Isaiah 26

Ver. 1, 2. As God fortified and protected Jerusalem from Sennacherib’s army, and by their destruction gave his people access to celebrate their solemn feasts, so shall he firmly found and fortify his gospel church, that no power of hell or earth shall ever prevail against her: and multitudes of persons, justified in Christ, sincere and steady in their profession, and holy in their conversation, shall be added as her members. 5, 6. Not only Nineveh, Babylon, and Rome, but Heathenism, Mahometanism, and Popery, shall be extirpated, and the gospel planted instead thereof, even by weak instruments

Isaiah 26:7

God makes the way of his people plain and clear, and he directs, judges, and approves, their conduct

Isaiah 26:8-9

Lord, even under thy heavy chastisements we have patiently served thee and waited for deliverance, and have earnestly desired, meditated on, and comforted ourselves in, thy grace, power, and faithfulness, and the former manifestations thereof. 9—11. Adverity is an ordinary measure 11 of stirring up men to consideration and necessary duties: but, whether thou prosper or punish obstinate sinners, they blind and harden themselves under both mercies and judgments. No ordinances, patterns, nor providences, can move them to duty: but they shall at length feel thy judgments, and be filled with shame, for their spiteful behaviour towards thy people

Isaiah 26:12-14

Thou, who hast afflicted us, wilt render us happy and prosperous, even as thou hast already vouchsafed great mercies and deliverances to us. Many heathen powers have tyrannized over us; but, by thy favour and help, we will own thee alone for our God, trust in thee for, and give thee the praise of, all our deliverances. Thy providence hath effectually and irrecoverably destroyed all our oppressors

Isaiah 26:15-18

Both the Jewish nation and the Christian church have been exceedingly enlarged and extended; but, notwithstanding our prayers in trouble, and painful attempts, all has been hitherto useless: the wicked still continue numerous and powerful

Isaiah 26:19

The Jewish nation, seemingly dead under the Assyrian ravages, the Chaldean captivity, and present dispersion, shall again revive and flourish. The gospel church shall be restored, after her decays, by the influence of a preached gospel: and at the last day every true member, through union to Jesus Christ, shall be raised to everlasting life. 20, 21. But, as terrible troubles must come for the punishment of the wicked, and the manifestation of their wickedness, it is necessary that every saint, by faith, repentance, and prayer, flee to God for protection, lay hold on his promises, and depend on his perfections and providences, till that time of fearful calamities be over

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXVI.—Eternally safe are they who have fled to Jesus Christ for refuge, and are encompassed by infallible promises and infinite perfections! No Christian character can be formed without a stedfast and exact adherence to God’s truths. Truly righteous, upright, and humble saints, are an inestimable blessing to nations and churches. Steady faith in God’s perfections and promises produces more solid peace and composure of mind. If we trust him firmly, we shall find ground to praise him constantly. And, if we by faith put our strong enemies in his hand, he will easily bring them down. If with ardent desires we wait for him in every ordinance and providence, we shall quickly find him to our comfort. And, the earlier and more earnest our supplications are, they will be the more graciously answered. Alas! how hardened are many hearts, that neither mercies can melt, nor judgments awaken, them! But it is good for us to draw near to God, and renounce all his rivals. Whatever discouraging providences he may exercise us with for a while, confusion and ruin will overwhelm all his and our enemies at last. Let us therefore be sober, and hope to the end for his salvation. He quickens dead souls, revives dead churches, and will at last quicken our dead bodies, and make them like unto his glorious body. Under manifold troubles and injuries let us possess our souls in patience. The judge stands at the door. Our afflictions, however sharp, will soon be over; and our protection in them, under the shadow of the Almighty, is both safe and sweet. But what awful discoveries will God make of men’s sins when he rises up to punish them!