Isaiah 1

The Prophet Isaiah complaineth of the Jews, because of their disobedience, v.2. notwithstanding they had been sorely smitten of God, 5. He compareth them to those of Sodom and Gomorra, 10. And rejecteth their worship, 11. He exhorteth them to repentance, amendment of life, 16. With a promise of grace and mercy, 18. And threatening of sore and heavy judgements, if they repented not, 20. A grievous complaint by reason of the back sliding of the Jews, 21. With further threatenings, 24. Yet promiseth mercy again to those that do repent, 25. But denounceth judgement against impenitent Idolators, 28.

1. The vision of Isaiah [That is, that which God revealed to the Prophet Isaiah in a vision, and commanded him to preach unto the people. Howbeit in this Book is not spoken of one, but of many and divers Visions, which the Prophet saw. Of the word vision, see Gen.15.on v.1.] the son of Amoz, [it is conceived, that this Amoz was the brother of Uzzia, the King of Juda] which he saw concerning Juda and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzzia, Jotham, Achaz, and Hizkia, the Kings of Juda. [of these four Kings we may read in the second Book of the Kings, from the 15 chapter To the 21.]

2. Hear, ye Heavens, and give ear, thou earth, [See Deut.4.on v.26. Mich.6.on v.2.] for the LORD speaketh, I have made great [or brought up] and exalted children, but they have transgressed against me. [or, they have revolted from me, or they have dealt revoltingly against me. See of the signification of the Hebrew word, 1 Kings 12.v.19.]

3. An Ox knoweth his possessor, [That is, him to whom he belongeth, and who possesseth and breedeth him up as his own] and an ass his masters crib; [the meaning is, although the ox and the ass be of the dullest and bruitest sort of creatures that are, yet they learn to know him that setteth their provender daily before them, and after their manner shew him some kindness and love, when he cometh to them into the stable, and come to his hand] (but) Israel hath no knowledge, my people understandeth not. [or, Israel understandeth not. He that knoweth not his God, is held or esteemed to know nothing. Oth. Knoweth not (me.) to wit, his possessor, owner, Lord and master: As if he had said, those that boast that they are the people of God, they are more brutish and move void of understanding then beasts or bruit creatures.]

4. Wo to the sinful creation, [That is, to the nation that hath wholly given up themselves to commit sin. Compare Psal.78.8. Isa.57.3.] to the people of heavy iniquity, [Heb. That is heavy of iniquity: that is, which is heavily loaden with many sins] to the seed of evil-doers, [that is, to those that are begotten of wicked parents, according to their kind, compare Matth.3.7.] to the corrupting children: [sinners corrupt themselves, their way, and whatsoever they may, see Gen.6.12. Prov.6.32, &c.] they have forsaken the LORD, they have blasphemed [Oth. Provoked to anger, despised] the Holy One of Israel, [that is, the true God, who hath revealed himself unto Israel, as Psal.71.22.] they have estranged themselves [to wit from the Lord, Ezech.14.5.] (going) backward.

5. Wherefore should ye be smitten any more? [As if the Lord had said, it is but in vain, that ye should be much smitten. Oth. Whereunto, etc. That is, upon what part of the body should ye be smitten any more?] ye would make the back sliding so much the greater: [see 2 Chron.28.22. Jerem.2.30.] the whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint. [Heb. The whole head is in sickness, that is, both the ecclesiastical and civil government is in nor means to be found, how to have things amended.]

6. From the sole of the foot unto the head there is nothing whole on it, [To wit, the body or people] (but) wounds and stripes, [the Hebrew word signifieth such a mark or stripe, as when the blood riseth up, and appeareth, by reason of some blow or push] and mattery boils, [or, moist wounds, sores; that is, rotten wound or sores, which putrify or fester; or sores full of matter or corruption] (which) have not been pressed out, [to wit, so, as that the matter and corrupt blood hath been pressed out, and the wound cleansed] nor bound up, neither hath any of them been softened with oil. [in the words of this verse is further shewed the corrupt state and condition both of church and Common-wealth, among the Jews. Compare the phrase with Deut.28.35. 2 Sam.14.25. Job 2:7.]

