Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 33:20
Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle [that] shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
20. For solemnities, render festal assembly.
a tabernacle that shall not be taken down ] Better (as R.V.), a tent that shall not be removed. For the figure, cf. Jer 10:20.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
20, 21. The permanent peace and inviolability of Jerusalem, the centre of the true religion: see ch. Isa 32:18.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Look upon Zion – Lowth renders this, Thou shalt see Zion, by Changing the Hebrew text in conformity with the Chaldee. There is no doubt that this accords with the sense of the passage, but there is no authority for the change It stands in contrast with what had been said in Isa 33:19. There, the prophet had said that they should no more see those foreign armies that were coming to invade them. Here he directs them to look upon Zion, implying that they should be permitted to behold Zion in a situation such as he proceeds to describe it. You shall not see that foreign army carrying desolation as they design through the city and the land. They shall be destroyed. But behold Zion! Her you shall see quiet, prosperous, happy, peaceful.
The city of our solemnities – Where the religious solemnities of the nation were celebrated.
A quiet habitation – Free from invasion, and from the terrors of war.
A tabernacle – A tent; a dwelling, such as was common in the nomadic mode of life in the East. The whole city is described under the image of a tent that is fixed and undisturbed, where the family may reside in safety and comfort.
Not one of the stakes thereof – The stakes here refer to the poles or fixtures which were driven into the ground in order to fasten the tent, to enable them to spread it, or to the small stakes or pins that were driven in the ground in order to secure the cords by which the tent was extended. The drawing in the book will give you an idea of the mode in which tents were commonly pitched, and will serve to explain this passage, as well as the similar passage in Isa 54:2.
Shall ever be removed – It shall be a fixed and permanent habitation. The word ever must mean an indefinite period of duration. Sennacherib had designed to blot out the name of the people of God, and destroy their separate and independent existence. The prophet says that that should never be done. Jerusalem, the residence of his people and the emblem of his church, would be safe, and would not be destroyed. There would always be a safe and quiet abode for the friends of the Most High. In this sense it accords with the declaration of the Saviour, that the gates of hell should not prevail against his church.
Neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken – Cords were used in tents to fasten the cloth to the poles, or to fasten it to the pins which had been driven into the ground, in order to extend the cloth, and to make it firm.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 33:20-24
Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities–
Isaiahs imagery
Among the images which crowd the concluding verses of this chapter, we may perhaps, without fancifulness, distinguish an under-current of thoughts suggested by the circumstances of the times at which this prophecy was delivered; the promised quiet seems to point to the existing commotion; the tabernacle which shall not be taken down, reminds us not only of the fast-founded Temple which had replaced the tabernacle, and become the fixed centre of their solemnities, but also of the tents of Sennacherib s hosts, then, as now, made of black camels or goats hair, now blackening the valleys round Jerusalem, but soon to be swept away like the thistle-down before the whirlwind; the broad rivers and streams suggest the thought that though Hezekiahs precautions would have secured the absolutely necessary supply of water for the beleaguered city, they felt the want of that abundance of it which is still more grateful in an Eastern climate than in our own; while the promise that the inhabitants should no longer say, I am sick, favours the conjecture that the illness of Hezekiah may have been one instance of the disease which usually attends on the confinement and discomforts of a city shut-up against an enemy in the field.
(Sir E. Strachey, Bart.)
The privileges and stability of the Church
Jerusalem, after this period, was never long preserved from hostile invasions, therefore our attention is turned from it to that glorious city against which the gates of hell shall never prevail. Let us–
I. TAKE THOSE VIEWS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST WHICH OUR TEXT RECOMMENDS.
1. As a solemn city. The city of our solemnities. The Church of the Lord on earth is called the holy people; the redeemed of the Lord; sought out, a city not forsaken. It is that great city, the holy Jerusalem. It is Mount Zion, the city of the living God. It is the holy city, which is the mother of us all. The orders and laws necessary for the city of Zion are contained in these lively oracles, which may also be considered as the charter of the privileges of its happy and active citizens. Peace is within its walls, and prosperity within its palaces; and everything is conducted well, being managed by Him who is the God of order, and not of confusion. Its great King ever dwells in the midst of it, and its walls are continually before Him. The immunities, for which its inhabitants are distinguished, are numerous and inestimable; including deliverance from the bondage of corruption and sin, together with a full enjoyment of a right to the tree of life, and to all the blessings they can need. Its walls are called salvation, and its gates praise; its streets are all pleasant, and its towers may well strike the eye with admiration. It is well called the city of our solemnities.
