gain money. In the end will such wealth be 21:21 15:9; Matt 5:6; 6:33; John 12:26;

PROVERBS 20:28 836

11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise; and when the wise is instructed,

searching all the inmost being. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is upheld by mercy. 29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is the gray head. 30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; just so beatings cleanse the inmost being.

he gains knowledge. 12 The righteous person wisely considers the house of the wicked, but God overthrows the wicked for

their wickedness. 13 Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poor, will also cry out himself, but will not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the bosom strong wrath. 15 Justice done is a joy to the righteous, but like destruction to evildoers.

The kings heart is in the hand of the LORD; like streams of water, he turns it

wherever he will.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.

3 Doing what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 A haughty look and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit, but those of everyone who is hasty

16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding will settle down in

the company of the dead. 17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich. 18 The wicked will be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 19 It is better to live in the wilderness, than with a quarrelsome and angry woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the home of the wise, but a foolish man consumes it. 21 He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honour. 22 A wise man scales the wall of the city of the mighty, and casts down the stronghold in which

surely leads to poverty.

6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeing vapour, pursued by those who seek death.

7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to act justly. 8 The way of the perverse man is devious; but as for the pure, his behaviour is upright. 9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop, than in a house with a quarrelsome woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbour finds no favour in his eyes.

they trust.

conscious of what goes on in their inner being. 20:29 16:31. 20:30 A hearty welcome to all blows that produce such good results! See Ps 141:5; 66:10-12. 21:1 16:1; 19:21; 20:24. Kings are no more difficult for God to direct than anyone else. Bible history shows that He often worked in the hearts of kings to fulfill His purposes (kings of Egypt Gen 41:1; 14,15,41; Ex 7:3-5; 9:16; kings of Babylon 2 Chron 36:17; Dan 2:1,25,26,48; kings of Persia 2 Chron 36:22; Isa 45:1-3. See also 1 Kings 11:14,23; 1 Chron 5:26; 2 Chron 21:16; Rev 17:12,17). God does the same thing now. 21:2 Notes at 14:12; 16:2. 21:3 1 Sam 15:22; Isa 1:11-17; Hos 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; Matt 9:13. 21:6 10:2; 19:22; Ps 37:16; 39:6; 49:59. Many there are who lie and deceive to gain money. In the end will such wealth be worth what they will have to pay for it? 21:8 2:15. They use crooked ways to gain their object, and then must use other crooked ways to cover up these first crooked ways. Like this they are caught in a downward spiral.

21:9 19:1; 12:4. 21:12 10:25; 12:7; 14:11; Matt 7:26,27. 21:13 See Ex 1:14; 2:23 with its results in Ex 11:6; 12:30. Note at Ps 41:1; Prov 1:25-28; 14:21; 28:27. 21:14 Notes at 15:27; 17:8. 21:15 There is going to be great joy for some, great terror for others, for justice is exactly what is going to be done to the world and to every individual (Ps 89:14; 98:9; Acts 17:31; Rom 2:2,5-11; 2 Thess 1:6,7; Rev 15:3,4; 16:5-7; 20:11,12; 22:12). 21:16 2:18; 5:23; 8:36; 9:18; Deut 30:15,19; Ezek 18:30:30-32. 21:18 See Isa 43:3-6. Persia showed kindness to the people of Israel and let them return to their own land (Ezra 1:1-4). In return God enabled Persia to conquer Egypt, Cush, and Seba. Perhaps there is an important principle here in Gods dealings with nations. 21:21 15:9; Matt 5:6; 6:33; John 12:26; Rom 2:7,10. 21:22 This is true in the spiritual realm also. Gods wisdom enables His servants to demolish the refuge of false philosophies and religious ideas that others trust in. See 2 Cor 10:4.

837 PROVERBS 22:17

23 Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who acts with arrogant pride. 25 The desire of the lazy kills him, for his hands refuse to work. 26 He greedily covets all day long, but the righteous gives unsparingly.

6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender. 8 He who sows wickedness will reap trouble, and the rod of his anger will fail. 9 He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives of his food to the poor. 10 Drive out the scorner, and contention will go out, yes, strife and insult will cease. 11 He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination; how much more when he brings it with

a wicked mind? 28 A false witness will perish, but the man who listens speaks to the end. 29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but as for the upright, he directs his way. 30 There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the LORD. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but safety is from the LORD.

12 The eyes of the LORD see that knowledge is preserved, and he overturns the words of the

transgressor.

13 The lazy person says, There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets. 14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the LORD will

A good name is more to be desired

than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all. 3 An understanding man foresees disaster and hides himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honour and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul will be far from them.

fall into it.

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it

far from him. 16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he who gives to the rich,

will surely come to poverty. 17 Turn your ear and listen to the words

21:23 10:19; 12:13; 13:3; 18:21; Ps 39:1; 141:3; Matt 12:37. 21:24 1:22. Scorning Gods word is the result of pride and ignorance (Matt 27:2729,41; 2 Pet 3:3-5; Jude 10). 21:25 6:6; 13:4. 21:26 Lev 25:35; Deut 15:8; Ps 37:21,26; 112:9; Luke 6:35; 2 Cor 9:7. 21:27 Note at 15:8. 21:28 References at 19:5. The Hebrew of the second phrase is difficult and this is only one of possible translations. It may mean but the words of an obedient man [one who listens] will live on. Or the obedient man will always speak the truth (the words the truth being added). 21:29 14:8; Lam 3:40; Hag 1:5,7; 2:15. 21:30 Ah. 2 Chron 13:12; Job 5:13; Prov 16:4,9; 19:21; Isa 8:10; 1 Cor 1:25; 3:19,20. 21:31 1 Sam 17:47; Ps 3:8; 20:7; 33:1619; Hos 1:7; Zech 4:6. 22:1 3:4; 10:7; Eccl 7:1. 22:2 29:13; Job 31:15. 22:4 Fear 1:7; Gen 20:11; Ps 34:11-14. Riches 3:2; Ps 1:3. 22:5 Verse 8; Ps 9:16; 69:22. Thorns and snares here signify evils and difficulties which

will hurt them and capture them. 22:6 A great encouragement in the training of children. But parents themselves must know the right way (Gen 18:19; Deut 4:9,10; 6:7; Josh 24:15; Eph 6:4). 22:7 Debt is a great burden and difficulty in a persons life. Therefore Rom 13:8. 22:9 11:25; Deut 14:29; 15:10; Ps 37:26; Luke 6:38. Notes and references on giving at 2 Cor 9:15. 22:10 21:24. 22:11 The King of heaven will also be his friend Ps 24:3,4; Matt 5:8. 22:12 19:21; 21:30. 22:13 6:6-11. The lazy man will seek any excuse not to work. 22:14 5:3-5; 23:27. 22:15 Alas, we all come into the world with a nature that is bent toward sin and foolishness (note at Ps 51:5). And every child needs much discipline and correction. 3:11,12; 13:24; 19:18. Compare 1 Kings 1:6. 22:16 The oppression of the poor is everywhere condemned in the Bible (v 22; 14:31; 17:5; Deut 24:14; Ps 10:2,8,9; 12:5; 35:10; 37:14; 109:16; Isa 3:14). 22:17-21 These verses are an introduction

PROVERBS 22:18 838

of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge. 18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you so that they are

if you are a man given to appetite. 3 Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceptive food.

4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Cease from your own wisdom. 5 Will you set your eyes on it? It is no longer there, for surely riches

ready for your lips. 19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you.

20 Have I not written to you excellent things, words of counsel and knowledge, 21 So that I might cause you to know the certainty of the words of truth, that you might give truthful words in

make wings for themselves; they fly away like an eagle in the sky. 6 Do not eat the food of him whose eye is evil, or desire his delicacies. 7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Eat and drink, he says to you,

answer to those who send to you?

but his heart is not with you. 8 The morsel you have eaten you will vomit up, and waste your compliments. 9 Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not remove the ancient boundary stone and encroach on the fields of

22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted in the gate, 23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and plunder the soul of those who plunder them. 24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and do not go with a hot-tempered man, 25 So that you do not learn his ways, and get a snare to your soul. 26 Do not be one of those who strike hands in pledge, or who put up security for debts. 27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed

the fatherless, 11 For their redeemer is mighty. He will plead their cause with you. 12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Do not withhold correction from the child; for if you beat him with the rod,

from under you? 28 Do not remove the ancient boundary stone which your fathers have set. 29 Do you see a man diligent in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

he will not die. 14 You beat him with the rod, and rescue his soul from hell.

15 My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart too will rejoice. 16 Yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things.

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, carefully consider what is before you, 2 And put a knife to your throat,

17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,

to a new section of the book which ends at 24:22. This section can be divided into thirty sayings six of them are of one verse; eighteen are of two verses; four are of 3 verses; one is of 4 verses; and one is of 7 verses. These sayings were probably collected by Solomon. Their purpose is to encourage trust in God (v 19), and to equip us with wise words and ready answers (vs 18,21). The New Testament also speaks of being ready to give answers to others (Col 4:6; 1 Pet 3:15). 22:22,23 Verse 16. The God of the Bible, the only God there is, is always on the side of the oppressed poor, and He will pay back oppressors in their own coin. 22:24,25 1 Cor 15:33. 22:26,27 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18. 22:28 Deut 19:14; 27:17. 22:29 See examples of this in Gen 39:3,4; 1 Sam 16:21-23; 1 Kings 7:14; 11:28. God the King also looks for those who will do their work well.

23:1-3 He means, perhaps, that if a ruler asks us to dine with him he may be planning to use us for his own purposes and those purposes may be deceptive and evil.

What or who. 23:4,5 28:20; 1 Tim 6:9,10,17; Heb 13:5. Fly away Jer 17:11; Luke 12:20,21. 23:6-8 Seeing insincerity and hypocrisy makes an honest man sick. 23:7 The first phrase might possibly be translated for as he puts on a feast, so he is. 23:9 1:7,22; 9:7; 12:1. 23:10,11 22:23,28. Redeemer here is a translation of the Hebrew word goel. See notes at Ruth 2:20; Ps 78:35. 23:12 2:2; 22:17. 23:13,14 3:12; 13:24; 19:18; 22:18; 2 Sam 7:14. 23:15,16 Verse 24; 27:11; 29:3. So God the Father rejoices in His children if they are wise and honest Ps 15:1,2; 147:11; 149:4; Zeph 3:17. 23:17,18 Envy 24:1,19; Ps 37:1; 73:3.

839 PROVERBS 24:12

but be in the fear of the LORD all day long. 18 For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. 19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way. 20 Do not be with those who drink too much wine, with those who are gluttons in eating meat, 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a person with rags. 22 Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when

and sting like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange things and your mind will utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you will be like one lying down in the middle of the sea, or like one who lies down on the top of a mast. 35 They hit me, you will say, but I am not hurt! They have beaten me,

but I didnt feel it ! When will I wake up? I will look for another drink.

she is old. 23 Buy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and

Do not be envious of evil men,

or desire to be with them. 2 For their heart plots violence, and their lips talk of trouble. 3 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established, 4 And by knowledge its rooms will be filled with all precious and

understanding. 24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will

have joy in him. 25 Your father and your mother will be glad, and she who gave you birth will rejoice.

pleasant treasures. 5 A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. 6 For by wise counsel you should wage war, and in many counsellors there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool. He does not open his mouth in the gate. 8 He who plots to do evil will be called a schemer. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin, and the scorner is an abomination to men. 10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

26 My son, give me your heart, and keep your eyes on my ways.

27 For a prostitute is a deep ditch, and an adulteress is a narrow pit. 28 She also lies in wait like a robber, and increases the transgressors among men.

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has babbling? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. 31 Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. 32 At last it will bite like a serpent,

11 If you refrain from rescuing those who are being led away to death and

those who are about to be killed, 12 If you say, Look, we didnt know it, does not he who weighs the heart

Fear note at 1:7. 23:19-21 Wisdom should guide us in what we eat and drink and how much. Drunkenness and gluttony are condemned in the Bible and will face Gods anger and punishment 23:2; 28:7; Rom 13:13,14; 1 Cor 6:10; Gal 5:21. 23:22-25 Verse 15,16; 4:5,7; Ezek 35:15; Obadiah 1:12. 23:26-28 Give me your heart what any real father desires from his son. But he should be worthy of such a gift. This is what God the Father desires from His children. He will be satisfied with nothing less. And He is wonderfully worthy of this gift. A heart not given where it should be given will go after the attractions of the world and may fall prey to sexual immorality. 23:29-35 A striking warning against drunkenness. Strong drink may seem pleasant at first (v 31), but it is poison (v 32), and

has very bitter fruits. One of these is that the drunkard when he recovers a little wants to indulge again and again in the same thing that is ruining his life. 24:1,2 Verses 19,20; 23:17,18; Ps 37:1; 73:3. 24:3,4 9:1; 14:1. To establish a family as God wants it established requires wisdom which God alone can give. 24:5,6 21:22; 20:18; 11:14; Luke 14:31. 24:7 Judges and city officials met for business at the main gates of cities (Gen 19:1; 23:10; Deut 22:15; Josh 20:4; Ruth 4:11). 24:8,9 In Proverbs foolishness is not lack of sense, it is lack of moral sense; everything that flows from it is sinful. 24:10 Jer 12:5; Isa 40:31. 24:11,12 Ps 82:4; Isa 58:6,7. For men to profess ignorance of injustice and oppression will not work with God. Nor is it enough merely to feel compassion for those

PROVERBS 24:13 840

24 He who says to the wicked, You are righteous, him the people

consider it ? And he who keeps your soul,

will curse, him nations will abhor; 25 But to those who rebuke him will be delight, and a good blessing will come on them. 26 Giving a right answer is like a kiss on the lips. 27 Prepare your outside work, and make it ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. 28 Do not be a witness against your neighbour without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

does he not know it ? And will he not repay every man in

accordance with his deeds?

13 My son, eat honey, because it is good, and the honeycomb, which is sweet to

your taste; 14 So will the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul. When you have found it, then there will

be a reward, and your hope will not be cut off.

29 Do not say, I will do the same to him as he has done to me. I will repay the man in accordance with his deed.

15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, at the house of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place; 16 For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked will fall into trouble. 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do let not your heart be glad when

30 I went by the field of the lazy, and by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding, 31 And, look, it was all overgrown with thorns, and nettles had covered its surface, and its stone wall was broken down. 32 Then I gazed and considered it well; I looked at it and received instruction: 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, 34 Just so your poverty will come like a highway robber, and your scarcity like an armed man.

he stumbles, 18 Or the LORD will see it, and it will displease him, and he will turn his wrath away from him.

19 Do not fret because of evil people or be envious of the wicked, 20 For there will be no future for the evil person ; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with those who

These also are proverbs of Solomon,

copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah: 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honour of kings is to search out

are changeable, 22 For their calamity will rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of both of them? 23 These also are sayings of the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

a matter. 3 The heavens for height, and the earth

collect these. 24:23-25 17:15; 18:5; 28:21; 31:8,9; Lev 19:15; Ps 72:2. 24:26 16:13. To speak the truth to people is to show them love. Lips which flatter and deceive are hateful. 24:27 In other words, put first things first and plan carefully. 24:28,29 3:30; 6:19; 20:22; Matt 5:38-41; Rom 12:17. It is not our business to seek revenge on others for what they have done. God will see to that in His own time and way. 24:30-34 Note at 6:6-11. Laziness or carelessness in spiritual things too has disastrous consequences (Matt 25:14,15,24-26,30). 25:1 1:1; 10:1. King Hezekiah reigned more than two hundred years after Solomon and brought a revival of true religion to Judah (see 2 Chronicles chapters 29-31). 25:2 2:4; Deut 29:29; Isa 55:8,9; Rom 11:33-36; Matt 13:44. Men get honor from discovering the truth. 25:3 This is true to some extent of all men. We are mysteries to ourselves and to

in trouble, the poor, the needy, or the innocent falsely condemned. God will judge us, not according to what we feel, but according to what we actually do or do not do (Matt 25:31-46; Rom 2:6; Jam 4:17). 24:13,14 16:24; Ps 119:103. The sweetness of honey remains in the mouth but a moment, but the sweetness of true wisdom will remain in the mind forever. 24:15,16 Though a righteous person may fall seven times, God enables him to rise again (see notes at Ps 34:19; 37:24; Rom 8:37). The case of the wicked is quite different 6:15; 11:3,5. 24:17,18 17:5 (note); Ezek 35:15; Obadiah 1:12. 24:19,20 Verses 1,2. This is often repeated in the Bible because envy is a great danger to the spiritual life (Ps 73:2,3). In any case, how foolish to envy those who have no future hope! 24:21,22 Eccl 8:2-5; Rom 13:1-5; 1 Pet 2:17. 24:23-34 An addition of five sayings to the thirty sayings in the previous section. There is no reason to think Solomon did not

841 PROVERBS 26:2

your neighbours house, or he may tire of you and hate you. 18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbour is a club and a sword

for depth; and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and out comes a vessel from the silversmith. 5 Take away the wicked from the kings presence, and his throne will be established in

and a sharp arrow. 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth,

and a sprained foot. 20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who

righteousness. 6 Do not put yourself forward in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men ; 7 For it is better that it be said to you, Come up here, than that you should be put lower in

sings songs to a sad heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For you will be heaping coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

the presence of the prince whom

your eyes have seen. 8 Do not go out hastily to argue, or you may not know what to do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame. 9 Debate your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal the secret of another, 10 Or he who hears it may put you to shame, and your bad reputation not pass away. 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, is a wise reprover to an obedient ear. 13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest, is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14 Whoever boasts of his gifts falsely is like clouds and wind without rain. 15 Through patience a ruler is persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone. 16 Have you found honey? Eat only what is sufficient for you, lest you be filled with it, and vomit it. 17 Let not your foot be too often in

23 The north wind drives away rain; so does an angry countenance a

backbiting tongue. 24 It is better to live in the corner of the housetop, than share a house with a quarrelsome woman. 25 As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A righteous man giving way to the wicked is like a muddied spring, and a polluted well. 27 It is not good to eat too much honey; so for people to look out for their own

glory is not glory.

28 He who does not rule his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and

without walls.

Like snow in summer and like rain in

harvest, so honour is not fitting for a fool. 2 Like the flitting bird, like the flying swallow,

25:16,17 That is, honey and visits from neighbors have one thing in common too much is too much. 25:18 12:18; Ps 5:9. 25:21,22 Matt 5:44; Rom 12:20. 25:24 19:12; 21:9,19. 25:25 15:30. 25:26 Evil can taint all the springs of action and pollute that which should be clean, clear, and life-giving. 25:27 27:2; Matt 23:12. 25:28 Into a city with broken down walls may easily enter any unclean animal, any cruel beast, any evil man, any invading army. So the evils of the world, the influences of Satan enter the unguarded, undisciplined, unwatchful human heart. 26:2 If we live righteously and honestly before God we need fear no curse or anything that men may say or do against us.

others (20:24). But God searches and knows all things (Jer 17:9,10; John 2:24,25; Heb 4:13). 25:4,5 This truth was at the heart of Davids resolutions in Ps 101. God is always at work refining His people (Ps 66:10-12) and the King of heaven, when He comes again, will do a complete work of establishing a righteous reign (Isa 11:1-5). 25:6,7 Luke 14:7-11. 25:8-10 Better to end a dispute before it gets to court (Matt 5:25,26). 25:11 15:23. See what wisdom says in 8:19. 25:12 15:31; Ps 141:5. 25:13 10:26; 13:17. 25:14 In other words, big words, no action. 25:15 Patience and gentleness often can accomplish far more than haste and roughness.

PROVERBS 26:3 842

so the curse does not come without cause. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fools back. 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also become like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off the feet, and drinking damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal, like a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8 Like one who ties up a stone in a sling, is he who gives honour to a fool. 9 Like a thorn piercing the hand of a drunkard, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

strife that does not pertain to him,

is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 18 Like a madman who hurls fire brands, arrows, and death, 19 Is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, I was just joking! 20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; so where there is no talebearer,

the strife ceases. 21 As charcoal is to burning embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like wounds, and they go down into the inmost parts

of the body. 23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like an earthen pot covered with

silver dross. 24 He who hates, disguises this with his lips, and stores up deceit within him; 25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him; for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 The wickedness of the one whose hatred is covered by deceit will be

10 The great God who formed all things both pays the fool, and gives transgressors their wages.

11 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.

12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

revealed before the whole congregation.

13 The lazy person says, There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the streets! 14 As the door turns on its hinges, so the lazy one turns on his bed. 15 The lazy person buries his hand in the dish; it is a weariness to him to bring it back

27 Whoever digs a pit will fall in it, and the one who rolls a stone,

it will come back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those it harms, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may

to his mouth. 16 The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give

bring forth. 2 Let another man praise you and not your own mouth, a stranger and not your own lips.

a reason.

17 He who is passing by and meddles with

is the error that the lazy man (v 5) and the rich (28:11) have in common. We are warned against it in 3:7 because such a conceit shuts out the fear of the Lord which is the only way to wisdom. 26:13 22:13; 6:6-11. 26:15 19:24. 26:20 One of the evils of gossip. See also 11:13; 18:8; 20:19; Lev 19:16. 26:23-26 Ps 28:3; 55:21; Jer 9:8; Matt 26:47-49. The hypocrite has a full number of abominations in his heart (6:16-19). See the abominations in the hearts of the hypocrites living when Jesus was on earth (Matthew chapter 23). 26:27 Ps 7:15; 35:7,8; 141:10. Attempts to harm others will eventually bring harm to oneself. This is a law of God strikingly displayed in the case of Haman (Esther 3:5,6; 5:14; 7:9,10). 27:1 16:9; Jam 4:13-16. 27:2 25:27.

26:3-12 These proverbs are all concerned with fools that is, with those who are moral delinquents lacking the wisdom that comes from God (see note at 1:7). 26:4,5 Sometimes it is better not to try to answer fools at all. Sometimes they must be answered to reveal their foolishness, but this must be done wisely and carefully. 26:10 The Hebrew of this sentence is very difficult and obscure and many translations have been offered. Literally it is, The Great One [the word God is not here in Hebrew] who has brought forth everything hires the fool and hires the transgressor. The possible meaning is, God uses them for his own purposes. 26:11 2 Pet 2:22; Ps 85:8. The fool returns to folly because it is more appealing to him than wisdom and righteousness. A sinful nature is attracted to sinful things. 26:12 Verse 5. Being wise in ones own eyes is to be in a worse condition than a fool. It

843 PROVERBS 28:4

of his friend. 18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master will

3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty,

but a fools wrath is heavier than both of them. 4 Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming,

be honoured. 19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.

but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open rebuke is better than love concealed.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

20 Hell and destruction are never full, so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

7 The full soul loathes a honeycomb,

but to the hungry soul every bitter

21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold; so is a man tested by the praise he receives.

thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wanders from her nest,

so is a man who wanders from his place.

22 Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with wheat, still his foolishness will not leave him. 23 Be careful to know the state of your flocks, and look after your herds well. 24 For riches are not forever, and the crown does not last to every

9 Oil and perfume rejoice the heart;

so does the sweetness of a mans

friend through hearty counsel. 10 Do not forsake your own friend and your fathers friend, or go into your brothers house on the

day of your calamity. For better is a neighbour who is near

generation. 25 The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered in. 26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price for the field. 27 And you will have goats milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance of your maidens.

than a brother far off. 11 My son, be wise and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who insults me. 12 A prudent man sees disaster coming and hides himself, but the simple go on and pay the penalty. 13 Take the garment of the one who puts up security for a stranger, and take a pledge from him for a

strange woman. 14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, early in the morning, it will be regarded as a curse to him. 15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a quarrelsome woman are alike. 16 Whoever restrains her can restrain the wind and grasp oil with his right hand!

The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 Because of the transgression of a land, it has many rulers, but by a man of understanding and

knowledge it will endure. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no food. 4 They who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law oppose them.

17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance

27:4 Matt 27:18. Envy is one of the worst and most destructive passions that can possess men. 27:5,6 Let us, like David (Ps 141:5), understand the value of rebukes. Far better to be pierced by a friend than petted by a foe. 27:11 10:1; 23:15,16. 27:13 20:16. 27:15,16 12:4; 18:22; 19:13,14; 21:9,19. 27:17 Our contacts with others, especially with those who are close to us, can help shape our character and make us better instruments in Gods service. 27:18 Matt 25:21; Luke 12:42-44; John 12:26. 27:19 A man is what he is inwardly, not what he seems to be outwardly. 27:20 1 John 2:16. It is the nature of fallen man always to want more than he has, never

to be satisfied.

Death and Destruction in Hebrew Sheol and Abaddon. 27:21 Praise tests whether a man is proud, or hungry for praise, or foolish enough to accept flattery, or humble, or desirous of seeing only God praised. 27:23-27 Jesus instruction not to worry about the future (Matt 6:25-34) does not mean that care and thought should not be taken to provide for ones household. 28:1 Lev 26:7,8,14,17,36; Deut 32:30; Ps 3:6; 18:33-40; 138:3; Acts 4:13,31. 28:3 14:21,31. 28:4 Will anyone praise the wicked? See Rom 1:32. Such is the fallen world we live in. Those who follow the teachings of the God of holiness and truth must stand against evil. Examples Ex 32:26-29; Ps 101;

PROVERBS 28:5 844

5 Evil men do not understand justice, but they who seek the LORD

but he who hardens his heart will fall

into trouble.

understand all things.

15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 The ruler who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness will

6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity,

than he who is rich but perverse in his ways.

7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons

prolong his days. 17 A man who does violence to the blood of any person is fleeing to the pit. Let no one support him. 18 Whoever walks uprightly will be rescued, but he who is perverse in his ways will

shames his father.

8 He who increases his possessions by usury and dishonest gain will gather it for him who has pity on the poor.

9 As for the one who turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer will be an abomination.

fall at once. 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows vain persons will

10 Whoever causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way will himself

have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man will have abundant blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich

fall into his own pit, but the upright will have a good inheritance. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding

will not be innocent. 21 To show favoritism is not good, because for a piece of bread a man

sees through him. 12 When righteous people rejoice, there is great honour, but when the wicked rise up,

will transgress. 22 He whose eye is evil hastens to be rich, and does not consider that poverty

will come on him. 23 He who rebukes a man will find more favour afterwards than he who

a man hides himself.

13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes

flatters with the tongue. 24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, It is not wrong, that person is a companion of one who

them will have mercy.

14 Happy is the man who always fears the LORD,

destroys.

Eph 5:11; 6:11; etc. 28:5 Gods justice is one of the very great themes of the Bible (Deut 32:4; Ps 89:14; 97:2; Rom 3:25,26; Rev 15:3). It is understood and appreciated only by those who seek God, fear God, and so receive the wisdom that comes from God (2:9; Ps 14:2; 82:5; 92:6; 119:97-104; Dan 12:10; Hos 14:9). 28:6 See 15:16; 16:8; 19:1,22; Ps 37:16. 28:7 Verse 4; 23:19-21; 1 Cor 15:33. 28:8 Usury Ex 22:25; Lev 25:35-37; Deut 23:19,20.

20:12). It is impossible to hide them from God. How foolish to try, when by confessing and forsaking them they can be forgiven and blotted out forever. Observe that forsaking ones sins is as important as confessing them. Compare Ex 9:27. 28:14 Happy note at Ps 1:1,2. Fears 1:7; 9:10; 15:33; 23:17; Gen 20:11; Ps 34:11-14; 112:1.

