1The glorious access of the Gentiles into the church. 15The blessings of the church after affliction.
1ARISE,12shine; for 3thy light is come, and 4the glory of the LORD 5is risen upon thee.
1 Or, Get thee up, namely, out of darkness and misery, wherein thou hast lain for so long. Compare Isa. 52:2. The Lord addresses here Jerusalem or Zion, that is, His congregation, as appears in verse 14.
2 Namely, with more perfect knowledge than thou hast had hitherto, as the brightness of the day is illumined or increased when the sun rises.
3 Namely, Christ Jesus, Who is the Light of the world, Which enlightens the hearts of the elect with the true knowledge of God. See Luke 2:32; John 1:9; 8:12; Eph. 5:14. Or, the time of redemption is come.
4 Compare herewith Rev. 21:11.
5 Namely, like a bright shining sun, which spreads her light abroad in all places both far and near.
2For, behold, 6the darkness shall cover 7the earth, and gross 8darkness 9the people: but 10the LORD shall 11arise upon thee, and his glory shall 12be seen upon thee.
6 That is, ignorance or want of knowledge. Compare Eph. 4:18; 5:11; Rev. 16:10. Men are full of blindness and ignorance, and know not their God and Savior, till the Lord illumines them.
7 Namely, all the inhabitants of the earth, and all those nations which continue in the darkness of their ignorance, rejecting the grace of the preaching of the Holy Gospel.
8 The same as the 6th annotation.
9 The same as the 7th annotation.
10 That is, the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
11 As a sun. See Psalm 84:11.
12 Or, shine upon thee.
3And the Gentiles shall come 13to thy light, and kings to the brightness 14of thy rising.
13 Or, in or by thy light. The meaning is: The Gentiles shall also be enlightened with the true knowledge of God by the preaching of the Holy Gospel, which shall be preached among you. Compare Rev. 21:24. See likewise Isa. 49:6.
14 Or, that is risen upon thee. Hebr. of thy rising.
415Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: 16all they gather themselves together, they come 17to thee: 18thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be 19nursed at thy side.
15 This the prophet speaks as wondering at the great number of men who would come from all parts of the world unto Christ. See Isa. 49:18, 22, 23.
16 Namely, Gentiles and kings.
17 Or, for thy sake.
18 That is, the believers among the Gentiles, who appertain to the church of God.
19 Or, be nursed or brought up, as Isa. 49:22. See Num. 11:12.
5Then thou shalt 20see, and 21flow together, and thine heart 22shall fear, and be 23enlarged; because 24the abundance of the sea shall be converted 25unto thee, 26the forces of the Gentiles shall come 27unto thee.
20 Namely, with admiration.
21 That is, flock together in great multitudes through admiration. Other, break forth, namely, as a stream, or as the light, or as the sun. Other, shine, lighten, be enlightened. See the annotation at Psalm 34 on verse 5.
22 Not as fearing any evil, but through admiration at such an unexpected thing, namely, when you shall see such a great multitude of different people and nations come to the Lord Christ. See Jer. 33:9; Hosea 3:5. See also Acts 2:7.
23 Namely, being full of joy and gladness.
24 That is, the multitude of them who dwell by the sea side. Other, the riches of the sea. The Hebrew word may be taken here in both significations.
25 Or, be changed towards thee or to thee-ward, namely so, that those, who were thine enemies, shall become thy friends.
26 Or, the riches of the nations. See Rev. 21:26.
27 Namely, to make friendship with thee, embracing thy religion.
6The multitude of camels shall cover 28thee, 29the dromedaries 30of Midian and 31Ephah; 32all they 33from Sheba 34shall come: they shall bring 35gold and incense; and they shall 36shew forth 37the praises of the LORD.
28 That is, your land. In this and some verses following is foretold in figurative language that all nations shall submit themselves to the obedience of the Holy Gospel.
29 See Jer. 2 on verse 23.
30 That is, from the land of the Midianites, where there were great multitudes of camels and dromedaries. See 1 Chron. 5:21. See likewise Judges 6:3, 5.
31Ephah was the son of Midian, Gen. 25:4. His posterity dwelt among the Midianites, yet keeping the name of Ephah, their forefather.
32 That is, a great number of them, as Mat. 3:5.
33 That is, from the land of the Shabeans, the posterity of Sheba, the son of Raamah, the son of Cush, the son of Ham, Gen. 10:6, 7.
34 Namely, to the fellowship of the church. This is also affirmed of their kings, Psalm 72:10.
35 That is, they shall use their riches for the service of God, and for the maintenance of the ministers of the church, as also of the poor members of the congregation.
36 That is, preach, to declare as glad tidings.
37 That is, the mercies of God, which are worthy of praise and glory.
7All the flocks of 38Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams 39of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall 40come up 41with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify 42the house of my glory.
38 That is, of the Kedarenes. See of these nations the annotations at Psalm 120 on verse 5. They were Ishmaelites in Arabia, Abraham’s posterity by Keturah. See Isa. 21:13, 17; Jer. 49:28, 29, 32.