This name may be applied to Jerusalem on account of the most solemn feasts that were there made; the solemn assemblies that were there held; and the solemn sacrifices which were there offered. Nor is the term at all inapplicable to the Church of God, which consists of serious believers, who enter into the most solemn engagements with Jehovah; who are employed in the most solemn exercises of mind that can possibly be imagined; and whose minds are peculiarly affected with the solemnities of death and judgment. Real religion is altogether a solemn thing.
2. As a quiet habitation. It is builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. God Himself is the householder, for He hath chosen Zion, and desired it for His habitation; and here, too, dwell all the faithful, There is something very consolatory in the idea, that all the worthies now in glory, that ever trusted in Christ, were all members of that Church which is one; and that all real believers are considered by Jehovah as forming a part of it. This dwelling-place of the just is remarkable for the security which is there enjoyed, and the peace which pervades the whole. It is a quiet habitation; here the Prince of Peace takes up His residence, and reigns: here the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever; and Gods people dwell here in a peaceable habitation.
3. An immovable tabernacle. A tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken. The Church militant is but a tabernacle when contrasted with the inconceivable excellencies of the paradise of God. Divine glory is manifested to us, and known by us here, but in part; but there we shall know even as we are known. The Church of God may often change its place. This is shown us by the state of those cities in which once the cause of our Redeemer prospered, but where now His name is never heard. The Jerusalem Church, though it might verify the promise in the text, by experiencing a long space of peace, and season of rest from war, together with the restoration and continuance of their sacred privileges, has now lost all its excellence, and Ichabod (the glory is departed) may evidently be seen inscribed upon it. The true Church typified by it, shall never be taken down whilst the world itself remains.
II. ENFORCE THAT ATTENTION TO THE CHURCH OF GOD WHICH THE TEXT DEMANDS. Look upon Zion.
1. Look upon it, angels, with complacency and delight!
2. Look upon it, sinners, with astonishment and desire!
3. Look upon it, Christians, with wonder, love, and praise! (T. Spencer.)
Gods promises to His Church
To our Zion, to the Church of Christ, are promised explicitly such gifts as those of the text–unity, truth, success. Of which of them, it may be asked, can we make our boast?
I. THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH WAS TO BE ONE CHIEF NOTE OF ITS DIVINE ORIGIN. What is our state? Visible unity seems to be no more a mark of the Church of Christ. Of those whose faces are all turned one way, to the place where Jesus the crucified sits on the right hand of God, the east and west have been rent asunder, so that none can re-knit the torn garment of the Lord. And west and east are again divided, each within itself; and we, that are but a section of the Western Church, are torn and torn again. Gods promise cannot have been in vain. Man must have hindered it; God hath not forgotten it.
II. But if unity has been lost, TRUTH HAS BEEN PRESERVED TO US. And this is our consolation. If the Church be not the great ocean–vast, bright, fresh, a counterpart of the blue heaven above it–still she is like the hundred lakes that nestle among the sheltering hills; they know not each other, but every one of them reflects, and truly, the firmament above. So far as salvation by Christ is brought home to men by the teaching of the churches, so long there is an underlying bond of agreement which outward misunderstanding cannot cancel.
III. Humiliating to us are those PROMISES OF GREAT SUCCESS which are a part of our charter. The power of the truth we teach, the presence of the Holy Ghost, to turn the outward word into an inward life, seem to assure us of great success in gathering in souls to Christ. There is much love amongst us, even with our strife; there is a warm and growing zeal in works of good. Without the presence of the Spirit these things could not be. (Archbishop Thomson.)