Hardens Ex 7:13; Ps 95:8; Rom 2:5; Heb 3:13,15. 28:15 Some rulers have been (and some still are) as bad as cruel, ravenous beasts. The final world ruler will be the most awful example of this (Rev 13:1-8). 28:17 Gen 4:14. 28:18 10:9; 11:5. There is no real, no permanent security except in the true God Himself. 28:19 27:23-27. 28:20 Blessings Ps 1:1-3. Rich v 22; 20:21; 23:4; 1 Tim 6:9,10; Jam 5:1-5. 28:21 It is better to die of starvation than to do wrong. 28:23 27:5,6. 28:24 19:26; Ex 20:12; Matt 15:4-6.

For him 13:22; Job 27:13,16,17. 28:9 15:8; 21:27; Ps 66:18; 109:7; Isa 1:13-17; 59:1,2. A wicked man will not listen to God, so all his religion, his worship, and all he does is hateful to God. 28:10 26:27. 28:11 26:5; 26:16; Luke 12:16-21. 28:12 Verse 28; 11:10; 29:2; 1 Kings 18:13; 2 Kings 11:2,3,20. 28:13 Gen 3:8; Josh 7:11,12,20,21,25,26; Ps 32:1-5; Isa 55:6,7; Hos 14:1,2; 1 John 1:9. All of mens sins will eventually be revealed (Ps 90:8; Matt 10:26; 1 Cor 4:5; 2 Cor 5:10; Heb 4:12,13; Rev

845 PROVERBS 29:18

25 He who has a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the LORD

cause of the poor, but the wicked do not consider it. 8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare, but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man argues with a foolish man, whether he rages or laughs,

will prosper.

26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be rescued.

27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes from them

there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright, but the righteous seek to make his soul secure. 11 A fool utters everything in his mind, but a wise person holds it back until later. 12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants become wicked. 13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14 As for the king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever.

will have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise up, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.

He who shows himself stubborn

after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule,

15 The rod and correction give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his

the people mourn. 3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but he who associates with prostitutes

mother to shame.

squanders his wealth. 4 The king gives stability to the land by justice, but he who accepts bribes overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbour is spreading a net for his feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the righteous sing and rejoice. 7 The righteous are concerned with the

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases, but the righteous will see their fall.

17 Correct your son and he will give you comfort, yes, he will give delight to your soul.

18 Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he who keeps the law, happy is he.

28:25 29:25; Ps 2:12; 37:40; 40:4; 125:1. 28:26 These two verses (25,26) reveal a choice that will have profound results in all aspects of our life on earth and into eternity. The wise man trusts in God, the fool trusts himself, his own opinions, his intellect, his reasoning power, etc. 28:27 14:21; 22:9; Deut 24:19; Ps 41:1; Matt 25:42. Again the importance of helping the poor is emphasized. God sees the poor and He sees what we do or do not do to help them. 29:1 6:15; 24:22; Lev 26:14-17,23-25; Deut 28:15,20; 2 Chron 36:15-17; Ps 64:7; Isa 47:11; Jer 19:15; 36:31; 1 Thess 5:3; Heb 2:2,3; 12:25. 29:3 10:1; 23:15,16. 29:4 15:27 (note); 16:12. 29:5 26:28; Ps 55:21. A person who flatters another is out to accomplish some selfish purpose of his own. 29:6 A snare 1:18; 5:22; 22:5; 26:27; Gen 4:7; Num 32:23; John 8:34.

put their trust in Him. 29:10 Verse 27; Gen 4:8; 1 Sam 18:10; Est 3:8,9; Ps 11:2; 57:4; 64:2-4; Dan 3:19,20; John 15:18,19; 1 John 3:12. The world is a battlefield where the righteous and the wicked are involved in a very important conflict. It has been such from the days of Cain and Abel, and will be to the end of this age. The righteous God and His righteous people are at war with wickedness, and the wicked are at war with righteousness. In this struggle there is no such thing as nonalignment or neutrality. See Judges 5:23. 29:11 16:32. 29:12 If a leader does not want the truth he will surround himself with wicked people who tell him pleasant lies (see 1 Kings 22:1-8). 29:14 See 16:12; 28:27; Ps 72:1-5; Isa 9:7. 29:15 See 13:24 (note). 29:16 10:25; 14:11; 21:12. The righteous will eventually see the downfall of the whole evil world system and all its wickedness. This will be the final result of the struggle mentioned in vs 10,27. See Ps 1:6. 29:17 Discipline will help to form character and train children in the way they should go. This is the reason God Himself disciplines His children Heb 12:6-11. 29:18 Vision here means revelations from

Rejoice Ps 4:7; 32:11; 64:10; 97:11; Isa 35:10. 29:7 28:27; 31:8,9; Ps 41:1; 82:2-4. 29:8 16:14; Jam 3:17,18; Num 16:4648; 25:3,7,10-13. Jesus who is the wisdom of God, sacrificed Himself and turned away the holy anger of God from sinful men who

PROVERBS 29:19 846

19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words, for though he understands he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 He who pampers his servant from childhood at length will have him

nor do I have the knowledge of the holy.

4 Who has ascended into heaven,

or descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his

become his son. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man commits many

sons name, if you can tell?

5 Every word of God is pure.

transgressions. 23 A mans pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will obtain honour.

He is a shield to those who put their

trust in him. 6 Do not add to his words,

24 Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own soul; he hears the oath but tells nothing. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD

lest he rebuke you, and you are found to be a liar.

7 Two things I have asked of you, LORD ;

do not refuse them to me before I die: 8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;

will be safe. 26 Many seek the rulers favour, but a mans justice comes from

give me neither poverty nor riches, but

feed me with my allotted portion of food, 9 Or I may become full, and deny you,

the LORD. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just, and he who is upright in the way is an

and say, Who is the LORD?, or if I am poor I may steal and bring

dishonour to the name of my God.

abomination to the wicked.

10 Do not accuse a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh,

the oracle. The man spoke to Ithiel, yes, to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man. 3 I have not learned wisdom,

11 There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,

(Isa 13:1; Nah 1:1; Hab 1:1; Zech 9:1; Mal 1:1). 30:2,3 The way to wisdom is to know ones ignorance. God does not reveal His wisdom to those proud of their knowledge (1 Kings 4:7; Jer 1:6; 1 Cor 1:19-21; 8:2; Jam 4:6). What wisdom Agur had was not his own; it was given from heaven an oracle. 30:4 Agur here uses questions such as God asked Job (Job chapter 38) to show mans ignorance. We now know from the revelation in the New Testament who has gone up to heaven and come down and who the son is (John 3:13; Eph 4:7-10; Rom 1:2-4; Rev 19:12,16). 30:5 Ps 12:6; 18:30; Gen 15:1. 30:6 Deut 4:2; 12:32; Rev 22:18,19. 30:7-9 See the importance Agur gives to honesty and integrity. All those whom God used to write the Bible had the same view. Here is a searching question if we had only two requests to make to God what would they be? Compare 2 Chron 1:7-12; Ps 27:4. No wise man would ask for wealth or power or position in this world, unless his only motive was to serve God with them. 30:8 Matt 6:11; 1 Tim 6:6,8; Heb 13:5. 30:11 20:20; Ex 20:12; 21:17; Lev 20:9. 30:12 12:15; 16:2; Jer 2:35; Luke

God given in visions, which was one way God revealed His truth in those times (note at Gen 15:1). Without Gods revelation of truth people will do as they please (Jud 21:25; 1 Sam 3:1; Lam 2:9). Perish the literal meaning of the Hebrew word is unrestrained, wild.

Happy or blessed 8:32; 28:14; Deut 28:1,2; Ps 1:1,2; 119:1,2. 29:20 26:12; Jam 1:19. 29:22 15:18; Ps 4:4; Eph 4:26. 29:23 15:33; 16:18; 18:12. 29:24 Lev 5:1. 29:25 Fear of man 1 Sam 15:24; Isa 5:12,13; John 12:42,43. Fear of man may keep people from doing what they know is right to do. Such fear need have no place in those who trust in the Lord. They are safe forever (Ps 23:4; 27:1; 34:7; 49:5; 56:4; Matt 10:26,28). 29:26 If we get any justice in this world it will be God who causes it to happen. 29:27 Verse 10; Ps 97:10; 119:104; 139:21,22 (note). 30:1 We know nothing of Agur or Ithiel or Ucal except what we have in this chapter. They are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. The word oracle usually denotes a revelation given through a prophet

847 PROVERBS 31:2

and yet is not washed from its filthiness. 13 There is a generation oh, how haughty are their eyes! And their eyelids are raised in disdain. 14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and whose jaw teeth are like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.

and under these four it cannot hold up: 22 Under a servant when he reigns, and a fool when he is filled with food, 23 Under an unloved woman when she is married, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.

24 There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: 25 The ants are not a strong folk, yet they prepare their food in summer; 26 The conies, are only a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks; 27 The locusts have no king, yet they all go out in ranks; 28 The spider takes hold with its hands, and is in kings palaces.

15 The leech has two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never

satisfied, yes, four things never say, Enough: 16 The grave, and the barren womb, the earth that is not filled with water, and the fire that does not say,

29 There are three things which go at a stately pace, yes, four are stately when they move: 30 A lion which is mighty among beasts and does not turn aside for anything; 31 A strutting rooster; also a he-goat; and a king, against whom there is no rebellion.

Enough.

17 The eye of him who mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother,

will be plucked out by the ravens of

the valley, and the young eagles will eat it.

32 If you have done foolishly in exalting yourself, or if you have plotted evil,

18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand: 19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the sea, and the way of a man with a maiden.

lay your hand on your mouth. 33 Surely the churning of milk produces butter, and the wringing of the nose brings out blood; so the churning of wrath produces strife.

The words of King Lemuel, the oracle that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows? 31

20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats, and wipes her mouth, and says, I have done nothing wrong!

21 Under three things the earth shakes,

18:11; 1 John 1:8-10. 30:13 6:17; Ps 10:4,5; 18:27; 101:5; Isa 13:11. 30:14 Ps 3:7; 14:4; 57:4; Amos 8:4; Micah 2:2; 3:2,3. 30:16 Isa 5:14; Hab 2:5. Grave in Hebrew Sheol. Barren Gen 30:1; 1 Sam 1:6,10,11. 30:17 Verse 11. 30:20 Verse 12. 30:23 Gen 16:1-6; 29:31,32. 30:24-28 Practical lessons can be learned and spiritual applications can be made from observing animals. Here are four lessons gained from four weak and insignificant creatures providing for the future (6:6-8; 27:23-27; Matt 6:19,20), finding refuge (Ps 2:12; 7:1; 11:1; Heb 6:18), united effort (Acts 4:32; 1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:3), and finding a home in the kings palace (John 14:2-6; Rev 3:12).

30:31 The last sentence of this verse could also be translated and a king secure against revolt.

Rooster the exact meaning of the obscure Hebrew word is not known. The literal meaning is one that girds the hips. Some versions have greyhound. 30:32 Mouth Job 40:4; Rom 3:19. If we have sinned let us repent and not make any effort to defend ourselves. 30:33 6:14; 15:1; 29:22. 31:1 Lemuel was never king in Israel, so he was of some other nation or city. He is not referred to anywhere else in the Bible. His name means belonging to God or devoted to God.

Oracle note at 30:1. Mother who can estimate the value of a godly mother who dedicates her children to God and teaches them the truth of God? See Deut 6:6,7; 1 Sam 1:21-28; 2 Tim 1:5; 3:15. 31:2 1 Sam 1:11.

Conies probably the creatures known as rock badgers.

PROVERBS 31:3 848

3 Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to imbibe strong drink, 5 Or they may drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of some of

16 She considers a field, and buys it; from the produce of her hands she

plants a vineyard. 17 She goes to work with vigor, and strengthens her arms. 18 She sees that her business is good; her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretches out her hand to help the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid for her household when the snow falls, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes for herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is about to perish, and wine to those who have heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty,

and remember his misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the dumb,

in the cause of all who are

facing destruction. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes fine linen and sells it, and delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing, and she rejoices in the future. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her, so that he will have no need of plunder. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She looks for wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants ships; she brings her food from a distance. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, and gives food to her household,

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all. 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

and a portion to her maidens.

31:3 5:1-14; Deut 17:17; 1 Kings 11:3. 31:4,5 20:1; Eccl 10:16,17; Isa 5:22. Drunkenness causes men to forget righteousness and brings them under the power of their sinful natures. 31:6,7 Ps 104:15; Matt 27:34; 1 Tim 5:23. Wine should not be misused but used very wisely, if used at all. 31:8,9 16:10; 24:23; 28:27; 29:7; Ps 82:3; Isa 1:17. Who are facing destruction literally, sons of destruction. 31:10 In other words, such women, though rare, are well worth searching for. Her good qualities are far more valuable than any dowry that could be offered. They will be great blessings in both practical and spiritual ways to their husbands and children. Such a woman is what she is because she fears the Lord (v 30). Without the fear of the Lord there is no truly noble character, no real spirituality, no wisdom worthy of the name.

Plans for the changing seasons (v 21,22,25),

Is an honor to her husband (v 23), Has strength of character (v 25), Has the wisdom to instruct her children and to advise others (v 26),

And can well manage the affairs of her household (v 27).

If it is Gods will for you to marry, search for such an one! Do not consider lesser things. If one like this is found, all your efforts will be well rewarded. How sad it is that when looking for a wife so many people (including many Christians) think mainly of how much the (illegal) dowry will be, or what her caste is, or what her job qualifications or degrees, or some other such consideration which means nothing in Gods eyes and should mean nothing in ours. 31:28 Such a wife is blessed by God and a source of blessing to others. 31:29 Women who have big careers, who accomplish much in society or government or some field of science or art may gain praise and fame, but in Gods eyes such are not the equal of this kind of woman, unless they have her qualities. Let us learn to look at matters as God sees them.

Virtuous the Hebrew word literally means strong or able or efficient. 31:11,12 12:4. 31:13-27 She is hard-working (vs 13,15, 17,27), Shows good business sense (vs 16,18, 24), Has compassion on the poor (v 20),

Virtuously see v 10. 31:30 1 Pet 3:3-5. If only young women

849 PROVERBS 31:31

but the woman who fears the LORD,

31 Give her the product of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

she will be praised.

(1:7). 31:31 She has earned the reward of respect and praise. They who fear the Lord should be honored by men, and will certainly be honored by God.

would give up vain pursuits and seek the really important things, the noble character described in the preceding verses could become theirs. Proverbs closes as it opens with emphasis on the fear of the LORD

ECCLESIASTES

Author :

The book itself does not give us the name of the author, but most of the indications point to King Solomon. See 1:1,12,16; 2:4-9; 12:9.

Date :

Solomon reigned 970-930 BC. He wrote this book probably toward the end of his life.

Theme :

What is good in this world? Is it possible to make life meaningful? What is the purpose of this life we must live? These are the kinds of questions that stirred Solomon to search for the truth about life. God decided to show that the total of what is known to men is very little. He wanted to make known to them how empty and meaningless life is for those who are at a distance from Himself. He determined to have this truth written down and included in the Bible. He chose the individual who should reveal this truth through his own researches and experiences and write it down. He made that individual wiser than any other man who ever lived, wiser than Socrates or Buddha or Confucius or anyone else who ever gained a reputation for wisdom (except, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ who is more than a mere man and is Himself the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24,30; Col 2:2,3,9). Also God made that individual richer than any other person on earth. He gave him the opportunities and the abilities to experience everything than men can experience. Also God gave him an intellect that wanted to inquire into everything, the kind of mind that could thoroughly examine evidence and weigh it carefully, and a powerful desire to discover the meaning of life. The man God chose is Solomon. One of the results of Gods choice is this little book of Ecclesiastes. We can learn from it that mans wisdom, thoughts and efforts are not enough to discover the truth about life and its meaning. For that we need the Word of God. In that alone we can find a foundation for a satisfying and meaningful life, and a happy eternity.

Contents :

Solomon announces his theme ....................................................................... 1:1,2 He gives illustrations ..................................................................................... 1:3-11 He more fully introduces himself ..................................................................... 1:12-16 He resolves to gain understanding of the meaning of life .................................. 1:17 - 2:16

He tries wisdom and folly .......................................................................... 1:17; 2:3 He tries pleasure ..................................................................................... 2:1,2 He tries wine ........................................................................................... 2:3 He undertakes great projects.................................................................... 2:4-6 He amasses possessions and riches ........................................................... 2:7,8 He tries music, etc .......................................................................2:8,9 He tries anything he desires...................................................................... 2:10 His conclusion about all that ...................................................................... 2:11 He turns again to wisdom and folly ............................................................ 2:12-14 His conclusion about this........................................................................... 2:15,16 Despair ....................................................................................................... 2:17-23 The best thing this wise man could think of ...................................................... 2:24-26 A time for everything ................................................................................... 3:1-8 Time compared with eternity ......................................................................... 3:9-14 Thoughts of Gods judgment .......................................................................... 3:15-17 Of animals and men ...................................................................................... 3:18-22 He thinks non-existence is better than existence ............................................. 4:1-8 The value of friendship ................................................................................. 4:9-12 Success is meaningless ................................................................................. 4:13-16

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Fear God .................................................................................................... 5:1-7 The emptiness of riches ................................................................................ 5:8 - 6:12 Some remarks about conditions in life ............................................................. 7:1 - 11:8

His quest for wisdom ................................................................................ 7:23-25 Ignorance of the future ........................................................................... 8:7,8 Justice is often not seen on earth .............................................................. 8:14 Man by his wisdom cannot understand

what God is doing................................................................................ 8:17 All men face the same destiny ................................................................... 9:1-12 An example of wisdom.............................................................................. 9:13-16 Words on wisdom and folly ....................................................................... 9:17 - 10:15 Words about rulers .................................................................................. 10:16-20 Advice to be active, not knowing the future................................................ 11:1-6 Advice to the young ..................................................................................... 11:9 - 12:7 The conclusion of the whole matter ................................................................ 12:8-14

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The words of the teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity of vanities, says the teacher, vanity of vanities. All is vanity.

times, which were before us.

11 There is no remembrance of former things ; nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come by those who will come afterwards.

3 What profit does a man have from all his labour which he undertakes under the sun?

12 I, the teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

4 One generation passes away and another generation comes, but the earth remains forever.

13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom everything that is done under heaven; this unhappy task God has given to the sons of man to be occupied with.

5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down and hurries to its place where it rose.

6 The wind goes toward the south and turns around to the north; it swirls about continually, and the wind returns again on its circuits.

14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, look, all is emptiness and chasing the wind.

7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full. To the place from which the rivers come, there they return again.

15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.

16 I spoke in my own heart, saying, Look, I have amassed and acquired more wisdom than all those who have been before me in Jerusalem; yes, my heart has had great experience in wisdom and knowledge.

8 All things are wearisome; man cannot utter it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, or the ear filled with hearing.

9 The thing that has been, is what will be; and what has been done is what will be done; and there is no new thing under the sun.

17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly; I have come to see that this also is striving for wind.

10 Is there anything of which it may be said, See, this is new? It has already been in olden

18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he

1:1 We see in 12:9,10 what Solomon did as a teacher he searched for knowledge, tried to find the best words to express it, and taught the people with righteous and true words. The Hebrew word here translated teacher could also be translated preacher or guru. In Solomons case much of his teaching was done, it seems, by writing rather than speaking. Ecclesiastes, Song of songs, and most of Proverbs are from his pen (and from God who inspired him to write). 1:2,3 Solomon did not mean that the fear of God, and obedience to Gods Word are vain (see 12:1,13. See too Pauls words in 1 Cor 15:58). He meant that all of mans activities under the sun that is, on his own and apart from God are vain. This key phrase under the sun occurs 29 times in this book. A similar phrase under heaven occurs 3 times. The word vanity occurs 35 times. This is very remarkable in so small a book. At the end Solomon indicates that man can be what he ought to be, can escape from the vanity of life under the sun, only by having a right relationship to God and those things which are above the sun.

then life is a tiresome burden and not worth living. There can never be any permanent satisfaction in studying the ceaseless cycles of nature which do not change (vs 5-8); there can be no hope that something really new will come along that can give men ultimate satisfaction in this world (vs 9,10); achievements that bring name and fame are also vain, even if people remember them, and they wont remember them for long (v 11). 1:12-14 Solomon did not reach his conclusion about the vanity of life on earth through ignorance or superficial examination. He made the most thorough search of this subject that was possible to him, perhaps the most thorough search any man ever made. 1:14 Chasing the wind this phrase occurs 9 times. It signifies completely useless, fruitless effort.

Chasing or grasping for. The Hebrew word does not mean vexation. wind or breath or spirit. 1:15 He gives here two further reasons for the uselessness of human effort much is crooked and wrong in mans existence on earth, but man cannot make it right; and there are so many things lacking for a fully satisfying life that man cannot even know all of them, let alone supply the lack. 1:16 Who but Solomon could truly say this? (1 Kings 3:12; 4:29-31). 1:17,18 Madness and folly is this a partial explanation of 1 Kings 11:1-8? Solomon did not leave any stone unturned in his search for meaning in life. He investigated matters it is better for men in general to leave alone. In his explorations he went into realms of foolishness and darkness (2:3,8,10,12; 7:25). He wanted to experience whatever it was possible to

Vanity the Hebrew word literally means a breath, or a breeze, a vapour or mist or darkness. From that it came to mean something that was empty or futile. 1:4-11 Solomon now begins to give his reasons for saying all is vanity under the sun. Though the earth permanently remains, all men must die and leave it (v 4). In Ecclesiastes death is a dark shadow cast over all of life (2:16,18,21; 3:2,18-20; 5:15,16; 6:12; 7:2; 8:8; 9:2-6,12; 12:5-8). A brief existence that is taken up only with the things of earth must be meaningless. If this life is all there is for the individual,

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who gains more knowledge gains more sorrow.

10 And I did not refuse my eyes whatever they desired. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased in all my labour, and this was my reward for all my labour.

I said in my heart, Come now, I will test you with pleasure; so enjoy pleasant things ; and, look, this also was emptiness.

11 Then I looked at all the works that my hands had done, and at the labour that I had undertaken to do, and, see, all was emptiness and chasing the wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

2 I said of laughter, It is madness!, and of pleasure, What does it accomplish?

3 I sought in my heart to give myself to wine, while my heart was still guiding me with wisdom, and to lay hold on folly, until I could see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their life.

12 And I turned to look at wisdom, and madness, and folly; for what can the man do who succeeds the king? Only what has already been done.

4 I undertook great works. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself.

13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as much as light excels darkness.

5 I made gardens and orchards for myself, and in them I planted trees bearing all kinds of fruit.

14 The wise mans eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And I saw also that one event happens to them all.

6 I made pools of water for myself, with which to water a forest of growing trees.

15 Then I said in my heart, It will happen to me just as it happens to the fool, and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart that this also is emptiness.

7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves born in my house. I also had great possessions of large and small cattle, more than all who were in Jerusalem before me.

16 For there is no more permanent remembrance of the wise than of the fool, since what now is will be forgotten in days to come. And how does the wise man die? Like the fool.

8 I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and of the provinces. I obtained male and female singers for myself and things delightful to the sons of men, musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

17 Therefore I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun brings sadness to me; for all is emptiness and chasing the wind.

9 So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.

18 Yes, I hated all the results of my labour which I had done under the sun, because I would

experience to see if there was any sense to any of it. He is not an example to us in this. We need not enter those depths where he went. His experiences and conclusions are set forth by God in this His Word to teach us important lessons so that we might avoid the way he went. Solomon came back from the realms of foolishness and darkness and declares to us that there is nothing there but useless, fruitless, vain activity. Even the pursuit of human wisdom apart from God is an empty thing and in the end brings only sadness. 2:1-10 In his search for meaning in life Solomon turns to pleasures, even mad and foolish pleasures. He declares his purpose in v 3. He is tormented by the supreme question every man should ask. In our brief life on earth what should we be doing? Is there anything really worthwhile? Is there some good that men should pursue? Observe that he does not here go to the one place men should go for the answers to such questions the Word of God. As the source of information he puts his own thoughts and experimentations. Notice 1:16; 2:1,15; 3:18; etc I said in my heart. 2:4 Some of Solomons great projects are recorded in 1 Kings chapters 6-10. 2:9 These words could have been spoken truly only by King Solomon (1 Kings 10:7,23; 1 Chron 29:25; 2 Chron 1:1,12.)

2:10 He was in a condition where he could have anything he wanted and he denied himself nothing. He indulged himself in every pleasure of the flesh, the senses, and the mind (compare this with the words of the Lord Jesus in Luke 9:23,24). 2:11 Solomon experienced some satisfaction in his work for a little while, but when it was all over this was his conclusion nothing was worth doing. He had not found the secret of a meaningful life. He found no joy in wealth and pleasure. 2:12-17 So he takes up again thoughts of wisdom and folly. For mans brief stay on earth he concludes that wisdom is far superior to folly. But since all must die even this superiority comes at last to nothing. Since death destroys all these distinctions he thinks that life is meaningless. 2:17 Life without meaning is painful, hateful, intolerable. Let us understand from this what God wants us to understand, namely, that without God, without heavenly purpose, without life eternal that comes through the Lord Jesus, life is empty and futile. 2:18-23 Solomon sees that there is no permanent value in all the great works he has accomplished, in the vast possessions he has acquired. He knows that he must die and leave all of it behind (see also Ps 39:6; 49:10; Luke 12:20,21,33; 1 Tim 6:6-10).

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leave it to the man who succeeds me.

4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; 5 A time to throw stones away, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace

19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have the control of all the results of my labour for which I have worked, and in which I have displayed my wisdom under the sun. This is also emptiness.

and a time to refrain from embracing; 6A time to get and a time to lose; a time to search and a time to give up; 7 A time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; 8 A time to love and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace. 9 What profit does the worker have from that in which he labours?

20 Therefore I utterly despaired in my heart of all the labour which I had done under the sun.

21 When there is a man who has laboured with wisdom, and with knowledge, and with skill, still he will leave his portion to a man who has not worked for it. This also is emptiness and a great wrong.

22 For what does a man have for all his labour, and for his hearty striving, with which he has laboured under the sun?

10 I have seen the task which God has given to the sons of men to be exercised with.

23 For all his days are painful and grievous; yes, his heart cannot rest at night. This is also emptiness.

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time; also he has set eternity in their heart, yet no man can find out the work that God has done from beginning to end.

24 There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should find pleasure in his work. I also saw that this is from the hand of God.

12 I know that there is nothing better for them than for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life,

25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten to it, more than I?

13 And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good results of all his labour; it is the gift of God.

26 For to a man who is pleasing in his sight God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and collecting, so that he may give it to the one who is pleasing in Gods presence. This also is emptiness and chasing the wind.

14 I know that whatever God does, it will be forever; nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken away from it; and God does it so that men will fear in his presence.

