Jehovah’s revelation concerning Christ as the incarnated Savior, who lived a lowly and sorrowful human life, which fully qualified Him to be the Redeemer and the Savior to save fallen men from Satan, sin, death, and self (Heb. 2:14-18; Matt. 1:21; Rom. 8:3; 2 Tim. 1:10; Matt. 16:24-25).
Isa 53:22 [2] In His humanity Christ grew up not like a large tree but like a small delicate sprout (a tender plant) before Jehovah, in a difficult environment (dry ground), which included His being born of a poor family and His living in Nazareth, a despised city, in Galilee, a despised region.
Isa 53:23 attracting
Instead of majesty, Jesus had poverty (Matt. 8:20), and instead of an attractive form and a beautiful appearance, He had a visage and form that were disfigured (52:14).
Isa 53:2b majesty Isa. 52:14
Isa 53:3a despised Psa. 22:6; Isa. 49:7; Mark 9:12; Luke 23:11
Isa 53:31 sorrows
Lit., pains. So also in the next verse. Christ was a “man whose chief distinction was, that His life was one of constant painful endurance” (Keil and Delitzsch). As the complete God, signified by the arm of Jehovah (v. 1; 51:9; 52:10) as the power of God (1 Cor. 1:22-24), Christ became a perfect man, signified by a man of sorrows, in His incarnation (John 1:1, 14; 1 Tim. 2:5b).
Isa 53:4a Surely Matt. 8:17
Isa 53:41 borne
In the report of the prophets and the revelation of Jehovah (v. 1), Christ is revealed as the crucified Redeemer, who sacrificed Himself for our trespasses (our sin) to accomplish Jehovah’s eternal redemption (vv. 4-10a; Heb. 9:12) that the believers in Christ may be redeemed (forgiven of sins—Acts 10:43, justified—Acts 13:39, and reconciled to God—Rom. 5:10), resulting in the life union with Christ in His resurrection (v. 10b), the reality of which is the life-giving Spirit (John 11:25; 1 Cor. 15:45b; Rom. 8:11).
Isa 53:42 sicknesses
Sicknesses and sorrows, like transgressions and iniquities (v. 5), come from sin; hence, they too need Christ’s redemption (Matt. 8:17 and note). Christ bore our sicknesses at the time He was judged by God on the cross, in the hour when God put all our iniquities on Him (v. 6b; 1 Pet. 2:24).
Isa 53:43 Yet
People thought that Christ must have been wrong in something and that, as a result, He was stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. They did not understand that Christ died vicariously, in the place of us, the sinners (vv. 4-5, 8-9, 11c, 12c; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 3:18a).
Isa 53:5a wounded Matt. 27:26; Mark 15:15; Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:3; 1 John 3:5
Isa 53:5b stripes 1 Pet. 2:24
Isa 53:52 healed
See note 247 in 1 Pet. 2.
Isa 53:6a sheep Psa. 119:176; 1 Pet. 2:25; Matt. 10:6; Luke 15:6
Isa 53:61 us
Referring here especially to the remnant of the Jews at the time of the Lord’s coming back. At that time all the remaining Jews will repent (Zech. 12:10-14; Rev. 1:7) and will speak the words of this verse.
Isa 53:62 fall
It was when God was judging Jesus on the cross that He caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him, making Jesus, in the eyes of God, the unique sinner at that moment (Matt. 27:45-46 and notes 451 and 462). Christ’s death was not merely a murder (Acts 7:52), nor was it a martyrdom; rather, it was carried out by God Himself according to His law. Thus, Christ died a vicarious death as the Substitute for sinners (1 Pet. 3:18), a death that was legal according to God’s law and was recognized and approved by God according to the law.
Isa 53:71 oppressed
In His vicarious death for sinners, Christ was oppressed, afflicted, and led to the slaughter like a lamb and sheared before the shearers like a sheep, with no reaction (Acts 8:32; Matt. 26:63-64; 27:12, 14).
Isa 53:7a not Matt. 26:62-63; 27:12, 14; Mark 14:61; 15:5, 20
Isa 53:7b Like Acts 8:32; John 19:16
Isa 53:81a By Acts 8:33
Christ was oppressed by the hypocritical Jewish leaders (Matt. 26:57, 59, 65-68) and then judged by the unjust Roman officials (Luke 23:1-12; John 18:33-38; 19:1-16). By these two things He was taken away and was crucified.
Isa 53:82 generation
No one among Christ’s generation understood that He was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of the prophet’s people, the Jews, to whom the stroke was due.
Isa 53:91 assigned
Those who crucified Christ planned to bury Him with the two transgressors, the wicked ones (Luke 23:32-33), but eventually God in His sovereignty caused Christ to be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Matt. 27:57-60).
Isa 53:9a rich Matt. 27:57-60; Mark 15:46; John 19:38, 41
Isa 53:92 death
The word is plural in Hebrew, deaths, signifying “a violent death, the very pain of which makes it like dying again and again” (Keil and Delitzsch).
Isa 53:93 no
Christ was sinless (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22); hence, He did not die for His own sins. He died vicariously for us, the sinners (1 Pet. 3:18).
Isa 53:9b deceit 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5
Isa 53:101a offering John 1:29; Rom. 8:3; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24
Christ volunteered to be an offering for sin, referring not to the sin offering (Lev. 4) but to an offering for sin in its totality—for wrongdoings, mistakes, trespasses, transgressions, evildoings, and iniquities (John 1:29).