7. Your land is a desolation, [The meaning is, it is not like unto ground fit for tillage, but rather unto a wild unmanured wilderness] your cities are burnt with fire, your land strangers devour it in your presence, [That is, they eat up the fruits of the land. This was done by Hazael King of Syria, and by Joab, King of Israel, 2 Kings 12. And 2 Chron.25.] and there is desolation like an overthrow by strangers. [Heb. Overthrow of strangers, that is, which is done by strangers, or such as strange souldiers use to commit or procure, when they take possession of a Land, and subdue it. See 2 Chron.28.18. Compare, Deut.28.51,52. Isaia. 5.5.]

8. And the daughter of Zion, [That is, Jerusalem, which was partly built upon mount Zion, and seemed to spring and issue thence, see the annotate. 2 Kings 19:21.] is left, [to wit, after that the other cities throughout the whole land were wasted] as a cottage in the vineyard, [oth. As a shady place; to wit, where the keeper of the vineyard sheltereth himself. As if he should say, she is brought to the uttermost misery. See Job 27:18.] as a night-hut in the cucumber-garden, as a besiege City. [or desolate city, or city shut up.]

9. If the LORD of hosts had not left us yet a little remnant; [Rom.9.29. it is a little seed, which is occasioned by this, that in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (which the Apostles here followed) the word seed is read. The meaning agreeth well with the Hebrew. Compare below, chap.17.6. and 24.6. and 30.17.] we should have been as Sodom, we should have been like unto Gomorra. [that is, we should have been utterly ruined and destroyed to the very ground, see Genes.19.24.]

10. Hear the Word of the Lord, ye Rulars of Sodom: [That is, ye Princes of Jerusalem, that are indeed no better then the Princes, Rulers, and Governors of Sodom were in times past. They were destroyed without mercy, but this mercy is yet shewed to you, that ye may hear the word of the LORD. O therefore, I beseech you, observe and imbrace this mercy, while the same is tendered unto you. Compare with this place, Deut.32.32. Ezek.16.46.] give ear unto the law of our God, [that is, unto that which I offer unto you by command from God. See of the word, Law, Psal.1.2.] ye people of Gomorra. [that is, the people of Juda, who are become like unto the men of Gomorra in wickedness.]

11. To what purpose shall the multitude of your slay-offerings be unto me, saith the LORD, I am full of the burnt-offerings of rams, [To wit, of the rams that are slain for sacrifice] and of the fat of fat (beasts,) and have no delight in the blood of bullocks, nor of lambs, nor of he-goats. [it is said, 1 Sam.15.22. that to obey is better then slay-offering, (and) to attend, then the fat of rams. The LORD indeed had instituted and commanded sacrifices to be offered, but onely as means or helps to cause them to make a good progress in faith and repentance; which in regard they omitted and neglected, therefore their offerings were an abomination unto the LORD, notwithstanding that he had instituted and appointed them. Compare, Esal.50.8,9. Prov.15.8. and 21.27. below, chap.66.3. Jerem.6.20. Amos 5:22.]

12. When ye come to appear before my face, [That is, in the Temple, where I do in a special manner manifest my presence] who hath required it at your hand, that ye should tread my Courts? [As if the Lord had said, I take no pleasure in it, that ye come into the Temple with your offerings and sacrifices; namely, in an hypocritical way without faith, without repentance or attention, as ye use to do. (That ye should tread my courts;) that is, the Courts of my house or temple, which were two; one for the Priests, and one for the people, 2 Chron.4 9. So that the Prophet reproveth here the Priests, as well as the people.]

13. Bring no more vain offering [Heb. Proceed not to bring, etc. Oth. Bring henceforth no more meat-offering of lying, or of vanity; to wit, whereby ye cannot appease me] incense [see of incense, Exod.30.] is an abomination unto me: the New-moons and Sabbaths, [in the Hebrew these words are put in the singular number. The first day of the moneth was holy unto the LORD, Numb..28.11 14.] (and) the calling together of assemblies I cannot away with, [when there is wickedness in the assemblies, the Lord will not, nor cannot be there present, for he is an enemy to the assemblies of evil-doers, Psal.5.5. his faithfulness is in the Congregation of the Saints, Psal.89.6.] it is iniquity, even the prohibition-days. [of prohibition-days, see the annotate. Levit.23.on verse 36.]