Jerusalem imperilled yet secure
(Isa 33:20-23):–As the existence of Jerusalem was imperilled, the first promise of Isaiah was that Jerusalem should still exist–Thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, and so on; but, further, inasmuch as during the siege many unbelieving persons had found fault with the position of Jerusalem, because it was not surrounded by a river, the promise is given that she shall have a glorious position–There the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; nay, more than this, as a climax of blessing, she is promised perpetual triumph over all her enemies, since in her streams shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby; or, if they come they shall prove a wreck–Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Church of God
I. The first promise made to the Church of God in our text is one SECURING TO HER AN EVERLASTING EXISTENCE. The Church is not a temporary institution; it shall never be removed.
1. The Jerusalem of God shall exist as she is. What was she in those days? The city of solemnities; the place where prayer and praise were wont to be made. So is she to continue throughout all generations.
2. As a quiet habitation, which we would desire it to be.
(1) The Church of God is always a quiet habitation, even when her enemies surround her. Some of you may have seen in the Exhibition a Belgian picture representing the reading of the statute of the Duke of Alva in the Flemish towns, establishing the Inquisition. Godly merchants are listening in deep solemnity of sorrow; the young maiden weeps upon her sisters bosom; the aged woman turns her streaming eyes to heaven. All this the painter could depict, but he could not paint the deep heaven-born peace which still possessed the souls of the threatened ones.
(2) But how quiet is she when her enemies are not allowed to prey upon her! Then had the churches rest, says the Holy Ghost in the Acts of the Apostles.
(3) We know what quiet means in our communion with one another.
3. Our text seems to indicate that there were some persons who doubted all this, and said, Well, but you speak of this city as though it could stand an attack. It cannot; it is such a feeble place; it is like a tent; it can soon be stormed; a gust of wind can blow it over. The Lord anticipates this difficulty, and shows that the feebleness of Jerusalem should be no reason why she should not still continue to exist. She is a tabernacle–a mere tent; but she is a tabernacle that shall not be taken down. The Churchs feebleness, because it drives her to God, is the Churchs strength.
4. To complete this part of the promise, the city, notwithstanding all her feebleness, is to be for ever complete.
(1) If I understand the last two sentences,–Not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken, we learn here that all the true members of the Church are safe. Some of them may be driven into the earth as the stakes are driven, with a heavy mallet; but the strokes of tribulation shall only give them a better hold, and minister stability to the whole structure.
(2) This also relates to the doctrines of the Gospel.
(3) The ordinances.
II. THE PRE-EMINENT POSITION (verse 21).
III. ETERNAL SAFETY (verses 22, 23). (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 20. Look upon Zion – “Thou shalt see Zion”] For chazeh, “see,” read techezeh, “thou shalt see,” with the Chaldee. – Houbigant. At the end of this verse we find in the Masoretic Bibles this note, chatsi hassepher, “the middle of the book;” that is the middle of the book of Isaiah.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Look upon Zion; contemplate Zions beauty and safety, and her glorious and peculiar privileges; it is an object worthy of thy deepest meditation.
The city of our solemnities: this he mentions, as the chief part of Zions glory and happiness, that God was solemnly worshipped, and the solemn assemblies and feasts kept in her. A quiet habitation, &c.; which was but very obscurely and imperfectly fulfilled in the literal Zion; but was clearly and fully accomplished in the mystical Zion, the church of God in the times of the gospel, against which, we are assured, that the gates of hell shall not prevail, Mat 16:18.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
20. solemnitiessolemnassemblies at the great feasts (see on Isa30:29; Ps 42:4; Ps48:12).
not . . . taken down . . .removedimage from captives “removed” from their land(Isa 36:17). There shall be nomore “taking away” to an enemy’s land. Or else, from nomadsliving in shifting tents. The saints, who sojourned once intabernacles as pilgrims, shall have a “building of Godeternalin the heavens” (2Co 5:1;Heb 11:9; Heb 11:10;compare Isa 54:2).