Isa 53:102 seed
Verses 10b-11 refer to Christ in His resurrection. The seed here, a corporate seed, is the church as the Body of Christ, comprising all the believers produced as the many grains by the death of Christ as the one grain and by His reproductive resurrection (John 12:24; 1 Pet. 1:3). Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is the resurrected Life-giver, the life-giving Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45; 2 Cor. 3:6, 17), to produce a seed for the building up of His Body as His continuation for Jehovah’s pleasure and for Christ’s satisfaction.
Isa 53:103 extend
Today Christ is extending His days by living in His believers (Gal. 2:20; see note 91 in Acts 28). His believers as His Body are His extension.
Isa 53:10b days Rom. 6:9
Isa 53:104 pleasure
The pleasure of God (Eph. 1:5, 9; Phil. 2:13) is to see many sons born of Him to become the members of Christ, who constitute the church as the Body of Christ, the corporate expression of Christ. This depends altogether on Christ’s death and resurrection.
Isa 53:111 fruit
The fruit of the travail of Christ’s soul implies all the items produced in and through Christ’s resurrection, as follows: (1) As the processed One, the last Adam, Christ became the life-giving Spirit as the reality of the pneumatic Christ for His propagation through life-imparting (1 Cor. 15:45; 2 Cor. 3:17); (2) as the preeminent One, the One who has the first place in all things, Christ became the Firstborn from the dead for the germinating of God’s new creation and for Christ to be Head of the Body (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5a); (3) as the God-man, Christ was begotten of God in His humanity (Acts 13:33) to be the firstborn Son of God in both the divine and human natures, to be a model for conforming many sons to His image (Rom. 8:29b); (4) as the resurrection life (John 11:25), Christ regenerated all His believers (1 Pet. 1:3), making them His brothers and the many sons of God (Heb. 2:10a, 11b-12; Rom. 8:29b; John 20:17), who are the members of God’s household to be God’s kingdom (Eph. 2:19; Gal. 6:10) and God’s precious inheritance (Eph. 1:11); (5) as the one grain of wheat, Christ became the many grains (John 12:24), who are His increase (John 3:30) and the components of His Body, i.e., the one bread, the church (1 Cor. 10:17; Eph. 1:22-23); (6) through His life-releasing death and with His life-imparting resurrection, Christ produced a corporate seed as the issue of the travail of His soul, which seed He saw in His resurrection and was satisfied (vv. 10c-11b; cf. Gal. 3:29); and (7) as the life of the believers, the resurrected Christ is all the members and in all the members of the new man (Col. 3:10-11).
Isa 53:112 satisfied
Christ will see the church and be satisfied with the church.
Isa 53:113 knowledge
Not Christ’s knowledge but the knowing of Him, the righteous One, the resurrected Christ as the Servant of Jehovah.
Isa 53:11a Servant Acts 3:13
Isa 53:114 make
Christ will make righteous those who know Him as the righteous One. Since this verse refers to Christ in His resurrection, to make us righteous is not merely to justify us objectively but to make us righteous subjectively by His living in us as the resurrection life and our living Him (Matt. 5:20 and note 1; Rom. 5:19 and note 1; 2 Cor. 5:21 and note 3; Phil. 3:9 and note 5).
Isa 53:11b righteous Isa. 45:25
Isa 53:11c bear Isa. 53:4-5; Heb. 9:28
Isa 53:12a portion Psa. 2:8
Isa 53:121 Great
The first part of this verse concerns Christ in His ascension. The Great and the Strong here refer to God. In Christ’s ascension God divided to Christ a portion with God as the great One, and Christ divided the spoil with God as the strong One.
Isa 53:122 spoil
Spoil indicates that a war was fought. On the cross and in His resurrection Christ fought the battle, gained the victory, and took the spoil from Satan (see note 82 in Eph. 4). In Christ’s ascension there was a demonstration of Christ’s victory by the sharing of the captives, the spoil, taken in Christ’s victory. As the ascended Victor, Christ shared the spoil of His victory with God, the Great and the Strong (Psa. 68:18 and note 3). Then Christ gave the spoil to the church as gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:8b, 11-12 and note 83). This is for the accomplishing of the pleasure of Jehovah, which will prosper in Christ’s hand according to God’s desire and plan (v. 10c).
Isa 53:12b poured Psa. 22:14; John 10:11; cf. Phil. 2:17; 2 Tim. 4:6
Isa 53:123 life
Lit., soul. Man, God, and Christ all had a part in Christ’s crucifixion. Man did the murdering, the killing (Acts 7:52), but God carried out the legal judgment to kill Christ as a legal Substitute that Christ might die a vicarious death for sinners (vv. 6b, 10a). Moreover, Christ Himself was willing to be such an offering. He made Himself that offering (v. 10b), and He poured out His life for that purpose (John 10:17-18; Heb. 9:14).
Isa 53:124c numbered Matt. 27:38; Mark 15:28; Luke 22:37; 23:33
When Christ was crucified on the cross, He was numbered with the transgressors (Luke 23:32-33) and He interceded for the transgressors (Luke 23:34a).
