_For Zion's sake_ Namely, the church's sake, Zion and Jerusalem being both put for the church, Hebrews 12:22. _Will I not hold my peace_ It appears from the last verse of the preceding chapter, that this is immediately connected with it, and these may be considered as the words of the prophet, or, a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou shalt be a crown of glory_ Or, _a beautiful crown_, as Bishop Lowth renders עשׂרה תפארה. The expression is meant to set forth the dignity of her state. _In the hand of the Lord_ Preserved and defended by God's hand. _And a royal diadem_ The same thing with the former for substance. Or the roya... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken_ As a woman forsaken by her husband. _Neither shall thy land be termed Desolate_ Neither shall thy places of worship be empty, and thine ordinances of service be unfrequented. He alludes to the desolation of Judah during the Babylonish captivity. _But thou shal... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have set watchmen_, &c. The word שׁומרים, thus rendered, signifies properly those priests and Levites who kept watch day and night about the temple, and is from them applied to the spiritual watchmen and ministers of the Christian Church. They are said to be _set upon the walls_ of the spiritual... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord hath sworn by his right hand_ “Lifting up the hand was a ceremony used in swearing, Deuteronomy 32:40; Ezekiel 20:5; Ezekiel 20:15. And here God swears by that very hand which used to be held up at the taking of an oath; that is, he swears by his power and might, as it follows, that the en... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go through the gates_ Namely, the gates of Babylon, which shall be thrown open, that those confined in that idolatrous city may leave it with freedom, and return to the land of Israel. In other words, for the expressions are metaphorical, let all obstructions be removed out of the way of the heathe... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world_ Hath commanded his gospel to be preached _to every creature:_ or hath sent forth his messengers into all parts of the world, in order to the conversion of Jews and Gentiles. _Say ye to the daughter of Zion_ That is, to Jerusalem, or the church. _B... [ Continue Reading ]