Isaiah 9

Isaiah 9:24-32

& & 2, 375

Whilst the more distant events of the utter destruction of Babylon, and the deliverance of God’s people, are expected, an earnest of their fulfilment is given in two signal instances of a nearer date, the destruction of Sennacherib’s army, and the subdual of the Philistines.

1. The Alfarians shall be broken, when invading God’s land, and be trodden under foot on the mountains of Israel, who now should be delivered from the yoke of bondage, and, with the ruin of their oppressors, regain their freedom, v. 25. The work God undertakes himself to accomplish, according to his eternal purpose, ratified by his solemn oath, v. 24. His hand is stretched out upon the mighty army of Alfyria, composed of all nations brought under her tyrannic sway. Or this is his purpose throughout the earth, to punish universally the perfectors of his people, v. 26. And who can defeat the counsels of infinite wisdom, or oppose the arm of omnipotence? v. 27. Note, (1.) They who are the enemies of God’s people will sniam for it. (2.) God’s purposes are from eternity; he never changes; and therefore since his gifts and callings are without repentance, his people may trust him for their stability; from his hand none can pluck them. (3.) To be delivered from the burden and yoke of sin is a greater mercy, than to be redeemed from the heaviest chains, and most abject bodily fervitude.

2. The victory over the Philistines is foretold, and the happy state of Israel under Hezekiah. This is a new prophecy revealed in the year the wicked Ahaz died, and his pious son succeeded him, and therefore here the fifteenth chapter would most properly begin.

(1.) The ruin of Palestine is foretold. Rejoice not, as they did at Uzziah’s death, who had smitten them, 2 Chron. xxvi. 6, 7, and during the reign of Ahaz, when they ravaged Judea, 2 Chron. xxviii. 13. and upheld they should be greater painters under the new king; but found to their coft, that Hezekiah, sprung from Uzziah, the serpent who had flung them, more fierce and fatal, as a cockatrice, and fiery flying serpent, would rush upon them, and ravage their coaths, v. 29. Soon would their shouts of triumph give place to its bowl of bitter lamentation, and the cry of the vanquished; their whole country wafted, their colds destroyed. From the north the leaving storm arises; the armies hail; now shall be alone in his appointed place, but each man ready in his poll, and strengthening his companions to rush upon them as their prey, v. 31. and whilst within the besieged city a part perished miserably by famine, the remainder fell by the sword of their conqueror He-

zekiah, Before Chas

ackiah, (for 2 Kings xviii. 8.) and were utterly consumed shortly after by the Aflyrians, ‘fer. xviii. 2. Note, (1.) The joy of the sinner is deceitful; he kings on the brink of perdition. (2.) If God removes one faithful instrument from his people, he will side them up another to carry on his work.

(2.) The happy flate of Israel is described. At rest from their enemies under Hezekiah’s government, the poorest Israelite should have plenty, and the weakest enjoy protection, v. 30. Triumphant over their foes, when neighbouring nations should tend to congratulate their victory, they would sccribe their greatness to the Lord, the founder and defender of his Zion, and nothing on his constant care over it, rest in comfort and safety. Note, (1.) The character of a great king is not merely to be formidable to his foes, but a father to his people. (2.) They who have God for their founder, and are taxed on Jesus the rock of ages, may well trust, and not be afraid. (3.) When others, led by what they have seen, enquire of us how the happy change of our circumstances was wrought, we shall delight with Judah to ascribe the whole to the rich grace of our God, and own, that to him we are indebted for every mercy.