Isaiah 46

law, and signifies to be acquitted, or pronounced innocent, and come off victorious in a cause. (See Psal. li. 4.) Here it is opposed to that shame denounced against the obstinate, ver. 24. The chapter begins with foretelling the taking of Babylon by Cyrus, who is particularly described, ver. 11. From thence the prophet takes occasion to insult over the Babylonish idols, who could neither preserve themselves nor their jworshippers: and he exhorts the Jews still to trust in God, who had, from the beginning of their nation, nourished them with the tenderness of a parent; and who, by foretelling things at the greatest distance, gave an undeniable proof that all events were at his disposal. The prophet had intimated the destruction of the Babylonish monarchy in a few words, at the beginning of the last chapter; and here he foretells it more plainly," and denounces it as a just judgment upon that government for its cruelty and pride: the unexpecteduess of such a calamity adding great weight to it, being such a surprising turn of affairs, as none of the Chaldean arts of divination could foresee, or be able to prevent,

Isaiah 46:1

JOEL boweth down, Nebo stoopeth. Two principal idols of the Babylonians; Bel is the same with Baal, as Selden conjectures, (de Diis Syris, Syntagm. i. cap. 2.) Nebo gave name to several of their kings, as Nabonassor, Nebuchadnezzar, &c. (See note on xxxix. 1.) The image -of these deities were carried in triumph by the Persians, as part of the spoil, as it was usual for conquerors to do, in token of a complete victory. (See Grotius upon the place.) JLivy records it as an instance of the moderation of Fabius Maximus, that, when he retook Tarentum, he would not suffer the statues of their gods to be carried with the rest of the plunder, butsaid, " Reliriquamus Tarentinis Deos iratos." (Lib. xxvii. cap. 18.) f^OMEdown, andsit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground.] Sit in a mournful and disconsolate posture. (See note on iii. 26.) The prophet.calls her the virgin daughter of Babylon, as one that had never yet been conquered. (See note on xxiii. 12.) • There is no throne.] The pomp and state of thy empire is come to an end. (Compare Psal. Ixxxix. 44.) „

Isaiah 46:2

They stoop; they bow down, they could not deliver the burden,. The deities, which were worshipped in the idols, could not deliver their own images, which became.burdensome to those that carried them away, so that the gods themselves must own that they are conquered too. The expressions in this and the former verse allude to the custom of carrying idols in procession, which was a solemn piece of worship paid to them; whereas now they were carried about by their enemies, by way of contempt and derision. Take the millstones, and grind meal.] From being mistress of kingdoms, thou shalt become a mean slave; thy captives shall be set to grind, which was reckoned the lowest degree of drudgery. (See Exod. xi. Judg. xvi. 21.) Such was the pistrinum, or turning the mill, among tho Romans. 4B

Isaiah 46:3

Hearken to me, O Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel. The same which arc called Jacob and Israel, xliii. 1. (see the note there) and xliv. 1. XVhich are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb.’] The expressions allude to the carrying of idols, either in procession, (ver. 7.) or in triumph, (ver. 1.) Instead of being carried by Ids worshippers, as the helpless idols are, God carries and supports his people, as a father does his children in his arms. (See Deut. i. 31.)

Isaiah 46:4

And even to your old age I am he. Or, I am the same God: so the phrase is translated, Psal. cii. 27. Ver. G. They lavish gold out of the bag, &c] The same argument against idolatry, which was made use of xl. 19. xli. G. xliv. 12. It was very proper to repeat this argument often, for the sake of those that were to live among the Babylonians, where authority and custom would powerfully recommend idolatry. (Compare Jer. x. 1, &c. Barn ch vi.)

Isaiah 46:8

Remember this, and shew yourselves men. By making use of your reason: whereas the idolaters are as vol. in. | senseless as the images which they worship. (See Psal. cxv. 8.),

Isaiah 46:9

Remember the former things of old. Remember what I have formerly done for you, both in Egypt and after your settlement in Canaan..

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, &c. The same argument of God’s power and providence, which is insisted on xliv. 7. xlv. 21. Saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my plea* sure.] God’s foretelling the most distant and casual events, is a sensible proof of his overruling providence,

Isaiah 46:11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east. A description of Cyrus, whom God is said to have raised tip from the east, (xli. 2. 25.) Conquerors that overrun and ravage whole countries, are elsewhere compared to birds of prey. (See Ezek. xvii.3, 4. Esdr. xii.ll.) \ Tlie man that executeth my counsel.] See xliv. 28. xlv. 13. From afar country.] Cyrus’s army was made up of confederates of very distant nations. (Seo Jer. 1. 41.)

Isaiah 46:12

Hearken to me, ye stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness. Or, ye stubborn-hearted, as it is better translated in the Bishops’ Bible published under queen Elizabeth; such as do not think it reasonable to acquiesce in my promises, which whosoever believeth, it shall be counted to him for righteousness, (Gen. xv. G.)

Isaiah 46:13

I bring near my righteousness, and my salvation shall not tarry. I will give visible instances of my mercy and fidelity, and place them before the eyes of those, that are most insensible of them; and the salvation of my people shall not be delayed beyond the prefixed time ap-[ pointed for the accomplishment of it. (Compare Habak. ii. 3. and see the note upon xiii. 22.) And I tvill place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.] Or, I will, give salvation in [or to] Zion, and my glory to Israel: as the translation just now mentioned renders the words.’. CHAP. aLVIL