Isa 53:12d bore Heb. 9:28; 1 John 3:5
Isa 53:124e interceded Luke 23:34; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25
See note 124.
Isa 54:1b more 1 Sam. 2:5; Psa. 113:9
Isa 54:3a seed Gen. 22:17; 24:60; Isa. 55:5; 61:9
Isa 54:4a reproach Gen. 30:23; Isa. 4:1; Luke 1:25
Isa 54:5a Maker Gen. 1:26; Isa. 44:2
Isa 54:51b Husband Isa. 62:5; Jer. 3:14; 31:32; Hosea 2:16; 2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 21:2; 22:17
See note 62, par. 2, in Exo. 20 and note 21 in Hosea 1.
Isa 54:5c Redeemer Isa. 41:14
Isa 54:5d God Zech. 14:9; Rom. 3:29
Isa 54:7a gather Deut. 30:3; Ezek. 36:24; Micah 4:6
Isa 54:8a Redeemer Isa. 41:14
Isa 54:9a Noah Gen. 8:21; 9:11
Isa 54:10a depart Psa. 46:2; Isa. 51:6; Rev. 6:14
Isa 54:10b lovingkindness Psa. 89:33-34
Isa 54:101 covenant
Christ’s dynamic redemption accomplished through His vicarious death and reproductive resurrection (ch. 53) is in relation to His being the covenant for Israel’s security. Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is the reality of this covenant to be a surety to Israel for their security (42:6 and note 1; 49:8). The dynamic redemption accomplished by Christ is the security not only to Israel but also to the seed (53:10), which is the church as the corporate Body of the resurrected Christ.
Isa 54:11a sapphires 1 Chron. 29:2; Rev. 21:19
Isa 54:13a taught Jer. 31:34; John 6:45; 1 Thes. 4:9
Isa 54:171 No
This is Jehovah’s declaration to the entire universe that the security of Israel is maintained by Christ, who is the covenant for them (v. 10).
Isa 55:1a thirsts Matt. 5:6; John 4:14; 7:37; Rev. 21:6; 22:17
Isa 55:11 come
In this book God always considers that He is our salvation as living water (cf. 12:2-3). The record concerning the accomplished redemption in ch. 53 is followed in this chapter by the invitation to come to the waters and drink. The call here is like that at the end of the Bible, in Rev. 22:17. The waters in these two portions of the Word are the redeeming God, the very God who accomplished redemption for us through His incarnation, human living, crucifixion, and resurrection. These waters are both the eternal covenant and the sure mercies shown to David (v. 3).
Isa 55:12 waters
Waters (plural) here reveals that God can be enjoyed not just in one aspect but in many aspects through our continual drinking of Him (cf. John 7:38 and note 2).
Isa 55:1b buy Matt. 13:44, 46; Rev. 3:18
Isa 55:1c milk 1 Pet. 2:2
Isa 55:31a covenant Isa. 61:8; Jer. 32:40
In chs. 55—56 Christ, as the Servant of Jehovah and the embodiment of the Triune God as the living waters (John 4:10, 14; 7:37-38), is an eternal covenant to Israel (42:6; 49:8; 54:10; 61:8b), even the sure mercies shown to David, in relation to Israel’s prosperity. As such, He is the center of the divine provisions to Israel (vv. 1-5). See note 61 in ch. 42.
Isa 55:32b mercies 2 Sam. 7:8; Psa. 89:28; Acts 13:34
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 55:32 [1] In Acts 13:34 Paul interprets the sure mercies as “the holy things of David, the faithful things,” and in v. 35 there, he indicates that these things are Christ Himself in resurrection (see note 341 in Acts 13). Paul’s interpretation is confirmed by v. 4 in this chapter. Christ was incarnated to bring God as grace to us (John 1:14, 16-17), and He was crucified and resurrected to become the sure mercies to us in resurrection. Because our situation was miserable and could not match God’s grace, Christ, the embodiment of God’s grace, became the sure mercies, and through these mercies we are now in the proper position to match God and receive Him as grace (cf. Eph. 2:4 and note 2). In Christ as the sure mercies, God reaches us in His grace to be our enjoyment. Christ is both the sure mercies and the eternal covenant that guarantees these mercies.
Isa 55:32 [2] As the sure mercies of God, the resurrected Christ became the base of God’s justification to His believers (Acts 13:34-39; Rom. 4:25). Based on such a justification in Christ’s resurrection, the believers can be sanctified by enjoying Christ, the son of David (Matt. 1:1), as God’s sure mercies, i.e., as the Holy One who did not see corruption (Acts 13:35).
Isa 55:33 David
David and all the kings in David’s family needed God’s mercy (Psa. 51:1; 52:8b). God promised that the very Christ, who would come out of David’s descendants to be the King of kings on the earth (Rev. 17:14; 19:16), would be the sure mercies of God toward the royal family of David. Because of Christ as the sure mercies of God, no one could blot out the entire royal family of David (see note 11 in ch. 11; cf. Jer. 33:24-26). The last king of the royal family of David will be Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s sure mercies.
Isa 55:41 Him
This is Christ, who is not only the sure mercies shown to David (v. 3) but also the Witness, Leader, and Commander to the peoples, the nations (Rev. 1:5a; 3:14a; Acts 5:31a; Rev. 19:11-21).