stakesdriven into theground; to these the “cords” were fastened. Christ’s Churchshall never fall (Mt 16:18).So individual believers (Re 3:12).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Look upon Zion,…. Instead of such terrible objects as before described, a very amiable and lovely one is presented to view; even Zion, the church of God, beloved by him, chosen for his habitation, a strong city, a perfection of beauty, and the joy of the whole earth. The Targum is,
“O Zion, thou shalt see their fall;”
the fall of her enemies before mentioned; as at this time the church will see the fall both of the eastern and western antichrist. But the words are an exhortation to the saints and people of God, to behold the safety, peace, and prosperity of the church, now freed from all its enemies:
the city of our solemnities; a “city”, for its situation, foundation, walls, and building; for its number and sorts of inhabitants; for its wholesome laws and choice privileges: a city of “solemnities”, where the saints solemnly assemble together for religious worship; where the word of God is, solemnly preached, and where the ordinances are solemnly administered, and the sacrifices of prayer and praise are solemnly offered up:
thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation; or the church of God in Gospel times, and particularly in the latter day: see
Heb 12:22 and by which name the church is called in its more glorious state, Re 21:2 which is the “habitation” of God, Father, Son, and Spirit; and of saints, where they dwell, or however will in the latter day, safely, quietly, pleasantly, and comfortably; for then will it be, and be “seen” and enjoyed, as a “quiet” one; for now will the saints live in peace one with another; there will be no more envy, vexations, animosities, and divisions; this will be the Philadelphian church state, when brotherly love shall everywhere prevail, and when they shall also be entirely free from the persecutions of enemies; none shall hurt and destroy in all the holy mountain, Isa 11:9. Some render it a “sheepfold” f; Christ is the shepherd, the saints are his sheep, the church is the fold where they are gathered, fed, and preserved, and lie in safety, and peace: and
a tabernacle [that] shall not be taken down; as the tabernacle of Moses was; or the tents of shepherds, soldiers, and sojourners are, to which the allusion may be; and so is expressive of the continuance of the church, which shall not now be removed from place to place, as it has been, but shall be fixed and settled all over the world, and so remain to the end of time, an immovable tabernacle; and especially so it will be when the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, Re 21:3:
not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken; alluding to tents and tabernacles made of curtains, fastened by cords to stakes, by which they are supported. Not only ministers of the Gospel, but every true believer, is as a “stake” or pillar in the church of God, which shall never be removed, Re 3:12 never removed from the heart and love of God; nor out of the hands of Christ, and an interest in him; nor out of the family of God, or from the privileges of it; nor from Christ’s body, the church, which is his fulness. The “cords” with which these are all held together, which shall never be broken, are the everlasting love of God, electing grace, the covenant and its promises, the word and ordinances, which always remain firm and sure, and secure the stability and continuance of the church of God.
f “caulam”, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
And how will Jerusalem look when Asshur has been dashed to pieces on the strong fortress? The prophet passes over here into the tone of Psa 48:1-14 (Psa 48:13, Psa 48:14). Psa 46:1-11 and Psa 48:1-14 probably belong to the time of Jehoshaphat; but they are equally applicable to the deliverance of Jerusalem in the time of Hezekiah. “Look upon Zion, the castle of our festal meeting. Thine eyes will see Jerusalem, a pleasant place, a tent that does not wander about, whose pegs are never drawn, and none of whose cords are ever broken.” Jerusalem stands there unconquered and inviolable, the fortress where the congregation of the whole land celebrates its feasts, a place full of good cheer (Isa 32:18), in which everything is now arranged for a continuance. Jerusalem has come out of tribulation stronger than ever – not a nomadic wandering tent ( tsaam , a nomad word, to wander, lit., to pack up = taan in Gen 45:17), but one set up for a permanent dwelling.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
20. Behold Zion. Some read it in the vocative case, “Behold, O Zion;” but it is preferable to read it in the accusative case. He brings forward a promise of the restoration of the Church, which ought to have great weight with all godly persons; for when the Church shakes or falls, there can be no hope of prosperity. That the Church will be restored he shews in such a manner that he places it before our eyes as having actually taken place, though he speaks of what is future; and his object is to give greater energy to his style, as if he had said, “Again you will see Zion restored and Jerusalem flourishing.” Although believers see everything destroyed and scattered, and although they despair of her safety, yet in Jerusalem there shall be a quiet and safe habitation.