15 That which has been, still is, and that which is to be has already been; and God requires what is past.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: 2A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot

16 And, moreover, under the sun I saw the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

what is planted. 3A time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up;

17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for

2:24-26 Solomon thinks that all anyone can do is to make the best of a bad situation and try to find some little happiness in this brief life by submitting to God. Verse 25 is very obscure in Hebrew and so there is a variety of translations. 3:1-9 Solomon turns from thoughts of his own works and experiments to the world outside. Is there anything there to give life meaning? No. There is only a meaningless cycle of activities. What is done in one time is undone in another. He is not saying each man should do or will do all the things in this list; only that this is the general course of life on earth. And in all of it put together he cannot see anything of permanent value (v 9). 3:10-15 Any satisfaction in life he can get now comes from thoughts of God. Gods works are beautiful and beyond mans understanding (v 11), perfect and permanent (v 14). But man cannot understand what

God has done and is doing, so it is better, he says, to stop being concerned about it and try to find some happiness in his own works (vs 12,13. Also v 22 and 1:24).

In v 11 there is this significant phrase He has set eternity in their heart. This is one reason why the things of time, all that is passing and impermanent fail to satisfy our heart. 3:14 The fear of the Lord is a theme he often wrote about (5:7; 7:18; 8:12,13; 12:13; Prov 1:7; 9:10; 15:33). To produce it in men is one basic reason for Gods actions in the world. It is of supreme importance in a life pleasing to God (notes at Gen 20:11; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; 130:3,4). In Solomons eyes it is one thing that is not meaningless, for it has to do with Him who is above the sun. 3:15 God requires what is past or it might also be translated God calls back the past. 3:16,17 Injustice in the world is a fact that

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every purpose and for every work.

wind.

18 I said in my heart concerning the matter of the sons of men, that God tests them that they might see that they are like beasts.

5 The fool folds his hands together, and consumes his own flesh.

6 Better is a handful with quietness, than both hands full with labour and chasing the wind.

19 For what happens to the sons of men happens to beasts; the same thing happens to them. The one dies just as the other dies; yes, they all have the same breath, so that a man has no advantage over a beast; for all is emptiness.

7 Then again I looked at emptiness under the sun.

8 There is someone without another; also, he has neither child nor brother; yet there is no end to all his labour, nor is his eye satisfied with riches, nor does he say, For whom do I labour, and deprive my soul of good things ? This is also emptiness; yes, it is a sorry business.

20 All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all return to dust again.

21 Who knows the spirit of man which goes upward, and the spirit of the beast which goes downward to the earth?

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour.

22 Therefore I saw that there is nothing better than that a man rejoice in his own works; for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will be after him?

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one else to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie down together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone ?

So again I considered all the acts of oppression that are done under the sun, and saw the tears of those being oppressed; and they had no comforter, and the power was on the side of their oppressors; but they had no comforter.

12 And while one can overpower him who is alone, two can withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

13 Better is a poor and a wise youth than an old and foolish king who will no longer accept advice.

2 Therefore I praised the dead who have already died more than the living who are still alive.

14 For he may come out of prison to reign, even though he may have been born poor in his kingdom.

3 Yes, better off than both of them is the one who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

15 I saw that all the living under the sun side with the second youth who takes his place.

4 Again I considered all labour and all successful achievement, that it comes from mans envy of his neighbour. This is also emptiness and chasing the

16 There is no end to all these people, to all who were before them; also those who come later

troubled the minds of many thoughtful persons in the Bible (Job 24:1-12; Ps 10:112; 13:1,2; 73:2-12; Hab 1:2-11). Solomon knew that the only answer for mans injustice is Gods just judgments overturning the false judgments of men. But he did not know when or how this will take place. (Christians now know Matt 16:27; Acts 17:31; Rom 2:2-11.) 3:18-21 Observe carefully his words in v 18 (also 2:1,15) I said in my heart. These verses (and some others in this book) are not a revelation God gave him but how things appeared to him with his human wisdom. We must not get our doctrine from what Solomon thought, but from what God has revealed through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Solomon himself learned the truth of his question in v 21 and stated it in 12:7. But man with his unaided reasoning can never find the answer to what happens after death. God must reveal it. We have this revelation in the Bible, to some extent in the Old Testament, fully in the New Testament (see Job 10:21,22; Ps 16:9-11; 49:15; Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2,3; 2 Tim 1:10). 4:1 Solomon looks about the world again and finds it hard to practice the principle he lays down for others in 1:24; 2:24; 3:12,13,22. He is utterly depressed by what he sees the senseless cruelty (vs 1-3),

achievement produced by envy (v 4), foolishness (vs 5,6), lonely and dissatisfied toil (vs 7-12), and the meaninglessness of high position and popularity (vs 13-16). It is all a vain and empty show. All of mans activities are pointless and fruitless. There is nothing in any of them to admire, nothing that points to the good thing that a man should do all the days of his life.

Solomon saw something at least of what John put so clearly in his first letter:

For all that is in the world the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and its desires with it; but whoever does the will of God lives forever (see 1 John 2:1517). Solomon concludes that life in this kind of world is so bad that death is better, and not being born at all is the best of all (vs 2,3. See notes at Job 3:1,20-22). How thankful we should be for the revelations of the New Testament! There we see the eternal value and meaning of human activity performed for Christs glory (Matt 10:42; John 12:26; 1 Cor 15:58). A true Christian need never despair because of what he experiences or sees in this world. God has a wonderful purpose and will fulfill it (Rom 8:18-30).

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will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is emptiness and chasing the wind.

whether he eats little or much, but the wealth of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches being hoarded by their owners to their hurt.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God, and draw near to listen rather than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil.

14 But those riches are lost through a bad venture, and when he becomes the father of a son there is nothing in his hand.

2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and do not let your heart be hasty to speak anything in Gods presence; for God is in heaven, and you on earth, so let your words be few.

15 As he came naked out of his mothers womb, so he will depart as he came, and take nothing from his labour which he can carry away in his hand.

3 For a dream comes through the abundance of business, and a fools voice is known through the abundance of words.

16 And this also is a grievous evil, that he will go just as he came; and what profit does he have who has laboured for the wind?

4 When you make a vow to God, do not be slow in paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed.

17 Also all his days he eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and wrath and sickness.

18 See what I have seen: it is good and proper for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for this is his lot.

5 It is better for you not to vow than that you vow and not pay.

6 Do not let your mouth cause your body to sin, nor say before the temple messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your words, and destroy the work of your hands?

19 Also concerning every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to partake of it, and to accept his lot and to rejoice in his labour, this is the gift of God.

7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also emptiness; but your must fear God.

8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violation of judgment and justice in a province, do not be surprised at the matter; for one official has a higher one watching over him ; and there are higher ones than they.

20 For he will not reflect much on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness in his heart.

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: 2 There is a man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he lacks nothing of all his soul desires, but God has not given him power to partake of it, and a stranger consumes it. This is emptiness, and it is a grievous affliction.

9 Moreover the produce of the earth is for all; the king himself is served by the fields.

10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves wealth with his income. This also is emptiness.

11 When goods increase, those who eat them increase; and what benefit is there to their owners, except to fix his eyes on them ?

3 If a man becomes the father of a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, and his soul is not filled with 5:1-7 Solomon now turns to the matter of religion. It is the one thing he does not think is vain, the thing that men should have above everything (note on 3:14). But he sees very little of it that seems real to him. Most people dream of prosperity and success and are willing to make even foolish vows, and speak many empty words to God. In other words, what passes for religion with most people is a vain, empty, worthless thing. See notes at Ps 50:7-21; Isa 1:11-17. Compare Matt 15:8,9; 23:2-32. 5:8-17 Society is full of corruption and selfseeking. Men struggle for wealth which is meaningless. In v 8 Solomon tells us not to be surprised at what happens. He has learned that corruption in society comes from greed and injustice in mens hearts. Corrupt human beings cannot produce satisfactory societies (7:20; 9:3). 5:10-12 Instead of bringing satisfaction, more and more wealth produces more and

12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet,

more worry. These words were written, not by a poor man who envied the rich, but by one of the richest persons who ever lived. 5:13-16 Riches are not lasting even in this world, and nothing can be taken out of the world when a man dies (2:18-23. The only riches we can keep forever are those we give away. See Matt 6:19,20; Luke 12:33; 18:22). Selfishness will end in selfdestruction and the loss of everything the selfish man pursues for himself. 5:17 This is the result of a life lived for the things of this world. God has made us for Himself, not for anything less. If we live for those lesser things our lives will end in misery. 5:18-20 Solomon returns to the thoughts expressed in 2:24-26 and 3:12-14. If there is any happiness for man on earth it is the gift of God. 6:1-6 Solomon has said it is good for men to find satisfaction and happiness in their work. But he well knows that many are never

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good, and also he does not have a proper burial, I say that a still-born child is better off than he.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

4 For it comes in with emptiness, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

5 Moreover it has not seen the sun, or known anything. This one has more rest than the other;

6 Yea, even though he lives twice a thousand years, but has seen no good. Do not all go to one place?

5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

6 For the laughter of fools is like the crackling of thorns under a pot. This also is emptiness.

7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not satisfied.

7 Surely oppression makes a wise man foolish, and a bribe destroys the heart.

8 For what has the wise more than the fool? What benefit does the poor have who knows how to walk before the living?

8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

9 Better is what the eyes see than the wandering of the desire. This is also emptiness and chasing the wind.

9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit to anger, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

10 What has been is already named, and it is known what man is; no one can contend with him who is mightier than he.

10 Do not say, Why is it that former days were better than these? For you are not asking wisely concerning this.

11 Since there are many things that increase emptiness, what is man the better?

11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and those who see the sun will have benefit from it.

12 For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his futile life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?

12 For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

13 Consider the work of God; for who can straighten what he has made crooked?

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of ones birth.

14 Be happy in the day of prosperity, but in the day of adversity consider. God has made the one as well as the other, so that man should not discover what comes after him.

2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living should take it to his heart.

15 I have seen everything in the days of my futility. There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who

able to do this. The meaninglessness of life finds them out. Again he says that it is better for such people if they had never been born (4:2,3). 6:6 One place he here means the grave, not what may happen beyond the grave. 6:7-9 Man continually tries to find satisfaction in the world, but never can. Both the rich and the poor, the wise and the foolish are victims of their desires. 6:10,11 God knows all about man and everything else. He is the Almighty and no one can win an argument with Him. The more one multiplies words in his argument the more he says what is meaningless (compare Job 9:1-4; 38:1,2; 40:1-5; 42:1-6). 6:12 Solomon admits failure to find in the world what he set out to find (2:3). The wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12) confesses his ignorance. See also 7:23,24; 8:17. 7:1-6 Solomon is convinced of the meaninglessness of his own life (v 15). Still he is sure that wisdom is better than folly and that there is a wise way of looking at things, and a wise way of living this brief life. He now sets out to describe what he thinks is the way of wisdom. He continues this theme

to the end of the book. 7:1 4:2,3; 6:3. 7:2 The wise man will not reject the thought of death but will face it and learn much needed lessons from it. 7:3-6 It is far more important for the heart to become wise than for men to go into empty pleasures which, for a time, bring laughter to the face. Sorrow can teach important lessons nothing else can teach. 7:5 Ps 141:5; Prov 13:18; 15:31,32. 7:7 Ex 23:8; Lev 19:15; Deut 10:17; Ps 26:10; Prov 6:35; 15:27; 17:8. 7:8 Prov 14:29; Jam 1:4. 7:9 Prov 16:32; 17:14; 1 Cor 13:4,5. 7:11-14 1:15. What God does man cannot undo. And what God may do no one can tell (3:11; 8:17; Rom 11:33). God creates either good times or bad according to His perfect knowledge of what is just, right, and fitting for a people and a place. God wants men to consider their ways, turn to Him, recognize Him as the giver of all good things, and come to revere, trust, and love Him alone. 7:15-18 Verse 15 gives a truth that Job knew and Jobs friends refused to consider (Job

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prolongs his life in his wickedness.

teacher, adding one thing to another, to find out the explanation 28 which my soul is still seeking, but have not found: I have found one good man in a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all those.

16 Do not be too righteous; neither be overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

17 Do not be too wicked; neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?

18 It is good for you to grasp the one, and not to let your hand go from the other; for he who fears God will depart from all extremes.

29 Look, I have found only this: God has made man upright, but they have sought out many devices.

19 Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men who are in the city.

Who is like the wise man ? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A mans wisdom makes his face shine, and the sternness of his face will be changed.

20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good and who does not sin.

21 Also do not take heed to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant curse you;

2 I counsel you to keep the kings command, because of the oath before God.

22 For also your own heart knows that you yourself have often cursed others.

3 Do not be in a hurry to go out of his sight. Do not stand up for an evil thing, for he will do whatever pleases him.

23 All this I have tested by wisdom. I said, I will be wise, but it was far from me.

24 Who can discover what is far off and exceeding deep?

4 Since the word of a king has power, who may say to him, What are you doing?

25 I applied my heart to know and to search and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, and of foolishness and madness;

5 Whoever keeps the kings command will experience no harm; and a wise mans heart will discern both the proper time and procedure.

6 Because for every matter there is a time and procedure, though the misery of man is heavy on him.

26 And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands like chains. Whoever pleases God will escape from her, but the sinner will be taken by her.

7 For he does not know what will be, so who can tell him when it will be?

27 Look, I have discovered this, says the

8 There is no man that has power over the spirit

21:4-34). The wise man Solomon knew very well that sometimes the good die young and the wicked live on to a ripe old age. He probably means that some righteous people perish at the hands of the wicked. 7:16-18 It is not easy to see exactly what Solomon meant by his words in v 16. Possibly he was warning against selfrighteousness and pride of wisdom. Perhaps he is making a false conclusion from his own worldly wisdom. Remember, this book gives Solomons thoughts about what is best for men, not what God may think. All he says must be tested by the revelation God has given through Christ and His apostles.

Eccl 9:3; Rom 3:23. A truth known by every truly wise man. 7:23 1:17. Since he could not attain wisdom some of his conclusions were less than wise. See also 6:12; 8:17. 7:24 Job 28:12-28; 1 Cor 1:19-25; 2:4-8. 7:25 1:17. 7:26 Prov 2:16-19; 5:1-6. 7:27 This was the great search of his life. 7:28 A word that came out of much experience (1 Kings 11:1-4). But Solomon, it seems, went after the wrong sort of women and it is not surprising that what he found was poor quality. We should not think this is a divine revelation concerning all women. 7:29 Gen 1:26,27,31; 3:1-7. Since mans fall into sin all men seek how to get satisfaction in their own way without God. 8:1 In this chapter Solomon continues to give out some matters his wisdom has taught him. 8:2-5 See Rom 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet 2:13,14. A wise man knows that disobedience to the rulers God has appointed will bring even more misery to men. Of course, mens supreme obedience must be to God the heavenly King. If earthly rulers command things contrary to Gods commands we are at liberty to disobey them (Acts 4:18-20; 5:29). 8:7 Jam 4:13-16. 8:8 Over the spirit to retain the spirit

Possibly Solomon means this: In a meaningless and wicked world for a man to try to push righteousness too far is to make himself an object of hatred and may cost him his life (compare Isa 59:15). If men do not desire righteousness it is useless and dangerous to force it on them. See Matt 7:6. We must be as righteous in our personal lives as it is possible to be, but we are not to be the accusers, prosecutors and judges of others who care nothing for our righteous principles. Of course great wickedness and foolishness are even more dangerous (v 17). It may bring the wrath of God as well as the wrath of men. The man who truly fears God will be able to discern the right course to follow (v 18). 7:19 2:13; Prov 8:14; 21:22. 7:20 2 Chron 6:36; Ps 14:3; Prov 20:9;

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to retain the spirit; neither has anyone power over the day of his death. And there is no discharge in war; nor will wickedness deliver those who practice it.

has no better thing under the sun than to eat and to drink and to be merry, for this will remain with him in his labour during the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.

9 All this I have seen, and have applied my mind to every deed that is done under the sun. There is a time when one man rules another to his own hurt.

16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on the earth (and ones eyes may not see sleep day or night),

10 And so I saw the wicked buried, those who had gone in and out of the holy place, and they were forgotten in the city where they had done so. This also is emptiness.

17 Then I saw all the work of God, and that a man cannot discover the work that is done under the sun. Because though a man labours to search it out, yet he will not find it ; yes and though a wise man may think he knows, yet he will not be able to discover the truth about it.

11 Because sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men among them is fully set on doing evil.

12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his days are prolonged, yet I know definitely that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear in his presence,

For I considered all this in my heart to declare all of this: the righteous and the wise, and their deeds, are in the hand of God. No man knows whether there will be love or hatred in all that awaits him.

13 But it will not be well with the wicked, nor will he prolong his days, which are like a shadow; because he does not fear in Gods presence.

2 All things come alike to all. The same event comes to the righteous and to the wicked, to the good and to the clean and to the unclean, to him who offers sacrifice and to him who does not offer sacrifice; as it is to the good, so to the sinner, and to him who takes an oath as to him who fears to take an oath.

14 There is an empty thing which is done on earth; there are righteous people to whom things happen in accordance with the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom things happen in accordance with the work of the righteous. I said that this also is emptiness.

3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is the same event to all.

15 Then I commended pleasure, because a man

this could also be translated over the wind to retain the wind (the same Hebrew word means both wind and spirit).

their joy in Christ. See Luke 9:23; 14:27,33. 8:16,17 This wisest of men again confesses his ignorance (7:23,24. See Deut 29:29). 9:1 Solomon admitted that no one can understand what is going on in the world (8:17), but this did not keep him from considering matters and reaching some conclusions. Notice again that what follows gives his thoughts, not Gods teaching. God revealed to us what Solomon thought but He did not put His stamp of approval on all of Solomons thoughts. 9:2-6 He means that all die, all go to the grave. He does not know what may happen after death but he thinks the dead remain in silence and ignorance. Compare Job 10:20-22. Apart from Gods revelation men may come to this conclusion, but the teaching of the New Testament is different (2 Cor 5:6-8; Phil 1:22,23; Heb 12:2224; Rev 6:9-11; 7:9,10,13-17). It is far, far better to be a dead Christian believer than a living unbeliever. 9:3 7:20; Mark 7:20-23; Rom 1:29-32. A sinful life is like insanity. Men live as they please without God and without hope, violating Gods laws and their own consciences, seemingly not caring about Gods judgment and the punishment that awaits them. They are like men recklessly playing foolish games in a building burning and ready to collapse on their heads. In the light of the truth of the Bible, to run after the empty things of the world, to be filled with illusions

Nor will wickedness deliver those who practice it sin is more powerful than the strongest person and brings people into bondage (John 8:34; Rom 6:16; 7:18). Those who begin to practice sin and then try to get free of it will find out how powerful it is. There is a war going on continually on earth. It is between evil and good, and evil will never willingly let go its captives as long as this war is going on. Only Jesus can free the captives Luke 4:18; John 8:36. 8:9 One man rules another this may bring harm both to those who do it and to those who have to suffer it (compare 1 Pet 5:1-3; Matt 20:25-27). 8:11 When there is no punishment for wrong doing people may think they can get away with anything. So God has appointed those who bear the sword (Rom 12:3,4). 8:12,13 He knew what all truly wise men know. But he did not know how and when it would go better with God-fearing men. The New Testament reveals it fully (e.g. Matt 25:31-46; John 5:28,29). 8:14 This shows that what Solomon said in vs 12,13 was a matter of faith, not of observation. 8:15 He returns to a previous conclusion (2:24; 3:12,13; 5:18,19). But there is a better way for men to live. That is to deny themselves for the sake of others and find

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Moreover, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and afterwards they go to the dead.

and by his wisdom he delivered the city. But no one remembered that poor man.

16 Then I said, Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor mans wisdom was despised, and his words were not heeded.

4 For to him who is joined to all the living there is hope; for a live dog is better off than a dead lion.

5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead do not know anything, nor do they any longer have a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

17 The words of wise men in quiet are to be heard more than the shout of the one who rules over fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.

6 Also their love and their hatred and their envy have now perished; nor do they have any more share forever in anything that is done under the sun.

Dead flies cause the ointment of the perfumer to stink; so does a little folly him who has a reputation for wisdom and honour.

7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.

2 A wise mans heart moves toward his right, but a fools heart toward his left.

8 Let your garments be always white, and do not let your head lack oil.

3 And even when the one who is a fool walks in the way, his wisdom fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.

9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love, all the days of the life of your futility which he has given you under the sun, all the days of your futility; for that is your lot in this life, and in your labour which you toil at under the sun.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place; for submission pacifies great offenses.

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an error that proceeds from the ruler:

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

6 Folly is given a very high place, and the rich sit in a low place.

11 Again, I saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; nor is bread to the wise or riches to men of understanding or favour to men of skill, but time and chance happens to them all.

7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the ground.

8 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a hedge, will be bitten by a serpent.

12 Also man does not know when his time will come; like fish caught in a harmful net and like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared in a bad time, when it suddenly falls on them.

9 Whoever quarries stones will be hurt with them, and he who splits wood will be endangered by it.

10 If the iron axe is dull, and he does not sharpen the edge, then he must exert more strength. And wisdom has the advantage of success.

13 Also I have seen this wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me:

14 There was a little town and few men in it; and there came a great king against it and besieged it, and built great siege works against it.

11 If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer.

12 The words of a wise mans mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man,

and delusions of their worth, to chase after the wind and live for vanity is madness. Literal insanity means to be out of touch with reality. Spiritual insanity is to be out of touch with spiritual reality. The spiritually insane are deluded and regard their fantasies about the spiritual world as reality and reality as fantasy. 9:7-10 Here are more conclusions of the natural mind of Solomon unaided by divine revelation. He thinks that since death ends mens brief and meaningless life and they lie down in silence and ignorance, the best he can do is to work hard and enjoy life if he can. Solomon returns to this view again and again for he cannot see anything more worthwhile (2:24; 3:12,13; 5:18,19; 8:15).

Grave (v 10) in Hebrew Sheol note at Gen 37:35. 9:11,12 He thinks man is a victim of chance and circumstance and has no control over his destiny. 9:13-18 He still considers wisdom a desirable thing, but he has no hope that the world will remember and reward the wise man. 10:1-20 Solomon thinks that even in a meaningless existence wisdom is superior to folly, and in this chapter he gives some proverbs to illustrate this truth. 10:8 When people try to do evil to others they themselves may be harmed the most (7:14-16; 9:16; Ps 57:6; Prov 5:22). 10:11 Ps 58:4,5. 10:12,13 Prov 10:6,32; 14:3; 5:2; 18:7.

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13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is wicked madness.

4 He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who considers the clouds will not reap.

5 Just as you do not know the path of the spirit, or how the bones grow in the womb of the pregnant woman, even so you do not know the works of God who makes everything.

14 A fool is also full of words. A man cannot tell what will happen, and who can tell him what will happen after him?

15 The labour of the fool wearies him; he does not even know how to go to the city.

6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not let your hand be idle, for you do not know whether this or that will prosper, or whether they will both alike be good.

16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a youth, and your princes eat in the morning!

17 Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

7 Truly the light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to see the sun,

8 But if a man lives many years, and rejoices in them all, still he should remember the days of darkness; for they will be many. All that comes is emptiness.

18 By much laziness the building sags, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money has the answer for everything.

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

20 Do not curse the king, not even in your thoughts; and do not curse the rich in your bedroom; for a bird of the air will carry the voice, and that which has wings will tell the matter.

10 Therefore expel sorrow from your heart, and put away trouble from your body, for childhood and youth are emptiness.

11 12

Cast your bread on the waters, for you will

find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven and also to eight, for you do not know what disaster will come on the earth.

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near when you will say, I have no pleasure in them;

3 If the clouds are full of rain they empty themselves on the earth, and if the tree falls toward the south or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will be.

2 Before the sun or the light or the moon or the stars are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain;

3 In the day when the keepers of the house

10:14 6:12; 9:1. 10:16 Youth or child. 10:18 4:5; Prov 20:4; 24:30-34. 11:1 This truth appears in other places in the Bible Ps 41:1,2; Prov 11:24; 14:21; 19:17; 22:9; Luke 6:35,38; 2 Cor 9:6-9; Gal 6:9,10; Heb 6:10. Cast your bread upon the waters means to give of what you have to help others. It may seem like a complete loss to you, even a foolish use of what you have (like literally casting bread on the waters). But God will see to it that you are rewarded.

unanswered questions. Spirit or wind. 11:7-10 He says that in spite of the meaninglessness of life there is some joy to be found especially for the young. But dark clouds rise over the horizon (last part of v 8), and Gods judgment is coming (v 9). This is the last of the five times Solomon advises us to enjoy life (2:24; 3:12,13; 5:18,19; 8:15). But the grounds he gives for the enjoyment of life are feeble. He never says in this book that we should find our joy in God alone, not in the things He gives. He never says that our happiness should be to serve God and even to suffer for His sake. Probably at this point in his life, and with the knowledge he had, he could not say such things. 12:1-7 A moving appeal to the young in beautiful poetic language to turn to God the Creator before inevitable deterioration, old age, and death bring them down to the dust. Eyesight, nerves, strength, hearing, courage and vitality will all fail (vs 2-5). The cord that binds soul to body will snap, the bowl of our earthly existence will shatter, the vessel of our life will spill its water on the ground, and there will be no chance of drawing more from the well (v 6). Observe

After many days it may be that our reward will not come to us until the second coming of Christ (Luke 14:14; Rev 22:12). Note and references on giving at 2 Cor 9:15. 11:2 In other words, if you help others when you can, they may help you later when you are in need, or God will see to it that someone helps you. 11:3 If God has filled our lives with good things we should pour them out to others. Once the tree of our life falls there will be no change in its direction, in its place. 11:4-6 Solomon is saying that we should get on with our work and leave with God things beyond our control and the

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tremble, and the strong men bow, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look out of the windows grow dim,

vanity.

9 And moreover, because the teacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

4 And the doors are shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of music are brought low;

10 The teacher searched to find acceptable words; and what was written down was upright, and words of truth.

5 And when they are afraid of high places, and fears are in the way, and the almond tree blossoms, and the grasshopper is burdensome, and desire fails; because man goes to his everlasting home and the mourners go around in the streets.

11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails hammered in by the masters of collected proverbs, which are given by one Shepherd.

12 And further, my son, be warned by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness to the body.

6 Remember him before the silver cord is loosened, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.

8 Vanity of vanities, says the teacher, all is

that he believed the spirit of man returns to God (v 7). He had stated his ignorance of this in 3:18-21. 12:8 He ends as he began (1:2). All his study, all his learning, all his wisdom, all his deep research into the meaning of life has come to this. He thinks there is no meaning in life that the fact of inevitable death does not destroy. 12:9 See 1:1; 1 Kings 4:32. 12:10 Solomon is sure that he has written with complete sincerity. He has bared his soul. He has hidden nothing. He declared things as he thought they are. 12:11 By Shepherd here he probably means God Himself. God-inspired words of the wise are to give stability to thought (firmly embedded nails) and also to prod us on to truths which lie ahead (goads). This is one main purpose of Ecclesiastes. It gives us the fixed truth of the utter emptiness of life and all its activities under the sun, apart from God. And it is meant by God to prod us forward to find the meaning of life, and a higher kind of life, somewhere else (in the Lord Jesus Christ). In this way this book (like the whole law and the whole Old Testament) is meant to lead us to Christ (Gal 3:24). Just as Old Testament hopes of sal-

vation lead to Christ, so the quest for lifes meaning finds its fulfillment only in Christ. Christ alone redeems His people from a vain and meaningless life (1 Pet 1:18). 12:13,14 Solomons conclusion is as far as he could go as a man under the law, without further revelation from God. If there is to be meaning in life it must be found in reverence and obedience to God. These two things are everywhere emphasized in the Old Testament:

Fear Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; 130:3,4; Prov 1:7. Keep on obedience see Ex 19:5; 20:6; Deut 30:15-18; 32:45-47; 1 Sam 15:22; Ps 119:1,2; Isa 1:19. Without these two things there is no wisdom, no meaning, no hope, either for the present or for the future. These two are the heart of what man ought to be. Solomon did not say how man (whom he describes in 7:20 and 9:3) can be what he ought to be, but he knew that man is responsible for his acts and must face Gods judgment. On judgment see 3:17; 8:12,13; 11:9; Acts 17:31; Rom 2:16; 2 Cor 5:9,10; Rev 20:11,12. How man can be what he ought to be is clearly revealed in the New Testament John 1:12,13; 3:3-8; Rom 6:11-18; 8:4; Eph 4:22-24; etc.

