Isaiah 63

Isaiah 63:1-6

Who is this that cometh from the slaughter and destruction of his people’s enemies, temporal or spiritual, having almighty power to perform his will whithersoever he goes? It is I, the Messiah, who promise nothing but what I faithfully perform, and who, through my own finished righteousness, am able to save to the uttermost.—I, by myself alone, without needing any created assistance, have utterly subdued and destroyed mine enemies: and I will quickly honour myself in the tremendous rain of such as still remain: for the seasons appointed for the destruction of mine enemies, and the deliverance of my people, are fixed in my purpose and view. And, though none be found able or willing to espouse their quarrel, or attempt their deliverance, my power and zeal shall save them, shall wrathfully destroy their opposers, and even render them astonished at the greatness of their calamities.—8. They will not 87 96* deal falsely and deceitfully in their covenant with me.—14. The Lord carried them gently and surely, as on plain ground, through the Red sea and the wilderness, till, to render himself famous in the earth, he brought them into the quiet possession of Canaan

Isaiah 63:16-19

Abraham cannot either take notice of our troubles, or afford us any relief.—Why hast thou given us up to a spirit of error and obstinacy, and left us to the bent and bias of our own corrupt hearts, that we cannot fear thee in a filial and reverential manner? O be reconciled, and shew thyself favourable to us. Instead of possessing Canaan for ever, as was promised to the patriarchs, we, thy peculiar people, have enjoyed it but a little while; and our adversaries, who were never in such covenant relation to thee, have destroyed thy temple and thy land. 8 M

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. LXIII.—Wonderful is Jesus Christ in the view of all that know him. And yet he indulges his servants and people in the most familiar inquiries and requests. Blessed are the periods which God hath fixed for shewing mercy to his elect, and distributing vengeance to their enemies. And with the greatest zeal, fervent affection, and care, he accomplishes every promise or threatening. Nor can the inability or unconcern of others in the least discourage our almighty Saviour, or hinder his success: but thrice dreadful is their destruction in which his glory must be exalted!—Never ought we to remember God’s mercies but with minds lost in love, in wonder, and in praise. And every blessing of providence, grace, or glory, in time or eternity, ought to be viewed as having its sole rise in his infinitely rich and sovereign mercy. Alas! how base is it to lie, to deal treacherously, to rebel and vex the Holy Ghost, in opposition to that infinite pity and manifold salvation of God’s dear Son! But wonderfully God mingles his sharpest corrections of his people with his gracious comforts. And it is comely when recounting of mercies, confession of iniquities, and pleading of promises, are rightly connected; and when supplicants complain chiefly of spiritual judgments, and fill their mouths with arguments before him