Isaiah 40

In the former Chapter Esay, upon the occasion therein related, having made some mention of the Babylonian captivity; doth now in the ensuing Prophecies mostwhat insist upon that same subject matter. For the subsequent Sermons are generaly most, if not all of them, concerning that their Captivity, the delivery out of it, and the restitution of their Church and State, in after-times. Yet so, as that all this reacheth farther, unto the spiritual delivery of Gods people from the thraldome under sinne and Satan, by the Messias herein typified, and the glorious advancement, and enlargement of his spirituall Kingdome, in the dayes of the Gospel.

Isaiah 40:1

Comfort ye] The Promulgation and approach of Gods purpose, concerning his peoples deliverance, he commands, for their comfort, to be published to them; Relating herein both to the time of the Babylonish captivity; and also to the time of the coming of the Messias.

Isaiah 40:2

double] Abundantly; so much to the full as God deemed fit to be inflicted.

Isaiah 40:3

The voice] The undoubted certainty of the performance of it, is set forth, and confirmed, notwithstanding all obstructions and difficulties lying in the way. And that first, by the stability of Gods Word, illustrated by the ficklenesse and frailty of all humane excellencie, ver. 3,—8.

of him that crieth] This applied to John the Baptist more especialy, Mal. IV. 5. Matth. XI. 14. Marke I. 2, 3. John I. 23.

Isaiah 40:7

surely the people is grasse] Yea, even the Babylonian Monarchy; and it cannot hinder the performance of Gods Word, purpose, and promise for the deliverance of his people. Saint Peter applies this to the work of Regeneration, wrought in the soul, by the Ministery of the Word, 1 Pet. I. 23, 24, 25. So, John VIII. 51. 2. John II.

Isaiah 40:9

O Zion, that bringest good tydings] Or, thou that bringest good tydings to Zion] A second command, for the promulgation and proclamation of this good tydings to Zion, to Jerusalem.

be not afraid] Make no scruple or doubt of publishing it.

Isaiah 40:10

and his work before him] even that work, verse 11. lies open, and easie to him.

Isaiah 40:12

who hath measared] A second proof of the undoubted certainty of Gods performance of this his glorious Promise, from the immensity of his power and essence, illustrated by the feeblenesse and vanity of all Creatures; of Idols especialy, ver. 12,—20.

Isaiah 40:18

To whom then will ye liken God] He is not like to Idols. They are not able to hinder him in the performance of his gracious promise for the glorious deliverance of his people.

Isaiah 40:21

Have ye not known] Appliable both to the people of God; and also to the Heathen Idolaters.

Isaiah 40:24

yea, they shall not be planted] Be, as if not planted; &c.

Isaiah 40:27

How sayest thou, O Jacob] He taxeth now his own people, who had been taught better things, for their diffidence and distrust.

my way is hid from the Lord] He looketh not after me, what I endure and suffer; or what course is to be taken for my deliverance.

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint] He maketh his might to appeare in mans weaknesse.