Isaiah 2
SIBIsaiah 2:2-5
In the apostolic and millennial periods, the firmly established, and never to be changed, gospel church shall, in all kingdoms, be erected in the most visible manner; and multitudes shall, by the faith and profession of Jesus Christ, enter into it as members. They shall earnestly stir up one another to attend upon the ordinances, and learn and embrace the doctrines, of salvation, which began to be published at Jerusalem. And, by his conviction, conversion, and gracious government, Jesus Christ shall introduce spiritual peace and holy exercises, and even civil concord and virtuous industry, among the nations where murderous wars and idleness had long prevailed.—And may you, Jews, excited by your own preachers and by the Gentiles, cheerfully join yourselves, and partake of these blessed oracles, instructions, and comforts, of the Lord Jesus Christ
Isaiah 2:6-9
Provoked by their confederacies, and by their mingling themselves with the Heathen; their imitation of the Chaldeans on the east, and Philistines on the west, in magic and divination; and by their insatiable heaping up of wealth, multiplication of horses and chariots, and of idols, and the worship thereof by all ranks; the Lord has rejected the Jewish nation, and will not suffer them to escape unpunished
Isaiah 2:10-17
Notwithstanding all the possible efforts they may make to escape his indignation, the Lord shall glorify his own perfections in abasing them, however high in station, mighty in power, abundant in wealth and trade, or comely in appearance
Isaiah 2:18-21
Convinced of the vanity of their idols, they shall renounce them, or, desperately flying from the judgments of God, shall cast them from them
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. II.—No dispensations of grace must be looked for after that which we at present enjoy. No oppression can hinder the flourishing of the church when the Lord rises up for her help: and no darkness nor error can hide her when Jesus manifests forth his glory. No remarkable fellowship with Christ must be expected but in the way of going upward. And it is comfortable that amidst the present corruptions and contentions in the Christian church, we may look backward, in remembrance of mighty things done by the Lord; and may look forward, in hope of the church’s still greater enlargement, purity and peace. How delightful will it be when every one shall provoke his neighbour to learn the truths of Jesus, embrace his person, and serve him in the beauties of holiness!—But, alas, the guilt, the plagues which corrupt professors entail on themselves by intimacy with carnal and profane men, and even by their insatiable desire of that which is good in itself, or by inordinate dependance thereon! It is impossible, either by flight or resistance, to save either ourselves or our idols when God attempts to destroy. In order to glorify him pride must be debased and idols dethroned. And, to wean or tear our affections from earthly things, the earth itself, and its works, must be dissolved or burnt up. But, alas, what havock must be made before men can be affrighted from their idols! and what grace must be exerted before they penitently turn from them!