Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 28:29
This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, [which] is wonderful in counsel, [and] excellent in working.
29. To Isaiah there is something very impressive in the peasant’s subtle yet unpretentious knowledge of his craft; he is like a part of nature, and his wisdom seems a direct emanation from the infinite Wisdom to which all things owe their being (cf. Isa 28:26).
which is wonderful working ] wonderful is His counsel, great His wisdom; lit. “He produces wonderful counsel, He magnifies wisdom” (cf. “Wonderful Counseller,” ch. Isa 9:6). The word rendered “working” is a technical term of the Wisdom Literature. It seems to denote that which is essentially rational. “It is said of a state or action when it corresponds to the idea; and conversely of thought when it corresponds to the reality” (Davidson, Job, p. 39, in this series).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
This also cometh … – That is, these various devices for threshing his grain comes from the Lord no less than the skill with which he tills his land. (see Isa 28:26).
And excellent in working – Or rather, who magnifies ( chigdiyl) his wisdom ( tushyah). This word properly means wisdom, or understanding Job 11:6; Job 12:16; Job 26:3; Pro 3:21; Pro 8:14; Pro 18:1. The idea of the prophet is, that God, who had so wisely taught the farmer, and who had instructed him to use such various methods in his husbandry, would also be himself wise, and would pursue similar methods with his people. He would not always pursue the same unvarying course, but would vary his dispensations as they should need, and as would best secure their holiness and happiness. We see:
1. The reason of afflictions. It is for the same cause which induces the farmer to employ various methods on his farm.
2. We are not to expect the same unvarying course in Gods dealings with us. It would be as unreasonable as to expect that the farmer would be always plowing, or always threshing.
3. We are not to expect always the same kind of afflictions. The farmer uses different machines and modes of threshing, and adapts them to the nature of the grain. So God uses different modes, and adapts them to the nature, character, and disposition of his people. One man requires one mode of discipline, and another another. At one time we need one mode of correction to call us from sin and temptation; at another another. We may lay it down as a general rule, that the divine judgments are usually in the line of our offences; and by the nature of the judgment we may usually ascertain the nature of the sin. If a mans besetting sin is pride, the judgment will usually be something that is suited to humble his pride; if it be covetousness, his property may be removed, or it may be made a curse; if it be undue attachment to children or friends, they may be removed.
4. God will not crush or destroy his people. The farmer does not crush or destroy his grain. In all the various methods which he uses, he takes care not to pursue it too far, and not to injure the grain. So with Gods dealings with his people. His object is not to destroy them, but it is to separate the chaff from the wheat; and he will afflict them only so much as may be necessary to accomplish this. He will not be always bruising his people, but will in due time remit his strokes – just as the thresher does.
5. We should, therefore, bear afflictions and chastisements with patience. God deals with us in mercy – and the design of all his dispensations toward us in prosperity and adversity; in sickness and in health; in success and in disappointment, is to produce the richest and most abundant fruits of righteousness, and to prepare us to enter into his kingdom above.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 28:29
The Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel
Gods presidency over all things
Let us consider this point as related to–
I.
THE BIBLE AND ITS CONTENTS. This Book, to the secular world, is a perpetual puzzle. What amazing power it has exerted in the world, and what exalting energy! Yet it is the literature of a people comparatively insignificant, to whom we are not drawn as we have been toward the august grandeur of Roman genius, or to the poetic and philosophic Greek. It is the oldest of books, large, obscure in some things, but bold in its challenges to geologist, astronomer, and men of science; provoking discussion at a thousand points. Think of the mysteries of doctrine–the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the future life–what can we do? A tone of authority over our convictions and judgments is assumed. The thoughts of the Bible are Gods thoughts.
II. THE REDEMPTION OF CHRIST. This is too vast, grand, marvellous to be understood without this illuminating truth.
III. IN THE SPIRITUAL SPHERE, in the soul of man. We act on mans feelings through his judgment, or upon his judgment through his sensibilities. Yet how feebly! But all these are open to the royal, inspiring Spirit of God.
