Isaiah 28

Isaiah 28:1

I beheld - I considered the counsels and ways of God, and the various methods of his providence, and the reasons of them. Find out - No man, though ever so wise, is able fully and perfectly to understand these things. And therefore it is best for man not to perplex himself with endless enquiries, but quietly to submit to God’s will and providence, and to live in the fear of God, and the comfortable enjoyment of his blessing.

Isaiah 28:3

Their works - All events which befal them are governed by his providence, and therefore although we cannot fully understand the reasons of all, yet we may be assured they are done righteously. No man - No man can judge by their present outward condition, whether God loves or hates them; for whom he loves he chastens, and permits those whom he hates to prosper in the world.

Isaiah 28:4

All things - The good and evil things of the world equally happen to good and bad men.

Isaiah 28:5

An evil - A great trouble to a good man. Is full - Of wickedness. Madness - They go on madly and desperately in evil courses. They go - After all, they die in the same manner as the best men do.

Isaiah 28:6

Joined - That continues with living men. Hope - He hath not only some comfort for the present, but also hopes of further happiness in this world. Better - Much happier as to the comforts of this world.

Isaiah 28:7

Die - Whereby they are taught to improve life. Any thing - Of the actions and events of this world. Reward - The fruit of their labours in this world, are utterly lost as to them. Forgotten - Even in those places where they had lived in great power and glory.

Isaiah 28:8

Also - They neither love, nor hate, nor envy any thing in this world, but are unconcerned in what is done under the sun.

Isaiah 28:10

White - The eastern people of the best sort, used white garments, especially in times of rejoicing. Ointment - Which upon joyful occasions was poured upon mens heads.

Isaiah 28:11

Vanity - Of this vain and frail life.

Isaiah 28:12

Whatsoever - Whatever thou hast opportunity and ability to do, do it with unwearied diligence, and vigour and expedition. For - Thou canst neither design nor act any thing there tending to thy own comfort or advantage.

Isaiah 28:13

But time - There are times or seasons, casual to men, but known by God, in which alone he will give men success.

Isaiah 28:14

His time - The time of his death, or other distress which God is bringing upon him. Are taken - While they are sporting and feeding themselves. When - When they are most careless and secure.

Isaiah 28:15

This wisdom - I have observed this among many other instances of wisdom. Which he adds for the commendation of wisdom, notwithstanding its insufficiency for man’s happiness without God’s blessing.

Isaiah 28:17

Yet - He was soon neglected and his great service forgotten.

Isaiah 28:19

Of wise men - Though poor. In quiet - Uttered with a modest and low voice. The cry - The clamorous discourses of a rich and potent, but foolish man.

Isaiah 28:23

Heart - His understanding is always present with him and ready to direct him. He mentions the right hand, because that is the common instrument of action. A fool’s - His understanding is not effectual to govern his affections and actions.

Isaiah 28:24

Walketh - In his daily conversation. He saith - He discovers his folly to all that meet him.

Isaiah 28:25

The spirit - The passion. Leave not - In anger or discontent. Continue in a diligent and faithful discharge of thy duty, and modestly and humbly submit to him. Yielding - A gentle and submissive carriage.

Isaiah 28:27

The rich - Wise and worthy men, rich in endowments of mind.

Isaiah 28:29

An hedge - Whereby another man’s fields or vineyards are distinguished, that he may either take away their fruits, or enlarge his own fields.