14. New-moons, [That is, your offerings, which ye are wont to offer at the time of the new moons] and your appointed high times my soul hateth, [that is, (as we use to say) I hate them with all my heart, and with all my soul] they are a burden [or weariness] unto me, I am weary to bear (them.) [I am not able to suffer nor endure them. It is spoken of God, after the manner of men.]

15. And when ye spread forth your hands, [Concerning the spreading forth of the hands in prayer, see 1 Kings 8. The annotate. On vers.22.] I hide mine eyes from you, also when ye multiply prayer, I hear not: (for) your hands are full of blood. [Hebr. Are full of bloods. See the annotate. Genes.4.10. The Lord will not hear the prayers of those, that resolve not in heart to turn away from all sin. See Psal.66.18. Compare Prov.1.28.]

16. Wash you, make you clean, [He looketh at the Ceremonial washings and cleansing, which were commanded in the law, understanding and comprising under them also the spiritual washing s and putrifyings of the heart] put away the wickedness of your hands from before mine eyes, cease from doing evil.

17. Learn to do good, [Compare Psal.34.15. and 37.27. Amos 5:15. Rom.12.9.] seek judgement, [that is, Give diligence to know the thing that is right and good, and do it] help the oppressed; do right to the fatherless, plead the cause of the widows. [That is, maintain and defend the cause of the widows before the tribunal, or in the place of judicature.]

18. Come then, and let us plead together, [That is, prove unto each other by arguments, who is in the right, and who in the wrong, and consequently, who is the cause of your misery, I, or your own sins?] Though your sins were as scarlet, they shall be white, as snow, though they were red, as crimson, [Or, purple, or, vermilion, such a colour as cochineal yieldeth. These words have relation to that which is said, vers.15. Your hands are full of blood. Of the scarlet colour, see Gen.38.vers.28.] they shall be as (white) wool. [That is, they shall be graciously and fully pardoned unto you for the Messiah his sake.]

19. If ye be willing, and hearken, [That is, obey; to wit, my commandments] then ye shall eat the good (things) of this Land. [That is, the goodest and the best things of this Land. See Job chap.21.on vers.13.25.]

20. But if ye refuse, [To wit, to hear, and obey me] and be rebellious, then ye shall be eaten (up) by the sword, [to wit, of your enemies] for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken (it.) [Therefore it shall surely come to pass.]

21. How is the faithful city [This is a question with admiration. Understand here by the faithful City, Jerusalem, who in times past had so faithfully adhered unto, and served the Lord, to wit, in the days of David, Salomon, Josaphat, and other godly Kings] become an harlot! [Understand this of spiritual whoredom, that is, Idolatry. See Levit.17.on vers.7. and 20.on vers.5. Or, of carnal whoredom; or of both. See Numb.15.39. Psal.73.27. Ezech.16.15,etc.] it was full of judgement, righteousness lodged [Or, overnighted] in it, but now [to wit, there dwell in it] murderers: [That is, unrighteous usurers, offerers of violence, oppressors of the poor, and the like.]

22. Thy silver is become dross, thy wine is mixed with water. [The meaning is, the most honourable, and most excellent persons among you, are altered and degenerated: Or, whatsoever was heretofore pure and clean among you, is now become filthy and corrupt. Compare Ezech.22.18,19. Hos.4.18.]

23. Thy Princes are revolters [Or, self-willed dissolute, as a loose or unruly heifer, Hos.4.16.] and companions of thieves, everyone of them loveth gifts, and they hunt after rewards: [That is, they suffer themselves to be corrupted and bribed by gifts, to pervert judgement.] they do not right to the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widows come before them. [Or, though it come before their judgement-seat, yet they will not hear it, or they take it not to heart: they help them not their right, but rather help to oppress them. Compare Jerem.5.28. Zach.7.10.]