39 That is, of the Nebathites in the stony Arabia, they were the offspring of Nebajoth, the son of Ishmael, Gen. 25:13. Here it is prophesied that Abraham’s seed, according to the flesh, would become likewise his children according to the faith, and would serve God with the spiritual service of the New Testament. Compare Mal. 1:11.
40 That is, be offered. The meaning is, that those nations would present themselves willingly on the altar Christ, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, as the apostle speaks in Rom. 12:1.
41 Or, with favour, with good will, so that their service shall be acceptable unto Me.
42 Or, My glorious house, that is, My church or congregation of believers, built of living stones, 1 Peter 2:5.
843Who are 44these that 45fly 46as a cloud, and as the doves 47to their windows?
43 The church wonders at her sudden large increase. See Isa. 49:21.
44 That is, who come in heaps, and join themselves from the Gentiles to the christian congregation?
45 The prophet uses the word fly to show that those, who would be converted to the Lord Christ, would be so willing and eager to come to Him, that they would seem rather to fly very swiftly, than to go to Him slowly.
46 That is, openly and swiftly, and also in great quantity. Thus it is stated in Heb. 12:1: … a cloud of witnesses, that is, a large number of witnesses.
47 Or, to their clefts or holes, wherein they dwell and have their nests.
948Surely 49the isles shall wait for me, and 50the ships of Tarshish first, to bring 51thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, 52unto the name of the LORD thy God, and 53to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath 54glorified thee.
48 Or, Verily.
49 That is, the inhabitants of the isles, that is, those who dwell in far off countries. See Isa. 42:4; 51:5.
50 That is, those who sail in the ships of Tarshish. See of Tarshish the annotation at 1 Kings 10 on verse 22. See also Psalm 48:7.
51 That is, those who shall be born of you as of a mother by the seed of the Divine Word, as verse 4.
52 Or, because of the name of the Lord; and: because of the holy One of Israel. The name of the Lord signifies here the Lord Himself. See 2 Sam. 7:13, compared with 1 Chron. 17:12. See likewise Acts 9:15.
53 The same as the 52nd annotation.
54 Or, shall have glorified, or, because he hath beautified thee, or, shall beautify thee, namely, by the preaching of the Holy Gospel, which shall be heard in thee, wherein and whereby the true heavenly wisdom is propounded, tending to a glorious ornament unto thee.
10And 55the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and theira kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but 56in my favour have I had mercy on thee.
55 This has been partly fulfilled when Cyrus and Darius assisted the Jews in the repairing of the city of Jerusalem, and of the temple, but it has been especially fulfilled in the New Testament; for, many among the Gentiles being converted unto Christ, have likewise given their assistance towards the building up of the spiritual Jerusalem.
a Isa. 49:23.
56 Or, in my mercy, which may be understood of the time of favor. See Psalm 69 on verse 13.
1157Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.
57 This is to be understood of the opportunity of the church in this world, signifying that the entrance into the christian church would be open unto the godly, Isa. 26:2. The apostle John applies this to the heavenly Jerusalem, or the triumphant church, Rev. 21:25.
12For the nation and kingdom 58that will not serve thee 59shall perish; yea, those nations 60shall be utterly wasted.
58 That is, which will not submit themselves to the Kingdom of Christ.
59 For there is no salvation outside the church of God. They who are saved are said to be added unto the church, Acts 2:47; Rev. 21:24.
60 Or, shall utterly perish. Hebr. wasting be wasted, namely, those who will not serve thee. Compare Psalm 37:22.
1361The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, 62the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify 63the place of my sanctuary; and I will make 64the place of my feet glorious.
61 That is, the glorious high trees, the fairest that grows on mount Lebanon, Psalm 29:5. As these were used for the building of the temple of Jerusalem, 1 Kings 5:6, 9, 14, likewise shall excellent men, who are endued with special gifts of the Holy Ghost, be used toward the building up of the congregation of Jesus Christ; yea, even kings, princes and great men of the world. In Isa. 61:3 the godly are called trees.
62 Or, beech tree.
63 That is, the sanctuary; for, there the Lord sat upon the ark of the covenant, but here is spoken of the christian church, wherein God dwells by His Spirit, 2 Cor. 6:16.
64 Thus the church of God is elsewhere called. See Ezek. 43:7.
14The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come 65bending unto thee; and all they that 66despised thee 67shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, 68The city of the LORD, 69The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
65 That is, with great humility. See Rev. 3:9. See likewise Psalm 22:27, 29; Isa. 45:14; 49:23.
66 Or, reviled.
67 That is, they shall honor thee, because of and in the Name of thy Head Jesus Christ.
68 Built and inhabited by the Lord, Psalm 147:2, 12; Ezek. 48:35.
69 Thus the church of God under the Gospel is called, Heb. 12:22; Rev. 14:1. Of mount Zion, which has been a figure of the church of Christ, see Psalm 2:6.