IV. THE METHOD AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROVIDENCE IN THE WORLD. Gathering up some of the results of this survey, we may see–
1. How Christendom is builded. Coleridge speaks fitly of the miracle of Christendom, for the tendency of society, unilluminated by the Gospel, ever has been downward.
2. We should read the future in the same light. If God be behind all the movements of history, there is no room for discouragement. At important crises He will interfere, putting forth silent forces, perhaps, but terrific in energy.
3. There is a city of God for me. His promises, thick as the fragments of the jasper floor, will all be redeemed. (R. S. Storrs, D. D.)
The wonderfulness of Gods counsel
The context presents to us physical husbandry in two very different aspects.
(1) As the effect of Gods teaching.
(2) As the emblem of Gods teaching.
Gods counsel is wonderful in all His departments of action as Creator, Sovereign, and Redeemer. Our illustration shall be taken from the nature, formation, and propagation of the redemptive system.
I. ITS NATURE IS WONDERFUL. What is it? One word, perhaps, will best describe it. Reconciliation. To see its wonderfulness think of four things.
1. That the reconciliation originates with the offended party.
2. The offended party, who seeks the reconciliation, is infinitely superior to the offender.
3. The offended party, who is infinitely superior, offers reconciliation to the lowest class of His foes. There are two great classes of enemies to God–fallen angels and fallen men; men are the inferior. Yet He passed by the angels and took hold upon the seed of Abraham.
4. The offended party, who is infinitely superior, offers reconciliation to the lowest classes of HIS foes at a most stupendous sacrifice.
II. ITS FORMATION IS WONDERFUL. How is this system of reconciliation formed? There are two things as to the mode which show the wonderfulness of the arrangement.
1. Its gradualness. We, when we have a work to do, to which we attach importance, hurry at it, and are impatient for its accomplishment; but God, to ripen this scheme, took four thousand long years.
2. Its instruments. When we have a work to do, we select the best men we can get. God employed the agency of wicked men in the working out of His great reconciling plan. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, etc.
III. ITS PROPAGATION IS WONDERFUL. Three things show the wonderfulness of its propagation.
1. The character of the persons to whom its propagation was first entrusted. To whom did He commit the ministry of this wonderful scheme! To the magnates, or the literati of His age? No, to a few poor fishermen.
2. The class of persons to whom it was first offered. The greatest sinners on earth; the sinners at Jerusalem, who imbrued their hands in the blood of His only begotten Son.
3. The pressing of it on the attention of those who frequently reject it. (Homilist.)
A feast for faith
(1) The sentiment of the text on the surface is, that the art and science and skill of man, are the gifts of God.
(2) Ii God thus instructs man in wisdom, how wise must He be Himself!
I. Let us behold THE VISION OF GOD WHICH IS PRESENTED TO US IN THE TEXT.
1. God does not work without a plan.
2. This plan is wonderful in itself, and is found to be excellent when it is carried out.
(1) This is illustrated in nature.
(2) In providence.
(3) In personal experience.
(4) In the great economy of redemption.
(5) In the Gospel. This Gospel is suited to the most abject and depraved. Many preachers have had to confess the uselessness of mere moral preaching; one of them said he preached up honesty till his parish swarmed with thieves.
(6) The experience d every Christian k, in some respects, different from the experience of every other, but it is the result of Gods plan.
(7) The use of instrumentality. It is a wonderful design of God to use one man to be the means of the conversion of another, because the man who does the work is as much benefited as the man upon whom the work is done.
(8) The grandest illustration of all will be when, at the last, Gods counsels shall be perfectly fulfilled.
II. SOME OF THE LESSONS FROM IT.
1. I have a word to say to those unconverted persons who have some desire after salvation. I would to God that, seeing His counsel is so wondrous, you would agree to it. It is in His counsel that sinners shall be saved by grace through believing in Christ.
2. Another word to you, the people of God. Agree to this in your own particular case. You say, I cannot understand Gods dealings with me. As if it were expected that you should! But you also add, I cannot believe that God has good designs in it. John said that if a man did not believe
God, he made God a liar, and so you who do not believe in Gods wisdom make Him a fool! Do you not shrink from that?