Isa 55:4a Witness John 18:37; Rev. 1:5
Isa 55:51a glorified Isa. 60:9; Acts 3:13
To be glorified means that we are brought into God and that God becomes our expression.
Isa 55:61a Seek Psa. 27:8; 32:6; Jer. 29:13; cf. John 7:34
This is to come to the Lord in order to drink of Him (v. 1).
Isa 55:62b Call Deut. 4:7; Psa. 145:18; Rom. 10:12
Calling on the Lord is the way to drink of Him (see note 41 in ch. 12).
Isa 55:71 evildoer
In the eyes of God, the wicked one, the evildoer, is the one who does not come to drink of Him (cf. note 53 in Rom. 1).
Isa 55:81 thoughts
God’s way and God’s thought are that we would come to drink of Him freely (cf. John 4:10; 7:37-39; Rev. 22:17). See note 11.
Isa 55:9a heavens Psa. 103:11
Isa 55:10a rain Deut. 32:2
Isa 55:10b seed 2 Cor. 9:10
Isa 55:10c sower Mark 4:3
Isa 55:11a word Isa. 45:23
Isa 55:111 vainly
Or, empty.
Isa 55:112 sent
God has sent forth His word to water His people (v. 10), to sanctify them (John 17:17; Eph. 5:26), to transform them (2 Cor. 3:18), and to conform them to His image (Rom. 8:29) that the Body of Christ may be built up.
Isa 55:12a go Isa. 35:10; Psa. 105:43
Isa 55:12b break Isa. 44:23; 49:13
Isa 55:131 name
What God is doing in His people by sending forth His word (vv. 10-11) will be both a name (memorial) to God and an eternal sign (strong proof) that will never be cut off.
Isa 56:11 justice
In its Old Testament usage, the word justice means the verdict of God’s judgment. Justice plus righteousness equals salvation. As the result of Christ’s death on the cross for us, God’s verdict concerning us, the believers in Christ, is the justice that causes us to be justified, to be made righteous (Rom. 3:24). This justice that makes us righteous is God’s salvation coming to us.
Isa 56:1a about Isa. 46:13; Matt. 3:2; Rom. 13:11-12
Isa 56:21 Sabbath
According to this book the real meaning of keeping the Sabbath is that we cease from our doing, stop our work, and enjoy what the Lord has done for us, drinking of Him as the waters (12:3; 55:1). Keeping the Sabbath in this way is to be terminated and replaced by Christ so that we may enter into Him and rest in Him for eternity (Gal. 2:20). The entire Christian life should be such a Sabbath.
Isa 56:7a burnt 1 Pet. 2:5
Isa 56:7b My Matt. 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46
Isa 56:8a gathers Isa. 43:5-6; 49:22; 60:4; Matt. 24:31
Isa 56:81 others
First, God gathered the Jews to Christ (Acts 2—12), and then He began to gather the Gentiles from such places as Asia Minor and Macedonia (Acts 13—20). Today He continues to gather people to Christ from throughout the earth.
Isa 56:10a blind Matt. 15:14
Isa 56:10b dogs Matt. 7:6
Isa 57:21 beds
I.e., graves.
Isa 57:51 terebinths
Trees used in the worship of idols.
Isa 57:131a refuge Psa. 2:12
To take refuge in the Lord is to enter into Him and stay in Him to enjoy Him. When we stay in the Lord, taking Him as our refuge, we enjoy Him, and eventually we will inherit Him as the land and possess Him as our high mountain.
Isa 57:14a prepare Isa. 40:3; 62:10; Luke 3:4
Isa 57:15a Holy Job 6:10; Luke 1:49
Isa 57:15b lowly Matt. 5:3; James 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5
Isa 57:151 spirit
See note 11 in ch. 66.
Isa 57:16a For Psa. 103:9; Jer. 3:12
Isa 57:19a far Eph. 2:17
Isa 57:19b heal Jer. 3:22
Isa 57:201 wicked
The evil condition of the wicked is that they do not come to the Lord to eat and enjoy the Lord (cf. 55:1-2). They do many things, but they do not come to contact the Lord, to take Him, to receive Him, to taste Him, and to enjoy Him. In the sight of God, nothing is more evil than this. Cf. note 71 in ch. 55.
Isa 57:20a tossed Jude 13; cf. James 1:6
Isa 57:21a There Isa. 48:22
Isa 58:1a trumpet Rev. 1:10; cf. 1 Cor. 14:8
Isa 58:2a delight cf. Luke 8:13
Isa 58:31a fasted Zech. 7:5; Luke 18:12
The real meaning of fasting is to stop eating all things other than the Lord Jesus and to not have a taste for anything other than Him. God wants us to stop our doing and be replaced by Christ (keep the Sabbath—56:2) and to keep away from the taste of anything other than Christ (fast). By resting and fasting we can partake of all that the processed Christ has accomplished for us. In totality, what Christ is and has accomplished is just the divine water (55:1), which is the consummated Spirit as the consummation of the Triune God for us to drink and enjoy (John 7:37-39; 1 Cor. 12:13).
Isa 58:32 find
In their hypocrisy the house of Jacob fasted, but they did many things in pursuit of their own interests. They did not rest in God nor take Him as their nourishment and life supply (cf. 55:1-2). This was their hypocrisy.