SONG OF SONGS

Title:

This name suggests that this is the most excellent of all songs.

Author:

Judging from 1:1 the author was Solomon, but it should be noted that the Hebrew here could also mean "concerning Solomon."

Date:

If Solomon wrote it, which seems likely, then it was written sometime during his reign – 970-930 BC. However, many scholars believe that it was written sometime after the exile of Judah in Babylon, in the 5th century BC.

Theme:

Commentators on this book do not agree about the theme, or even about the principal characters in the story. Some teach that the book is a mere poetic description of the love between King Solomon and his bride. Some modern commentators teach that it is the story of the love between an unknown shepherd and his bride and that King Solomon is the villain in the story who tries to take the shepherd's bride for himself (this interpretation is unlikely. If we take the Song as an allegory which speaks of the heavenly King and His people, the allegory would be most meaningful if the literal bridegroom in the Song were a king himself). Some commentators teach that this story is not an allegory about the love that exists between God and believers, but others teach that this is the main theme of the book. The author of these notes believes that the principal characters in this story of love are king Solomon and his bride, but that the story is full of symbolic, spiritual meanings, is an allegory depicting the love that exists between Jesus Christ the King of kings and His redeemed people, or individual believers. The reasons for this belief are as follows:

1 Its title, given in the first verse, is as much a part of the inspired Scriptures as any other. And if the writer by the inspiration of the Spirit of God calls this the chief, the best, the greatest of all songs (and this is the meaning of "song of songs") there must be good reasons for it. If it were merely a love story about Solomon and his bride how could it be called the best of all songs? In such case would it be greater than some of the marvelous songs of David the sweet singer of Israel? Would it be greater than psalm 22 or 45 or 69 or 119? How could it be the greatest of all songs if Christ is not in it? If Christ is absent from this song, the title is an empty boast.

2 We have the analogy of other Scriptures such as psalm 45; Isa 54:5; Jer 3:14; 31:32; Ezekiel chapters 16 and 23; Hosea 2:7,16, etc; Matt 22:1,2; Rom 7:4; 2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:2532; Rev 19:6-9. Since God is called the "husband" of the nation Israel, and since the church is called the "bride" of Christ, it is no surprising thing that a book of the Bible would set forth in the human language of love the love that ought to exist, and does exist, between Christ and His people. The above Scriptures should be read in connection with the study of this book. They set forth one of the great themes of the Bible.

3 We have the example of other subjects in Scripture where there are spiritual meanings beyond the physical. See notes on the tabernacle, priests, sacrifices, and other matters in Exodus and Leviticus. Those things were real and literal but they were much more than that – they were types, shadows, pictures of spiritual realities. And see Paul, by the inspiration of the God's Spirit, calling the story of Sarah and Hagar an allegory (Gal 4:21-27)! Surely there is as much reason to find an allegory in this Song of songs as in the history of Sarah and Hagar. We do not deny that this song refers to a literal bride and bridegroom any more than we would deny the literal existence in history

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of Sarah and Hagar. King Solomon and a woman called the Shulamite are here. But it seems clear that here is also a parable of heavenly love full of spiritual meaning for those who have eyes to see it. See also the example of Hosea and his wife in the book of Hosea. They were literal people, but we see in their story the love God had for his fallen people Israel.

4 We have the statements of Scripture like Luke 24:27 and 2 Tim 3:16,17. Can we say that Christ is everywhere in the Old Testament Scriptures except in this one book? Should we try to see Him everywhere else and then try not to see Him in this song? How would this song help make the man or woman of God thoroughly equipped for every good work, if there is no Christ in it and no lessons of a spiritual, heavenly character?

5 There are expressions and scenes in this book which seem to require an allegorical or spiritual meaning. It is hard to imagine that the literal bride of king Solomon wandered alone at night about the streets looking for him (3:2-4), or that while doing so on a second occasion the watchmen beat her and took away her cloak (5:6,7). Or that she literally came up from the desert leaning on Solomon (8:5).

6 We have the interpretation of many spiritual commentators for many centuries both before and after Christ. The Jews thought it set forth the relationship between Jehovah and Israel, and Christians found in it Christ and His Church. This interpretation is not our invention or a recent novelty.

If these reasons do not seem adequate to the reader, he is at liberty to reject them and try to understand this song on the mere level of human love. Our views and interpretations of Scripture are not infallible. But we are convinced that by studying this book by the aid of the Holy Spirit we can get a vivid impression of how Christ loves believers and how they should love Him. And we believe that experience will be the best teacher of this book. Only those who know Christ's love can understand what is here.

Love is what this book is all about, and we see the arrangement of it something like this:

Love affirmed .............................................................................................. 1:2-4 Love's anxiety ............................................................................................ 1:5-7 Love in fellowship ......................................................................................... 1:9 - 2:7 Love longed for and invited ........................................................................... 2:8 - 3:1 Love tested and proved ................................................................................ 3:1-5 Love conveyed in splendor ............................................................................ 3:6-11 Love's delight in the loved one ....................................................................... 4:1-16 Love's satisfaction........................................................................................ 5:1 Love weak, failing and reviving ...................................................................... 5:2-8 Love confident............................................................................................. 6:1-3 Love praises the loved one ........................................................................... 6:4-13 Love conversing .......................................................................................... 7:1 - 8:4 Love's strength ............................................................................................ 8:6,7 Love's concern............................................................................................. 8:8-12 Love's longing .............................................................................................. 8:13,14

865 SONG OF SONGS 1:7

Bride 5 I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the

1 The song of songs, which is Solomon's. 2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for your love is better than wine. 3 The fragrance of your oil is pleasing; your name is like oil poured out,

tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. 6 Do not stare at me because I am black, because the sun has looked on me. My mother's children were angry with me. They made me watch over the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not watched. 7 Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, where you graze your sheep, where you make your flock rest at noon; for why should I be like someone who

therefore the virgins love you. 4 Draw me after you. We will run! The king has brought me into

his chambers.

Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you; we will remember your love more than wine. The upright love you.

turns aside by the flocks of your

companions?

1:1 The expression "song of songs" means the greatest of all songs, just as King of kings means the greatest of all kings and Lord of lords means the greatest of all lords. How could this be the greatest of all songs in the Bible (or out of it) if Christ is not in it? That song will be the greatest which has the greatest theme for its subject and which expresses that theme in high and holy language. There is no greater theme in the Bible or out of it than Christ's love for His people. This is a far more excellent theme than the love of a man and his wife – which is all that some think they see in this song. 1:2 In the Hebrew there are no headings (Bridegroom, Friends, Bride). They have been inserted to make clear to the reader who is speaking in each case. The use of "Bride," and "Bridegroom" in these headings is determined primarily on the basis of the gender of the pronouns in the Hebrew text. The words of others are marked "Friends." In some cases the divisions and headings are open to debate.

eager to enter into His loving fellowship.

"Me", "we" – sometimes believers are regarded as a unit – the bride; sometimes as a group of individuals. Compare Ps 45:14,15; Rev 19:6-9. "You" – the Hebrew is the masculine single form of the pronoun.

"Love you" – no more fitting thing can be imagined than for believers to love the King of heaven. 1:5 The daughters of Jerusalem are probably the "virgins" of v 3 and the "friends" who speak in v 4, but we cannot be dogmatic about this.

"Black" – Kedar is mentioned in Gen 25:12,13. Their tents were woven of black goat's hair. Believers in Christ are both sinners and saints. God made man in His own image (Gen 1:26), and so with spiritual beauty. Believers know that they came into the world with a nature corrupted by sin, that any spiritual beauty they now possess is because of their union with Christ. All their beauty is a gift of God (Isa 61:10; 1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:21; Eph 4:22-24). In the words of the bride here is there an element of anxiety? She will learn that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). 1:6 "Black" – life "under the sun" (Eccl 1:3,14, etc.) has made our natures dark (Gen 8:21; Jer 17:9; Rom 3:9-19). Believers, knowing this, do not feel there is anything in them worthy to be gazed at or admired. The beauty they have is not their own but Christ's reflected beauty.

In this verse the speaker represents all of Christ's own people. She speaks out their deepest longings – to enjoy the nearness of Christ, the manifestation of Christ's love. His love is more stimulating, more delightful to the mind and spirit than wine (or any other physical stimulant) could ever be to the body. 1:3 In the Bible "name" often indicates the character and attributes of a person. The name of the LORD (Jehovah) in the Old Testament and of Jesus in the New Testament is a perfume poured forth from heaven to earth and filling the whole world with fragrance. Compare Ex 30:22-38; Ps 45:8; Matt 26:6-13. The spiritually pure (here signified by "virgins") will love God above all and everything. 1:4 If the heavenly King Himself does not come to us and draw us into secret communion with Himself we will never arrive there (John 6:44). The work is all His. But on our part there must be a willingness that is ready and

"Angry" – Isa 66:5; John 15:17; etc. "Vineyard" – here signifies the believer's personal life. It is possible to be so taken up with other work that our communion with God is neglected and our spiritual lives become like an untended garden. 1:7 Believers wish to experience always Christ's nearness and love. He never leaves them or forsakes them (Heb 13:5; John 14:16-18; Matt 28:20). But their experience of His nearness and love ebbs and flows and sometimes He seems to be gone altogether. This is especially the case if we

SONG OF SONGS 1:8 866

How beautiful you are! You have doves' eyes.

Bridegroom 8 If you do not know, O you most beautiful of women, follow the tracks of the flock, and pasture your young goats beside

Bride 16 How handsome you are, my beloved! Yes, delightful. And our bed is green.

the shepherds' tents. 9 I compare you, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots. 10 Your cheeks are lovely with rows of jewels, your neck with chains of gold. 11 We will make ornaments of gold for you with studs of silver.

Bridegroom 17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.

Bride 12 While the king sits at his table, my spikenard sends out its aroma. 13 My beloved is to me like a bundle of myrrh which lies all night

Bride 1 I am the rose of Sharon,

and the lily of the valleys.

Bridegroom 2 Like the lily among thorns,

between my breasts. 14 My beloved is to me like a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards

so is my love among the daughters.

Bride 3 Like the apple tree among the trees

of Engedi.

of the woods, so is my beloved among the sons.

Bridegroom 15 How beautiful you are, my love!

neglect to keep our own "vineyard." When such is the case we should seek Him with our whole heart (Hos 10:12; Jer 29:13). 1:8 If we search we can see where Christ has led His flock and can follow in the footsteps of the saints. In the fellowship of the church's pastors and under shepherds, appointed by Christ, and in feeding Christ's sheep we will find Him anew (John 21:15-17; 14:21). The bride is called the "fairest among women" (see also 1:15; 2:14; 4:1,7; 6:4; 7:1,6; Ps 45:11). Christ's church is the most beautiful thing in the world to Him. He sees her with the eyes of love; He sees what she will yet be by His grace (Eph 5:26,27). He sees the beauty God has given her. Believers are in Christ, united to Him, and all He has they have. 1:9-11 Egypt's horses were the best, the most beautiful, the most expertly trained of all. They were imported to other countries (1 Kings 10:28,29). The king of Egypt would have the best of the best and the most beautifully decorated. Compare Prov 1:19; Isa 61:1-3; Ezek 16:9-14; 1 Tim 2:9,10; 1 Pet 3:3,4. 1:12 Believers sit at the table of the heavenly King (Rev 3:20; 1 Cor 10:16,17). Believers in communion with Christ are a sweet fragrance to Him. 1:13,14 But much more Christ is a sweet fragrance to believers. What the best perfumes on earth are to the body, that His presence is to the spirit. 1:15 "Beautiful" – v 8. "My love" – v 9; 2:2; 4:1,7; 7:6. The language of love, the endearing terms in this song suggest Christ's great love for the church and for each believer (John 13:1; 14:21; 15:9; chapter 17; Rom 5:8; Gal 2:20; Eph

5:1,2,25; 1 John 3:16; 4:16). The whole relationship of the believer and Christ is one of mutual love and self-giving and delight in the other.

"Dove's eyes" – the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit of God (Matt 3:16). The symbol speaks of holiness, heavenliness, innocence, and spiritual beauty. The Holy Spirit should shine through the eyes of believers. This is the only way they can really have "dove's eyes." 1:16 Believers surely have more reason to see beauty in Christ than He in them (Ps 45:2).

"Green" – Ps 23:2; Isa 51:3. 1:17 There is shelter for believers from all that could harm them (Ps 121:5,6). And in that shelter the eternal God's delight is to dwell with them (note at Ex 25:8). 2:1 It is unclear from the Hebrew whether the speaker here is the bride or the bridegroom. Since in the next verse the bridegroom says to the bride, "you are a lily" it seems likely that the speaker in this verse is the bride. Believers in themselves are as fragile, as prone to wither and fade as flowers (Isa 40:6-8; 1 Pet 1:24). They are lowly like the flowers of plains and valleys, but they have a beauty and a fragrance to God that He has given them. 2:2 "My love" – among men the only thing of beauty and fragrance to the Son of God is His Church. All others on earth are like thorns and briars – painful, ugly, harmful (Num 33:55; Jud 2:3; 2 Sam 23:6; Isa 27:4,5; 33:12; Matt 7:16; Luke 8:14; Heb 6:8; Rom 8:7,8). 2:3 "Tree" – Christ is no mere flower to wither and fade. He is a fruitful tree who grew up on earth from the root of Jesse

867 SONG OF SONGS 2:17

12 The flowers appear on the earth, the time of the singing of birds has come, and the voice of the turtledove is

I sat down under his shade with

great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. 4 He brought me to the banqueting house,

heard in our land. 13 The fig tree puts forth its green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes

and his banner over me was love. 5 Sustain me with raisins, refresh me

give a good smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one,

with apples, for I am sick with love. 6 His left hand is under my head,

and come away."

and his right hand embraces me. 7 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

Bridegroom 14 O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the steep ledges, let me see your face, let me hear your

by the gazelles and by the deer of the field, not to arouse or awaken my love,

till he pleases. 8 The voice of my beloved! Look!

voice; for your voice is sweet and your face

He comes leaping on the mountains,

is lovely. 15 Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes.

skipping on the hills. 9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag.

See, he stands behind our wall,

he looks out the windows,

Bride 16 My beloved is mine, and I am his. He grazes his flock among the lilies. 17 Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag

peering through the lattice. 10 My beloved spoke and said to me, "Rise up, my love, my beautiful one,

and come away. 11 For, see, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone,

on the mountains of Bether.

(Isa 11:1,10; 53:2; Rom 15:12). For His people He is the "shade" (Ps 91:1; 121:5; Isa 25:4; 32:2). He is the tree of life and His "fruit" is eternal salvation, joy and satisfaction forever. Has our desires been so corrupted by the evil fruits of the world that His fruit is not sweet to our taste? 2:4 "Banqueting house" – Ps 23:5; Rev 3:20. Imagine, if you can, the sort of feast the Son of God is able to prepare.

into beauty, into songs of joy, into the deepest fellowship with Himself. At last He will call her to enjoy eternal dwellings in His presence (John 14:2,3; 17:24; 1 Thess 4:16-18). 2:14 Christ's church is like a dove, born of the Holy Spirit, hiding in Christ the Rock of ages (Ex 33:21,22; Deut 32:4). Believers are so dear to Him He longs to see their face, to hear their voice. Is not this one reason behind all those divinely inspired Scriptures which urge us to pray and praise? 2:15 1:6. Believers must guard against everything that would spoil their life in Christ and their fellowship with Him, against all sins of either commission or omission. They may be considered "small" sins, but can that be called small which works so much damage?

"Banner over me was love" – banner speaks of something proudly displayed, clearly manifested (compare Rom 5:8; Gal 2:20). Love is written large over all Christ's dealings with His people. 2:5-7 The full experience of Christ's love can be too much for human nature to bear. Such experiences cannot be produced by the efforts of others (daughters of Jerusalem). They can come only in Christ's time and way. 2:8,9 This is the experience of the bride. The divine lover is present, then He is gone off to the mountains, but comes rushing back. No reason here is given for this, but if our communion with Christ is broken we should look for the fault in ourselves, not in Him (Isa 59:1,2; Hos 5:6), if indeed there is any fault at all (it may be that He is testing us). Believers do not always enjoy His nearness as they would desire. One glimpse of Him fills them with expectation and longing. 2:10-13 Jer 31:3; Deut 4:37. The bridegroom uses the language of love and poetry to woo His bride away from everything else that might attract her, and He calls her

"Vineyard" – Ps 80:15; Isa 5:1-5; Jer 12:10; Luke 20:9-16 (so terribly may a vineyard be ruined). 2:16 6:3; 7:10. Believers can and should have the sweet assurance that they belong to Christ and Christ to them forever (John 17:6; Rom 7:4; 8:38,39; 1 Cor 3:2123). They are not to spend their lives wondering whether it is so. 2:17 If Christ seems to depart again and again to some far off hills, the believer longs for Him and prays for His return. What else can satisfy him once he has tasted of the sweetness of Christ's love?

"The mountains of Bether" – or "The rugged mountains." Bether means rugged. It is difficult to know whether a proper name is meant here.

SONG OF SONGS 3:1 868

7 See, it is Solomon's palanquin!

Sixty valiant men, of the valiant of

Israel, surround it. 8 They all hold swords, being expert in war.

1 At night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I did not find him. 2 I will arise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the squares I

Every man has his sword at his side,

because of fear in the night. 9 King Solomon made the carriage for

himself from the wood of Lebanon. 10 He made its posts of silver, its bottom of gold, its covering of purple,

will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him but I did not find him. 3 The watchmen who go around the city found me. I said to them : "Have you seen him whom my soul loves?" 4 Scarcely had I passed on from them when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him and would not let him go,

its interior being lovingly fitted by

the daughters of Jerusalem. 11 Go out, O daughters of Zion, and see King Solomon with the crown with

which his mother crowned him on

the day of his wedding, and on the day of the gladness of

until I had brought him into my

mother's house, and into the chamber of her who

his heart.

conceived me. 5 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and by the deer of

the field, not to arouse or awake my love,

Bridegroom 1 How beautiful you are, my love! How beautiful you are ! You have doves' eyes behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats

till he pleases. 6 Who is this coming from the desert like

pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,

that appears from mount Gilead. 2 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn,

with all the powdered spices of the

merchant?

3:1-3 When God seems to be at a distance, when Christ's fellowship is withdrawn, the believer is tested. What will he do? He should seek Christ again (Job 23:3; Ps 6:1-4; 13:1-3; 28:1,2; 38:21,22; 42:1-3; 63:1; 77:1-9; 105:4; 143:6,7; Hos 5:6,15; Amos 5:4,8). Sometimes Christian experience is similar to wandering in dark and lonely streets. But God has placed watchmen – faithful ministers to point the way to Christ. 3:4 "Found" – Ps 9:10; 22:26; 69:32; 70:4; 105:3; Jer 29:13; Isa 45:19; Matt 7:7,8. "Not let him go" – Gen 32:26; Ps 27:9; Luke 24:28,29. 3:5 2:7. 3:6-11 The speaker here is either the "bride" or the "friends." The words bring us back to the literal Solomon and his bride who signify the heavenly truths of this book. It seems in these verses that Solomon has come in royal magnificence to bear his bride a way (compare 8:5) and this is surely not without spiritual significance to believers.

is on the hills and she is left alone (2:16-3:3); they are together in her mother's house (3:4,5); now he comes from the desert in beauty and splendor. The book continues in similar fashion.

In other words, the book does not give a regular story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Instead we have various and brief pictures that set forth the relationship of bride and bridegroom. The spiritual purpose is to show various experiences through which believers may go in their life in Christ, and to reveal something of His beauty, magnificence, and tender love for His Church.

In these verses we see something of His glory and might (compare Ps 45:3-5). Believers (whether or not they are aware of it) are riding through the world in a heavenly carriage with the King of glory at their side. Though there is still danger at night (v 8), there is full protection for the bride in this journey with the King (John 10:28). 4:1 "Beautiful" – 1:5,8,9-11,15 – this whole chapter (except for the last verse) is spoken by the bridegroom to show His delight in the bride. Everything about her pleases Him because He looks with the eyes of love.

We should notice that a striking feature of this book is the sudden shift of scenes. The bride is looking for the bridegroom in the shepherds' fields (1:7,8); the bridegroom is near (1:9-11); afterwards they are together in the house of the king (1:12-17); suddenly the bridegroom is away in the hills but comes quickly to the house and calls his bride away (2:8-15); again he

"Doves" – 1:15. "Goats" – goats with long black hair moving down one of the rounded hills of the Gilead range suggest her black tresses. 4:2 Her teeth – white, sparkling, perfectly

869 SONG OF SONGS 4:15

which come up from the washing,

from the mountains of the leopards. 9 You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride. You have ravished my heart with one

each of which bears twins,

and none of them is barren. 3 Your lips are like a strip of scarlet, and your mouth is lovely. Your temples are like a piece of a

glance of your eyes, with one strand of your necklace. 10 How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine! And the fragrance of your oils than

pomegranate behind your veil. 4 Your neck is like the tower of David built as an armoury, where hang a thousand shields,

all shields of mighty men. 5 Your two breasts are like two fawns that are twins, which feed among the lilies. 6 Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, I will go to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. 7 You are altogether beautiful, my love. There is no blemish in you. 8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. Look from the top of Amana,

all spices! 11 Your lips, O my bride, drip like the honeycomb. Honey and milk are under your tongue,

and the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon. 12 A garden locked up is my sister, my bride; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. 13 Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with choice fruits,

henna with spikenard, 14 Spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense,

from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens,

myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices. 15 You are a garden fountain, a well of

matched. 4:4 In other words, her neck is straight and ornamented with necklaces – 1:10. 4:6 2:17; 1:13; 3:6. 4:7 "No blemish" – a wonderful thing to say! In itself the church is full of flaws, and individual believers have to make the same confession as Paul (Rom 7:18), and James (3:2), and John (1 John 1:8). Yet even now the righteousness which God puts to the believer's account is perfect and flawless (Isa 61:10; Jer 33:16; Rom 3:21-24; 1 Cor 1:30; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9); the beauty they have is God's perfect beauty (Ps 45:13,14; Ezek 16:14); and the result of God's work in the church and in the believer will result eventually in a perfection only God can produce (Rom 8:29; Eph 5:25-27; Heb 10:14; 1 John 3:2). 4:8 The bridegroom says he will go to the mountain of myrrh and incense (v 6). The bride should be with him. But suddenly the bride seems to be somewhere among the mountain peaks on the northern borders of Israel, a place of rugged beauty and danger. He calls her away. The spiritual application is not difficult to make. There are high places in the world that have their beauties and attractions but are dangerous to believers. Christ calls us away from them to Himself. 4:9 6:5. Does Christ love His church so much? Does one glance of love from her move His heart like this? Yes, He has proved once and for all the intensity of His infinite love by laying down His life for the church. His love passes knowledge (Eph 3:19).

groom, the Lord, the Head of the Church. But He is also called the "brother" of believers (Heb 2:11,12). He is their Kinsman-Redeemer (note at Ruth 2:20). 4:10 The Lord delights in His people (Ps 147:11; 149:4; Zeph 3:17). 4:11 The words of love we speak to the Lord from loving hearts are very sweet to Him. Our fellowship to Him is like the fragrance of flowers and green forests. He wants always to be with us. When we come to Him in prayer we must not think He is reluctant to receive us. 4:12-14 In Ps 1:3 believers are compared to a fruitful tree. In Ps 80:8 they are compared to a vine. Here they are called a whole garden (see also Isa 58:11; Jer 31:12). The true church is Christ's garden of Eden where He comes to walk and talk with men and delight in their fellowship (Gen 3:8). Only from believers will Christ get any fragrance or fruit. Apart from His church the whole world is like a desert to Him.

Notice that this garden is enclosed or "locked up." In other words, believers are Christ's garden alone. No one else is to walk there. They are His possession (Rom 14:7,8; 1 Cor 6:19,20); they are for His delight. He puts a wall about them to keep out enemies and to prevent the world from trampling them underfoot. They are to be separate, holy, completely dedicated to Him (John chapter 17; Rom 12:1,2; 2 Cor 6:14-18). And they are to bear the fruits which please Him (John 15:8,16; Rom 7:4; Gal 5:22,23; Eph 5:9; Col 1:6,10). 4:15 The true church is also like a "fountain" and "well" and water flowing from

"Sister" – the Lord Jesus is the bride-

SONG OF SONGS 4:16 870

living waters, and streams from Lebanon. 16 Awake, O north wind, and come, you south wind! Blow on my garden

my dove, my undefiled, for my head is drenched with dew, and my locks with the moisture

of the night." 3 I have taken off my robe.

so that the fragrance of its spices

may spread out.

How can I put it back on? I have washed my feet. How can I soil them again ? 4 My beloved put his hand in through

Bride Let my beloved come into his garden,

and eat his choice fruits.

the hole in the door, and my inmost being was moved for him. 5 I got up to open to my beloved,

and my hands dripped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling

Bridegroom 1 I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride. I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey. I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends! Drink, yes, drink abundantly, O beloved!

myrrh, on the handles of the lock. 6 I opened to my beloved;

but my beloved had turned away

and gone. My soul had gone out when he spoke. I looked for him, but I could not find him. I called to him, but he gave me no answer. 7 The watchmen who went around the city

found me. They struck me; they wounded me. The guards of the walls took my veil

Bride 2 I sleep, but my heart is awake.

It is the voice of my beloved

who knocks, saying, "Open to me, my sister, my love,

away from me. 8 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

she is more occupied with herself than with him (v 5) – a fault seen in her before (1:5,12; 2:1). Her delay and evident lack of eagerness for his presence grieves him and he departs (v 6).

mountain heights – a source of great satisfaction to Christ. This fountain is sealed – that is, kept for Him alone (2 Cor 11:2). The true church is not like a tank or pond in which the water may stagnate or dry up altogether. The church which is Christ's body has the deep fountains of the Holy Spirit in it, springing up eternally (John 4:14; 7:37-39). 4:16 This is the bridegroom still speaking for he says "my" garden. Wind makes a fine symbol of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8 – the words for wind, breath, and spirit in both Hebrew and Greek are identical). Only if God's Spirit is blowing through the church will its fragrance spread.

