Bible Commentaries

Psalms 1:1 — gradations of evil, as acting on the principles, cultivating the society, and permanently conforming to the conduct of the wicked, who are described by three terms, of which the last is indicative of the boldest impiety (compare Psalms 26:4; Psalms 26:5; Jeremiah 15:17).

Psalms 119:127 — 127, 128. Therefore—that is, In view of these benefits, or, Because of the glory of Thy law, so much praised in the previous parts of the Psalm. I love . . . [and] Therefore (repeated)—All its precepts, on all subjects, are estimable for their purity, and lead one imbued with their spirit to hate all evil (Psalms 19:10). The Word of God admits of no eclecticism; its least title is perfect (Psalms 12:6; Matthew 5:17-19). PE. (Psalms 119:129-136).

Isaiah 2:3 — 3. If the curse foretold against Israel has been literally fulfilled, so shall the promised blessing be literal. We Gentiles must not, while giving them the curse, deny them their peculiar blessing by spiritualizing it. The Holy Ghost shall be poured out for a general conversion then (Jeremiah 50:5; Zechariah 8:21; Zechariah 8:23; Joel 2:28). from Jerusalem— (Joel 2:28- :) an earnest of the future relations of Jerusalem to Christendom (Romans 11:12; Romans 11:15).

Isaiah 21:8 — 8. A lion—rather, "(The watchman) cried, I am as a lion"; so as is understood (Isaiah 62:5; Psalms 11:1). The point of comparison to "a lion" is in Psalms 11:1- :, the loudness of the cry. But here it is rather his vigilance. The lion's eyelids are short, so that, even when asleep, he seems to be on the watch, awake; hence he was painted on doors of temples as the symbol of watchfulness, guarding the place (Hor. Apollo) [HORSLEY].

Isaiah 26:8 — 8. way of thy judgments—We have waited for Thy proceeding to punish the enemy (Isaiah 26:9; Isaiah 26:10) [MAURER]. HORSLEY translates Isaiah 26:7; Isaiah 26:8, "The path of the Just One is perfectly even; an even road Thou wilt level for the Just One, even the path of Thy laws, O Jehovah. We have expected Thee." name . . . remembrance—the manifested character of God by which He would be remembered (Isaiah 64:5; Exodus 3:15).

Isaiah 28:5 — 5-13. The prophet now turns to Judah; a gracious promise to the remnant ("residue"); a warning lest through like sins Judah should share the fate of Samaria. crown—in antithesis to the "fading crown" of Ephraim (Isaiah 28:1; Isaiah 28:3). the residue—primarily, Judah, in the prosperous reign of Hezekiah (Isaiah 28:3- :), antitypically, the elect of God; as He here is called their "crown and diadem," so are they called His (Isaiah 62:3); a beautiful reciprocity.

Isaiah 28:8 — 5-13. The prophet now turns to Judah; a gracious promise to the remnant ("residue"); a warning lest through like sins Judah should share the fate of Samaria. crown—in antithesis to the "fading crown" of Ephraim (Isaiah 28:1; Isaiah 28:3). the residue—primarily, Judah, in the prosperous reign of Hezekiah (Isaiah 28:3- :), antitypically, the elect of God; as He here is called their "crown and diadem," so are they called His (Isaiah 62:3); a beautiful reciprocity.

Isaiah 3:22 — 22. Here begin entire articles of apparel. Those before were single ornaments. changeable—from a root, "to put off"; not worn commonly; put on and off on special occasions. So, dress-clothes ( :-). mantles—fuller tunics with sleeves, worn over the common one, reaching down to the feet. wimples—that is, mufflers, or hoods. In Ruth 3:15, "veils"; perhaps here, a broad cloak, or shawl, thrown over the head and body. crisping pins—rather, money bags (2 Kings 5:23).

Isaiah 40:31 — 31. mount up— ( :-). Rather, "They shall put forth fresh feathers as eagles" are said to renovate themselves; the parallel clause, "renew their strength," confirms this. The eagle was thought to moult and renew his feathers, and with them his strength, in old age (so the Septuagint, Vulgate, :-). However, English Version is favored by the descending climax, mount up—run—walk; in every attitude the praying, waiting child of God is "strong in the Lord" (Psalms 84:7; Micah 4:5; Hebrews 12:1).

Isaiah 44:2 — 2. (Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 43:7). formed . . . from . . . womb—(So Isaiah 44:24; Isaiah 49:1; Isaiah 49:5). The sense is similar to that in Isaiah 1:2, "I have nourished and brought up children." Jesurun—A diminutive term of endearment applied to Israel. The full title of affection was Israelun; contracted it became Jeshurun, with an allusion to the Hebrew root, jashar, "upright," "perfect" (see on Isaiah 44:4, note on "He that is perfect") [GESENIUS], (Deuteronomy 32:15).