3. I now desire to speak to my fellow workers. When we are going to work for God do not let us be in such a mighty hurry. Let us have a well-formed plan, and let it be Gods plan.
4. When we know Gods plan we must carry it out.
5. Expect singular assistance. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Gods council chamber and workshop
The Lord of hosts is seen by the enlightened eye, first of all in His council chamber, and then in His great workshop. He is wonderful in counsel; He is excellent in working. (C. H.Spurgeon.)
The husbandman taught by God
Some may remember the story of a Rugby public school boy, who heard when studying at Oxford of the sudden death of Dr. Arnold, his old headmaster, and lamented it bitterly, as indeed everyone who had known him did, but turned to a companion who sat by, and remarked that, after all, he perhaps owed more personal benefit to a dearly loved school friend, then dead, than to his masters influence. You did not know, then, said his companion, that Dr. Arnold chose him for you, and gave him to you purposely for your sake? This was a revelation to the youth which completely overcame him, and after which he was ready to fall down and worship his good headmasters memory. A strong feeling often exists in a manly, vigorous farmer and hard working men employed under him to this effect at harvest time: We raised those good crops, we raised and thatched those fine stacks, and we deserve what we have got. Yes, you did, replies the text, for Divine providence taught and instructed you. (C. S. Bird, M. A.)
The Almighty the all-methodical
This last word of the chapter is very expressive. It literally means furtherance, help, salvation, and then the true wisdom or insight which ensures these: the wisdom which carries things through. It splendidly sums up Isaiahs Gospel to the Jews, cowering like dogs before the coming calamity: God is not mere force or vengeance His judgments are not chaos. But He is wonderful in counsel, and all His ways have furtherance or salvation for their end. (Prof. G. A. Smith, D. D.)
Jehovah wonderful in counsel
In one of the squares of the Public Garden in Boston is a unique granite monument On it are several devices symbolic of its design. On one side are the words, To commemorate the fact that the inhaling of ether produces insensibility to pain; first proved to the world at the Massachusetts General Hospital in October A.D. 1856.
On another side is a quotation from Isaiah, This also cometh from the
Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.
On another side are the Revelators words, There shall be no more pain.
The monument is a testimony that relief from suffering is an outcome of the Gospel, and that the means thereto are from the Lord. (Sermon by the Monday Club.)
God wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working
When you see a plan in an architects office that is very new and very pretty to look at, you say, Ah! nothing has been done with it; but when you see a plan that is smudgy and torn and almost broken through where it has been folded, you know that the man has done something with it. When Dr. Guthrie wanted his ragged schools founded, he called on a certain minister, who said,
Well, you know, Mr. Guthrie, there is nothing very new in your scheme; I and Mr. So-and-so have been thinking over a similar plan to yours for the last twenty years Oh, yes, said Dr. Guthrie, I dare say; but you have never carried it out. So some people are always thinking over some very fine plan of their own; but while the grass grows the steed starves. Now me
God who plans, also works. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
This also; this part of the husbandmans discretion, expressed Isa 28:27,28, as well as that expressed Isa 28:24,25.
