Isaiah 52

Isaiah 52:1

Thee. Judea was no more laid waste by its ancient enemies. The persecution of Epiphanes did not continue long. Many have attacked the Church; but they cannot overcome her, nor will she cease to preach the truth, and to continue pure and holy.

Isaiah 52:3

Money. The Chaldeans acted impolitically in leaving the country without inhabitants, and Cyrus will derive no immediate advantage from your return. (Calmet) — The Jews had not injured the Chaldeans, nor mankind the devil. But both had offended God, who out of mercy paid their ransom. (Worthington)

Isaiah 52:4

Assyrian. Pharao, (Sa; Tirinus) or rather Nabuchodonosor, (Calmet) and the princes of Assyria, who acted tyrannically. (Haydock)

Isaiah 52:5

Long, by the Chaldeans, weak Jews, and strangers, who misconstrue my conduct towards my people, and represent it as the effect of injustice, or of weakness.

Isaiah 52:6

Here. Jesus Christ appears, the Redeemer foretold so long before.

Isaiah 52:7

Peace. He come like a conqueror to save his people. It may also be applied to the prophets and apostles, (Calmet) as St. Paul explains it, Romans x. 15. (Menochius)

Isaiah 52:8

Watchmen, prophets. The angels sung at the birth of Christ, Luke ii. 14.

Isaiah 52:10

Arm. The Saviour, Luke i. 51.

Isaiah 52:11

Lord, the Levites departing from Babylon, 1 Esdras i. 7., and Numbers iii. 6., and iv. 5., &c. (Calmet) — St. Paul proves hence that communication with infidels in spiritual things is always unlawful, 2 Corinthians vi. 17. (Worthington)

Isaiah 52:13

Servant, Christ. In vain do the Jews attempt to apply this to any other. It is wonderful that Grotius should follow their steps, and understand Jeremias to be meant; though elsewhere he allows that the prophet speaks only of the Messias. (De Verit. v. 19.) — This author [Grotius] has been of great prejudice to religion. The Chaldean and many modern Jews have been compelled by evidence to apply this to the Messias. See Geir., &c. Jesus was pleased to assume the form of a servant, Philippians ii. 7.

Isaiah 52:14

Of men, who have disfigured the countenance of our Saviour with buffets, &c. The Jews would not receive him under this abject form, though it had been foretold equally with his elevation. (Calmet)

Isaiah 52:15

Sprinkle with baptism, (Haydock) and his manifold graces. (Calmet) — Septuagint, “so many nations shall wonder at him.” (Haydock) — Mouth, out of reverence. How many great princes have submitted to his yoke? (Calmet) — Beheld. The Gentiles (Menochius) embrace the faith, at the sight of Christ’s miracles. (Calmet)

Isaiah 52:23

CHAPTER LII.