Isaiah 52

Isaiah 52:1-6

Rejoice, ye Jews, in hopes of being graciously delivered from your heathen oppressors and corruptors, without any ransom, even as you have already been from the Egyptians and the Assyrians. And, as I get nothing by your misery but blasphemous reproaches, as if I could not or cared not to deliver you, I will make you quickly to experience the fulfilment of all my promises. And, in like manner, rejoice, thou gospel church, in hopes of thy extension, purification, and deliverance from every enemy, heathen, popish or Mahometan

Isaiah 52:7-12

Great joy and harmony, hearty renunciation of idols, and a composed return of the Jews to their own land, shall be produced by the proclamation of Cyrus and the Lord’s powerful appearance for their relief; and much more by the publication of the gospel by Jesus Christ and his apostles, and by the effectual redemption of multitudes from heathenism, popery, Satan, and their own lusts, by an ascended Redeemer

Isaiah 52:13-15

The infinitely well-qualified Messiah, in consequence of his inexpressible ignominy, debasement, and suffering, shall be highly exalted, as Head over all things to his church; and shall, by his word, his Spirit, and blood, purify multitudes of sinful Gentiles from their iniquities; and even kings, and other great ones, shall with reverence hear his gospel truths, which had been hid from former generations, and shall submit to his laws

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. LII.—God’s grace and our duty, his glory and our salvation, are marvellously connected. Both saints and sinners ought to bestir themselves when he offers deliverance. And thrice happy is the church when she is duly separated from the world, which lieth in wickedness. And yet how averse are many to partake of this blessedness: how averse to accept of an offered deliverance from corrupt lusts, or from corrupt societies and synagogues of Satan! But blessed are the effects of Jesus’ gospel and government in the world, powerful the influence of his offices and states, and effectual the manifestation of his person, sufferings, and glory, for the conversion of the most hardened sinners. 86 95*