Which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working: these words contain the application of the similitude. The husbandman manageth all his affairs with common discretion; but God governs the world and his church with wonderful wisdom; he is great and marvellous, both in the design or contrivance of things, and in the execution of them.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
29. This alsoThe skillwherewith the husbandman duly adjusts his modes of threshing is givenby God, as well as the skill (Isa28:26) wherewith he tills and sows (Isa 28:24;Isa 28:25). Therefore He mustalso be able to adapt His modes of treatment to the several moralneeds of His creatures. His object in sending tribulation(derived from the Latin tribulum, a “threshinginstrument,” Luk 22:31;Rom 5:3) is to sever the moralchaff from the wheat, not to crush utterly; “His judgments areusually in the line of our offenses; by the nature of the judgmentswe may usually ascertain the nature of the sin” [BARNES].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
This also cometh from the Lord of hosts,…. All this wisdom the husbandman has, in manuring his ground, in sowing it with proper seed, and in threshing it out in a manner suitable to it. Agriculture or husbandry, even among the Heathens, is always ascribed to God, as an invention of his, and it was the first work which God put man to, and instructed him in, Ge 3:23 and as this, so all other arts, and sciences, and manufactures, come from God, even all things in nature, providence, and grace, and the knowledge of them; wherefore he himself must be infinitely wise and knowing; see
Ps 94:9 and be as he is next described:
[which] is wonderful in counsel: in giving counsel to man, both with respect to things temporal and spiritual; and whose counsel is always wise and good, and for the best; and, when taken, infallibly succeeds. See an instance of his wonderful counsel, Re 3:18 and also he is “wonderful” in forming wise plans and schemes of operation; the wise plan of his works of creation and providence was formed in his vast and infinite mind from eternity; the wise scheme of our redemption and salvation by Christ was concerted by him, wherein he has abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence; and the manner, means, time, and place, of his gathering and the effectual calling of his people, are all wisely fixed by him; and he does all things after “the counsel of his will”, Eph 1:11 and therefore it follows:
[and] excellent in working; both as to the matter or things wrought by him, which are the most excellent things in nature, providence, and grace, wrought out either by the Father, or the Son, or the Holy Spirit; and as to manner of working, all being done well and wisely; and likewise with respect to the end, his own glory, and the good of his people.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
29. This also hath proceeded from Jehovah of hosts. This passage is explained by some, as if The Prophet had said that the science of agriculture proceeded from the Lord; but I consider it to be the application of what goes before. Having pointed out the wisdom of God, even in the smallest matters, he bids us, in like manner, raise our eyes to higher subjects, that we may learn to behold with greater reverence his wonderful and hidden judgments. A passing observation on the 26 verse may be made, and indeed ought to be made, that not only agriculture, but likewise all the arts which contribute to the advantage of mankind, are the gifts of God, and that all that belongs to skillful invention has been imparted by him to the minds of men. Men have no right to be proud on this account, or to arrogate to themselves the praise of invention, as we see that the ancients did, who, out of their ingratitude to God, ranked in the number of the gods those whom they considered to be the authors of any ingenious contrivance. Hence arose deification and that prodigious multitude of gods which the heathens framed in their own fancy. Hence arose the great Ceres, and Triptolemus, and Mercury, and innumerable others, celebrated by human tongues and by human writings. The Prophet shews that such arts ought to be ascribed to God, from whom they have been received, who alone is the inventor and teacher of them. If we ought to form such an opinion about agriculture and mechanical arts, what shall we think of the learned and exalted sciences, such as Medicine, Jurisprudence, Astronomy, Geometry, Logic, and such like? Shall we not much more consider them to have proceeded from God? Shall we not in them also behold and acknowledge his goodness, that his praise and glory may be celebrated both in the smallest and in the greatest affairs?
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
A FEAST FOR FAITH
Isa. 28:29. This also cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.
The sentiment of the text is that the art, and science, and skill of man are the gifts of God. The prophet instances only agriculture, but the same principle applies to all the arts and manufactures, and in a higher degree still to those sublimer sciences which elevate the human mind, and make us acquainted with the majestic and mysterious powers of nature. The drift of the writer of the text is this, if God thus instructs man in wisdom, how wise must He be Himself! If the mere rays which come from Him convey to us so much light that we are perfectly astonished at what man can do, what must be the infinite wisdom in counsel and the excellence of working which are to be discovered in God Himself! There are two things which shall occupy our attention. The first is, the vision of God which the text presents to us; and the second is, the lesson which such a vision is calculated to teach us.
I. The vision of God which is presented to us in the text. The great principle of the text is that God has a plan, and that this plan is wonderful in itself, and is found to be excellent when it is carried out. This is illustrated
(1.) in nature. All creation is full of traces of design. He weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance. Nothing was made without the most accurate calculation. The stars seem cast about on the floor of heaven as men might fling at random gold-dust from their hands; yet there is not a single star whose place might be altered without mischief to the whole arrangement. In the meanest animal and minutest insect there are the most admirable contrivances to suit its habits and make its condition happy. And apparent irregularity is only undiscovered order.