Isa 58:4a fast 1 Kings 21:9, 12-13
Isa 58:5a fast Matt. 6:16
Isa 58:6a free Neh. 5:10-12; Jer. 34:9; Luke 4:18
Isa 58:7a divide cf. Acts 2:45
Isa 58:7b hungry Ezek. 18:7; Matt. 25:35; Luke 3:11
Isa 58:8a light Job 11:17; Isa. 60:1, 3; Matt. 5:16
Isa 58:8b glory Exo. 14:19; Isa. 52:12
Isa 58:11a guide Isa. 49:10
Isa 58:11b garden S.S. 4:15; Jer. 31:12
Isa 58:11c spring John 7:38
Isa 58:12a rebuild Isa. 61:4
Isa 58:13a Sabbath Gen. 2:2; Exo. 20:10; Deut. 5:15; Ezek. 20:12; Mark 2:23
Isa 58:14a heights Deut. 32:13
Isa 59:1a so Num. 11:23; Isa. 50:2
Isa 59:2a not Psa. 66:18; John 9:31
Isa 59:4a They Job 15:35; Psa. 7:14
Isa 59:7a Their Prov. 1:16; Rom. 3:15
Isa 59:7b Desolation Rom. 3:16
Isa 59:10a grope Deut. 28:29; Job 5:14; Amos 8:9
Isa 59:10b blind Zeph. 1:17; 2 Pet. 1:9
Isa 59:101 prospering
The meaning of the word is uncertain. Others understand, desolate places; i.e., cemeteries.
Isa 59:16b appalled Mark 6:6
Isa 59:161c arm Psa. 98:1; Isa. 63:5
See note 91 in ch. 51.
Isa 59:17a breastplate Eph. 6:14
Isa 59:17b helmet Eph. 6:17; 1 Thes. 5:8
Isa 59:19a rising Psa. 113:3; Mal. 1:11
Isa 59:20a And vv. 20-21: Rom. 11:26-27
Isa 59:201b Redeemer Isa. 41:14
As the Servant of Jehovah, Christ will also be a Redeemer to Zion. Christ can redeem the corrupted Israel because He is the sure mercies covenanted to them (55:3).
Isa 59:211 covenant
This covenant is Christ, who is the reality and surety of the covenant (42:6; 49:8; 54:10). See note 61 in ch. 42.
Isa 59:212a Spirit Isa. 11:2; 61:1
Christ as the Redeemer (v. 20) saves us from our sins, iniquities, and transgressions, whereas Christ as the all-inclusive life-giving Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45) is for our breathing (John 20:22), and Christ as the word (Rev. 19:13) is for our feeding (Matt. 4:4; John 6:57, 63) and our speaking (1 Cor. 14:31; Eph. 4:29).
Isa 59:212b words Isa. 51:16
See note 212.
Isa 60:1a Shine Matt. 5:16; Eph. 5:14
Isa 60:11 light
Christ as the Servant of Jehovah is the light of Israel and the glory of Jehovah rising upon Israel at His return (vv. 1-3). The entire earth today, including Israel, is under darkness. But when Christ comes as a Redeemer to Israel (59:20), He will be their light to enlighten them, which light is the glory of God, i.e., God Himself in His glory (cf. Rev. 21:23; 22:5).
Isa 60:11b glory Rev. 21:11
See note 11.
Isa 60:2a darkness Matt. 4:16
Isa 60:3a light Matt. 5:16; Rev. 21:24
Isa 60:31 rising
Today the nation of Israel is suffering under the pressure of the nations, but when Christ returns, Israel will rise up. When Christ comes back as the saving Redeemer, Israel as God’s elect and as the center of the world’s population will be restored in every respect. At that time, all the Gentile nations will be for Israel (vv. 3-14).
Isa 60:4a gather Matt. 24:31
Isa 60:5a wealth Isa. 61:6; Rev. 21:26
Isa 60:6a gold Matt. 2:11
Isa 60:11a not Rev. 21:25
Isa 60:11b wealth Rev. 21:24
Isa 60:12a perish Zech. 14:17, 19
Isa 60:131 glory
Glory here refers to the products of the nations (Gen. 31:1, 16; Esth. 1:4).
Isa 60:13a feet 1 Chron. 28:2; Psa. 132:7; cf. Isa. 66:1
Isa 60:14a bowing Isa. 49:23; Rev. 3:9
Isa 60:14b Zion Psa. 2:6; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 14:1
Isa 60:16a kings Rev. 21:24
Isa 60:16b Redeemer Isa. 41:14; 49:26
Isa 60:18a walls Isa. 26:1; Rev. 21:12
Isa 60:19a sun Rev. 21:23; 22:5
Isa 60:191b light Rev. 21:11
In the New Jerusalem Israel will enjoy Jehovah in Christ, the Servant of Jehovah, as the eternal light (vv. 19-20; Rev. 21:23; 22:5).
Isa 60:192 beauty
In the restoration God in Christ will be Israel’s glory and beauty, and Israel will be God’s glory and beauty (v. 21; 61:3b). Thus, God and His chosen people will be glorified and beautified in mutuality. This will be accomplished by the divine dispensing through Christ as the Redeemer and the Savior putting Himself into God’s people as the life-giving Spirit and the word (59:21).
Isa 60:21a planting Isa. 61:3; Matt. 15:13; John 15:1
Isa 60:211 beautified
See note 192.
