1._Ho, all that are thirsty. _Here the Prophet describes in lofty terms of commendation the goodness of God, which was to be poured down more copiously and abundantly than before under the reign of Christ, “in whose hand are hid all the treasures” (Colossians 2:3) of the grace of God; for in him God... [ Continue Reading ]
2._Wherefore do ye spend money? _(76) He complains of the ingratitude and madness of men, in rejecting or disdaining the kindness of God who offers all things freely, and yet harassing themselves greatly about various trifles which cannot yield them any advantage. Men are so enchanted by the devil,... [ Continue Reading ]
3._Incline your ear. _This assemblage of words makes still more evident what I slightly mentioned a little before, that God leaves nothing undone which is fitted to correct and arouse our tardiness. Yet there is an implied reproof; for they must be excessively stupid who, when they are so gently cal... [ Continue Reading ]
4._Behold, I have given him a witness to the peoples. _The Prophet now explains more fully the reason why he mentioned “David.” It was because into his hand had been committed the promise of a Redeemer that was to come, and this discourse might be expressed with a view to his public character, so fa... [ Continue Reading ]
5._Behold, thou shalt call a nation which thou knowest not. _Isaiah explains more largely what he formerly glanced at by a single word; for he declares that Christ shall be the “leader,” not of a single people, but of all the peoples. “To call” here denotes possession; for there is a mutual relation... [ Continue Reading ]
6._Seek ye Jehovah. _After having spoken of the good success of the gospel among the Gentiles, who formerly were strangers to the kingdom of God, he urges the Jews to be ashamed of loitering while others run; for since they were the first who were called, it is shameful that they should be last. Thi... [ Continue Reading ]
7._Let the wicked man forsake his way. _He confirms the former statement; for, having formerly called men to receive the grace of God, he now describes more largely the manner of receiving it. We know how hypocrites loudly call on God whenever they desire relief from their distresses, and yet shut u... [ Continue Reading ]
8._For my thoughts are not your thoughts. _This passage is expounded in various ways. Some think that it condemns universally the life of men, that they may not be satisfied with it or flatter their vices; for we cannot approach to God but by taking away a false conviction of our own righteousness.... [ Continue Reading ]
9._For as the heavens are higher than the earth. _This agrees well with that passage in which David, describing the mercy of God, says, (Psalms 103:11) that it is as much more excellent “as the heavens are higher than the earth;” for although the application is different, yet the meaning is the same... [ Continue Reading ]
10._Surely, as the rain cometh down. _After having spoken of God’s tender affection and inconceivable forbearance towards us, he again brings forward the promises, that, by relying on them, we may banish all doubt of being free from every danger. It would be of little avail to speak to us about the... [ Continue Reading ]
11._So shall my word be. _The word goeth out of the mouth of God in such a manner that it likewise “goeth out of the mouth” of men; for God does not speak openly from heaven, but employs men as his instruments, that by their agency he may make known his will. But the authority of the promises is mor... [ Continue Reading ]
12._Therefore ye shall go out with joy. _The Prophet concludes the subject of this chapter; for, when he spoke of the mercy of God, his object was, to convince the Jews that the Lord would deliver them. He now applies to his purpose what was contained in his discourse concerning the infinite goodnes... [ Continue Reading ]
13._Instead of the bramble _(91) _shall come up the fir-tree. _He still extols the power of God, which would be visible in the restoration of the people; for he shows that the change will be such that they shall have an easy road to return. Some explain it allegorically, and suppose that by “bramble... [ Continue Reading ]