The city of our solemnities, or of our assemblies. By this designation he shews that we ought to judge of the restoration of Zion chiefly on this ground, that the people “assembled” there to hear the Law, to confirm the covenant of the Lord, to call upon his name, and to offer sacrifices. When the people were deprived of these things, they were scattered and nearly lost, and appeared to be separated from their head and utterly abandoned. Accordingly, nothing was so deeply lamented by godly persons, when they were held in captivity at Babylon, as to be banished from their native country and at the same time deprived of those advantages; and that this was the chief complaint of all believers is very manifest from many passages. (Psa 137:4.)
“
Zion” is called by him “a city,” because it formed the middle of the city, and was also called “the city of David.” (Isa 22:9.) The extent of Jerusalem was different and larger; for, as we mentioned in the explanation of another passage, (14) there was a double wall, which is customary in many cities. Here it ought to be observed that the restoration of the Church is the most valuable of all blessings, and ought above all things to be desired; that everything else, even though it should be most abundant, is of no avail, if this single blessing be, wanting; and, on the other hand, that we cannot be unhappy, so long as Jerusalem, that is, the Church, shall flourish. Now, it is restored and flourishes, when God presides in our assemblies, and when we are assembled in his name and thus cleave to him. Wicked men indeed shelter themselves under the name of God, as if they were assembled at his command; but it is an empty mask, for in their heart they are very far from him, and attempt nothing in obedience to his authority.
Jerusalem a peaceful habitation. He says that believers, who had long been agitated amidst numerous alarms, will have a safe and “peaceful habitation” in the Church of God. Although God gave to his people some taste of that peace under the reign of Hezekiah, yet it was only in Christ that the fulfillment of it was manifested. Not that since that time the children of God have had a quiet habitation in the world; even in the present day this peacefulness is concealed; for we lead an exceedingly wandering and uncertain life, are tossed about by various storms and tempests, are attacked by innumerable enemies, and must engage in various battles, so that there is scarcely a single moment that we are at rest. The peace which is promised, therefore, is not that which can be perceived by our bodily senses, but we must come to the inward feelings of the heart, which have been renewed by the Spirit of God, so that we enjoy that peace which no human understanding is able to comprehend; for, as Paul says, “it goes beyond all our senses.” (Phi 4:7.) The Lord will undoubtedly bestow it upon us, if we dwell in the Church.
A tent which shall not be carried away, the stakes of which shall never be removed. By these metaphors of “a tabernacle” and of “stakes,” he describes accurately the condition of the Church. He might have called it a well-founded city, but he says that it is “a tabernacle,” which, by its very nature, is such that it can be speedily removed to a different place, in order that, though we may consider the condition of the Church to be uncertain and liable to many changes, yet we may know that it cannot be moved or shaken; for it will remain in spite of storms and tempests, in spite of all the attacks of enemies, and in opposition to what appears to be its nature, and to the views of our understanding. These two statements appear to be inconsistent with each other, and faith alone reconciles them, by maintaining that it is safer to dwell in this “tabernacle” than in the best defended fortresses.
We ought to employ this as a shield against temptations,which otherwise would speedily destroy our faith, whenever we perceive the Church to be not only shaken, but violently driven about in all possible directions. Who would say that amidst that violent storm the “tabernacle” was safe? But since God does not wish his people to be wholly fixed on the earth, that they may depend more on himself alone, the protection which he promises to us ought to be reckoned better than a hundred, better than a thousand supports.
(14) Commentary on Isaiah
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
Isa. 33:20. Look upon Zion, &c.
It is probable that when this prophecy was delivered the city of Jerusalem was threatened with an immediate siege; but Jehovah engages to defend it from the attacks of its enemies, the Assyrians, and to render it at once quiet and secure. But yet the text appears to have a direct reference to the privileges and stability of the Gospel Church, for Jerusalem, after this period, was never long preserved from hostile invasions; therefore our attention is turned from it to that glorious city against which the gates of hell shall never prevail. (See pp. 228, 229.)
I. The Church of Christ is the city of our solemnities. Jerusalem was thus described because of the solemn assemblies that were there held, the solemn feasts that were there celebrated, and the solemn sacrifices which were there offered. And it is in the Church that individual believers come together, and unite in the enjoyment of divine grace, and in the presentation of sacrifices with which God is well pleased (Heb. 13:15-16) [1228]
[1228] As the earths loftiest peaks rise not in their snows on some isolated hill that stands like a lonely pyramid on a level plain, but where the mountains, as in the Alps, or Andes, or Himalayan range, are grouped and massed together, so the saints most heavenly happiness is not attained in solitude, nor even amid domestic scenes, but where religious life exists in its social character.Guthrie.
II. The Church of Christ is a quiet habitation [1231] All genuine believers dwell in it, and peace is at once the bequest of Christ (Joh. 14:27) and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
[1231] See THE PEACEABLE HABITATION, chap. Isa. 32:18, page 368.
III. The Church of Christ is a tabernacle that shall not be taken down. A tabernacle in contrast with the superior glories of the New Jerusalem in heaven. A tabernacle, because it may often change its place, as in fact it has already done. But it shall never be taken down in the sense of being destroyed (H. E. I. 12461251).
IV. Such a contemplation of Zion as our text calls for will awaken
1. In angels complacency and delight;
2. In sinners astonishment at its wondrous preservation, in spite of all their efforts to destroy it, and desire to share in its privileges; and
3. In Christians wonder, love, and praise.Thomas Spencer: Twenty-one Sermons, pp. 196206.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(20) Look upon Zion . . .The words sound like an echo of Psalms 46, 48, which were probably written by the sons of Korah on the destruction of Sennacheribs army. Men had seen Zion desecrated by Ahaz, besieged by Sennacherib; now they should see it once again as it had been at the beginning of Hezekiahs reign, emphatically a city of solemnities, a tent that shall not be removed, the latter words probably referring to Sennacheribs threat of deportation (Isa. 36:17).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
20-22. But Zion in her victory and glory may be seen, and the command is to look upon her, now a quiet habitation, where religious worship may be resumed in peace. A tabernacle not to be taken down The figure of the tent is applied a symbol of simple, holy, old patriarchal life well pitched against storms, and secure against marauders.
There That is, in Jerusalem, the Lord is ever present, glorious in spiritual agency and results like to physical and civil affairs, to broad, fertilizing streams all around, upon which no galley with oars, nor staunch war ship, shall venture but the scene shall be evermore one of peace, plenty, and security. For the Lord, our judge, lawgiver, and king, shall save us.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Isa 33:20. Look upon Zion The prophet here, representing the chorus of teachers comforting the people of God, commands this people to turn their attention to Jerusalem, after its restoration flourishing greatly; and promises to them the durable stability of that state, under the metaphor of a tent sustaining itself by stakes and cords against winds and storms, and affording a safe and secure shelter to those within it. In this passage he is generally thought to refer to the spiritual Jerusalem; that is to say, to the church of the New Testament, which should be the last dispensation of grace. At least, if the state of Jerusalem under the Maccabees be referred to in the letter, there can be no doubt of its secondary and typical reference to the church of Jesus Christ, founded on the day of Pentecost.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 910
THE CHURCHS SECURITY
Isa 33:20-22. Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken. But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.
IN times of national calamity or danger, if we do not immediately see the means of our preservation, our hearts are apt to meditate terror, and to tremble even for the ark of God. But, though we ought to mourn for the desolations of Zion, and to desire its prosperity, we may safely leave the concerns of the church to him who has founded it on a rock, and who is incessantly engaged for its defence. God may purge his floor, and burn up the chaff; but he will not suffer one grain of pure wheat to be lost. This was the consolatory truth with which the prophet encouraged the godly, while he foretold the miseries which the Jewish nation should endure in the Babylonish captivity: and it is equally applicable to the church of God in all ages. In the words before us are contained,
I.
The promise which God makes to his Church
The Church is here compared to Jerusalem and the tabernacle, particularly with a view to its weakness and danger
[Jerusalem was the city of their solemnities, whither all the tribes went up at stated seasons to worship God: and the tabernacle was the place where God in a more especial manner revealed himself to his believing people. But though, in these points of view, they were objects of Gods peculiar regard, they were at the same time peculiarly exposed to danger. Jerusalem was encompassed with enemies, who incessantly sought its destruction: and the tabernacle (which on this account is mentioned rather than the temple) was assailed by storms and tempests, in the wilderness, und in Shiloh, for many hundred years.
Thus the Church is that society of godly persons, to which all in every place unite themselves, as soon as ever they are converted to God: and it enjoys exclusively the manifestations of Gods love and favour. But it is hated by the world with a deadly hatred: and is often menaced by all the powers of earth and hell.]
But God promises that, notwithstanding its weakness, it shall enjoy quietness and stability
[This was in part fulfilled in the preservation of the Jews at those seasons when all the males were withdrawn from the country, and collected in Jerusalem; none of their enemies ever being permitted to take advantage of their absence, and to attack their land at those times, It was also fulfilled in part, when the temple worship was restored after the Babylonish captivity. But its full accomplishment must be looked for in the apostolic and millennial periods. In the days of the Apostles the Church was assaulted on every side; but it defied the storms, and stood unmoved in the midst of all its enemies. Hypocrites indeed were cast down; but the Church itself stood; not one of its stakes was moved, nor one of its cords broken. From the days of Christ to the latest period of time may it be said, with exultation and triumph, Look upon our Zion; though apparently defenceless, it stands secure; though fiercely assailed, it is a quiet habitation; though it be as a sycamore planted in the midst of the sea, it can never be rooted up. What our ears have heard, our eyes have seen; and we believe that it shall endure to all generations.]
Nor will this appear improbable, if we consider,
II.
The means of its accomplishment
The way whereby this promise shall be fulfilled, is set forth,
1.
Figuratively
[Jerusalem was despised as having no river to protect it, as the Church also is on account of its defenceless state. But God promises that he himself will be to it as a broad and rapid river. But it may be said that if, in one view, a river defends a city, in another view it affords means of attacking it to advantage. But God fully obviates this by saying, that he will be such a river as shall not be navigated by vessels, either great or small: yea, that in protecting his Church, he will shew himself to be the glorious, the irresistible Jehovah. Hence that triumphant language of the Psalmist, Walk about Zion, and go round about her, tell the towers thereof; mark well her Bulwarks, consider her palaces, that ye may tell it to the generation following; for this God is our God for ever and ever [Note: Psa 48:12-14.].]
2.
Plainly
[The Church is under the immediate government of God, as Israel was of old. He is its Judge, its Lawgiver, and its King, who, while he requires the obedience of his people, is pledged by that very relation to afford them his protection. Men, standing in that relation to us, may be overcome; and we may fall together with them: but we are thrice reminded, that it is Jehovah who is our defence. Whom then can we have to fear, when the honour, the power, the veracity of Jehovah are pledged for our protection? How absurd is it to be alarmed on account of our own weakness, or of the power and malignity of our enemies! The answer which David gave to those who persuaded him to flee, is that which should be our solace in the most discouraging circumstances; How say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain, for the foundations are destroyed, and what can the righteous do? (Tell me not of the failure of earthly helps; for) Jehovah is in his holy temple, Jehovahs throne is in heaven [Note: Psa 11:1-4.].]