Christ will not give His fellowship where He is not wanted. In the believer's spiritual life with the Lord Jesus, if fellowship is broken it will not be His fault. He will come far for it; He will patiently wait for some time. But carelessness and reluctance to open to Him (which show a loss of first love) will grieve Him. And occupation with self rather than with Him will make it impossible to enjoy His fellowship. The Lord Jesus in His love does not call us to slothfulness and selfadmiration. God's grace, God's gifts to us are not so we might look at self and applaud self. Those who want more of His fellowship and show that they want it will have it. Any lover wants the beloved to love as he loves (8:6,7; Matt 22:37). The most important thing to us should be not our own convenience or pleasure but to love Him so much we want to please only Him. 5:7,8 The watchmen now act differently toward her than they did in 3:3. Perhaps the scene in chapter 3 suggests a test of the genuineness of her love. Here she is at fault and must suffer for it. The words of God's faithful watchmen can be like blows to the one who has lost fellowship with Christ by one's own fault. Their words strip the sinning believer of his veil – thus exposing her true countenance and enabling her to

"My beloved" – the bride speaks and welcomes Him with a loving heart – the only proper response. 5:1 Isa 65:24. And what sweetness and satisfaction He finds in her fellowship! The Lord Jesus comes to commune with those who want Him and who are prepared for Him (John 14:23). And He wants others whom He here calls "friends" and "beloved ones" to share with Him in the church. 5:2-6 Another scene, another time. She is somewhere alone at night and the bridegroom comes and calls to her. He has come from a distance, or else has been standing outside for some time, for his head is wet with dew. In either case his love is clear. She is excited at his coming but reluctant to get up and open the door (v 3). She delays. When she does get up at last

871 SONG OF SONGS 6:9

if you find my beloved, will you not

tell him that I am sick with love?

Friends 9 What is your beloved more than

Friends 1 Where has your beloved gone,

another beloved, O you most beautiful of women? What is your beloved more than another

O most beautiful of women? Which way did your beloved turn? Tell us so that we may seek him with you.

beloved, that you charge us so?

Bride 2 My beloved has gone down into

Bride 10 My beloved is radiant and ruddy, the chief among ten thousand. 11 His head is like the most fine gold. The locks of his hair are bushy,

his garden, to the beds of spices, to graze his flock in the gardens,

and to gather lilies. 3 I am my beloved's,

and my beloved is mine. He feeds his flock among the lilies.

black as a raven. 12 His eyes are like the eyes of doves by the streams of water, washed with milk and fitly set. 13 His cheeks are like a bed of spices, like sweet flowers. His lips like lilies, dripping sweet

Bridegroom 4 You are as beautiful, O my love,

as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners. 5 Turn your eyes away from me,

smelling myrrh. 14 His hands are like gold rods set with beryl. His waist is like bright ivory

for they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats that

appears from Gilead. 6 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep

inlaid with sapphires. 15 His legs are like pillars of marble, set on sockets of fine gold. His face is like Lebanon,

which goes up from the washing, each one of which bears twins, and there is not one barren among them. 7 Like a piece of a pomegranate are

excellent as the cedars. 16 His mouth is very sweet. Yes, he is altogether delightful. This is my beloved, and this is my friend,

your temples behind your veil. 8 There are sixty queens, and eighty

concubines, and virgins without number. 9 My dove, my undefiled is unique.

O daughters of Jerusalem.

that he is far more taken up with her than she is with him. She gets distracted by other things but he does not. Christ's love for His church in this world is far more fervent and real than the church's love for Christ. His love is the example of what ours should be. 6:4 "Tirzah" – the word means "pleasure," "beauty." The town was later chosen as the first capital of the northern kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 14:17; 15:21,33; 16:6,23). Evidently it was a place famous for beauty.

see more clearly.

"Sick with love" – 2:5; Ps 84:2; 119:81. 5:10-16 Now the bride is fully occupied with the lover! Her experiences recorded in vs 2-8 have taught her something. This is the only place in this book where she attempts to describe him. The spiritual beauty of the Lord Jesus can only be hinted at by human descriptions, not revealed. It is interesting that in the Gospels there is nothing said about what the Lord Jesus looked like – as if it were entirely unimportant, as indeed it is. All the emphasis is on His character, His acts, His motives, His attributes. 5:16 We cannot even begin to describe all of Christ's beauty, but we know that He is the altogether beautiful and perfect one.

"Jerusalem" – Ps 48:2; 50:2. "Army" – the church is also a mighty spiritual army. 6:5-7 Similar to 4:1-3. Her look of love stirs up such love in Him that He can hardly bear it (v 5. Also 4:9). 6:8,9 "Unique", "blessed" – Israel in the Old Testament and Christ's church in the New Testament are absolutely unique in the whole history of man (Ex 19:5,6; Deut 7:6; Ps 135:4; John 17:6,9; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet 2:9,10). Though there be thousands of tribes, peoples, societies, organizations in the world, the church is the only bride of Christ. Blessed indeed!

"Friend" – see John 15:15. 6:1 Our longings for Christ's fellowship, our praise of His qualities, will stir others up to seek Him. 6:2 She suddenly realizes where her lover will be, and ceases her fruitless wanderings about the city's streets. 6:3 See 2:16; 7:10. 6:4-9 Throughout the Song of songs we see

SONG OF SONGS 6:10 872

She is the only one of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The daughters saw her, and called her

craftsman. 2 Your navel is like a round goblet, not lacking mixed wine. Your waist is like a heap of wheat

blessed; yes, the queens and the concubines,

encircled with lilies. 3 Your two breasts are like two young gazelles that are twins. 4 Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon,

and they praised her. 10 Who is she who appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, and awesome as an army with banners?

by the gate of Bath-Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon

Bride 11 I went down into the garden of nut trees to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished,

which looks toward Damascus. 5 Your head crowns you like Carmel, and the hair of your head is like purple; the king is held captive by its tresses. 6 How beautiful and how pleasing you are, O love, with your charms! 7 Your stature is like a palm tree, and your breasts like clusters of grapes. 8 I said, "I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of its boughs." Now may your breasts be like clusters

and the pomegranates budded. 12 Before I was aware, my soul set me among the chariots of Amminadab.

Friends 13 Come back, come back, O Shulamite! Come back, come back, that we may

gaze at you.

Bridegroom What do you see in the Shulamite? As it were the the dance of two camps.

of the vine, and the fragrance of your breath like apples, 9 And the roof of your mouth is like the best wine formy beloved, that flows gently over the lips of those

who are asleep.

1 How beautiful are your sandaled feet, O prince's daughter! The curve of your thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a skillful

Bride 10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me.

6:10 The true church is as beautiful and majestic in Christ's eyes as the most beautiful things in creation. The grace and glory of God rest on her. 6:11,12 Who is speaking? Judging from v 13 it is the bride whom the friends call back. The Hebrew of v 12 is obscure, so both the literal meaning and the spiritual application are equally so. Verse 11 shows her concern that her garden grow and produce fruit (compare 1:6). If we do not care about our garden, which really belongs to Christ, we show that we do not care much about Christ whose garden we are. 6:12 "Among the chariots of Amminadab", or "among the royal chariots of my people" or "among the chariots of my willing people." Amminadab may or may not be a proper name here. 6:13 We cannot be certain why the bride is called "Shulammite" here. The name was possibly derived from the Solomon's name in Hebrew – Shlomo. Shulammite could be the feminine form of that name and may indicate one who belonged to Solomon. Or it may possibly be derived from a town called Shulam (or, possibly, Shunem). The first part of this verse evidently is spoken by the friends or virgins who long to gaze on the grace and beauty of the bride. The second part of the verse is spoken by the

bridegroom. It is in the form of a question but he knows very well her beauty and why others would gaze on her.

"Dance of two camps" – or "company of two armies". The language here suggests a sacred dance of joy. Compare Ex 15:20; 2 Sam 6:14,15; Ps 30:11; 149:3; 150:4; Jer 31:13. The Hebrew word for two camps or armies is Mahanaim. See Gen 32:1,2. It may suggest here the nearness of heavenly hosts. 7:1-9 4:1-15; 6:4-9. The true church is a "prince's daughter", perfectly formed (1 Cor 12:14-27; Eph 4:15,16). Every part (person) is placed carefully by God in the Body to contribute to the beauty and usefulness of the whole. He loves to gaze on her and to describe her loveliness in His eyes. The relationship between husband and wife is the most intimate in the world, and this is the relationship that the Holy Spirit has used a number of times in the Bible as a symbol of that loving, intimate, spiritual relationship between God and His own special people. There is no deeper love, no more intimate fellowship, no greater delight than in this relationship between God who is Spirit with His spiritual people. This is suggested by the language of this passage. 7:10 See 2:16. In the closing words of v 9 and in this verse she expresses her full

873 SONG OF SONGS 8:8

4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, not to arouse or awaken my love,

11 Come, my beloved, let us go out into the field. Let us spend the night in the villages. 12 Let us get up early to the vineyards. Let us see if the vine flourishes, whether the tender grape appears, and the pomegranates bud. There I will give you my love. 13 The mandrakes give a fragrance, and at our gates are all kinds

until he pleases.

Friends 5 Who is this who comes up from the desert, leaning on her beloved?

Bride I awakened you under the apple tree. There your mother brought you forth. There she who bore you brought

of choice fruits, new and old, which I have stored up for you,

you forth. 6 Set me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is strong as death; Jealousy is severe as the grave; its coals are coals of fire,

O my beloved.

1 O that you were like a brother to me, who nursed at the breasts of my mother! When I found you outside,

with a very fierce flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, not can the floods drown it. If a man were to give all the wealth

I would kiss you. Yes, I would not be despised. 2 I would lead you, and bring you into my mother's house, who instructed me. I would have you drink spiced wine

of his house for love, it would be utterly despised.

Friends 8 We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister in

from the juice of my pomegranate. 3 His left hand would be under my head, and his right hand would embrace me.

assurance that the wine of her love is acceptable to him, that they are one in heart. 7:11,12 In 2:1-13 He calls her into the fields. Here she invites him. If the fields and villages speak of God's work in the world we can learn from these two references that Christ first calls us to this work, then His love in our hearts moves us to desire it and to pray that He go with us. 7:13 When there is love there is a desire to give gifts and to give oneself to the loved one. This is what love between two persons is all about – mutual self-giving. Our love for Christ, or lack of it, will be measured by what we give Him or what we withhold from Him. Believers are not to store up for themselves but for Christ. What they would keep for themselves they will lose. What they store up for Christ they will keep and enjoy with Him forever. Out fruit should be all for Him (John 15:1,2; Rom 7:4). 8:1 In this fallen world those who love Christ and are loved by Him often become an object of scorn and hatred to godless men (John 15:18-21; 16:33; 1 Pet 4:12-16). The bride here wishes that circumstances were different. But has she forgotten the bridegroom's words in 4:9,10,12; 5:1,2 – where he calls her "sister" five times? 8:2 7:13. A heart that wants to give is the surest mark of love. 8:3,4 2:6,7. 8:5 "Desert" – 3:6. Israel came from Egypt through the desert and into the land of Canaan leaning on the strong arm of

Jehovah. The church moves from the desert of this world toward the heavenly Jerusalem leaning on Christ. 8:6 "Seal" – this may refer to a jewel having the name of the loved one engraved on it. Compare Ex 28:9-12,17-21; Isa 49:16. The spiritual meaning may be this: the loved one wants herself (or himself) permanently impressed on the affections of the one who loves as a seal leaves an impression on wax.

"Death" – death, man's enemy, is very powerful and holds it victims fast. God's love, man's greatest friend, is no less powerful. God's love will never let His own go (Rom 8:38,39).

"Jealousy" – or "ardor" or "zeal" – Ex 20:5; 34:14; Deut 4:24. The greater the love the greater the jealousy concerning all that might turn the loved one away.

"Grave" – in Hebrew "Sheol" – note at Gen 37:35. 8:7 God's love is such a fire that the mightiest floods can not quench the tiniest spark of it. There is nothing on earth that remotely approaches it in value. It is also supreme among all spiritual graces and virtues (1 Corinthians chapter 13). 8:8,9 The speakers here may be the "friends," the daughters of Jerusalem, or the "brothers" mentioned in 1:6. The spiritual meaning would be the same in any case. Some commentators think the little sister indicates the New Testament church. Some think she represents any persons who are

SONG OF SONGS 8:9 874

the day when she is spoken for? 9 If she is a wall, we will build a palace of silver on her, and if she is a door, we will enclose

thousand pieces of silver. 12 My vineyard, which is mine, is before me. The thousand shekels are for you, O Solomon, and two hundred for Those who watch over its fruit.

her with panels of cedar.

Bridegroom 13 O you who dwell in the gardens, companions listen to your voice.

Bride 10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Then I was in his eyes like one who

Cause me to hear it.

found peace. 11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-Hamon. He let out the vineyard to caretakers. For its fruit each one was to bring a

Bride 14 Hurry, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the

mountains of spices.

not yet converted to Christ but who will be. A wall is for the purpose of keeping out that which should be outside. A door is to let in those who are prepared to come inside. 8:10-12 She already is what her little sister may become – mature and able to enter into the marriage relationship. She is no longer under the control of her brothers (1:6). The language of verses 11,12 bring to mind the parables of the Lord Jesus about vineyards (Matt 20:1-16; 21:3340), and speaks to us of the responsibility

of Christians as tenants in God's vineyard.

"Thousand shekels" – about 11:5 kilograms. 8:13 This is the last request of the bridegroom in this book. 8:14 Here is the last request of the bride. It is similar to the last prayer of the Bible – Rev 22:20. It brings us back to an early chapter – 2:17. Our longings for Christ should not diminish with the passage of time and we should always endeavor to keep His coming as the object of our hope.

ISAIAH

Author:

Isaiah the prophet. His name means "Jehovah is salvation" or "Jehovah saves." Isaiah was a member of an influential family in Judah. It seems that he was a well-educated man. Apparently he lived in or near Jerusalem (6:1-4; 37:2; 38:4). He was married to a woman called a "prophetess," by whom he had at least two sons (7:3; 8:3). According to tradition, during the reign of King Manasseh he was killed by being sawn in two. Some modern critics teach that this book was not written by one man named Isaiah, but by two or more men writing at different times. The author of these notes has seen no satisfactory evidence for this theory. The Bible itself speaks of one and only one Isaiah.

Date:

Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (1:1), that is, 740 - 700 BC. He lived on until at least 681 BC, for the event he wrote about in 37:38 happened then.

Themes:

God's judgments on human wickedness; God's grace toward those who turn to him in faith; God's salvation given freely through the Lord Jesus Christ. More than any other prophet, Isaiah gives us a detailed picture of the then future coming and deeds of the Lord Jesus – His birth, His sufferings and death, and His still future glorious reign over the earth. Isaiah begins with the corrupt nation of Israel (1:2-17) and moves steadily on to the new heavens and earth where there will be no more corruption ever (65:17; 66:22-24). Some very wonderful verses and chapters in this book are 1:18; 2:1-5; 6:1-8; 7:14; 9:6,7; 11:1-9; 25:4-9; 32:1-5; 35:1-10; 40:1-31; 41:17-20; 43:1,2,25; 45:22-25; 49:6; 52:13-15; 53:1-12; 55:1-13; 57:15; 61:1-3; 64:1-12; 65:17; 66:2. Of course, this is far from being an exhaustive list. The whole book of Isaiah (indeed, the whole Bible) is very wonderful, being inspired by God Himself.

Contents :

The corrupt and ruined condition of the Jews .................................................. 1:2-10 God's rejection of their kind of religion ............................................................ 1:11-17 God's invitation, promise and warning ............................................................. 1:18-20 God's judgment on Jerusalem,

His promise of a new day ..................................................................... 1:21-31 God's coming kingdom on earth ...................................................................... 2:1-5 The Day of the LORD ................................................................................... 2:6-22 Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem ................................................................. 3:1 - 4:1 The Branch.................................................................................................. 4:2-6 A bad vineyard ............................................................................................ 5:1-7 Woe! Woe! Woe! ......................................................................................... 5:8-30 God calls Isaiah, cleanses him, commissions him ............................................. 6:1-13 King Ahaz .................................................................................................... 7:1-12 The virgin's Son ........................................................................................... 7:14-17 God will use Assyria to punish the Jewish nation .............................................. 7:18 - 8:10 Prophecy of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ .............................................. 9:1-7 The anger of God Almighty ............................................................................ 9:8 - 10:4 God's punishment of Assyria .......................................................................... 10:5-34 The Branch from the root of Jesse,

Christ's future kingdom ........................................................................ 11:1-16 A song of praise .......................................................................................... 12:1-6 Prophecies concerning other nations .............................................................. 13:1 - 24:22

ISAIAH 876

Against Babylon ...................................................................................... 13:1 - 14:23

Fall of Lucifer from heaven ................................................................... 14:12-15 Against Assyria ....................................................................................... 14:24-27 Against the Philistines .............................................................................. 14:28-32 Against Moab .......................................................................................... 15:1 - 16:14 Against Damascus ................................................................................... 17:1-14 Against the "land beyond the rivers of Cush" .............................................. 18:1-7 Against Egypt ......................................................................................... 19:1-25 Against Egypt and Cush ........................................................................... 20:1-6 Against Babylon ...................................................................................... 21:1-10 Against Edom .......................................................................................... 21:11,12 Against Arabia ........................................................................................ 21:13-17 About Jerusalem ..................................................................................... 22:1-18 Against Tyre ........................................................................................... 23:1-18 Against all the peoples of the earth ........................................................... 24:1-22 The LORD God will reign in Jerusalem .............................................................. 24:23 Words of praise to the LORD ......................................................................... 25:1-12 A song to be sung in Judah ........................................................................... 26:1-21 God will deliver Israel .................................................................................... 27:1-17 Drunkards and scoffers in Israel .................................................................... 28:1-29 A precious cornerstone ................................................................................. 28:16 Woe to Jerusalem ........................................................................................ 29:1-16 Promises among the warnings ........................................................................ 29:17-24 Woe to the stubborn nation of Israel .............................................................. 30:1-17 More promises of blessing ............................................................................. 30:18-26 God will come in anger .................................................................................. 30:27-33 Woe to those who depend on men, not God .................................................... 31:1-3 God will protect Jerusalem ............................................................................. 31:4-9 Christ's righteous kingdom ............................................................................. 32:1-20 Trouble from men, help from above ................................................................ 33:1-24 God will destroy ungodly world powers ........................................................... 34:1-17 The future happy condition of God's redeemed ones ........................................ 35:1-10 God saves Jerusalem from the Assyrian attack ................................................ 36:1 - 37:38 King Hezekiah's prayer .................................................................................. 37:14-20 Isaiah's prophecy regarding Sennacherib ........................................................ 37:21-35 The destruction of the Assyrian army ............................................................. 37:36,37 Hezekiah's illness and recovery ...................................................................... 38:1-22 A writing of Hezekiah .................................................................................... 38:9-20 Arrival of envoys from Babylon, Hezekiah's pride ............................................. 39:1,2 Isaiah rebukes Hezekiah, declares God's judgment ........................................... 39:3-8 The LORD the comforter of His people ............................................................ 40:1-31

Message of comfort – promise of a Saviour ................................................. 40:1-11 Basis of comfort – God's greatness ............................................................ 40:12-31 God the helper of Israel ................................................................................ 41:1 - 46:13

God's quarrel with the nations of earth....................................................... 41:1-29 The nations make idols and rely on them..................................................... 41:5-7 The nation Israel is God's servant .............................................................. 41:8-20 The idols and gods of the nations cannot foretell the future .................................................................................... 41:21-29 Christ the LORD's Servant ........................................................................ 42:1-9 Praise to the LORD .................................................................................. 42:10-17 Israel's spiritual blindness ......................................................................... 42:18-25 The only Helper and Saviour in existence .................................................... 43:1-13 Unfaithful Israel, God's mercy ................................................................... 43:14-28 God's future blessing on Israel .................................................................. 44:1-5

877 ISAIAH

The only true God reveals the foolishness of idolatry............................................................................................... 44:6-20 Israel to be redeemed, Jerusalem rebuilt .................................................... 44:21-28 The LORD will raise up Cyrus ..................................................................... 45:1-14 The only true God gives an invitation to all .................................................. 45:18-25 The idols of Babylon cannot do anything..................................................... 46:1-13 The fall of Babylon ....................................................................................... 47:1-15 A message to faithless, stubborn Israel .......................................................... 48:1-22 Jesus the Servant of Jehovah ....................................................................... 49:1 - 55:13

God's purposes........................................................................................ 49:5-7 God will restore Israel .............................................................................. 49:8-26 His obedience, Israel's disobedience .......................................................... 50:1-11 He faces mocking and spitting ................................................................... 50:6,7 His redemption ........................................................................................ 51:1-16 The cup of God's wrath ............................................................................ 51:17-23 He will return to Jerusalem ........................................................................ 52:1-12 The suffering and victory of the LORD's Servant ......................................... 52:13 - 53:12 His sufferings will result in Israel's

great blessing ..................................................................................... 54:1-17 An invitation based on His sufferings.......................................................... 55:1-7 God's ways higher than man's ways ........................................................... 55:8-13 Inclusion of other peoples in Israel's blessing ................................................... 56:1-8 Condemnation of Israel's wicked rulers ........................................................... 56:9 - 57:13 Comfort for the humble ................................................................................ 57:14-21 Contrast between true and false worship ....................................................... 58:1-14 Israel's repentance and confession of sin

will bring God's deliverance ................................................................... 59:1-21 Glorious peace and prosperity for Israel.......................................................... 60:1-22 Jesus the Spirit-filled Servant of the LORD,

God's glorious kingdom comes by Him ..................................................... 61:1-11 Jerusalem to be restored and glorified ............................................................ 62:1-12 The day of vengeance and redemption ........................................................... 63:1-6 The praise and prayer of God's people............................................................ 63:7 - 64:12 God answers His people ................................................................................ 65:1 - 66:24

He speaks of the Gentiles ......................................................................... 65:1 He condemns stubborn, wicked Israel

and their way of religion ...................................................................... 65:2-5 He will take vengeance but will keep a

remnant of Israel for Himself ................................................................ 65:6-16 He will create new heavens and earth ........................................................ 65:17-25 He will honor the humble........................................................................... 66:1,2 He will save Israel but punish all

unrepentant sinners ............................................................................ 66:3-24

ISAIAH 1:1 878

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

5 Why should you be struck again? You revolt more and more. The whole head is sick,

and the whole heart is faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it, but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores. They have not been closed, or bound up,

2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: "I have reared and brought up children,

and they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib; but Israel does not know,

or soothed with ointment.

7 Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire. Strangers devour your land in your presence,

my people do not consider."

and it is desolate,

4 Alas, sinful nation, a people weighed down with wickedness, a brood of evildoers,

as overthrown by strangers. 8 And the daughter of Zion is left like

a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a garden of cucumbers,

children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of

like a besieged city. 9 Unless the LORD of hosts had left to

Israel to anger, they have gone away backward.

us a very small remnant, we would have become like Sodom,

1:1 Vision here means a revelation from God. Note at Gen 15:1. This revelation came on different occasions over a long period of time and refers to the whole book of Isaiah. We know nothing about Isaiah's father Amoz. He is not, of course, the prophet Amos.

His love and care. 1:4 This one verse exposes the terrible moral and spiritual condition of Judah and Jerusalem. This was God's evaluation, not man's. And it is a picture not merely of Judah but of the world (Ps 14:2,3; Rom 3:9-18). "Holy One of Israel" appears 26 times in Isaiah and only 6 times in the rest of the Old Testament. The book of Isaiah lays special emphasis on God's holiness. It is in the light of God's holiness that man's behavior appears so exceedingly sinful. Note on holiness at Lev 20:7. 1:5-9 Here are some of the results of their rebellion against God. (The Bible continually points out that sin has fearful consequences – Gen 2:17; Lev 26:14-22; Num 32:23; Ezek 18:20; Rom 1:18; 6:23; Heb 2:2). The prophet (and God is speaking through the prophet) asks the nation why they wish to continue in their sins when the results are so painful. As a body experiences the harmful effects of a disease, so the entire nation has experienced the destructive effects of their rebellion against God. This destruction came about by invasions of foreign armies. Compare 2 Chron 28:5-8; 16:21; 32:1,2,9. God often uses the armies of one country to punish another country for their wickedness. See 7:20; 10:5,6; Jer 50:15,23; 51:1,20-23; Hab 1:6; Rev 17:16,17. 1:8 Daughter of Zion means the city and people of Jerusalem. It stood alone in the midst of hostile nations. 1:9 Rom 9:29. If God had not been merciful to that rebellious people the city and nation would have been entirely obliterated from the earth as Sodom and Gomorrah had been (Gen 19:23-25).

"Kings" – these kings ruled Judah for more than a hundred years (792 - 686 B.C.). It is not said here that Isaiah prophesied from the beginning of Uzziah's reign to the close of Hezekiah's, only that God's revelation came to him at various times during their reigns. It may be that Isaiah started prophesying toward the end of king Uzziah's reign, but we can't be sure of this. The vision of chapter 6 may have come to him some years after he had begun his ministry. See 6:1. 1:2 "Hear" – Deut 4:26; 30:19; 31:28; 32:1. Isaiah is sure that God's revelation to him is of the greatest importance. He wants all the earth, all the universe to hear what God speaks, and to be witness of His charges against His people. The message is that the special people of the Creator of the universe turned their backs on Him and ignorantly and wickedly went their own way. Compare Ps 95:10; Isa 53:6; Jer 8:5-6. The children referred to here are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Ex 4:22; Deut 32:6; 2 Sam 7:24; Isa 64:8; etc). 1:3 Men in rebellion against their Creator, the God of the universe, can be more senseless than ignorant beasts. And the nations of Israel and Judah were no better or wiser than any other (Deut 32:28; Jer 4:22; 8:7). The ox and the donkey are not the most clever of animals but in a very important matter they were wiser than the people of Israel. Those people had a Master but they tried to remove themselves from

"LORD of hosts" – note at 1 Sam 1:3.

879 ISAIAH 1:17

and we would have been like Gomorrah.

Even the solemn meeting is wickedness. 14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they are a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 And when you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; yes, even though you utter many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.

10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the law of our God,

you people of Gomorrah! 11 "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to me?" says the LORD. "I have had enough of the burnt offerings of

rams, and the fat of fed cattle; and I do not delight in the blood of bulls,

or of lambs, or of male goats.

16 "Wash yourselves! Make yourselves clean! Put away the evil of your actions from

12 "When you come to appear before me, who has required this at your hand, this trampling of my courts? 13 Bring no more meaningless offerings! Your incense is an abomination to me. The New Moon festivals and Sabbaths,

before my eyes! Cease to do evil! 17 Learn to do good! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed! Show justice to the fatherless,

the calling of assemblies, I cannot endure.

plead for the widow!