15Whereas thoub hast been 70forsaken and hated, 71so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal 72excellency, 73a joy of many generations.
b Isa. 49:19; 54:1, 6, 7.
70 Namely, of God, as of thy lawful Husband. Understand here, as much it concerns to the external appearance, for, God never hates or forsakes the church of the elect.
71 He compares the people of God unto a city which lies wasted and uninhabited.
72 Or, highness, glory.
73 That is, I will make thee such an one, that all the saints shall continually rejoice because of thee. See the annotation at Psalm 12 on verse 7.
1674Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck 75the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thyc Saviour and thy Redeemer, 76the mighty One of Jacob.
74 That is, the Gentiles and the kings, who shall be converted unto Christ, they shall sustain thee and be helpful unto thee. See Isa. 49:23.
75 In Rev. 21:24 it is stated: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
c Isa. 43:3.
76 Jacob was the first who gave to God this title, Gen. 49:24. See Psalm 132:2, 5.
17For 77brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make 78thy officers 79peace, and 80thine exactors 81righteousness.
77 A prophecy of the blessed exchange of the condition of the church, being renewed by Christ, that, instead of carnal ceremonies and a worldly sanctuary, they shall enjoy spiritual and heavenly ordinances. See Heb. 9:1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 23, etc.; 12:18, 22, 28.
78 Or, supporters. Hebr. oversight.
79 Hebr. peace, that is, men of peace, supporters of peace, who preach or publish peace, Rom. 10:15. Or, they that are inclined to peace. See Psalm 109:4; 120:7. See also Job 35 on verse 13.
80 Or, thine drivers or taskmasters. The word taskmaster is used in Exod. 3:7, and it signifies here as well those to whom is committed the care of souls as christian authorities, who press people to the practice of justice, and hold them to it.
81 Hebr. justice.
1882Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call 83thy walls Salvation, 84and thy gates Praise.
82 All this, and the former shall be fully accomplished in the life to come. Compare Ezek. 45:8.
83 That is, thy walls (which shall be great and high, in whose foundation are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, Rev. 21:12, 14) shall defend thine inhabitants, as if they dwelt in a strong and well-walled city.
84 Whereof there are twelve, each of particular pearls, Rev. 21:21. The meaning is: Thou shalt always have cause and occasion to praise God within thy gates. See Psalm 9:14.
1985The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but 86the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and 87thy God thy glory.
85 That city has no need that the sun or moon would shine in it, for, God shall be all in all in it, 1 Cor. 15:28. Compare Rev. 21:23; 22:5. Some understand here by the sun and moon, all worldly excellence and glory, as the Kingdom, the sanctuary, ceremonies, etc.
86 For the LORD it is said in Rev. 21:23, the glory of God.
87 That is, the Lamb, Jesus Christ, Who is the Light or Candle of that city, Rev. 21:23.
2088Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall 89thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be 90thine everlasting light, and the days of 91thy mourning 92shall be ended.
88 That is, thy God (Who will be thy Sun, Psalm 84:11) shall no more take away the light of His countenance from thee.
89 Hebr. thy moon shall not be gathered, that is, not restrain or withhold Her light, or, not be taken away, not be prevented. Compare Joel 2:10.
90 Hebr. for a light of eternity.
91 Or, of thy sorrow, or, of thy grief.
92 Or, shall take an end. Hebr. shall be perfect. Compare Rev. 21:4. See likewise Isa. 61:2, 3.
2193Thy people also shall be all 94righteous: they shall 95inherit the land for ever, the 96branchd of my planting, 97thee work of my hands, 98that I may be glorified.
93 Namely, all true members of the christian church.
94 Namely, by faith in Christ Jesus, Who gives unto them His righteousness, and communicates His Holy Spirit unto them, that they would endeavor after righteousness and holiness. Rom. 1:17; 5:19.
95 Or, possess as an inheritance. The meaning is: They shall in this life abide in My church, and shall hereafter inherit the everlasting Kingdom of heaven, of which both was the land of Canaan a type. See similar promises, Psalm 37:29; Isa. 57:13; Rev. 21:7.
96 That is, Thy people shall be a plant or sprout planted by God, as the Husbandman, into Christ the true Vine, John 15:1, 2.
d Mat. 15:13.
97 Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, Eph. 2:10. See Isa. 29:23.
e Isa. 29:23; 45:11.
98 Or, to glorify myself. Some, that I may glorify him.
2299A little one 100shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will 101hasten it 102in his time.
99 Namely, heap.
100 That is, shall greatly increase, as Gen. 24:60. The meaning is: The church of Christ in the New Testament shall exceedingly grow and increase, even unto admiration. Others understand these words thus: Even those who shall have but small gifts, they shall by their instruction lead many others to the church or congregation of God.
101 Or, cause it to hasten.
102 Namely, in due time or at the appointed time, which I have determined in My counsel, which is not proper for us to know. See Acts 1:6, 7. Yet others conceive that this is to be understood of the time of the New Testament.