Isa 61:11a The vv. 1-2: Luke 4:18
[ par. 1 2 3 ]
Isa 61:11 [1] Verses 1-3 refer to the ministry of Christ as the Anointed of Jehovah in His two comings. As indicated in Luke 4:16-22a (see notes there), vv. 1-2a in this chapter refer to Christ in His first coming, in which His ministry was to announce the gospel of grace. Verses 2b-3 refer to Christ in His second coming, in which His ministry will be to avenge Israel that they may be restored. The prophecy concerning Christ as the Anointed of Jehovah was fulfilled as a foretaste at Christ’s first coming, for the age of grace as the acceptable year of Jehovah, the New Testament jubilee (see note 101, par. 2, in Lev. 25), resulting in the producing and building up of the church. This prophecy will be fulfilled as a full taste at Christ’s second coming, for the restoration of Israel unto the new heavens and new earth (65:17; 66:22).
Isa 61:11 [2] Christ’s coming is of two parts and at two times. In His first coming, Christ came to minister, to dispense, Himself into His followers. In this way He carried out the New Testament ministry to dispense the Triune God into the disciples under His ministry, most of whom were Jews. This ministry in Christ’s first coming laid a solid foundation for His second coming. When He comes the second time, He will come mainly in an outward way to rescue Israel from their circumstances and to bring in their restoration (Zech. 12—14). This restoration will be expanded to include all things created by God (2:2-5; 11:6-9; 30:26; 35:1-10; 65:25). It will last for a millennium, for the thousand-year kingdom (Rev. 20:2-7).
Isa 61:11 [3] In the eyes of God, Christ’s two comings are two aspects of one unique coming of Christ from God to mankind. Hence, in Isaiah’s prophecy these two comings are like two mountain peaks which, when viewed from a distance, seem to be one peak. For this reason Isaiah viewed Christ’s first coming and second coming as being together.
Isa 61:1b Spirit Isa. 11:2; Matt. 3:16; 12:18; John 1:32
Isa 61:12 Lord
The Spirit of Jehovah was upon Christ in His first coming (Matt. 3:16; Luke 4:18a) and will be upon Him in His second coming. When the Lord Jesus comes the second time, the striking significance will be that the Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon Him, the word Lord being especially added here by Isaiah.
Isa 61:1c anointed Psa. 45:7; Heb. 1:9
Isa 61:1d good Matt. 11:5; Mark 1:38
Isa 61:1e bind Psa. 147:3; Ezek. 34:16
Isa 61:1f liberty Isa. 42:7; Jer. 34:8
Isa 61:21a acceptable Lev. 25:8-12
The acceptable year is toward God’s people (cf. Luke 4:18-19); the day of vengeance is toward the enemies of God’s people. When Christ comes again to Israel, that will be the acceptable year to them and also the day of God’s vengeance over the enemies of God’s people, Antichrist and his followers (Rev. 19:11-21).
Isa 61:2b comfort Isa. 57:18; Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21
Isa 61:3a mourning Psa. 30:11
Isa 61:3b planting Matt. 15:13
Isa 61:4a rebuild Isa. 58:12; Ezek. 36:35-36
Isa 61:61a priests Exo. 19:6; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9
In the restoration Israel will be priests of Jehovah (see note 32 in ch. 2), the ministers of their God, and the Gentiles will be the laborers to serve Israel (vv. 4-9).
Isa 61:6b wealth Isa. 60:5, 11, 16
Isa 61:8a justice Psa. 33:5; 37:28
Isa 61:81 with
According to the reading of some MSS and the ancient versions; other MSS read, in the burnt offering.
Isa 61:10a bride Isa. 49:18; Rev. 21:2
Isa 62:11 righteousness
God’s righteousness brings in His salvation (cf. 56:1; 61:10). Because righteousness will be dispensed, transfused, into the Jews during the restoration, they will shine forth righteousness. Also they will show forth salvation as God’s crown of beauty and delight (vv. 1-5). Their shining forth will be such a crown to God. God will be beautified by and will be happy and satisfied with what Israel will shine forth.
Isa 62:71 praise
In the restoration Jerusalem will be established and made a praise in the earth (vv. 6-9).
Isa 62:101 standard
At His return Christ will be a standard raised up for the gathering of Jehovah’s scattered people. He will also be the salvation that comes to Zion to rescue her from the destruction of Antichrist and the nations that are with him (v. 11b; 63:1-6; Zech. 12:2-9; Rev. 19:11-21).
Isa 63:11 Who
In vv. 1-6, 9; 64:1; 65:17-25; and 66:15-16, 22, Christ is the Angel of the presence of Jehovah (v. 9) for dealing with the nations. He will rend the heavens and come to save Israel from the nations (v. 9; 64:1). He will come with fire to judge the nations on the whole earth with His burning (66:15-16a). He will also come to tread the great winepress, to destroy Antichrist and the evil people of the nations at Armageddon (vv. 1-6; Rev. 16:12-16; 19:19-21). Finally, when Christ returns He will bring in the time of restoration—the millennial kingdom unto the new heavens and new earth (65:17-25; 66:22; Rev. 20:4-6; 22:1).
