Bible Commentary

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; 24 28. Jehovah, the God of creation and of prophecy, has chosen Cyrus to execute his purpose with regard to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:24”

Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. 23. The prophet in a transport of joy calls on heaven and earth to celebrate … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:23”

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. 22. Cf. ch. Isa 43:25. “The sense of being forgotten of God is produced by the consciousness of guilt; hence the promise of forgiveness is here repeated” (Dillmann). as a thick … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:22”

Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou [art] my servant: I have formed thee; thou [art] my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. 21, 22. An admonition to Israel to lay these truths to heart and realise its special relation to the one living and true God. Remember these ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:21”

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand? 20. He feedeth on ashes ] lit., “a shepherd of ashes”. Duhm rather fancifully suggests that the image may be that of a man trying to feed … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:20”

And none considereth in his heart, neither [is there] knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten [it]: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:19”

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; [and] their hearts, that they cannot understand. 18 20. But such is the infatuation of idolatry, that its blinded votaries never pause to reflect on their actions; the idolater has not sense enough to say to himself in plain … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:18”

And the residue thereof he maketh a god, [even] his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshipeth [it], and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou [art] my god. Isa 44:17 And the residue thereof he maketh a god Residual religion The scene is one which we may describe as very … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:17”

He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth [himself], and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: 16. part thereof ] lit. “half thereof,” as opposed to “the residue thereof” in Isa 44:17. Cf. Isa 44:19, “upon the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:16”

Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth [it], and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshipeth [it]; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto. 15, 16. Comp. (with Lowth) Horace, Sat. 1. 8, 1 ff.: “Olim truncus … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 44:15”