1:10 Isaiah speaks to the rulers and people of Judah and Jerusalem as if they were the rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah. He considers Jerusalem and Judah as corrupt and worthy of destruction as those destroyed cities. 1:11-17 This is a very important passage on worship, showing what is acceptable to God and what is not. See also Ps 50:7-23; Jer 7:1-11; John 4:21-24; Jam 1:26,27. If there is no humility, no obedience to God, no sincerity, no right motives, no purity of heart, no ongoing spiritual life, then worship is an empty and vain thing and God will not accept it. 1:11 Ps 40:6; 50:9; Jer 6:20; 1 Sam 15:22. 1:12 True religion is of the heart. Without inner love and reverence for God, going to places of worship is useless and unacceptable to Him. 1:13,14 Not only is such worship unacceptable to God it is positively hateful to Him. Men with their vain and hypocritical worship may think they are pleasing God but instead they are provoking Him to disgust and anger. Compare Luke 16:15. Observe in v 13 that the meeting of God's people for worship may be, in His eyes, evil assemblies. 1:15 God will not answer the prayers of those living in sin and rebellion against Him. Such people may have the forms of worship and make many prayers, but God turns away from such (59:1,2; Ps 66:18; John 9:31; Jam 4:3). We should not expect God to answer our prayers if we do not love Him, obey Him, and serve Him, and if we want answers only for selfish reasons.

spiritual and moral condition there was hope for forgiveness and blessings – if they would repent. This hope is held out everywhere in the Bible (55:7; 2 Chron 7:14; Ezek 18:27,28,32; Luke 24:45-47; Acts 2:38,39). 1:16 "Wash. . .make. . .clean" – compare Jam 4:8; 2 Cor 7:1. David prayed that God would wash him (Ps 51:2). Men wash themselves from their uncleanness when they turn to God in repentance, confession, and faith, and use His power to conquer the sins in their lives. Since this is also God's work in their hearts this process is God washing them, as well as their washing themselves. But we should not expect God to wash us if we are not willing to wash ourselves from all evil.

"Cease" – a simple command that, if obeyed, will result in great good. But if we do not rely on God's power to do this we will find it impossible to do (Jer 13:23). So a command to stop doing wrong is, in a way, an instruction to seek our strength in God (40:31; Ps 29:11; 105:4; 138:3; Eph 6:10). 1:17 "Good" – Ps 34:14; 37:27. Men do not need to learn to do wrong. It is as natural to them as breathing (see Gen 6:5; 8:21; Ps 51:5; 58:3; Jer 17:9; Matt 15:19,20). They need to learn to do right. This can be accomplished only by turning to the one true God and by studying and obeying God's Word. Without God's Word men frequently will not even have an idea of what is right (compare 5:20). The more we know God's Word the more we know what the right is. Learning to do right is a process that never ceases in the lives of God's people as long as they are on earth.

"Justice. . .widow" – learning to do right will result in our standing for righteousness, and in helping the poor and helpless (Ex 22:22-24; Deut 10:18; 14:29; 24:1921;26:12,13; 27:19; Ps 68:5; 82:1-4; Micah 6:8; Jam 1:27).

"Blood" – they were guilty of bloodshed and the murder of the helpless (v 21; 59:3; Ps 106:38; Jer 2:34). Yet they wanted God to answer their prayers! Such is man's ignorant depravity. 1:16-19 In spite of their detestable

ISAIAH 1:18 880

25 And I will turn my hand against you, and thoroughly purge away your dross, and take away all your alloy. 26 And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counsellors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called,

18 "Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet,

they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson,

they will be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land. 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it. "

The City of Righteousness,

The Faithful City.

27 "Zion will be redeemed with justice, and her repentant ones with righteousness. 28 And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners will

21 How the faithful city has become a prostitute! It was full of justice; righteousness

be together, and those who forsake the LORD will be consumed. 29 For you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks which you have desired, and you will be disgraced because of

once lodged in it, but now murderers! 22 Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. 23 Your rulers are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Each one loves bribes, and chases after

the gardens that you have chosen. 30 For you will be like an oak whose leaf fades away, and like a garden that has no water. 31 And the strong will be like tinder, and his handiwork like a spark; and they will both burn together,

rewards. They do not show justice to the fatherless. The cause of the widow does not come

before them.

and no one will quench them. "

24 Therefore the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, says, "Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries, and avenge myself on my enemies.

The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

1:18 See 43:26; Lam 3:40; Hag 1:5,7. God is a God of reason and He has made man with a mind and ability to reason. He wants men to stop and think about Him, about themselves, about their course in life, especially about any argument that is going on between themselves and Him. God's desire is for peace and harmony. He wants the dispute that is brought on by sin to be settled. He longs to forgive, restore and bless a repenting people (Ezek 18:30-32). 1:19,20 The contrast in these verses is seen everywhere in the Bible – Lev 26:3-35; Deut 28:1-68; 30:15-20; Isa 66:24. Obedience to God's word brings great blessing. Continual rebellion brings death, destruction and eternal condemnation. 1:21 "Prostitute" – Jerusalem had become unfaithful to God (v 4) and worshiped other gods (2:8). In the Bible this is compared to adultery and prostitution (Lev 20:5; Jer 2:20; 3:1,6,8,9; 13:27; Ezek 16:17,28; 23:5,8,19; Hos 2:5; 4:15; 5:3,4). "Murderers" – v 15. 1:22 Because the hearts of the people had become corrupted everything else had become corrupted. 1:23 "Rulers" – compare Jer 1:18,19; 2:8; Ezek 34:1-6. For the kind of leaders God wanted see v 26, psalm 101, etc.

God's enemies and He knows how to deal with them (Deut 32:40,41; etc). 1:25-31 All these verses are spoken concerning the city of Jerusalem. In spite of the corruption of its inhabitants God continued to have a high and holy purpose toward the city. He was determined to purge it and to restore justice and righteousness to it. This would mean suffering to the city and destruction to the rebellious. 1:25 "Purge" – 4:4; Ps 66:10-12; Mal 3:3. 1:26 He means judges who would guide and lead as Samuel, for example, did.

"Faithful City" – v 21; Zech 8:3. 1:27 "Repentant" – only those who turn heartily to God will be spared and partake of God's blessings to Zion. 1:28 Ps 9:5; Isa 66:24; Jer 16:4; 2 Thess 1:8-9. 1:29 This refers to places of idolatry and, possibly, sexual immorality (65:3). 1:30 Contrast with 5:7; Ps 1:3; Song of Songs 4:12. 1:31 9:8,19; 10:17; 24:6; 26:11; 33:27,33; 66:15,16; Mal 3:2; 4:1; Matt 25:41; 2 Thess 1:7; Heb 12:29; Rev 21:8. 2:1-4 There are several others passages in Isaiah that speak of this same period of time (9:7; 11:1-16; 12:1-6; 24:21-23; 32:1-5; 40:1-11; 54:1-17; 60:1-22; 62:1-12; 65:8-10,17-25; 66:7-13,19-21). All of these, together with this one here in chapter 2, have been interpreted in the following ways –

"Bribes" – note and references at Ps 26:10. "Widow" – v 17. 1:24 Leaders and people who behave as those described in the preceding verses are

(1) There has been no fulfillment of them

881 ISAIAH 2:5

2 And it will come about in the last days,

and we will walk in his paths." For out of Zion the law will go forth, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And he will judge among the nations

that the mountain of the LORD's house

will be established on the top of the

mountains, and will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 And many people will go and say,

and rebuke many people. And they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come and let us

"Come and let us go up to the mountain

of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob;

and he will teach us his ways,

walk in the light of the LORD.

and there never will be.

prophecy concerns the land of Judah and the city of Jerusalem, and that there is no hint that these words should not be taken in their literal sense. 2:2 Verses 2-4 with only minor changes are found in Micah 4:1-3.

(2) They have been fulfilled in Israel's past.

(3) They are being, at least partially, fulfilled now in this Church age, and their fulfillment will be completed in the eternal ages.

(4) They will be fulfilled only in the eternal ages after the end of the world.

"The last days" – this phrase is indefinite in meaning. It may mean simply sometime in the more or less distant future. In the Bible the phrase sometimes means this present era of the Church (Acts 2:17; Heb 1:2. Compare 1 Pet 1:20; 1 John 2:18). In this use of the phrase it means that this era is the last before the return of the Lord Jesus from heaven. The last days could include the actual return of Christ and the results that flow from that. His return will occur at the last days of the last days. The phrase here in Isaiah could be translated "at the end of the days."

(5) They will be fulfilled, at least for the most part, in a literal reign of Christ on earth (the thousand year reign of Rev 20:4-6).

(6) There has been a partial spiritual fulfillment of some of these things in this Church age, but they will have a more literal fulfillment in the millennium and an eternal fulfillment in the ages to come after that (see note on 60:1-22).

Because Isaiah was writing the truth of God by the inspiration of God's Spirit, the first interpretation is totally impossible – God does not say things will happen which will never happen (Matt 5:17,18). The second interpretation is impossible to maintain unless we ignore the plain meaning of words – they simply have never been fulfilled in the history of the nation Israel. The third view is favored by a large number of scholars. However, it seems to the author of these notes that this view is possible to maintain only if we ignore many of the details of these prophecies – a thing he believes should not be done. The fourth interpretation also has its great difficulties – we can hardly think that some of the things prophesied here will exist when time is swallowed up in eternity.

"Mountain" – Mount Zion (11:9; 27:13; 56:7; 57:13; 65:25; 66:20). It signifies the city of Jerusalem (v 3).

"Raised above the hills" – if we take this prophecy at what it plainly seems to suggest we will think that Jerusalem and the nation Israel will have political supremacy in the world while the prophecy is being fulfilled. See also Zech 14:10, which indicates a physical raising of Jerusalem.

"All nations" – Ps 102:15; 117:1; Jer 3:17; 16:19; Zech 14:16; Rev 21:26. The reason for this is in the next verse. 2:3 At last the nations of earth will learn that the God of Israel is the true and only God and will want to learn His ways. On God as teacher see Ps 25:4; 71:17; 94:10,12; 119:102; Isa 54:13; Matt 5:2; Mark 6:34; John 6:45; 14:26. Note on God of Jacob at Ps 146:5. 2:4 "Judge" – Ps 96:13; 98:9. When God Himself acts as judge to the nations of earth, perfect justice will prevail. And the effect of perfect justice will be universal peace (32:17).

The last two interpretations seem far more likely to the author of these notes. Some of the things prophesied will scarcely fit anywhere else than in a literal reign of Christ on earth. See the notes on all the passages in Isaiah listed above.

Isaiah "saw" what follows because God revealed it to him as in 1:1; 6:1. Very often in the prophets we read of God showing dreams and visions and speaking words of explanation (compare Jer 1:11-16; 24:1-10; Ezek 1:1; 10:1; Dan 7:1; 8:1; Zech 1:8; 3:1; 5:1). In the verses that follow here we have only the words of prophecy God revealed. The words announce a very important theme in Isaiah - the complete establishment of God's kingdom. In verses 2-4 we see its establishment, in verses 6-21 the events that lead up to it. Observe that the following

"War any more" – the whole course of this age of the Church has been quite different from this. There have been, and still are, many wars going on somewhere in the world, and at present the huge armament industries of the nations are not turning out plowshares. Contrast this verse with Joel 3:10; Matt 24:6,7. Since this prophecy of Isaiah has not yet taken place we look for a future fulfillment. 2:5 "Light" – Ps 43:3; 89:15; 118:27;

ISAIAH 2:6 882

6 For you have forsaken your people the house of Jacob, because they are filled with eastern ways. and they are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they are pleased with the children

and on everyone who is lifted up; and he will be brought low; 13 And on all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up,

and on all the oaks of Bashan, 14 And on all the high mountains, and on all the hills that are lifted up, 15 And on every high tower, and on every fortified wall, 16 And on all the ships of Tarshish, and on all beautiful vessels. 17 And the loftiness of man will be brought down, and the haughtiness of men will be made low, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. 18 And the idols he will utterly abolish. 19 And they will go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD and for the glory

of foreigners. 7 Their land is also full of silver and gold, and there is no end of their treasures. Their land is also full of horses, and there is no end of their chariots. 8 Their land also is full of idols. They worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made; 9 And the common man bows down, and the great man abases himself. Therefore do not forgive them.

10 Go into the rocks, and hide yourself in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man will be humbled, and the haughtiness of men will be

of his majesty, when he arises to shake terribly the earth.

20 In that day a man will throw his silver idols and his gold idols, which each of them made for himself

brought low, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. 12 For the day of the LORD of hosts will come on everyone who is proud and lofty,

to worship, to the moles and to the bats,

John 1:4,9; 8:12; 12:35; Eph 5:8; 1 John 1:5,7; Rev 22:5. Isaiah makes an appeal based on the wonderful truth revealed in the preceding verses. The nations who knew not God will come and learn of Him who is in a special sense the God of Jacob. Should not, then, the house of Jacob itself cease from rebellion and walk in His light? 2:6 Isaiah returns to a description of the pathetic state of the people of Israel. They were guilty of three evils which caused God to reject them. Instead of trusting the word of the true and living God they believed the superstitions of other nations, especially those from the east. Here this probably means Syria and Babylonia. They also practiced sorcery which God had clearly forbidden in His Word (Deut 18:9-13). And they refused to keep themselves a separate and holy people as God instructed them to be (Ex 19:5,6; Lev 20:7,8; Deut 7:6; 14:2). They preferred the ways of other nations with their false gods and religions, and sinful practices. In all this there is instruction and warning for Christians today. Superstitions, sorcery, and the powerful influences of people who do not know God are everywhere in the world. Believers must not yield to such things but be careful to obey such verses as 2 Cor 6:14-18. 2:7 They had wealth but what was the use of it? God's anger was soon to come on them. (Compare Ps 49:10; 73:12,18,19; Luke 12:16-21; Jam 5:1-3.) 2:8 They willfully refused to obey God's Word which forbids all idolatry (Ex 20:1-6,22,23; Deut 13:6-18; 29:17,18).

2:9 Idolatry is intolerable to the one true God, and because of it men will be brought low and perish in their sins (vs 20,21; 13:11; 45:16; Lev 26:30; Jer 7:5,6; Ezek 6:4; 1 Cor 6:9; Rev 21:8; 22:15). 2:10-21 These verses all refer to a time in the future called in v 12 "the day of the LORD." This means a time Jehovah has appointed. This time is referred to in many places in the Bible. For example, see 13:6-13; Joel 1:15; 1 Thess 5:2; Rev 6:15-17. 2:10 Verses 19,21; Rev 6:15-17. No refuge will be sufficient for sinful men when God arises in majesty to judge the world. 2:11-17 Haughtiness and other words indicating pride and arrogance are used eight times in these few verses. Man's arrogance is hateful to God (Prov 6:16,17; 21:4; Ps 18:27; 101:5; Jam 4:6), and He is determined to eradicate it from the face of the earth. The Day of the LORD will be especially against proud men and all they take pride in. 2:12 "LORD of hosts" – note at 1 Sam 1:3. 2:16 "Every ship of Tarshish" – Tarshish was famous in that day for merchant ships and trade by sea. 2:18 Idols are a result of man's proud defiance of the one true God and His words. When man's pride is broken and destroyed, idols will disappear. 2:19 At the end of this age God will shake the whole earth (24:19,20; Heb 12:2629; Rev 6:14; 16:17-20). 2:20 At last men will see how useless their idols are. They will learn what believers in the true God have always known –

883 ISAIAH 3:14

21 To go into the crevices of the rocks, and into the crags of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD and for the glory

7 In that day he will protest, saying, "I am no healer; for in my house is

neither bread nor clothing. Do not make me a ruler of the people." 8 For Jerusalem is ruined,

of his majesty, when he arises to shake terribly the earth. 22 Cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he?

and Judah has fallen, because their tongue and their actions

are against the LORD, provoking the eyes of his glory. 9 The look on their face testifies against them,

For, look, the Lord, the LORD of hosts,

is taking away from Jerusalem and

from Judah the supply and the support,

and they declare their sin like Sodom;

they do not hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought evil on themselves.

the whole supply of bread, and the whole supply of water, 2 The mighty man, and the warrior, the judge, and the prophet, and the diviner, and the elder, 3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the skillful craftsman, and the eloquent orator. 4 And I will make children their princes, and babes will rule over them. 5 And the people will be oppressed, each one by another, and each one

10 Tell the righteous that it will be well with him, for they will partake of the fruit of their

actions. 11 Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, for he will be paid back for what his

hands have done. 12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, those who lead you cause

by his neighbour. The child will be insolent against the elder, and the base against the honourable. 6 When a man takes hold of his brother from the house of his father, saying, "You have clothing;

you to go astray and destroy the

way of your paths.

13 The LORD stands up to plead, and stands up to judge the people. 14 The LORD will enter into judgment with the elders of his people and its rulers; for you have eaten up the vineyard.

you be our ruler, and let these ruins

be in your charge",

Ps 115:2-8. 2:21 The time is coming when the proud and arrogant will no longer defy God, but will run from His anger and crawl to hiding places. 2:22 In the light of the above truth, however trustworthy individual men may be, it is foolish to trust in man in general (Ps 118:8; 146:3; Jer 17:5). Isaiah chapter 1 and 2:6-9 show what mankind is like. Chapter 2:10-21 shows what will happen to mankind. In the light of this is mankind to be trusted? Absolutely not. 3:1 "Judah" – the revelation in this chapter does not have to do with the future "Day of the Lord", but with Isaiah's own time, and it refers only to Judah and Jerusalem. God was about to bring punishment on that land and city. It would be a time of famine (v 1), defeat (vs 2,3), destruction (v 6), and despair (v 7). 3:4 Verse 12. No strong leaders would be left in the country. 3:5 The result would be anarchy and chaos, with everyone trying to get the best of veryone else. 3:6,7 Usually, alas, men are all too eager to rule others. But in the day of Jerusalem's destruction they would avoid responsibility.

3:8-17 God gives the reasons why He had to so severely punish His people. Justice demanded that they reap what they sowed (vs 9,11. See Ps 18:25-26; Gal 6:7,8). 3:8 Because of this rebellion against God they were at the point of utter collapse. 3:9 "Sodom" – 1:9,10. They did many shameful things, but had no shame because of them. So God would put them to shame. 3:10,11 In the middle of prophecies of disaster here is a wonderful encouragement for God's true servants. Let us take it to heart when we find ourselves in the midst of evil men. Everywhere in the Bible we see that the rewards of a righteous life and the results of a wicked life are vastly different. Psalm 37 is a beautiful revelation of all this. 3:12 "Cause you to go astray" – 9:16; Jer 50:6. It is an awesome responsibility to lead people, and all leaders will have to answer to God for how they have led them (vs 14,15). 3:13 Ps 82:1. 3:14,15 Besides leading the people astray, the leaders wrecked God's work and oppressed and plundered the poor. God Almighty is concerned for the poor. He sees what happens to them, and He will avenge them (Ps 12:5; 35:10; 37:14,15; 72:12-14).

ISAIAH 3:15 884

The plunder from the poor is in your houses. 15 "What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?" says the Lord God of hosts.

and your mighty in the war. 26 And her gates will lament and mourn, and she will sit on the ground desolate.

And in that day seven women will

16 Moreover the LORD says, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched out necks and

seize one man, saying, "We will eat our own food, and wear

our own clothes; only let us be called by your name,

wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling sound with their feet, 17 Therefore the Lord will bring scabs on the crown of the head of the

to take away our disgrace." 2 In that day the Branch of the LORD

will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be

daughters of Zion, and the LORD will uncover their secret parts."

the pride and splendour for those

of Israel who have escaped. 3 And it will be that those left in Zion

18 In that day the Lord will take away their finery, their tinkling anklets, and their headbands,

and those who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, everyone who

and their crescent ornaments, 19 The pendants, and the bracelets, and the veils, 20 The headdresses, and the leg ornaments, and the scarves, and the perfume bottles, and the charms, 21 The rings, and nose jewels, 22 The fine apparel, and the capes, and the cloaks, and the purses, 23 The mirrors, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the veils. 24 And it will be like this: Instead of a sweet smell there will be a stink; and instead of a sash, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of fine clothing,

is written among the living in Jerusalem, 4 When the Lord has washed away the

filth of the daughters of Zion, and has purged the blood of Jerusalem

from its midst by the spirit of judgment,

and by the spirit of burning. 5 Then the LORD will create above every

dwelling place of Mount Zion,

and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night. Over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 And there will be a tent for shade in

the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and from rain.

a wearing of sackcloth; and instead of beauty, branding. 25 Your men will fall by the sword,

Now I will sing to my loved one

a song of my beloved concerning

3:16 We see from 2:11-17 what God thinks of pride, arrogance and haughtiness. Here we see that the women were as guilty of this as the men. 3:17-24 God will crush haughtiness whenever it is found. It is especially hateful to Him when it appears among His own people, and among those (the women) who should be known for their submission, gentleness, and humility. Compare this passage with 1 Tim 2:9,10 and 1 Pet 3:1-6. 3:25 See 1:20; 3:2,3. 3:26 "Mourn" – Ps 137:1; Isa 29:2; Jer 14:2; Lam 1:1-4. 4:1 "Man" – many of the men would be killed (3:25), and many women left without possibility of marriage.

people. In either case, these verses speak of a revival of spiritual life in Israel and Judah. 4:4 See 1:25; 48:10,11. 4:5,6 See Ex 13:21,22; 40:38. If these verses are to have a literal fulfillment (and who can say it is impossible?), perhaps it will be in connection with Isa 30:26. Some scholars think this is simply a poetic way of indicating God's protection over His people. It may be so, but when God did something similar in a literal way in the past (Ex 13:21,22), it would not be wise to rule out the possibility of some kind of literal fulfillment of these verses in the future.

"Fire" – note at Ex 3:2. 5:1-6 Here is a parable regarding the nation of Israel as a whole and the tribe of Judah in particular. Those who thought of themselves as God's people are called a vineyard. Compare Ps 80:8-19; Isa 3:14; 27:2; Jer 2:21; 12:10; Ezek 17:6-8; 19:10-14; Hos 10:1; 14:7; Micah 7:1; Matt 20:1-16; 21:33-44; John 15:1-5. 5:1 The prophet speaks of God and His

"Disgrace" – women of that day thought it a disgrace to remain unmarried and childless (Gen 30:23; Isa 54:4; Luke 1:25). 4:2-4 "Branch" – this is probably a prophecy of the Messiah. Compare 11:1; 53:2; Jer 23:5; Zech 4:12. However some scholars think that branch here may refer to God's

885 ISAIAH 5:14

his vineyard. My loved one has a vineyard in a very

and the men of Judah are his pleasant plant. And he looked for justice, but saw oppression; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress. 8 Woe to those who add house to house,

fruitful hill; 2 And he dug it up, and cleared away its stones,

who join field to field, until there is no space left,

and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the middle of it, and also made a winepress in it. Then he looked for it to produce grapes, and it produced wild grapes.

so that they may live alone in the

midst of the land! 9 In my ears the LORD of hosts said:

"Certainly many great and beautiful

3 "And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem,

houses will be desolate,

and men of Judah, please judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What more could have been done to my

without inhabitant. 10 Yes, ten acres of vineyard will yield only one bath, and a homer of seed will yield only an ephah." 11 Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may go after strong drink,

vineyard that I have not done in it? Why then, when I looked for it to

produce grapes, did it produce wild grapes? 5 Come now, I will tell you what I am

and who continue until night, till wine inflames them! 12 And the harp, and the lyre, the tambourine, and flute, and wine,

going to do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge, and it will

be devoured. And I will break down its wall,

are in their feasts. But they do not regard the work of

and it will be trampled down. 6 And I will make it a desolation.

the LORD, nor consider the work of his hands. 13 Therefore my people go into captivity, because they have no knowledge, and their honourable men are famished,

It will not be pruned, or dug,

but briars and thorns will come up. I will also command the clouds to rain

no rain on it." 7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts

and their masses are dried up from thirst. 14 Therefore hell has enlarged itself,

is the house of Israel,

people Israel. "Sing" here means merely to utter in poetic form. The "fruitful hill" is the land of Israel. 5:2-4 God did all He could possibly do to make the vineyard good, fruitful, and safe. But all he got for His work was bad fruit. In v 3 God Himself begins to speak through Isaiah. Why was it that only bad fruit was produced from such careful effort? Was it the fault of the owner of the vineyard, or the fault of the people who were the vineyard? The answer is so obvious that God calls upon the people of the vineyard themselves to give the answer. 5:5,6 God does not say He will simply depart and abandon His vineyard. He says He will work actively for its destruction. This is because the vineyard is a nation which deserved punishment and which needed drastic correction. God used invading armies to accomplish His purposes. 5:7 The prophet put the matter beyond doubt by explaining the parable. From here to v 25 he points out what is meant by the bad fruit of verses 2 and 4. The good fruit God looked for is stated in two words in v 7 – justice and righteousness. The bad fruits were many. This verse gives two – murder and unjust oppression of the people that made them cry out in pain. 5:8-23 He pronounces a number of "woes"

on the people for their sins (v 8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22). These "woes" mean God is denouncing them and will punish them. 5:8-10 The sin here is greed for property. A common and very foolish sin which God hates and forbids (Ex 20:17; Luke 12:15; 1 Tim 6:6-10. For an illustration of greed that was terribly punished see 1 Kings 21:119). God punished these greedy people by making their fields unfruitful and by carrying them off from their fine houses. 5:10 "Ten acres" – in Hebrew "ten-yoke" – that is, the land that 10 yoke of oxen could plow in one day.

"Bath" – probably about 22 liters. "Homer" – probably about 6 bushels (220 dry liters).

"Ephah" – probably about one half bushel (22 liters dry measure). 5:11-17 The sin here is drunkenness and revelry. Those engaging in it did not "consider the work of his hands" (v 12). They thought only of their own pleasures and lusts. The punishment would be exile to a foreign land where, instead of enjoying wine and rich foods, they would die of hunger and thirst (vs 13,14). Observe in this chapter how fitting each punishment is to the crime. 5:14 "Hell" – in Hebrew "Sheol" – note at Gen 37:35.

ISAIAH 5:15 886

and opened its mouth without limit; and their glory, and their masses, and their pomp, and he who rejoices,

drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink; 23 Who declare the wicked innocent for a bribe, and take away the justice of the

will descend into it. 15 And the common man will be brought down, and the mighty man will be abased, and the eyes of the arrogant will be

righteous from him, 24 Therefore as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff,

brought low. 16 But the LORD of hosts will be exalted in judgment, and the holy God will be hallowed in

so their root will become rotten, and their blossom will go up like dust; because they have cast away the law

of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One

righteousness. 17 Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat in the waste

of Israel. 25 Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against his people, and he has stretched out his hand

places of the rich. 18 Woe to those who drag wickedness along with cords of falsehood, and sin as if with a cart rope. 19 They say, "Let him hurry, and hasten his work, so that we can see it; and let the plan of the Holy One of

against them and struck them; and the hills trembled, and their corpses were torn in the

middle of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. 26 And he will lift up a banner to the nations from afar, and will whistle to them from the end

Israel draw near and come, so that we can know it."

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light,

of the earth; and, look, they come speedily, swiftly! 27 None of them will be weary or stumble. No one will slumber or sleep; nor will the belt around their waist

and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter. 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. 22 Woe to those who are heroes in

be loosened, nor the strap of their sandals be broken.

