Bible Commentary

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. 14. In righteousness shalt thou be established ] (lit. shalt thou establish thyself) cf. Pro 24:3. “Righteousness” may describe the character of the citizens, but more probably it … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:14”

And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children. 13, 14. The righteousness, peace and security of the inhabitants. taught of the Lord ] lit. disciples of Jehovah, initiated in the true knowledge of God, and obedient to His will. Cf. Jer 31:34; Joh 6:45. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:13”

And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 12. thy windows ] Rather as R.V. pinnacles. The word is derived from that for “sun,” and appears to denote those parts of the building which glitter in the sun’s rays. (Comp. the Arab. “minaret,” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:12”

O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 11, 12. The outward splendour of the new Jerusalem described in highly figurative language; comp. Tob 13:16-17 ; Rev 21:18-21. I will lay thy stones with fair colours ] lit. in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:11”

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. 10. Comp. Psa 46:2 f.; Hab 3:6. The first sentence may be rendered concessively: Though the mountains should remove and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:10”

For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. 9, 10. The permanence of the new covenant relation is illustrated first by … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:9”

In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. 8. In a little wrath ] In an outbreak of wrath (Heb. sheph qeph). The word sheph is probably another form (chosen for the sake of assonance) … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:8”

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 7, 8. Jehovah’s anger was but a momentary interruption of His kindness to Israel; His mercy is everlasting. Comp. Psa 30:5. will I gather thee ] can hardly mean “draw thee to myself”; it denotes the gathering together of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:7”

For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 6. Although Zion is temporarily estranged from Jehovah, she is yet a “wife of youth” holding a permanent place in her husband’s affections. For the Lord hath called thee … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:6”

For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. 5. thy Maker is thine husband ] Rather, thy husband is thy Maker: He who has entered into this closest and tenderest of relations … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:5”