1._The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah. _As Christ explains this passage with reference to himself, (Luke 4:18) so commentators limit it to him without hesitation, and lay down this principle, that Christ is introduced as speaking, as if the whole passage related to him alone. The Jews laugh at this, as... [ Continue Reading ]
2._To proclaim the year of the good-pleasure of Jehovah. _Here he expressly mentions the time of bestowing such distinguished grace, in order to remove the doubts which might arise. We know by daily experience how numerous and diversified are the anxious cares which distract the heart,. He affirms t... [ Continue Reading ]
3._To appoint to the mourners in Zion. _He proceeds with the same subject; for he means that the punishment which was to be inflicted on the people shall be such as still to leave room for forgiveness. And, in order more fully to convince them of it, he says that the Lord has charged him with this o... [ Continue Reading ]
4._And they shall build the deserts of the age. _He goes on to describe more largely that restoration of the Church; and chiefly with this view, that the Jews may entertain confident hope of deliverance, because those promises appeared to be altogether incredible. And this is the reason why he adorn... [ Continue Reading ]
5._And strangers shall stand. _He means that foreigners and strangers shall be ready to yield obedience to them; for, in consequence of their being at that time separated from the rest of the nations, none was willing to assist them, and therefore he says that “strangers stand;“ that is, are ready t... [ Continue Reading ]
6._But ye shall be called the priests of Jehovah. _This verse sheds somewhat more light on the preceding; for in the second part of it the Prophet foretells that believers shall enjoy the riches of the Gentiles, and shall be raised to glory as their successors. The Jews, indeed, seize eagerly on suc... [ Continue Reading ]
7._Instead of your shame. _He confirms the former statement, in which he said that believers who, clothed with sackcloth and covered with ashes, mourned, shall be sprinkled with the oil of gladness. This change of mourning into joy is again promised. _There shall be a double reward. _Some interpret... [ Continue Reading ]
8._For I Jehovah love judgment. _He not only confirms what he promised in the name of the Lord, but likewise exhorts the Jews to repent, and shews whence they ought to expect salvation, and what and how great is the Judge with whom we have to do; for lie reasons from the nature of God in what manner... [ Continue Reading ]
9._And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles. _Here the Prophet treats more clearly of the extension of the Church, which at that time might be said to be confined within a narrow corner of the earth, and afterwards, as we have already seen, was exceedingly diminished and impaired. (Isaiah 1:... [ Continue Reading ]
10._Rejoicing I shall rejoice in Jehovah. _He represents the Church as giving thanks to God, in order to convince them more fully of the truth of what he formerly said. It may be regarded as ( ὑποτύτωσις) a lively description, by which the thing is, as it were, painted and laid before the eyes of me... [ Continue Reading ]
11._For as the earth putteth forth. _By a beautiful comparison the Prophet confirms the former promises; for he reminds the Jews of the ordinary power of God, which shines brightly in the creatures themselves. The earth every year puts forth her bud, the gardens grow green after the sowing time, and... [ Continue Reading ]