5:15 See 2:11-18. Again God reveals His hatred of man's arrogance. 5:16 Observe that God is glorified in His just punishment of sinners and in the display of His righteousness which results in their destruction. 5:17 This speaks of desolation and enemy occupation of land. 5:18-23 Here is a list of sins with threatened "woes." The punishment for all of these sins is described in vs 24-30. 5:18 So much of man's sin has to do with deceit – deceiving others, and often themselves, and trying to deceive God as well. The mention of cords and ropes suggests labor. These people worked hard at their sins. 5:19 These sinners spoke these words in sarcasm. As so many others they did not believe God's threatened judgments would come on them. 5:20 This shows the depths of their depravity. By sin and hardness of heart they had lost the desire, and perhaps even the ability, to distinguish between right and wrong. Compare Rom 1:21; Eph 4:18,19; Heb 5:14. 5:21 Prov 3:7; Isa 47:10; 1 Cor 1:18-21; 3:18-20. To be wise in one's own eyes is to

cut oneself off from God's wisdom and to commit the sin of arrogance. 5:22,23 In verses 11,12, the prophet denounces this sin in general. Here he denounces it in the judges and leaders. In Hebrew these two verses are clearly linked. The judges were "heroes", that is, very capable people, at drinking. But they were corrupt in administration and incapable of just verdicts. On bribery see Ex 23:8; 1 Sam 8:3; Ps 26:10; Prov 15:27; 17:23; Amos 5:12. 5:24,25 None of the classes of sinners described in the preceding verses will escape God's punishment. Observe that the root cause of their evil behavior was the rejection of God's Word as a ruling power in their lives. 5:25 "Stretched out still" – 9:12,17,21; 10:4. He would go on punishing them until the demands of justice were fully met. 5:26-30 These verses speak of invasions by foreign armies. God calls them to come against His own people for their chastisement. In 722 and 701 B.C. Assyria invaded Israel and Judah. Beginning in 605 B.C. Babylon invaded Judah more than once. See 2 Kings 17:1-20; 24:1-25; Jeremiah chapter 52.

887 ISAIAH 6:8

28 Their arrows are sharp, and all their bows are bent. Their horses' hooves will seem like flint,

With two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another, and said,

"Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory."

and their wheels like a whirlwind. 29 Their roaring will be like a lion. They will roar like young lions. Yes, they will roar, and take hold of the prey, and will carry it away safely, and no one will rescue it. 30 And in that day they will roar against them like the roaring of the sea. And if one looks toward the land,

4 And the posts of the door were shaken at the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said, "Woe to me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."

darkness and sorrow appear, and the light is darkened by its clouds.

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from the altar, 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said, "See, this has touched your lips, and your guilt is taken away, and your sin is purged."

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings.

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" 6:1 "Died" – 1:1. We are not told whether the vision Isaiah saw was before or after Uzziah's death, only that it occurred in that year (740 B.C. Uzziah was also called Azariah. A description of his reign is in 2 Kings 15:1-7 and 2 Chron 26:1-23). "Saw" – God's spiritual essence cannot be seen by men (Ex 34:20; 1 Tim 6:16; John 1:18; 6:46), but men can see a revelation of His glory, or His manifestation in human form, if He chooses to give one (Gen 16:13; 18:22,23; Deut 34:10; Ezek 1:26). Isaiah saw the glory of the Son of God – see John 12:41. Observe in v 5 that Isaiah calls Him "the LORD [Jehovah] of hosts." In other words, Jesus the Son of God is Jehovah. See also Gen 16:7; Ex 3:14; Ps 23:1; 24:7-10; 96:10-13; Zech 12:10; note at Luke 2:11. The hem of His garment reached the temple in Jerusalem. 6:2 "Seraphim" – the plural of seraph, a word that comes from the Hebrew verb "to burn." It may mean something like "flaming" or "fiery" spirits. See Heb 1:7. They are similar to the "living beings" seen by Ezekiel and John (Ezek 1:5; 10:15; Rev 4:8), but each description varies somewhat from the others. Very little is revealed in the Bible about these mysterious spirit beings. 6:3 The seraphs are overwhelmed by one aspect of God's being – His holiness (see also Rev 4:8). This is in line with the book of Isaiah, and, indeed, the whole Bible which reveals from beginning to end God's glorious holiness. Note at Lev 20:7.

6:5 "Undone" – the Hebrew word could also be translated "ruined" or "cut off."

"King" – human beings die, the King of heaven rules forever. Isaiah had to take his eyes (and his hopes) away from the kings of his people and place them on God the King. The effect of the vision is what we might expect if we know something of God's holiness and the sinfulness of even the best of men. Probably Isaiah expected to die on the spot. Compare Ex 3:6; 33:20; Jud 13:22; Job 13:11; Ezek 1:28; Dan 8:17,18,27; 10:7-9; Acts 9:3,4; Rev 1:17. In God's presence he became very conscious of his own uncleanness and the uncleanness of the people. It is God's holy presence that awakens men to their sin, guilt and depravity. In His light, we see what we really are like (Luke 5:8; John 16:8; Ps 32:1-5; Eph 5:13; 1 John 1:5-7). The lips are a door through which the depravity of men's hearts is revealed (Matt 12:34; 15:11; Rom 3:13). How often those who want to please and serve God are convicted of their inner sinful nature by their inability to control their tongues (Ps 39:1-13; Jam 3:2,6,8). 6:6,7 Isaiah is seeing a vision, and this is a symbolic act. It was given to assure Isaiah that his sins were forgiven. God commanded the priests of Israel to keep fire burning permanently on the brazen altar of sacrifice (Lev 6:12,13). A coal of fire from there would speak of atoning sacrifice. Note on atonement at Ex 29:33. Every servant of God before he enters the ministry should have the assurance that his sins are forgiven, his guilt atoned for. It is a very basic part of the foundation of a ministry successful and pleasing in God's eyes. In Isaiah's case the coal of fire touched his lips – that part of him which made him most conscious of his sin and depravity. 6:8 God has His work on earth and he wants willing servants to do it. This willingness of men should arise out of God's mercy

"LORD of hosts" – note at 1 Sam 1:3. "Glory" – Num 14:21; Ps 72:19. God's glory is revealed in His creation and in His acts. His glory is everywhere on earth but many people are ignorant of it. The time will come when all men will know it (11:9). 6:4 Shaking and the appearance of smoke are often connected with God's presence (64:1; Ex 19:18; Ps 18:7,8; 68:8; 104:32; Rev 15:8). They speak of His glory and power and His fiery holiness (Heb 12:29).

ISAIAH 6:9 888

Then I said, "Here am I. Send me." 9 And he said, "Go, and tell this people, 'You listen and listen,

Its stump remains to it when it is cut down. So the holy seed will be its stump."

but you do not understand; and you look and look,

And it came about in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to make war against it, but they could not conquer it. 2 And the house of David was told, saying, "Syria has become an ally of Ephraim." And his heart, and the heart of his people, was shaken like the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.

but you do not perceive.' 10 Make the heart of this people dull, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn to me and be healed."

3 Then the LORD said to Isaiah, "Go out now to meet Ahaz, you and your son Shear-Jashub, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the road to the Fuller's Field, 4 and say to him, 'Be careful, and be calm. Do not be afraid or fainthearted because of these two stubs of smouldering firebrands, because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the son of Remaliah, 5 because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have made an evil plot against you, saying, 6 "Let us go up against Judah, and trouble it, and let us make a break in its wall for ourselves, and set the son of Tabeal as king over it." 7 Thus says the Lord God, 'It will not stand, nor will it come to pass. 8 For the

11 Then I said, "Lord, how long?" And he answered, "Until the cities are made a wasteland without

inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land is utterly desolate, 12 And the LORD has removed men far away, and the forsaken places in the midst

of the land are many. 13 But yet a tenth part will be in it, and it will return and be for consuming,

like a terebinth tree or an oak.

toward them in making atonement for their sins and blotting out their guilt. Compare Ps 51:1,13,14; Rom 12:1,2.

the glorious gospel of Christ, though he was not given a promise here that he would be.

These two verses read as follows in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament made by Jewish scholars before Christ was born): "'You will be ever hearing, but never understanding; you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' This people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes." 6:13 Even in the work of hardening and destruction God would preserve a remnant of the people for Himself. This is always God's way.

"Us" – note at Gen 1:26. "Here am I" – Gen 22:1; Ex 3:4; 1 Sam 3:4,6,8; Acts 22:10. 6:9,10 Isaiah's ministry in part was to pronounce God's judgment on his nation, to be God's instrument in making them ripe for destruction. The very truth he preached would harden the people because they would not repent and receive it into their hearts. But why would God want the hearts of His people (or any people) hardened? Because the time had come to punish them for their sin and rebellion. God does not delight in punishing, but justice demands it. On hardening see note at Ex 4:21. The Lord Jesus quoted these verses from Isaiah in Matt 13:14,15, and Paul in Acts 28:26,27. He probably referred to them also in Rom 11:25. "Ears" – those who will not willingly hear God's Word will be deprived of the ability.

"Stump" – 11:1. 7:1 2 Kings 16:5-18; 2 Chron 28:16-21. This happened probably about 735 B.C. 7:2 The kings of Judah were all descended from the royal house of David. At this time Ahaz was on the throne. Ephraim was the leading tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel, and that whole kingdom is meant here. 7:3 Shear-Jashub means "a remnant will return." 7:4-9 Though Ahaz was a bad king (2 Kings 16:1-4), God sent him a good message. God would deliver the southern kingdom of Judah from these attacks from the north. The two attacking powers were only smoking firebrands, soon to be put out. In 732 B.C. the Assyrians captured Damascus, Syria's capital, and then defeated Israel. 7:7 "LORD God" – see note at Gen 15:2. 7:8 "Sixty-five years" – this was literally fulfilled. See 2 Kings 17:5,6,24.

"Eyes" – those who love darkness will be deprived of the ability to see spiritual light and truth. Isaiah must have been dismayed at such a commission. He naturally wondered how long he would have to do such disagreeable work and whether there would be some more appealing ministry eventually. God did not promise him a happier work. But he has given His servants in these New Testament days a more glorious ministry (Matt 28:18-20; 2 Cor 3:6-11). Isaiah too was later a prophet to foretell

889 ISAIAH 7:22

head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within sixty-five years Ephraim will be broken, no longer to be a people. 9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If you will not believe, surely you will not be established.'"

16 For before the child will know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. 17 The LORD will bring the king of Assyria on you, and on your people, and on your father's house, days that have not come from the day that Ephraim broke away from Judah."

10 Moreover, the LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 "Ask the LORD your God for a sign for yourself. Ask it to be either in the deep, or in the height above."

18 And it will happen in that day, that the LORD will whistle for the fly that is in the furthest part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. 19 And they will come and all of them will settle on the desolate valleys, and in the crevices of the rocks, and on all the thorn bushes, and on all the pastures. 20 In the same day the Lord will shave the head and the hair of the legs with a hired razor, with those beyond the River, with the king of Assyria, and will also remove the beard. 21 And it will happen in that day, that a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep. 22 And

12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, nor will I put the LORD to the test."

13 And he said, "Listen now, O house of David! Is it so small a thing for you to weary men, that you will weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and will call his name Immanuel. 15 He will eat curds and honey, when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

7:9 "Remaliah's son" – this was Pekah, a usurper of the throne of Israel.

be a divine miracle. This sign was to be for the whole house of David, not to Ahaz alone (v 13 – in v 14 the plural for "you" is used).

"Established" – the kingdom of Israel fell because they did not believe and put into practice God's word (2 Kings 17:7-18). Here the Lord warns the nation of Judah and the house of David that unbelief will be their ruin also. 7:10,11 God is willing to give signs to encourage weak faith in His promises (Ex 3:12; 4:1-9; Jud 6:16-22,36-40). Here God tells Ahaz to ask for a sign. But in Matt 12:38,39 the Lord Jesus said that a wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign. Sometimes asking for signs may be good, sometimes bad. It depends on the circumstances, or the persons, or the motive. 7:12 Perhaps Ahaz wanted to put on a selfrighteous front before Isaiah. As if to say, "I am not the kind of a man who needs any signs or who commits the sin of tempting God" (compare Deut 6:16). But the truth is, Ahaz was a wicked man who did not want any dealings with Jehovah the true God of the universe. 7:13 God Himself had told him to ask for a sign, so Ahaz was trying God's patience by disobedience and hypocritical self-righteousness. 7:14 This verse is a clear prophecy concerning the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. We know this because the Holy Spirit inspired the apostle Matthew to say so. See Matt 1:18-25. The name Immanuel, which means "God with us" can apply fully only to the Lord Jesus. He alone is the incarnation of God (Isa 9:6,7; John 1:1,14; etc.). This verse is a wonderful prophecy of a supernatural, miraculous event which took place more than 700 years after it was uttered. This birth of a child to a virgin is called a "sign." A sign from God must be something very striking and remarkable. For a young woman, even an unmarried young woman, to have a child is no striking or remarkable thing. But for one who had never been with a man to have a child would

Some commentators believe that this verse must have somehow a twofold fulfillment. This is because they argue that the verses which follow deal with the historical situation of Isaiah's day and the virgin's son seemingly was to be a sign to the people then living. It may be so, is probably so, but the Holy Spirit has not revealed how it was fulfilled through the birth of any child in the time of Isaiah. And we are not told that any child was then called Immanuel. But in prophecy sometimes there does seem to be both a near and far fulfillment. Isa 8:18 may be an example of this. 7:15 The meaning of eating curds and honey is given in verses 22 in the context of verses 20-25. There would be an invasion of the Assyrian army and destruction and desolation in the land. More common food would not be available. 7:16 "Two kings" – v 1. Their lands were laid waste by the king of Assyria in 732 B.C., about 3 years after God inspired these words. 7:17 "Ephraim" – the northern kingdom of Israel – had broken away from Judah almost 200 years before (Kings 12:19,20). Ahaz was worried about the invasion of the kings of Israel and Syria. God says a far worse invasion would come on Judah in the future (see 8:7,8; 36:1). 7:18 "Fly", "bee" – means the soldiers of those countries. They would come like harmful and tormenting insects. 7:19 The land of Judah would be overrun by foreigners from these countries. 7:20 For others to forcibly shave off one's beard (and no doubt the hair of the body) was considered a disgrace (2 Sam 10:4,5). It indicated utter defeat. The "River" here means the Euphrates. 7:21,22 Signifies a time of trouble, when the produce of the fields would not be

ISAIAH 7:23 890

it will happen, because of the abundance of milk they give, that he will eat curds; for everyone left in the land will eat curds and honey. 23 And it will happen in that day, that in every place where there had been a thousand vines worth a thousand silver shekels, there will be only briars and thorns. 24 Men will come there with arrows and with bows, because all the land will become briars and thorns. 25 And as for all the hills that were dug with a mattock, you will not go there for fear of briars and thorns; but it will become a place for sending out oxen, and for the sheep walk on.

and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son, 7 Now therefore, look, the Lord will bring on them the waters of the River,

strong and mighty, the king of Assyria and all his glory;

and he will come up over all his channels, and come up over all his banks, 8 And he will pass through Judah. He will overflow and pass over. He will reach up to the neck, and his wings will spread out to fill

the breadth of your land,

O Immanuel." 9 Associate yourselves, O you people, but you will be broken in pieces. And give ear, all you of far countries. Arm yourselves, but you will be broken

Moreover the LORD said to me, "Take a large scroll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Maher-shalal-hashbaz. 2 And I will take for myself faithful witnesses to record it, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah."

in pieces; arm yourselves, but you will be broken in pieces. 10 Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing. State the matter, but it will not stand; for God is with us.

3 And I went to the prophetess; and she conceived, and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, "Call his name Maher-shalal-hashbaz. 4 For before the child has the knowledge to cry out, 'My father', and 'my mother', the riches of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be taken away in front of the king of Assyria."

11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

5 The LORD also spoke to me again, saying, 6 "Because these people refuse the waters of Shiloah that go softly,

12 "Do not say 'a conspiracy,' about all that this people call a conspiracy;

available.

8:7 God determined to punish Judah for its unbelief and wickedness by the very nation Judah had trusted to save them. The Assyrian armies would come like a flood on the land.

"Everyone left in the land" – this phrase speaks of a time when many would be exiled from the land. 7:23-25 This will be the result of the exile of the people to other lands.

"River" – the Euphrates. 8:8 "Neck" – the flood of Assyrians would not completely drown Jerusalem and Judah. The "waters" would come only to the neck, not over the head. The Assyrians besieged Jerusalem but departed in panic (chapter 37).

"A thousand. . .shekels" (v 23) – about 11.5 kilograms. 8:1,2 Maher-shalal-hash-baz is Hebrew for "swift to the plunder, quick to the spoil." The phrase is a prophecy of defeat of the northern kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Syria by Assyria (v 4; 5:26,30; 7:16). It was given in this striking way to capture the attention of leaders and people. The prophecy was attested by two leading men in Judah before the event. 8:3 Isaiah named his son Maher-shalalhash-baz to further impress on the people what God had revealed to him. Isaiah's wife is referred to as the prophetess. Some scholars believe this event is at least a partial fulfillment of 7:14. However, there is no proof for this. 8:4 "Assyria" – note at 2 Kings 15:19. 8:6 "This people" – the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

"Immanuel" – 7:16. Immanuel here means the coming Messiah, the Son of God, "God with us." Judah was His land. 8:9,10 These words are spoken to the enemies of Judah and Jerusalem. "God is with us" in Hebrew is just the one and same word used in 7:14 and 8:8 – Immanuel. If God is with us, if the Messiah is on our side, what can our enemies do? See Ps 56:9; 118:6; Jer 20:11; Rom 8:31-34; Heb 13:6. 8:11 "Strong hand" – suggests God's presence, control, support, inspiration to one He has appointed – Ezek 1:3; 3:14,22; 37:1; 40:1. "Not walk in" – it is always easier to move with the crowd than to stand against it. Isaiah needed God's strong hand on him to maintain his stand against an evil and unbelieving generation. 8:12,13 They who fear God need not fear men. Notes on fear of God at Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; Prov 1:7.

"Shiloah" – probably refers to the most important spring of water in Jerusalem. It is here a symbol of God's peaceful providence. Judah, when faced with their two enemies Israel and Syria, had rejected confidence in God and had looked to Assyria to protect them (2 Kings 16:7-9).

891 ISAIAH 9:3

do not fear what they fear, or be afraid. 13 The LORD of hosts is the one you are to regard as holy; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he will be as a sanctuary; but as a stone of stumbling and as a

should not a people seek their God? Why consult the dead in behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 21 And they will pass through the land, hard-pressed and hungry. And when they are hungry it will happen that they will get in a frenzy, and curse their king and their God, and look upward. 22 And they will look toward the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom and anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.

rock of staggering to both the

houses of Israel, as a trap and as a snare to the

inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them will stumble and fall and be broken, and be snared and captured."

Nevertheless the gloom will not be on her who was distressed, as when he first humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterwards more grievously afflicted her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwell in the land of the

16 Bind up the testimony, seal up the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait on the LORD, who hides his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

18 Look, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards", who whisper and mutter,

shadow of death, on them the light shined. 3 Have you multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy?

8:14,15 The Lord is a safe sanctuary to those who fear and trust Him. To those who will not He will be a cause of falling and capture. Part of this verse is quoted in the New Testament. See Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:8. 8:16-22 Who is speaking in this passage? It is not easy to determine. The LORD (Jehovah) has been speaking up to v 16. In v 17 the speaker says he will wait for the LORD (Jehovah). Is it then Isaiah speaking about himself? The last word in v 17 and first word in v 18 are applied to the Lord Jesus in Heb 2:13. Then are all these verses spoken by the Messiah using Isaiah as a mouthpiece? Or do these verses have a double fulfillment in both Isaiah's day and Christ's? Very often there is this mystery about prophecies uttered by God's servants in the Old Testament. Their words sometimes seem to refer to themselves, but the Spirit of Christ who inspired them meant the words to apply to Christ. For example, see psalms 16, 40, 41, 69, 72, etc. 8:16 There are three views as to the speaker of these words – some say God the Father, some say the pre-incarnate Christ, some say Isaiah. In any case the meaning is the same. God's revelation through Isaiah was to be preserved for believers. 8:17 "Hides his face" – signifies anger and disfavor (1:17; Ps 13:1; 27:9; 30:7; 69:17). 8:18 These words are true of both Isaiah and Christ, but the primary reference is to Christ, as we know from Heb 2:13. That they may also refer to Isaiah is indicated by 8:3,4 and 7:3. The names of both his sons signified future events. 8:19,20 A striking contrast between the

whisperings and mutterings of men who try to consult the spirits of dead people, and the pure revelations of the Word of God. On the subject of mediums and wizards see Deut 18:9-15. Any person who speaks contrary to God's word in the Bible has little or no spiritual enlightenment or understanding. 8:21,22 God's judgments were coming on the land in Isaiah's day, are coming on the world in the future. Those who do not believe and obey God's revelation will fall into the terrible condition described here.

"Curse" – compare Rev 16:9,11,21. "Darkness" – Matt 22:13; 25:30; 2 Pet 2:17; Jude 13. Again we are shown that those who refuse the light of God's word will be punished with utter darkness (Matt 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 13). 9:1 This looks forward to the time of Christ. See Matt 4:12-16.

"First" – the land of these tribes in the northern kingdom of Israel greatly suffered at the hands of the Assyrian army in 734 and 732 BC, and the whole northern kingdom was destroyed in 722 BC. 9:2 "Darkness" – spiritual darkness. "A great light" – means the person and teachings and work of the Lord Jesus (Luke 1:78,79; 2:32; John 8:12; 1 John 1:5; Ps 27:1; 36:9).

"Shadow of death" – indicates very intense spiritual darkness and danger. 9:3 The Lord Jesus came to greatly enlarge the number of those who would come to the light and become His people. And He came to bring true heavenly joy (61:3; John 15:18; 16:20-24; 17:13; Rom 14:17; 1 Pet 1:8; 1 John 1:4).

ISAIAH 9:4 892

The joy they have in your presence is

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. And the government will be on his shoulder; and his name will be called Wonderful,

like the joy in harvest, like the joy men have when they

divide the plunder. 4 For you have broken the yoke of his burden, and the bar across his shoulders,

Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Father of Eternity,

the rod of his oppressor,

The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end,

as in the day of Midian. 5 Because every warrior's boot from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be

on the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to order it and establish it with

for burning and fuel for the fire.

book of counsel.

9:4 "You have broken" – in 701 BC the Assyrian army was destroyed. Isaiah foretells this clearly in 10:24-27. If we think of a spiritual fulfillment of this verse we can find it in the work of the Lord Jesus in rescuing His people from the bondage of sin and misery (61:1; Luke 4:18; John 8:34-36; Rom 6:19-22; Gal 5:1). "The day of Midian" – Judges chapter 7 gives the record of the Lord's victory over the Midianites through Gideon. 9:5 The work of God will bring peace to individuals now, and eventually universal peace to the whole world. See 2:4. 9:6 "Is born" – this took place hundreds of years after Isaiah wrote. God's prophet looked into the future and spoke as if the event had already happened. This verse reveals the one through whom the yoke of bondage would be lifted, the one who brings true peace, the great Light who appears in Galilee. Both the humanity and deity of the Lord Jesus are seen here. He is the mighty God, yet is born as a child. Compare 7:14. And the child grows to be the king of the Jews, the king of the whole world (Jer 23:5; Matt 2:2; 27:11; 28:18; Rev 19:16).

"The Mighty God" – this is the clearest possible declaration that the Messiah of Israel, the Lord Jesus, is the incarnation of God. Notes at Phil 2:6; Luke 2:11; etc.

"The Father of eternity" – a literal translation of the Hebrew, which probably indicates one who is the source of eternity or who possesses eternity, an eternal being. See Micah 5:2.

God is a Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (notes at Matt 3:16,17; 2 Cor 13:14; etc). The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Father, the Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son. The translation "The Everlasting Father" in Isa 9:6 (KJV and many other versions) can lead to confusion. The literal translation "The Father of eternity" does not mean that He is the person in the Trinity called the "Father." In this same verse it is said of Him that "a son is given." In the New Testament Jesus, the Son of God, is often distinguished from the Father who sent Him (John 1:1,2; 3:35; 17:1,5; 2 John 3; etc).

We should try to understand the Hebrew idiom used here in Isaiah. The Hebrew translated "The Father of eternity" is Abiad. "Ab" means father, and "Ad" can indicate eternity, but when these two words are joined together they may well give a different meaning than "Everlasting Father."

"Wonderful" – some scholars have translated the Hebrew word here as an adjective and joined it with the following word Counselor. It seems better to the author of these notes to regard it as a noun and a separate name, and place a comma between "Wonderful", and "Counsellor", as it is in the KJV. Jesus is wonderful in His nature, His qualities, His virgin birth, His spotless life on earth, His death for sinners, His resurrection from the dead, His ascension to heaven, His work as mediator for His people, His saving grace, in all He is and does.

There are a number of individuals in the Old Testament whose names have Abi joined with another word. Consider these:

Abi-Albon (2 Sam 23:31) literally is "Father of strength," but its likely meaning is "One who is strong," or "Powerful one."

Abi-Asaph (Ex 6:24) literally is "Father of gathering", but its meaning is "One who gathers" or, possibly, "Father is gathering."

Abigail (1 Chron 2:16) literally is "Father of exultation", but means "One who exults." This is a woman's name, and shows that often (and maybe always) when these names combine Abi with another word, it may not be wise to translate Abi literally as "father" (unless, of course, the word refers to the father of the person who has it).

"Counselor" – 11:2; 28:29; Prov 8:14. The Lord Jesus can counsel us in everything we need to know, say, or do. When He was on earth He always gave perfectly wise answers to those who came to Him for anything. His counsel now is no less wise, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). Is it not sad that people go with their problems and questions to everyone under the sun, except to Him, the One who knows all questions and all answers? Let us make a practice of consulting this One who is perfect in wisdom and perfect in counsel, and using His Word (the Bible) which He has given to us as a

"Peace" – the Lord Jesus is the great peacemaker between God and man, and the one who gives peace of mind and heart (Luke 1:79; 2:14; John 14:27; Acts 10:36; Rom 5:1; Eph 2:14,17; Col 1:20). 9:7 Christ will reign forever. In regard to His human nature He was a descendant of

893 ISAIAH 9:21

justice and righteousness from that

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to go astray, and those who are led by them are destroyed. 17 Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. Yet for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will

accomplish this.

8 The Lord sent a message against Jacob, and it has fallen on Israel. 9 And all the people will know it, Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, who say in pride and arrogance of heart, 10 "The bricks have fallen down, but we will build with cut stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will replace them with cedars." 11 Therefore the LORD will set up the adversaries of Rezin against him,

18 For wickedness burns like fire; it will devour the briars and thorns,

and will set the thickets of the

forest on fire, and they will mount upward like the

rising of smoke. 19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts the land is darkened, and the people will be like fuel for the fire. No man will spare his brother. 20 And he will cut down on the right hand, but be hungry; and he will devour on the left hand,

and spur his enemies on, 12 The Syrians in front, and the Philistines behind; and they will devour Israel with open mouth. Yet for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. 13 For the people do not turn to him who strikes them, nor do they seek the LORD of hosts. 14 Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail,

but will not be satisfied. Each one of them will eat the flesh of

his own arm. 21 Manasseh will devour Ephraim, and Ephraim, Manasseh; and they will both be against Judah. Yet for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

branch and reed, in one day. 15 The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet who teaches lies,

he is the tail.

King David and inherited David's kingdom. See 2 Sam 7:11-16; 23:1-5; Luke 1:32,33; Rom 1:3; Rev 22:16. "Justice and righteousness" – 11:4; 16:5; 32:1,16; 33:5; 42:1; Ps 72:2; Jer 23:5; 33:4,15; Rev 19:11.

Christ, than to be able to interpret all prophecy and know how God will fulfill it. 9:8 Isaiah turns again to the subject of the Lord's anger on Israel. He continues on this subject up to 10:5. 9:9 "Ephraim" – represents the whole northern kingdom of Israel (7:2). Samaria was the capital of Israel.