24. Therefore saith the Lord LORD of Hosts, the Mighty one of Israel, O wo, I will comfort me of mine adversaries, [That is, I will take vengeance on the Israelites mine adversaries and enemies. Oth. I will comfort me by mine enemies. The meaning is, Mine enemies the Chaldeans, and other heathenish Kings, shall execute vengeance upon, and punish my people Israel, which rebel thus like enemies against me. So that to comfort here is as much as to quiet ones self by taking vengeance. It is an humane kind of phrase, or manner of speaking. See Deut.28.63. what the LORD saith there] I will avenge me of mine enemies. [To wit, the wicked Jews, whom the Lord therefore calleth his enemies, because they were departed from him, and become rebellious against him. Oth. By mine enemies; to wit, the Chaldeans as immediately before]

25. And I will turn mine hand against thee, [To wit, to correct or chastise thee, O Jerusalem. Oth. I will turn mine hand towards thee, to cleanse thee, &c.] I will purge away all thy dross, [Thus the Lord calleth wicked Rulers; heinous offences, and sins of the people, which be would purge away by the Messiah, Malach.3.3.] in the purest (manner,) and I will Take away all thy sin. [Tin signifieth here hypocrisy; for as tin is very like unto silver, so doth hypocrisy seem to be godliness or piety.]

26. And I will restore (unto thee) thy Judges, [To wit, after I shall have chastened and purged thee: And understand that here is spoken of such Judges and Rulers, as were Moseh, Josua, Samuel, David, and the like. But this principally came to pass in the time of the Messiah] as at the first, [Or, at the beginning; to wit, at the beginning of your Common-wealth, or of this Kingdom] and thy Counsellors, as at the beginning after that thou shalt be called a City of righteousness, a faithful City. [To wit, unto God]

27. Zion [That is, the Jews, or the tribe of Juda, and in particular those of Jerusalem, that dwelt upon, or about mount Zion.] shall be redeemed by judgement: [that is, by the righteousness of God: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to those that afflict others, 2 Thes.1.6. (shall be redeemed) Or, delivered; to wit, out of the Babylonish captivity; Or, from the above-mentioned judgements. Understand this further of the Spiritual redemption by Christ, which also came to pass by the righteousness of God] and her returners [Or, converts; to wit, unto God: or, returners; to wit, from the Babylonish captivity] by righteousness. [Understand here the righteousness of God; that is, his truth and faithfulness; forasmuch as he hath promised it for Christ his sake, and therefore it is just, that he should do it.]

28. But there shall be breaking [That is, misery, as Amos Chap.2.vers.6. See Jerem.4. on vers.6.] of the transgressors, and of the sinners together: [That is, the one as the other] and they that forsake the LORD, shall perish. [Or, be consumed, or, devoured. This may likewise be understood of the judgement which the Messiah shall execute upon the disobedient, Malach.4.1. Compare Job 31:3. Psal.1.6. and 5.6. and 73.27. and 92.10. and 104.35.]

29. For they shall be ashamed because of the oaks, [that is, because of their Idolatry, which they were wont to commit in Woods, or Groves under oaks, and other great trees. See Exod.34.13. Deut.16.21. Judg.3.7.] which ye have desired, [this is a change of the person, which they call in the Schools Enallage, for, which they have desired. (which ye have desired.) Or, have wished; to wit, to commit Idolatry under them] and ye shall blush, because of the gardens, [that is, the hedges and groves, where they committed idolatry, not contending themselves with those places, which the Lord had chosen and appointed for his worship] which ye have chosen.

30. For ye shall be as an oak, whose fall off, [Or, when ye shall be as an oak. The meaning is, ye have committed Idolatry under oaks, therefore ye shall fare as the oaks which fade and wither away] and as a garden that hath no water.

31. And the strong shall be counted [By the strong, may here be understood Idols, which are strong in the opinion of Idolaters, or Idol-worshippers, as Am.2.9. Or, understand here by the strong, the rich and mighty men in the Land] for course flax [Or, tow, hirdes; That is, that which is carded out of the flax, which is very speedily consumed by fire] and the work-man thereof [That is, he that made the image, or, he that caused it be made, to honour and worship it] for a spark, and they shall both burn together, and there shall be no quencher.