Infer
1.
Whither we are to look for the continued enjoyment of our religious privileges
[It is a mercy to us, that, notwithstanding the enmity of the carnal mind against God is as great as ever, we are preserved by the laws from such persecutions as have been endured by the Church in former ages. But men are changing, and laws may change with them. Our safety therefore does not depend on man, but on God: and on him alone must we rely for the peace and prosperity of Zion. Let us trust in him; and he will be a wall of fire round about us, and the glory in the midst of us [Note: Zec 2:5.].]
2.
Whither we are to look for the peace and stability of our own souls
[We should first take care that God be indeed the Judge, the Lawgiver, and the King whom we unfeignedly obey: for, if we refuse allegiance to him, it will be in vain to expect protection from him. But, if we have the testimony of our conscience that we devote ourselves unfeignedly to him, we may say with David, I will not fear, though the earth be moved, and the hills be carried into the midst of the sea. We have an almighty Defender, who is interested in the welfare of his subjects, and is moreover pledged to us by promise and by oath. Let us then believe his declaration; so shall we prosper; and believe his promises; so shall we be established: we shall be even as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but standeth fast for ever [Note: 2Ch 20:20. Psa 125:1.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Isa 33:20 Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle [that] shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
Ver. 20. Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities. ] Where God is daily and duly served, and is therefore her shield and exceeding great reward. Gen 17:1 If that heathen king, hearing of his enemies’ approach while he was sacrificing, could answer, E , I am serving my gods, and therefore fear not their force, how much more cause had Zion to be confident, and to sing. as Psa 46:1-7 See Psa 48:12-13 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Look = Gaze.
the city. Figure of speech Polyonymia.
solemnities = festal-days. Reference to Pentateuch, where the word frequently occurs (compare Lev 23. Num 15, &c).
tabernacle = tent. Hebrew. ‘ohel. App-40.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Look: Psa 48:12, Psa 48:13
the city: Deu 12:5, Psa 78:68, Psa 78:69
thine eyes: Psa 46:5, Psa 125:1, Psa 128:5
not one: Isa 37:33, Isa 54:2, Eze 48:35, Mat 16:18, Rev 3:12
Reciprocal: Exo 27:19 – all the pins thereof Exo 38:20 – the pins Lev 23:2 – the feasts Isa 4:5 – upon every Isa 32:18 – General Jer 4:20 – suddenly Eze 48:8 – the sanctuary Joe 3:20 – Judah Zec 2:4 – Jerusalem Zec 9:8 – I will
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Isa 33:20-22. Look upon Zion Contemplate Zions beauty and safety, and her glorious and peculiar privileges; the city of our solemnities This was the chief part of Zions glory and happiness, that God was solemnly worshipped, and the solemn assemblies and feasts kept in her. Thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, &c. What is here predicted was but very obscurely and imperfectly fulfilled in the literal Zion; but was, and will be, clearly and fully accomplished in the mystical Zion, the church of God, in the times of the gospel, against which we are assured the gates of hell shall not prevail, Mat 16:18. There In and about Zion, the glorious Lord will be a place of broad rivers Though we have nothing but a small and contemptible brook to defend and refresh us, yet God will be as sure a defence, and source of consolation to us, as if we were surrounded with great rivers. Wherein shall go no galley No ships of the enemies shall be able to come into this river to annoy us. For the Lord is our judge To judge for us, to plead our cause against our enemies, as the ancient judges of Israel did. The Lord is our lawgiver, &c. Our chief governor, to whom it belongs to give laws, and to defend his people.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Zion had a future that Isaiah’s audience needed to contemplate. It would be a place where God’s people would feast and rejoice in fellowship with Him. It would be a peaceful, secure, durable habitation-in contrast to the temporary and vulnerable tents of their nomadic forefathers, and of all the Israelites during the wilderness wanderings. The seemingly endless pilgrimages of the Israelites would finally be over.