Isa 63:1a red-stained Isa. 9:5; Rev. 19:13
Isa 63:21a winepress Lam. 1:15; Rev. 14:19-20
Winepress here and in Rev. 14:19-20 and 19:15 refers to the war at Armageddon. Christ as the Anointed of Jehovah will come to tread the winepress to save Israel from the nations (vv. 1-6). During the last three and a half years of this age, the time of the great tribulation (Matt. 24:21), Antichrist will persecute the Jews to the uttermost, with the intention of completely destroying Israel. Prior to that time, nearly all Israel will be brought back to the Holy Land. Then, before the tribulation Antichrist will make a seven-year covenant of peace with Israel so that they may have their freedom (Dan. 9:27). But after three and a half years, Antichrist will change his mind and will oppose every kind of religion (Dan. 11:36). After destroying Catholicism (Rev. 17:16-18), Antichrist will attempt to destroy the Jewish religion. At the end of the last three and a half years, Antichrist will cause the armies of the nations to surround Jerusalem. With Jerusalem as the center, the entire region from Bozrah to the Mount of Megiddo (Armageddon—Rev. 16:16) will be occupied by armies. In His coming back, Christ, with His overcomers as His bride, will descend to Bozrah (v. 1), and beginning there He will tread the winepress, destroying all the armies. In this way He will rescue Israel from destruction. See Rev. 14:17-20; 16:16; and 19:11-21, and notes on those verses.
Isa 63:5a looked Isa. 41:28; 59:16; cf. Rev. 5:4
Isa 63:5b arm Psa. 98:1; Isa. 59:16
Isa 63:91a Angel Exo. 14:19; 23:20-21; Mal. 3:1; Acts 12:11
This is Christ as the Angel of Jehovah. The expression the Angel of His presence indicates that this very angel is the presence of Jehovah. Christ as the Angel of Jehovah was always present with Israel in their sufferings, from Exo. 3 through Isa. 63 to Zech. 1. The Anointed of Jehovah (cf. 61:1-3) is a sweet term to God’s people, but the Angel of His presence is a term applied mainly toward the enemies of God’s people. It is the Angel of Jehovah, the Lord Jesus as the presence of the Triune God, who will come to defeat Antichrist and his armies at Armageddon (vv. 1-6).
Isa 63:9b bore Exo. 19:4; Deut. 1:31; 32:11-12
Isa 63:10a grieved Psa. 78:40; Eph. 4:30; 1 Thes. 5:19
Isa 63:101b Spirit Psa. 51:11; Rom. 1:4
See note 112 in Psa. 51. So also for v. 11.
Isa 63:111 Then
Or, Then His people remembered the days of old of Moses.
Isa 63:11a brought Exo. 14:30; 32:11-12; Num. 14:13-14; Jer. 2:6
Isa 63:112 shepherds
Others read, shepherd.
Isa 63:11b in Num. 11:17, 25; Neh. 9:20; Dan. 4:8
Isa 63:12a divided Exo. 14:21; Neh. 9:11
Isa 63:13a depths Psa. 106:9
Isa 63:14a name 2 Sam. 7:23
Isa 63:15a Look Deut. 26:15; Psa. 80:14
Isa 63:161a Father Exo. 4:22; Deut. 32:6; 1 Chron. 29:10; Isa. 64:8; Jer. 3:19; Mark 7:27; John 8:41
This verse in Isaiah’s prophecy, along with 64:8, is a further development of what Isaiah prophesied concerning Christ as the Eternal Father in 9:6. In this verse Christ as the Eternal Father is the Redeemer (Titus 2:13-14; 1 Pet. 1:18-19), and in 64:8 He is the Creator (John 1:3; Heb. 1:10).
Isa 63:161b Redeemer Isa. 41:14
See note 161.
Isa 64:1a heavens Psa. 18:9; 144:5
Isa 64:11 come
Isaiah 64:1-5a and 66:15-16 reveal the second coming of Christ as the Servant of Jehovah (cf. 31:4-5). Christ’s rending the heavens and coming down refers to the consummation of Christ’s coming from heaven to earth, from God to man (see note 11, pars. 2 and 3, in ch. 61).
Isa 64:1b shake Judg. 5:4-5; Psa. 68:8
Isa 64:4a heard 1 Cor. 2:9
Isa 64:5a righteousness Acts 10:35
Isa 64:6b soiled Zech. 3:3; cf. Rev. 3:18; 7:13; 19:8
Isa 64:71a calls Psa. 14:4; Hosea 7:7; Rom. 10:12
See note 211 in Acts 2.
Isa 64:7b lay Phil. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:12
Isa 64:72 consumed
Some ancient versions, perhaps relying on a different MS, translate, delivered us because of. Some modern versions follow this rendering.
Isa 64:81a Father Isa. 63:16
See note 161 in ch. 63.
Isa 64:8b clay Isa. 29:16; Jer. 18:6; Rom. 9:20-21
Isa 64:10a Jerusalem Psa. 79:1
Isa 64:11a house 2 Kings 25:9; 2 Chron. 36:19; Psa. 74:7; Matt. 23:38
Isa 65:7a iniquities Exo. 20:5
Isa 65:9a chosen Isa. 65:15, 22; Matt. 24:22; Rom. 11:5, 7
Isa 65:11a table Ezek. 23:41; 1 Cor. 10:21
Isa 65:13a hunger Luke 6:25
Isa 65:161 God
Lit., the God of Amen (twice in this verse); “i.e., the God who turns what He promises into Yea and Amen (2 Cor. 1:20)” (Keil and Delitzsch). See note 203 in 2 Cor. 1.