2. From providence. The great providential operations of God are all the results of His foredetermined purpose and decree. All through human history every lover of the Lord will see that the awful wheels of Providence have worked with excellent regularity. Empires have fallen, but the truth has risen. Dynasties have perished, but immortal principles have conquered.
3. Your own personal experience of that providence goes to prove this with equal clearness. How often have you seen that God overrules all things for your good! (H. E. I. 40154022).
4. The wonderful planning of the excellent Worker is seen in the great economy of Redemption. How marvellous that God, the Mighty Maker, should appear in human flesh and become a man, that so fallen, sinful, miserable man might be lifted up and become the Son of God! When I see this great sight these words of Isaiahs ring with a bell-like music in my ears, He is wonderful in counsel.
5. Then turning from Redemption itself, look at the Gospel. That Gospel is just the reverse of what human wisdom would advise. It is not do and live, but believe and live.
6. Then I might speak of Gods plan and Gods work in inward experience. The experience of every Christian is in some respects different from that of another, but it is always the result of Gods plan.
7. Another illustration will be found in the use of instrumentality. It is a wonderful design of God to use one man in the conversion of another. The one is benefited while the other is blessed.
8. The grandest illustration of all will be when, at last, Gods counsels shall be perfectly fulfilled. Man shall burst forth into one mighty song, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!
II. Some of the lessons from it.
1. To the unconverted: seeing His counsel is so wondrous, I would to God you would agree to it!
2. To the people of God: I want you to agree to this in your own particular case.
3. Brother workers, let us have a well-formed plan, and let it be Gods plan.
4. When we know Gods plan we must remember to carry it out.
5. When you are resolved to carry out Gods plan, joyfully expect singular assistance.C. H. Spurgeon.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(29) This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts.The force of the climax lies in the use of the highest of the Divine names instead of God (Elohim), as in Isa. 28:26. The wisdom of the husband man was His gift in the highest aspect of the being that had been revealed to men, and that gift was in itself a parable of the method of His own government.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
REFLECTIONS
READER! what a wonderful history doth the Church of God hold forth in all ages! Never was there a people so favoured as Israel! Never surely a nation so degenerate. In whatever period we look at the account, the contemplation is the same. Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? Was it ever known that any people under heaven, when once they had taken up with an idol, because they knew not the true God, ever put it down again for another? But, saith the Lord, my people Israel, to whom I have made myself known in blessing them; my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.
Reader! pause over this, and then behold what a wonderful God is our God! Are we, like Israel, prone to lay down anything, yea, nothing that is, or can, be durable and solid, for a foundation to build upon for eternity? Hear what the Lord saith; I will lay in Zion, for a foundation stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation! Blessed God and Father! precious Lord Jesus! holy eternal Spirit! cause our souls here to build, and on this rock to bottom all our hopes of heaven and happiness. Oh! for grace to try thee, thou blessed Jesus, as God the Father hath tried thee, and found thee faithful. Never, never; shall I be ashamed or confounded while I trust in thee, and rest upon thee, in life, and death, in time, and to all eternity!
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Isa 28:29 This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, [which] is wonderful in counsel, [and] excellent in working.
Ver. 29. This also cometh forth from the Lord. ] As doth likewise , . Jam 1:17
Which is wonderful. This: i.e. this same design in His treatment of His people. His purpose is the same as that of the husbandman. Compare Amo 9:9.
excellent = lofty.
working = wisdom. The sort of wisdom which carries the purpose through to permanency. Hebrew. tushiyah, See note on Pro 2:7.
cometh: Isa 28:21, Isa 28:22, Isa 9:6, Job 5:9, Job 37:23, Psa 40:5, Psa 92:5, Jer 32:19, Dan 4:2, Dan 4:3, Rom 11:33
Reciprocal: 2Ch 2:7 – cunning Isa 25:1 – thy counsels Act 2:11 – wonderful Act 4:28 – and Eph 1:11 – the counsel
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge