Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 29:19
The meek also shall increase [their] joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
19. The meek and poor (as in the Psalms) are the oppressed and down-trodden lower orders, as contrasted with the irreligious upper class ( Isa 29:20 f.). They have now no hope but in Jehovah; then they shall obtain fresh joy in Him, because He has delivered them.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The meek – The word meek usually refers to those who are patient in the reception of injuries, but the Hebrew word used here ( anaviym) means properly the oppressed, the afflicted, the unhappy Psa 9:13; Psa 10:12, Psa 10:17; Pro 3:34; Isa 11:4. It involves usually the idea of humility or virtuous suffering (compare Psa 25:9; Psa 37:11; Psa 69:33). Here it may denote the pious of the land who were oppressed, and subjected to trials.
Shall increase – Margin, as in Hebrew, Add. It means, that they should greatly rejoice in the Lord. They should see the evidence of the fulfillment of his predictions; they should see the oppressors punished Isa 29:20-21, and Yahweh coming forth to be their protector and defender Isa 29:22-24.
And the poor among men – The poor people; or the needy. Doubtless the idea is that of the pious poor; those who feared God, and who had been subjected to the trials of oppression and poverty.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 29:19
The poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel
Reasons why the poor may rejoice in God
One of the most striking proofs of the Divine origin of Christianity is its universal adaptation to the condition and the wants of the whole family of men.
It is not designed to be the religion of a sect or an age, but the religion of the whole world. The universality of its character proves that it comes from Him who sustains all, preserves all, feeds and blesses all. We propose to assign reasons why the poor may well rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
I. BECAUSE CHRIST IN HIS HUMILIATION CONDESCENDED TO BE POOR AND THUS HONOURED AND HALLOWED THE CONDITION OF THE POOR. Who of all the legislators, moralists, and teachers that have appeared in the world ever conferred such honour on humanity, or displayed such regard for the poor? Who, after this, shall dare to look down upon honest poverty! Who, after this, shall dare to convert want into a crime? Let the poor, then, rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. He can enter into your sorrows, and feel for your wretchedness.
II. BECAUSE THE BLESSINGS OF CHRISTS SALVATION ARE PROVIDED AND BESTOWED GRATUITOUSLY, AND ARE THUS PECULIARLY ADAPTED TO THE CONDITION OF THE POOR.
1. Money has been paid down for the imperial purple of Rome,–the empire of the Caesars has been sold to the highest bidder; but were salvation only to be purchased with money, or did it require resources in man himself, black despair might seize and petrify the heart of every poor man.
2. Or were salvation a work that required expensive and tedious elaboration at home,–were it like the erection of a palace, or the building of a pyramid, or the construction of such vast works as those by which you cross a gulf or span a sea,–alas for the poor! for then their souls must perish. But let the poor among men rejoice, for the salvation which the
Holy One of Israel provides and bestows is a salvation without money and without price.
3. There is another circumstance which ought mightily to enhance these Gospel blessings in the estimation of the poor; namely, the exclusion from many earthly privileges to which poverty subjects them. It is very true that many of the simpler, purer, and more exquisite pleasures of life are as free to the poor as to the rich. But in this world poverty does exclude from some privileges. But, oh! how does my heart, as that of a poor man, exult in the free salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ! Here, in the Gospel of Jesus, is full compensation for all the contumely and scorn cast on humble poverty.
III. BECAUSE, IN ADDITION TO ALL THAT HE HIMSELF HAS DONE FOR THEM, HIS AUTHORITY, AS A LAWGIVER, ENJOINS SPECIAL ATTENTION, CHARITY, AND SYMPATHY TOWARDS THE POOR.
IV. BECAUSE THE CONDITION OF POVERTY IS MORE FAVOURABLE THAN THAT OF RICHES TO THE RECEPTION OF CHRIST AND TO THE DISPLAY OF RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLE. The Saviours language seems fully to warrant this sentiment when He says, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!–and again: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Poverty seems to be the favourite element in which religious principle k produced and nurtured. It is in the atmosphere of the Poor that the light and heat of Divine truth love to radiate. (J. French.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
The meek; the humble and meek believers, opposed to those proud and scornful Israelites or Jews, of whom he speaks in this and in the foregoing chapter. Shall increase their joy in the Lord; shall greatly rejoice in this, that the Lord and Holy One of Israel is now their God and portion.
The poor; either,
1. Spiritually, of which Mat 5:3. Or,
2. Outwardly, mean and despicable people, such as the Gentiles were in the opinion of the Jews, and such as the greatest part of the first believing Christians were, Mat 11:5; 1Co 1:26; Jam 2:5.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
19. meekrather, theafflicted godly: the idea is, virtuous suffering (Isa 61:1;Psa 25:9; Psa 37:11)[BARNES].
poor among menthat is,the poorest of men, namely, the pious poor.
rejoicewhen they seetheir oppressors punished (Isa 29:20;Isa 29:21), and Jehovah exhibitedas their protector and rewarder (Isa 29:22-24;Isa 41:17; Jas 2:5).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
The meek also shall increase [their] joy in the Lord,…. The “meek”, lowly, and humble, are such who are made sensible of sin, and become humble under a sense of it; who see the insufficiency of their own righteousness, and submit to the righteousness of Christ; who attribute all they have, and are, to the free grace of God, and quietly submit to every dispensation of Providence; who are not easily provoked by men, but bear much and long without reviling; who envy not those that are above them in gifts and grace, nor despise those that are below them, and think the worst of themselves, and the best of others; now these have joy in the Lord, in the Word of the Lord, as the Targum, in the Lord Jesus Christ; in the greatness and glory of his person as Jehovah, and so able to save to the uttermost; in him as the Lord their righteousness; in his blood and sacrifice, for the pardon and expiation of their sins; in his fulness as theirs, to supply their wants; in his salvation, being so great, so full, so free, and suitable to them: and whereas their joy may be interrupted through the corruptions of their hearts, the temptations of Satan, and divine desertions, they “shall add” a joy in the Lord, as in the original; they shall repeat it, it shall come again, it shall be restored unto them, and they shall afresh exercise it, and “increase” in it, as we render it; for spiritual joy may be increased by the discoveries of the love of God; by fresh views of Christ, through an increase of knowledge of him, and faith in him; by means of meditation and prayer, and by reading and hearing the word:
and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel; or, “the poorest of men” b, who were so in a literal sense; for such were the persons, both among Jews and Gentiles, who in the first times of the Gospel were brought to the knowledge of Christ, and faith in him,
Mt 11:4 or such who are “poor in spirit”; not only spiritually poor, but who are sensible of their spiritual poverty, and apply to Christ for the true riches of grace: the words may be rendered, “Adam’s poor”; such who are impoverished by Adam’s fall, and are sensible of it; these, perceiving durable riches and righteousness, even unsearchable riches, in Christ, rejoice in him, “the Holy One of Israel”; who is holy in himself, the sanctifier of others, and is made satisfaction to all his people. The Targum is,
“in the word of the Holy One of Israel.”
This joy is not carnal, but spiritual; it is the fruit of the Spirit of God, and is called joy in the Holy Ghost; as it also is the joy of faith, which goes along with it, is through it, and increases as that does; it is peculiar to believers, unknown to the world, and is unspeakable, and full of glory: and such kind of rejoicing, and an increase of it, are what belong to Gospel times.
a “et addent”, V. L. Pagninus: Montanus, b “mendici hominum”, Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus; “egentissimi hominum”, Junius & Tremellius.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
19. Then shall the humble again take joy in Jehovah. Such is my translation of this passage, while others render it, “They shall add,” or “continue to rejoice;” for the Prophet describes not a “joy” which is continued but rather a “joy” which is new. As if he had said, “Though they are now distressed and sorrowful, yet I will give them occasion of gladness, so that they shall again be filled with “joy.” He speaks of the “humble;” and hence it ought to be observed that our afflictions prepare us for receiving the grace of God; for the Lord casts us down and afflicts us, that he may afterwards raise us up. Thus, when the Lord corrects his people, we ought not to lose heart, but should recall to remembrance those statements, that we may always hope for better things, and may believe that, after such calamities and distresses, he will at length bring joy to his Church. Yet we again learn from it what I briefly mentioned a little before, that the grace of illumination does not belong indiscriminately to all; for, although all have been chastened together, yet not all have had their hearts subdued by affliction, so as truly to become “poor in spirit,” or “meek.” (Mat 5:3.)
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
THE JOY OF THE MEEK
Isa. 29:19. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord.
I. THE PERSONS HERE DESCRIBED.
Meekness does not mean timidity (2Ti. 1:7); not the craven spirit of the coward, but the quiet power of the strong man (Pro. 28:1). It does not mean the absence of courage, but the absence of that ignorant and arrogant self-sufficiency which Peter showed when he said, Though all men forsake Thee, yet will not I. It is that calmness of spirit which grows not out of reliance on self, but out of reliance on God. It is recorded of one whose courage at times had flashed up like a consuming fire, Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. His meekness was not feebleness, but a calm strength; quiet endurance in the doing of duty under difficulties. He was not provoked by the wrong-headedness or irritated by the ingratitude of the nation he wished to serve, but he quietly bore their stubbornness, and persisted in doing them good against their will. Hence a quiet doing and a quiet bearing of the will of God is one constituent in this quality of the mind meekness. It does not mean that equableness of disposition which comes from nature, so much as that calmness of spirit which comes from grace. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23). This quality of mind in Gods people is shown:
1. In their intercourse with God. In His presence they manifest a humble, lowly, and contrite heart. Theirs is not the spirit of the Pharisee, but the lowly contrition of the publican. Not Stand by, for I am holier than thou, but I am not worthy, &c. In a ready acceptance of the doctrines of grace and salvation through a Saviour crucified. Not like the Pharisees, who scorned the Saviour as a root out of a dry ground, but like those few elect souls, just and devout, who were waiting for the consolation of Israel. Christianity is a discipline of humility. In making men Christ-like it makes them meek. Jesus was meek and lowly, and He promises to those like Himself rest of soul.
2. In their submission to the allotments of Providence (Job. 14:14; Job. 13:15; Mic. 7:9; Lev. 10:3; 1Sa. 3:18; H. E. I. 157, 158, &c.)
3. In their deportment before their fellow-men. They do not arrogate to themselves that superiority which despises and neglects others, but obey the apostolic injunctions (1Pe. 2:17; 1Pe. 3:8).
II. THE BLESSINGS GOD CONFERS UPON THEM.
1. He saves them. Often in outward troubles they become the charge and care of His providence (Zep. 2:3). How wonderfully was Moses saved from the strivings and rebellions of the people! Leaving his vindication in the hands of the Great Judge, God took up his cause; and when the whole camp was against him, God delivered him. How wonderfully was Joseph delivered from the pit and the prison, and Jeremiah in the siege! But always are they saved from soul-destruction. Saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation.
2. He beautifies them. He will beautify the meek with salvation. By the robe of righteousness, the inward adorning of the soul in every virtue, by the special manifestation of His mercy when most needed (chap. Isa. 61:3), by giving them that esteem and commanding influence which often attracts and impresses their fellow-men.
3. He makes it appear that He delights in them. The Lord taketh pleasure in His people.
III. THEIR GRATEFUL RESPONSE.
The poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. They rejoice in His salvation; they praise Him in voice, and heart, and life (Isa. 61:10).Samuel Thodey.
RELIGIOUS JOY
Isa. 29:19. The meek shall increase their joy.
It is commonly said that while religion is mans duty and his interest, it is not productive of enjoyment. Yet the Bible is full of joyful expressions, and of exhortations to joy. It even meets the sorrows of humanity and brings joy out of them. Its association of joy with conditions not joyful is remarkable (Mat. 5:3-5). Observe the contrasts in our passage (Isa. 29:18-19). Circumstances are mentioned which amount to the removal of all alarm (Isa. 29:20). From the outward fact, the faith of the persons here described rises to the hand that accomplished it.
Our subject is religious joy.
I. THE SOURCE WHENCE IT IS DERIVED.
The Lord. The Holy One of Israel. We rejoice in what we have desired, hoped for, and obtained. This does not exclude enjoyment of the blessings of the present life. They are closely associated with it. They suggest it. We ask whence they come. The habit of regarding earthly advantages as gifts from the hand of God keeps the divine character before us as that of a Being to be regarded with pleasure.
Thus, if we ascend to the spiritual region and contemplate the salvation of man, it includes the compassionate love of God, which gave His Son to impoverishment, suffering, and death; full forgiveness of sin; the various influences of the Divine Spirit; the elevated spiritual privileges and hopes bestowed on fallen men. All this came from the grace of God; it originated in His nature. God is love. But the God whose nature can be read in this way is not a God to repel, but attract; not a God of whom to stand in terrified awe, but a God in whom to rejoice.
And this result emerges if we take a more direct look at the divine character. We are supplied with verbal asseverations as well as historical illustrations. We read of the Almighty, the All-wise, the All-righteous, the All-holy, as well as the All-loving. Power, even with justice, would fail to produce joy. But a God of power, and love, and holiness can be a delight, because He can be loved.
But no object of delight can be considered a part from its subject. Nothing is universally delightful. Before you can enjoy anything you must have sympathy with it, a taste for it. There are people who cannot enjoy the finest concert. There must be the heart that is capable of joy in the Holy One of Israel, the heart of the meek, the poor among men; the heart changed by the grace of God.
II. THE ELEMENTS OF WHICH IT CONSISTS.
We know our feelings better by experience than by analysis. We can imagine a father so utterly unsatisfactory in his character and conduct that his own children are ashamed to mention his name. We can imagine one whose kindness, whose faultless conduct, whose commanding intellect render them proud of his name. They think of him with pleasure. Thus the poor among men rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
If you attempt to examine, you will find that your joy in God is compounded of several other feelings, which, like tributary streams, swell with the river of your pleasure.
1. Gratitude. For experience of the divine goodness. It expresses itself in thanks and songs. You think with pleasure of one to whom you are grateful.
2. Affection. Love is closely akin to gratitude. And God has taken away all cause of alienation. The love of God in Christ possesses the heart. Love delights in its object (Rom. 5:11).
3. Confidence. We trust Him entirely. In present distresses or future fears. If distrust crosses our minds, we dismiss it as inconsistent with the truth of which we have satisfied ourselves. Now if there is perfect confidence in Him on whom we depend, we cannot fail to rejoice in Him.
4. Approbation. We find the Holy One of Israel a Being in whom we can be infinitely satisfied. At no point, in no respect, could we desire Him to be different from what He is. Nor is it the admiration sometimes expressed for characters there is no desire to imitate. Christians earnestly desire likeness to God. Putting all these together, there must be joy in the Lord.
III. THE AUGMENTATION WHICH IT RECEIVES.
The meek shall increase their joy in the Lord. Earthly joy is short-lived. The objects from which it proceeds are liable to change and perish. Many of them, even if they continue, fall. They become flat by satiety and continuity. We outgrow them as a child outgrows his toys. But Christian joy is permanent and tends to increase, because its object remains the same for ever, while His fulness is ever unfolding itself. Knowing and experiencing more of God, there is more joy in Him. Thus there is a constant increasein the present world, and in the world to come.
Would you enjoy this privilege? Then make it possible. Possess the character. Ye must be born again. Do not indulge sin. Keep Christ in your thoughts. Thus you will be superior to earthly enjoyments.John Rawlinson.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(19) The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord.A new element enters into the ideal restoration of the future. Men had been weary of the name of the Holy One of Israel (Isa. 30:11). In that better time it should be the source of joy and peace for the poor and the lowly, on whom Isaiah looked with all the yearnings of a prophets sympathy.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Isa 29:19 The meek also shall increase [their] joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Ver. 19. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord. ] All sincere converts, such especially as have mastered and mortified their unruly passions and are cured of the fret, these shall add joy; these shall have joy upon joy, they shall “overabound exceedingly with joy.” 2Co 7:4
The poor among men.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
meek = oppressed.
poor = oppressed. Hebrew. ‘ebyon. See note on Pro 6:11.
the Holy One of Israel. See note on Isa 1:4.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
meek: Isa 61:1, Psa 25:9, Psa 37:11, Psa 149:4, Zep 2:3, Mat 5:5, Mat 11:29, Gal 5:22, Gal 5:23, Eph 4:2, Phi 2:1-3, Jam 1:21, Jam 2:5, Jam 3:13-18, 1Pe 2:1-3
increase: Heb. add
the poor: Isa 41:17, Isa 41:18, Isa 57:15, Isa 66:2, Psa 9:18, Psa 12:5, Zep 3:12-18, Mat 5:3, Mat 11:5, 1Co 1:26-29, Jam 1:9, Jam 2:5
rejoice: Isa 41:16, Isa 61:10, Hab 3:18, Phi 3:1-3, Phi 4:4
Reciprocal: Psa 89:18 – Holy Isa 1:4 – the Holy Isa 11:4 – for the meek Isa 17:7 – General Isa 25:4 – thou hast Dan 12:4 – many Mat 11:25 – because Mar 10:52 – he received Luk 2:20 – General Luk 4:18 – to preach Luk 6:20 – Blessed Luk 7:22 – how Luk 10:21 – revealed Luk 18:43 – he Luk 24:45 – General Joh 9:7 – and came Joh 15:2 – and Act 8:31 – How 1Co 1:27 – General 1Pe 3:4 – a meek
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
The Lord would also cause the afflicted and the needy to be happy in the Holy One of Israel (cf. Mat 5:3). True joy in worship would appear (cf. Isa 29:13; Rev 22:1-5).