Isa 65:16a faithfulness Rev. 3:14
Isa 65:171a new Isa. 51:16; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1
[ par. 1 2 ]
Isa 65:171 [1] According to v. 17 and 66:22-24, the restoration of Israel and of all things brought in by Christ as the Servant of Jehovah consummates in the new heaven and new earth. After so many things have passed away, what will remain will be the new heaven and new earth with the New Jerusalem (2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1-2).
Isa 65:171 [2] In the millennial kingdom the Jews will be priests on the earth (2:2-3; Zech. 8:20-23), and the overcoming believers will be priests in the heavens (Rev. 20:6). At that time the holy city, New Jerusalem, will comprise only the overcoming Old Testament and New Testament saints but not the Israelites who will be saved at the Lord’s coming back. At the end of the millennium Satan will stir up opposers, mainly from Gog and Magog, to attack the camp of the Jews and the city of the saints, but fire will come down out of heaven to devour them (Rev. 20:9). In the new heaven and new earth after the millennium, the Jews who were saved at the coming of the Lord Jesus will be mingled with the New Jerusalem. Therefore, in the new heaven and new earth, there will be only two peoples. First, there will be the New Jerusalem, composed of both the New Testament believers and the Old Testament saints (Rev. 21:12, 14), who will be God’s sons as the royal family to rule over the nations and as the priests to serve God forever (Rev. 21:7; 22:3, 5), and second, there will be the nations, who will not be regenerated but only restored and who will live on the new earth outside the New Jerusalem to be God’s people (Rev. 21:3, 24-26; 22:2b).
Isa 65:17b former Rev. 21:4
Isa 65:17c come cf. 1 Cor. 2:9
Isa 65:181 But
Verses 18-25 reveal that a restoration will be brought in both to Israel and to all things. In this restoration death will be limited, and there will be abundant life and much praise and rejoicing.
Isa 65:19a weeping Isa. 35:10; 51:11; Rev. 21:4
Isa 65:22a tree Psa. 92:12
Isa 65:251 The
The expressions here are very similar to those in 11:6-9, which also speaks of the restoration brought in through Christ. See note 61 in ch. 11.
Isa 65:25a wolf Isa. 11:6-7, 9
Isa 65:25b dust Gen. 3:14
Isa 66:1a Heaven 1 Kings 8:27; 2 Chron. 6:18; Matt. 5:34-35
Isa 66:1b footstool 1 Chron. 28:2
Isa 66:11 house
See note 491 in Acts 7. God did not consider either heaven or earth His dwelling place, nor did He consider the physical house, the temple, built for Him by the children of Israel the place of His rest. In the Old Testament both the tabernacle and the temple were only symbols of God’s union with the children of Israel, whom God considered His actual house (Heb. 3:6 and note). God was united with the children of Israel and became one entity with them, and this one entity was a spiritual house in which both God and the godly people in Israel dwelt (Psa. 27:4; 84:10; 90:1; cf. 1 Pet. 2:5a). According to v. 2 and 57:15, the dwelling place God desires to have is a group of people into whom He can enter. God intends to have a dwelling place in the universe that is the mingling of God and man, in which God is built into man and man is built into God, so that God and man, man and God, can be a mutual abode to each other (John 14:2, 20, 23; 15:4; 1 John 4:13). In the New Testament this dwelling place, this house, is the church, which is God’s habitation in the believers’ spirit (Eph. 2:22 and note 4; 1 Tim. 3:15 and note 2). The ultimate manifestation of this universal building, this universal house, is the New Jerusalem. In this city God is in man, taking man as His dwelling place, and man is in God, taking God as His habitation (Rev. 21:3, 22, and notes). See note 121 in Gen. 28 and notes in 2 Sam. 7:12-14.
Isa 66:2a poor Isa. 57:15; 61:1; Matt. 5:3
Isa 66:2b contrite Psa. 34:18; 51:17
Isa 66:4a called Prov. 1:24; Isa. 65:12; Jer. 7:13
Isa 66:12a river Isa. 48:18; 60:5
Isa 66:121 glory
See note 131 in ch. 60.
Isa 66:12b nurse Isa. 60:16
Isa 66:12c carried Isa. 49:22; 60:4
Isa 66:14a bones Ezek. 37:1
Isa 66:15a fire Isa. 9:5; 2 Thes. 1:7
Isa 66:16a sword Isa. 34:5-6; Rev. 6:4
Isa 66:181 I
The meaning of the Hebrew text is quite obscure.
Isa 66:191 Javan
I.e., Greece.
Isa 66:20a bring Isa. 43:6
Isa 66:201 meal
In the restoration the nations will bring the scattered Israelites as a meal offering to God. Just as in the ancient time, some of the Israelites will be appointed to serve as priests (cf. 61:6), and others will do the Levitical service (v. 21).
Isa 66:21a priests Exo. 19:6; Isa. 61:6; 1 Pet. 2:9
Isa 66:221a new Isa. 65:17; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1
See note 171 in ch. 65.
Isa 66:23a come Psa. 65:2; Zech. 14:16
Isa 66:24a worm Mark 9:48
Isa 66:24b fire Matt. 3:12; Luke 16:24