Isaiah 49:1 — 1. O isles—Messiah is here regarded as having been rejected by the Jews (Isaiah 49:4; Isaiah 49:5), and as now turning to the Gentiles, to whom the Father hath given Him "for a light and salvation." "Isles" mean all regions beyond sea. from the womb— (Isaiah 44:2; Luke 1:31; John 10:36). from . . . bowels . . . mention of my name—His name "Jesus" (that is, God-Saviour) was designated by God before His birth (John 10:36- :).

Isaiah 55:11 — 11. ( :-). Rain may to us seem lost when it falls on a desert, but it fulfils some purpose of God. So the gospel word falling on the hard heart; it sometimes works a change at last; and even if so, it leaves men without excuse. The full accomplishment of this verse, and Isaiah 55:12; Isaiah 55:13, is, however, to be at the Jews' final restoration and conversion of the world (Isaiah 11:9-12; Isaiah 60:1-5; Isaiah 60:21).

Isaiah 57:15 — 15. The pride and self-righteousness of the Jews were the stumbling block in the way of their acknowledging Christ. The contrition of Israel in the last days shall be attended with God's interposition in their behalf. So their self-humiliation, in Isaiah 66:2; Isaiah 66:5; Isaiah 66:10, c., precedes their final prosperity (Zechariah 12:6 Zechariah 12:10-14); there will, probably, be a previous period of unbelief even after their return (Zechariah 12:8; Zechariah 12:9).

Jeremiah 34:5 — 5. the burnings of thy fathers—Thy funeral shall be honored with the same burning of aromatic spices as there was at the funerals of thy fathers (2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19). The honors here mentioned were denied to Jehoiakim (2 Chronicles 21:19- :). Ah, lord!—The Hebrews in their chronology (Seder Olam) mention the wailing used over him, "Alas! King Zedekiah is dead, drinking the dregs (that is, paying the penalty for the sins) of former ages."

Ezekiel 13:4 — 4. foxes—which cunningly "spoil the vines" ( :-), Israel being the vineyard (Psalms 80:8-15; Isaiah 5:1-7; Isaiah 27:2; Jeremiah 2:21); their duty was to have guarded it from being spoiled, whereas they themselves spoiled it by corruptions. in . . . deserts—where there is nothing to eat; whence the foxes become so ravenous and crafty in their devices to get food. So the prophets wander in Israel, a moral desert, unrestrained, greedy of gain which they get by craft.

Ezekiel 41:5 — 5. side chamber—the singular used collectively for the plural. These chambers were appendages attached to the outside of the temple, on the west, north, and south; for on the east side, the principal entrance, there were no chambers. The narrowness of the chambers was in order that the beams could be supported without needing pillars. The plan is similar to that of the hall at Koyunjik, a large central hall, called the oracle, with smaller rooms built round it.

Daniel 6:3 — 3. Daniel was preferred—probably because of his having so wonderfully foretold the fall of Babylon. Hence the very expression used by the queen mother on that occasion (Daniel 5:12) is here used, "because an excellent spirit was in him." king thought to set him over the whole realm—Agreeing with Darius' character, weak and averse to business, which he preferred to delegate to favorites. God overruled this to the good both of Daniel, and, through him, of His people.

Hosea 12:6 — 6. thou—who dost wish to be a true descendant of Jacob. to THY God—who is therefore bound by covenant to hear thy prayers. keep mercy and judgment— (Micah 6:8). These two include the second-table commandments, duty towards one's neighbor, the most visible test of the sincerity on one's repentance. wait on thy God—alone, not on thy idols. Including all the duties of the first table (Psalms 37:3; Psalms 37:5; Psalms 37:7; Psalms 40:1).

Joel 1:14 — 14. Sanctify . . . a fast—Appoint a solemn fast. solemn assembly—literally, a "day of restraint" or cessation from work, so that all might give themselves to supplication (Joel 2:15; Joel 2:16; 1 Samuel 7:5; 1 Samuel 7:6; 2 Chronicles 20:3-13). elders—The contrast to "children" (Joel 2:16) requires age to be intended, though probably elders in office are included. Being the people's leaders in guilt, they ought to be their leaders also in repentance.

Joel 2:16 — "appoint a solemn assembly," which would be a tautological repetition of Exodus 19:22- :. elders . . . children—No age was to be excepted (Exodus 19:22- :). bridegroom—ordinarily exempted from public duties (Exodus 19:22- :; compare 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Corinthians 7:29). closet—or, nuptial bed, from a Hebrew root "to cover," referring to the canopy over it.