"Zeal" – God's zeal, not man's, will accomplish all the above from beginning to end. Compare 26:11; 37:32; 42:13; 59:17; 2 Kings 19:31; Ps 69:9; John 2:17. God is not a passive being who lets things take their own course. He has a plan of action to establish Christ as earth's king and He will zealously fulfill His plan, in spite of the opposition of His enemies (Ps 2:1-12).

"Pride" – 2:11-18. 9:10-14 Israel would have no opportunity to rebuild their towns. God's hot anger against their pride and wickedness was not cooled by the destruction wrought by minor enemies. The Lord struck them but they did not turn to Him in repentance. He would strike them again through the Assyrians. 9:15 "Prophet" – note at Gen 20:7. "Lies" – Jer 2:8; 5:31; etc. 9:16 See 3:12. 9:17 "Everyone" – young and old, leaders and people, men and women all abandoned to depravity as in Gen 6:5,12. 9:18,19 Wickedness in itself is destructive like fire. Also it brings on those who practice it the fire of God's anger. 9:20 God had warned them that famine would result from their wickedness (Lev 26:18-20; Deut 28:38-42,53-57). Notes on God's anger at Num 35:3; Ps 90:7-11; etc. 9:21 Their wickedness would be expressed

The author of these notes believes that the reign of Christ will be in three phases:

He reigns now over His Church and over the affairs of the world invisibly;

He will reign openly over Israel and the nations during the future thousand year reign referred to in Rev 20:4-6;

and He will reign with God the Father eternally in a new heaven and new earth (Rev 21:1-4).

But the author also believes it is far more important now for God's people to be holy and spiritual and serve God wholeheartedly, and to love God and all their brethren in

ISAIAH 10:1 894

Woe to those who enact unjust laws, and who write oppressive decisions

Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? 10 As my hand has reached the kingdoms of the idols, whose carved images exceeded those

which they have prescribed 2 To deprive the needy of justice, and take away the rights of the poor

of my people, so that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! 3 And what will you do in the day of punishment, and in the desolation which will come

of Jerusalem and of Samaria, 11 Shall I not do to Jerusalem and her idols as I have done to Samaria and

her idols?'"

12 Therefore it will come about, when the Lord has completed his

from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory? 4 Without me they will bow down among the prisoners, and they will fall under the slain. Yet for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

whole work on mount Zion and on

Jerusalem, that he will say, "I will punish the fruit of the arrogant

heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks." 13 For he says, "I have done it by the strength of my hand and by my wisdom; for I have understanding. And I have removed the boundaries of

5 "Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, and the staff in whose hand is my indignation! 6 I will send him against an ungodly nation, and I will give him a charge against

the people, and have robbed their treasures, and like a mighty man I have put down

their inhabitants: 14 And like finding a nest my hand has reached the riches of the people. I have gathered the whole earth like

the people of my wrath,

to take the plunder, and to take the prey, and to trample them down like the

one gathers eggs that are left, and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped."

mire of the streets. 7 But he does not intend this, nor does his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut

15 Should the axe boast itself against the one who cuts with it? Or should the saw exalt itself against

off many nations. 8 For he says, 'Are not my princes all kings? 9 Is not Calno like Carchemish?

the one who handles it?

club in His hand. He sent him to punish Israel. See 7:20. Compare Jer 50:23; 51:20; Hab 1:6; Rev 17:16,17. On God's anger see Num 25:3; Ps 90:7-11. 10:7,8 The king of Assyria had no idea at all that he was fulfilling God's purpose, that he was only like a stick in God's hand. 10:9 Calno, Carchemish, Hamath, and Arpad – all places north of Damascus in Syria, and were taken by Assyria in 717 B.C. 10:10,11 No gods of any people had helped them to withstand the Assyrian army. Would Jerusalem be any different? Isaiah chapter 36, 2 Kings chapter 18, and 2 Chronicles chapter 32 have descriptions of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. Compare the words of v 11 with Isa 36:18-20. 10:12-14 God purposed to chastise Jerusalem for its many sins. After that He would deal with the arrogance of the Assyrian king. Note on Assyria at 2 Kings 15:19. 10:15 An ax, a saw, a club are mere instruments in the hands of a person and would be unable to do a single thing without the hand that moves them. And so they have nothing to boast about. The king of

in hatred and strife among themselves. Oh, what will men not do when they abandon the God of holiness and love! But still worse was to come. 10:1,2 See 5:8,11,18,20,21,22. How God hates the greed of men that causes them to trample the poor and defenseless – a thing often seen in Bible times and today in the world around us. 10:3,4 God will see to it that such people pay to the full for their unjust and oppressive behavior. All their ill-gotten riches will be left to their enemies. 10:5-19 God had said He would use the kings of Assyria to punish His people Israel (7:20; 8:4). Now He says He will punish the king of Assyria. 10:5,6 Armies marched, battles were fought, towns were destroyed, lands were taken, many were slain, many others greatly suffered. Was this just evil men acting according to their nature, expressing their greed for power and plunder? It was that, of course, but there was more to it than that. The God of the universe was working His purposes out. The King of Assyria was a

895 ISAIAH 10:33

As if the rod could wield those who lift it up, or as if the staff could lift up what is

do not be afraid of the Assyrian

who will strike you with a rod, and lift up his staff against you,

not wood. 16 Therefore the Lord, the LORD of hosts, will send leanness among his fat ones, and under his glory he shall kindle a

like Egypt did, 25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation I have against you will cease, and my anger will be directed to their

fire like a burning flame. 17 And the light of Israel will become a fire, and his Holy One a flame, and it will burn and devour his thorns

destruction."

26 And the LORD of hosts will stir up a scourge for him. It will be like the slaughter of Midian

and his briars in one day, 18 And will consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field,

at the rock of Oreb. And his rod will be over the sea; he will lift it up like he did in Egypt. 27 And it will happen in that day, that his burden will be taken from

both soul and body; and they will be as when a sick man

wastes away. 19 And the rest of the trees of his forest will be so few that a child

your shoulders, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because

may write them down. 20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who escape, will not again depend on him who

of the anointing.

28 He has come to Aiath, he has passed on to Migron; at Michmash he has stored his baggage

defeated them, but will in fact depend on the LORD,

carriages. 29 They have gone over the pass; they make a lodging place at Geba. Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul has fled. 30 Raise your voice, O daughter of Gallim. Cause it to be heard at Laish.

the Holy One of Israel. 21 The remnant, the remnant of Jacob, will return to the mighty God. 22 For though your people Israel be like the sand of the sea, yet only a remnant of them will return. Destruction has been decreed; it will overflow with righteousness. 23 For the Lord God of hosts will carry out the decreed destruction

O poor Anathoth! 31 Madmenah has run away. The inhabitants of Gebim flee for cover. 32 This day he will still stop at Nob. He will shake his fist at the mount of

throughout the whole land.

the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

24 Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts: "O my people who live in Zion,

33 See, the Lord, the LORD of hosts,

Assyria was a mere instrument in the hand of God, but was ignorant of this fact. 10:16-19 God would teach the Assyrians that apart from Him they were nothing and could do nothing. This is a description in poetic language of the crushing defeat of the Assyrian armies at the walls of Jerusalem (37:36-38). The "light" is God Himself. The "thorns and briars" are Assyrian troops. "One day" is all it took to crush the whole army. Verse 19 may refer to the fall of the Assyrian empire at the hands of the Babylonians a little more than a century later. "Sick man" – or "stand and bearer." 10:20-23 The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and took most of its people into exile. But among that conquered and shattered people there would be a remnant that would no longer trust in Assyria, but in the living God. Verse 22 is referred to in Rom 9:27. Observe in

v 22 that the destruction God sent on Israel was a righteous destruction, one fully deserved, one that justice demanded. We may be sure that all of God's chastisements and judgments on people are so. 10:24 In v 5 the Assyrians were a club in God's hands to crush Israel. God did not have this purpose against Jerusalem. The club the Assyrians lifted against Jerusalem was their own club. This is why, doubtless, it came to nothing. 10:25 See 5:25; 10:4. 10:26 Jud 7:25; Ex 14:26-28. 10:27 See 9:4. 10:28-32 A description of the approach of the Assyrian army to Jerusalem from Aiath, about 16 kilometers north of the city. 10:32 "Daughter of Zion" – see 1:8. 10:33,34 The commander of the army of Assyria, the leaders of the nation, the masses of troops, will fall by God's mighty hand (37:36-38).

ISAIAH 10:34 896

will lop off the bough producing terror; and the lofty ones will be cut down, and the haughty will be brought low. 34 And he will cut down the forest thickets with an iron tool ; Lebanon will fall before a mighty one.

slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness will be the belt for his loins, and faithfulness the belt around his waist.

6 "And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down by the

young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the

And there will come forth a Shoot from

the stock of Jesse, and a Branch will grow out of his roots; 2 And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear

fat cattle together. And a little child will lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear will graze; their young ones will lie down together. And the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 And the nursing child will play on the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand

of the LORD; 3 And he will delight in the fear of the LORD. And he will not judge by what he sees

in the viper's den. 9 They will neither hurt nor destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the

with his eyes, or make decisions by what he hears

with his ears, 4 But with righteousness he will judge the poor, and make fair decisions for the meek

knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

of the earth. And he will strike the earth with the

10 "And in that day there will be a Root of Jesse, who will stand as a banner for the people. Him will the Gentiles seek,

rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he will

11:1 In 10:33,34 the prophet spoke of the leaders of Assyria as "lofty trees" which God will bring down. Here he speaks of a small "shoot", a mere "branch." But this "shoot", this "branch" is none other than the Messiah, the child and the Son of 7:14 and 9:6,7, the incarnation of the mighty God, the future ruler of the whole world. Jesse was David's father. The "Branch" is from David's royal house.

11:4-16 These verses look beyond Christ's first coming to a reign of righteousness over the whole earth. Nothing like the description in these verses has yet taken place, so fulfillment still awaits the future. For the belief of the author of these notes concerning Christ's reign on earth see note on 2:2-4; 9:7; Rev 20:4-6. 11:4 Again we see God's concern for the needy and poor.

"Stock" – see 6:13. David's kingdom was all but destroyed by Assyrians, Babylonians and Romans – the tree gone, but the roots remaining.

"Rod" – Ps 2:9; Rev 19:15. "Breath" – 2 Thess 2:8; 4:9; Isa 30:28,33; 40:24. 11:5 Rev 19:11. 11:6-8 Will such descriptions be literally fulfilled? Or are they mere poetic expressions signifying a time of peace and safety on earth? Many of us are sure they will be literally fulfilled during a future literal reign of Christ on earth, and who can prove it will not be so? A similar description is found in 65:25 in the midst of a description of a new heaven and earth God will create (65:17). 11:9 Waters cover the sea completely, utterly. There has not been a time since Isaiah when the earth was covered like that with the knowledge of the Lord. But there will be in the future (2:2-4). 11:10 "In that day" – at the time of the appearance and reign of the Messiah, sthe Lord Jesus. He is here called the "Root" of Jesse. Compare v 1. Christ is both the Son of David and his Lord, both the root and offspring of David (Matt 22:41-41; Rev 22:16). "Him will the Gentiles seek" – some think

"Branch" – 4:2; Jer 23:5; 33:15; Zech 3:8; 6:12. 11:2 The Son of God coming as a man was anointed by the Spirit of God – 61:1; Matt 3:16; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 10:37,38. God's Spirit gives to all of God's servants in some measure the helps and powers listed in this verse. He gave them all to Christ in the fullest possible measure (John 3:34). Observe the emphasis in this verse and the first words of the next verse on the fear of the LORD. See notes Gen 20:11; Job 28:28; Ps 34:11-14; 111:10; Prov 1:7. Jesus had this kind of fear (reverential awe) in full measure (and no other kind of fear at all). See John 5:30; 8:29; Heb 5:7; Mark 14:36. At the heart of all Jesus said and did was the desire to please and honor God, a reverence for God's name and person, a fear of displeasing Him. So should it be with all who name the name of God. 11:3 John 2:25; 7:24.

897 ISAIAH 12:4

and his place of rest will be glorious. 11 And this will happen in that day: the Lord will set his hand again the

tongue of the Egyptian sea, and with his mighty wind he will wave

his hand over the Euphrates River, and will split it into seven streams, and cause men to go over dry-shod. 16 And there will be a highway for the remnant of his people who are left

second time to recover the remnant

of his people who are left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the

from Assyria, as there was for Israel in the day that

he came up out of the land of Egypt.

islands of the sea. 12 And he will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble those driven out of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of

And in that day you will say,

"O LORD, I will praise you. Though you were angry with me,

Judah from the four corners of the earth.

your anger is turned away, and you comfort me. 2 See, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid, for Yah, the LORD, is my strength

13 And the envy of Ephraim will depart, and the adversaries of Judah will be cut off. Ephraim will not envy Judah, and Judah will not trouble Ephraim. 14 But they will swoop down on the slopes of the Philistines toward the west. Together they will plunder those of the

and my song. He has also become my salvation." 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day you will say, "Praise the LORD, call on his name, declare his deeds among the people,

east; they will lay their hands on Edom and Moab, and the children of Ammon will

obey them. 15 And the LORD will utterly destroy the

this signifies the conversion of many people throughout the world to the Lord Jesus now in this age. But more likely it refers to the age to come (Rev 21:22-26). 11:11,12 "In that day" means the time of the appearance and reign of the Messiah. Therefore this regathering of the people of Israel and Judah can hardly refer to their return from Babylon and Assyria beginning in 538 B.C. The language of v 11 indicates a world-wide dispersion of Israel and Judah and the regathering will be from all over the world. These verses probably refer to the same regathering foretold by the prophet Amos (Amos 9:14,15). The Lord said through Amos that the people would never again be uprooted after that regathering. This was not true after the return from Babylon beginning in 538 B.C. The people were uprooted again by the Romans in 70 A.D., and scattered into many countries. Jesus foretold this in Matt 24:2; Luke 19:41-44. So after that another regathering of Israel is required to fulfill these verses in Isaiah.

pletely fulfilled in this Church age, and it seems unlikely that the eternal ages are in view. Verses 6-16 speak of vast changes in the animal kingdom and in nature. Will the eternal ages have cobras and vipers? Will there be any need of reclaiming the remnant of His people (v 11)? Surely there will be no plundering of others going on in eternity (v 14). And what need will there be for changes like those in vs 15,16? We can hardly put this passage in Israel's past, the Church's present or eternity future. This leaves the millennium (Rev 20:4-6) as by far the most likely time of its fulfillment. Some scholars may like to ignore the details of this chapter and say this is only a poetic description of a happy condition. But do we have the right to do this with solemn words of prophecy? 12:1 "In that day" – the phrase that follows seems to refer to the future salvation of all Israel (Rom 11:25-32). But the same language of rejoicing can be used now by any saved individual or by the Church as a whole.

"Shinar" – Babylonia. 11:13,14 Though by now Ephraim's jealousy may have vanished, Judah's enemies have still not been cut off. The future domination of Israel and Judah over their neighbors is foretold also in 14:2; 49:23; etc.

"Anger" – 9:12,17,21. Notes on God's anger at Num 25:3; Ps 90:7-11. 12:2 "Salvation" – salvation is one of the major themes of Isaiah – 17:10; 25:9; 33:6; 45:17; 51:5,6; 54:8; 59:16; 61:10; 62:11. Trust is the remedy for fear – 26:3; Ps 112:7. "Yah" is the shortened form of Yahweh (Jehovah). 12:3 Ps 36:9; Jer 2:13; 17:13; John 4:10; 7:37-39. 12:4 See 24:15; 25:1; 26:8,13; Ps 80:18; 105:1; Jer 10:7; Zeph 2:11.

"Adversaries" – or, possibly, "hostility." 11:15,16 These geographical changes have not yet appeared. For something similar see Rev 16:12. 11:16 "Highway" – 57:14; 62:10. It is clear that this chapter has not been com-

ISAIAH 12:5 898

It will come as a destruction from the

declare that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done excellent things. This is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, and every man's heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them. They will be in pain like a woman in childbirth. They will be amazed at each other. Their faces will be like flames.

The burden concerning Babylon which

Isaiah the son of Amoz saw. 2 "Lift up a banner on the high mountain, raise the voice to them, beckon with the hand,

9 Look, the day of the LORD comes, cruel with both wrath and fierce anger,

to lay the land desolate; and he will destroy its sinners out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven and its constellations will not give their light. The sun will be darkened in its rising, and the moon will not shed its light.

so that they may enter the gates

of the nobles. 3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones, those who rejoice in my exaltation,

to execute my anger." 4 The noise of a multitude on the mountains, like that of a great people! An uproar of kingdoms, of nations

11 "And I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity, and I will cause the arrogance of the

proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the

gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters the army

terrible. 12 I will make a man scarcer than fine gold, a man rarer than the golden wedge of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth will move out of its place

for the battle. 5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, the LORD and the weapons of his

indignation, to destroy the whole land.

at the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. 14 And it will be like the hunted gazelle,

6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand!

12:5 Ex 15:1; Ps 98:1. 12:6 God delights to be among His redeemed people. Note at Ex 25:8. And they should rejoice in Him and they will (24:14; 48:20; 52:8; Ps 98:4; Jer 31:7-9; Zech 2:10). 13:1 See 1:1; 2:1. "Burden" – or "oracle" – 14:28; 15:1; 21:1; Nah 1:1; Hab 1:1; Zech 9:1; 12:1; Mal 1:1. Note at Num 23:7. Perhaps these messages from God were called burdens because they weighed heavily on the heart of the prophet who had to utter them, or because they were "heavy" with judgment.

either angelic forces that would work under God's direction to bring armies against Babylon, or the armies of the Medes and Persians themselves. If the latter the word would merely mean those whom God would set apart to accomplish His purposes. One basic meaning of the Hebrew word sanctify is to set apart for some purpose of God. 13:4 "LORD of hosts" – note at 1 Sam 1:3. 13:6-13 In this section the phrase "day of the LORD" is used or referred to four times. According to the New Testament the Day of the Lord is still a future event (1 Thess 5:13). The language of v 10 is echoed in Matt 24:19, Acts 2:20, and Rev 6:12,13. Verse 13 suggests the time of Heb 12:26,27, and Rev 16:17-21. Verse 11 speaks of the world, not merely of Babylon. For these reasons it can hardly be said that these verses were completely fulfilled at the destruction of Babylon by the Medes and Persians. That event was only a small picture of a much greater event to take place at the end of this age. It is not unusual in the prophets to have a far-off event suddenly thrust into a prophecy of nearer events. 13:6 "At hand" – see notes at Joel 1:15; Rev 1:3.

"Babylon" – for other prophesies against Babylon see 21:1-9; 46:1,2; 47:1-15; Jeremiah chapters 50, 51. At the time Isaiah wrote Babylonia was a part of the Assyrian empire and the city of Babylon was one of its two chief cities. So this prophecy against Babylon, which goes on to v 28 of chapter 14 was against a part of Assyria and so against Assyria too. The kings of Assyria sometimes called themselves "king of Babylon." 13:2-5 God will prepare armies to destroy Babylon. God's wrath which was on Judah will fall on their enemies. These armies were from the Medo-Persian empire (v 17; 45:1; Dan 5:30,31). 13:3 "My sanctified ones" – here means

"Almighty" – in Hebrew "Shaddai" – note at Gen 17:1. 13:14-18 These verses seem to apply to

899 ISAIAH 14:9

and like a sheep that no man takes up. Each man will return to his own people, and each one will flee to his own land. 15 Everyone who is found will be pierced through, and everyone who is captured will fall

For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob,

and once again will choose Israel, and set them in their own land; and strangers will be joined with them, and they will cling to the house of Jacob. 2 And peoples will take them and bring them to their place. And the house of Israel will possess

by the sword. 16 Their children also will be dashed to pieces before their eyes. Their houses shall be plundered,

them as servants and maids in the

land of the LORD, and they will take as captives those

and their wives ravished.

whose captives they were, and will rule over their oppressors. 3 And it will come about in the day that the LORD gives you rest from

17 "See, I will stir up against them the Medes, who will have no regard for silver, and will have no delight in gold. 18 And their bows will mow down the young men, and they will have no pity on the fruit

your sorrow, and from your fear, and from the hard bondage in which

of the womb. Their eyes will not spare children. 19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans' excellence, will be as when God overthrew Sodom

you were made to serve, 4 That you will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, "How the oppressor has come to an end,

the golden city ceased! 5 The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers. 6 The one who struck the people in wrath with a continual stroke, the one who ruled the nations in anger,

and Gomorrah. 20 It will never be inhabited, nor will it be lived in from generation

to generation. The Arabian will not pitch tent there, nor will the shepherds make their fold there. 21 But wild beasts of the desert will lie there, and their houses will be full of howling

is persecuted, and no one hinders. 7 The whole earth is at rest and is calm; they break forth into singing. 8 Yes, the fir trees rejoice at you, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, 'Since you were laid low,

creatures, and unclean birds will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about there. 22 And hyenas will cry in their strongholds, and howling creatures in their

no woodsman comes up against us.'

9 "Hell below is stirred up about you to meet you at your coming. It rouses the dead for you,

luxurious palaces. And her time is coming near, and her days will not be prolonged.

the destruction of Babylon by the Medes and Persians. 13:16 Verse 18; Ps 137:8,9. 13:17 The Medes were located in a part of what is now called Iran. 13:19-22 The city of Babylon is in view here. It was a beautiful city and a source of great pride to its most powerful ruler. See Dan 4:28-30. "Chaldeans" – Chaldea was the southern part of Babylonia. Babylon became like Sodom and Gomorrah, not in the method God used to destroy it, but in its final condition. See Jer 51:29,37-43,62. To this day Babylon is a heap of ruins. It is not certain what birds or animals are meant by the Hebrew words in these verses. 14:1,2 Every jot and tittle of not only the law but of the prophets must be fulfilled. It is clear that these verses (especially v 2) were not completely fulfilled when the Jews returned from Babylon to their own land. No

such power or reign of Israel over their captors and oppressors has been seen to this day. So we judge the complete fulfillment is some time in the future. Notice the words in v 1 – "once again will chose Israel" – as if for a time He had rejected them. See Matt 21:43 and compare it with Matt 19:28; Acts 1:6,7; Rom 11:11,12,15,23-29; Rev 7:1-8. 14:3 There are two Babylons described in Scripture – the literal Babylon on the Euphrates river and figurative Babylon of Revelation chapters 17 and 18. The literal one came to an end 2500 years ago. The destruction of the other one is in the future. It does not seem impossible that the verses which follow fit both times of destruction. 14:5,6 "Staff" – 10:5,24. 14:7 "The whole earth" – if this was true at the fall of the literal Babylon it was true for only a very short time. 14:9 "Hell" – the Hebrew has "Sheol" – the unseen realm of the dead. Also verse 15.

ISAIAH 14:10 900

and destroyed its cities, who did not allow his prisoners to go home?'

all the chief ones of the earth. It makes all who were kings of the

nations rise from their thrones. 10 All of them will speak and say to you, 'Have you also become as weak as we? Have you become like us?'

18 "All the kings of the nations, all of them, lie in honour, each one in his own place. 19 But you are cast out of your grave like a rejected branch, and like the clothing of those who have

11 "Your pomp is brought down to the grave, and the sound of your harps. The maggot is spread out under you,

been killed, pierced with a sword, who go down to the stones of the pit

and the worms cover you.

like a corpse trampled underfoot. 20 You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land,

12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the dawn! How you, who weakened the nations,

and killed your people. The offspring of evildoers will never be

are cut down to the ground! 13 For you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the Mount of the Congregation, in the far recesses of the north. 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the Most High.' 15 Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the lowest depths of the pit. 16 Those who see you will stare at you, and consider you, saying, 'Is this the man who caused the earth

mentioned again. 21 Prepare slaughter for his children because of the wickedness of their fathers, so that they do not rise up and possess

the land, or fill the surface of the earth with cities."

22 "For I will rise up against them", says the LORD of hosts, "and cut off from Babylon its name and

survivors, and offspring and

posterity," says the LORD. 23 "Also I will make it a possession of hedgehogs, and watery swamps,

to tremble, who shook kingdoms, 17 Who made the world like a wilderness

14:10,11 This is the end of all man's and glory and beauty apart from God. God's saved people will inherit forever with Christ all the glory and beauty of heaven. 14:12-15 Some scholars are convinced that these words are spoken only to the king of Babylon. Others are equally sure that they are spoken to the one behind the king of Babylon – Satan himself. (A similar passage is Ezek 28:12-17.) It seems quite possible that both are being addressed (compare Matt 16:23). Behind the king of Babylon's awful arrogance and defiance of heaven was the king of demons. 14:12 Luke 10:18; Rev 12:7-9. This verse may refer to the very end of this age.

desire and outlook of Satan and those who have the desire and outlook of Christ.

"Mount of the Congregation" – some scholars say this refers to the heavenly mount Zion (as in Heb 12:22. See also Ps 89:5; 1 Kings 22:19; Job 1:6). Others say that it refers to the earthly mount Zion where God reigned in the temple over Israel (Ps 48:1,2; 80:1; 99:1). Still others give another explanation. The first view does not seem unlikely.

"I will make myself like the Most High" – Satan and some among men who are his followers, want to be regarded as God Himself. This is the ultimate blasphemy, the extreme limits of wickedness. Compare Matt 4:8,9; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Daniel 11:36,37. 14:15 Such will be the end of all self-exalting beings, whether men, or Satan and his hosts. 14:16-20 The king of Babylon is again plainly addressed. These words have to do with the earth, not the realm of the dead as in v 9-11. Between 605 BC and 538 BC the Babylonian king was the most powerful man on earth. He held God's people captive until he was overthrown by the Medes. 14:19 For a king not to have a proper burial was a thing of great dishonor to him. 14:21-23 Both the sons of Babylon's king and his kingdom and people would be destroyed.

"Lucifer" – or "Daystar." Satan was, no doubt, once a bright and shining being in heaven, and the king of Babylon was a bright "star" among the rulers of earth. But only Christ Himself is the bright Morning Star (Rev 22:16). Perhaps Satan is called a star here (if indeed Satan is being directly addressed – which seems very likely) ironically because he wanted to usurp the place of the Son of God. 14:13,14 All Satan (or the king of Babylon) desired was self-exaltation, glory, and power over everyone else. Compare Christ's character as revealed in Phil 2:5-11 and Matt 11:29. Leaders in general may be divided into two groups – those who have the

901 ISAIAH 15:9

and I will sweep it with the broom of

The burden concerning Moab: "Because in the night Ar of Moab has

destruction," says the LORD of hosts.

been laid waste and brought to silence, because in the night Kir of Moab has

24 The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, "Surely as I have planned,

been laid waste and brought to silence, 2 He has gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep. Moab will wail over Nebo, and over Medeba. Baldness will be on all their heads,

so it will happen; and as I have purposed,

so it will stand. 25 I will break the Assyrian in my land, and trample him underfoot on my mountains. Then his yoke will depart from them,

and every beard will be cut off. 3 In their streets they will wrap themselves with sackcloth. On the tops of their houses, and in

and his burden depart from

their shoulders.

26 "This is the plan that is purposed for the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched

their streets, everyone will wail, weeping bitterly. 4 And Heshbon and Elealeh will cry out. Their voice will be heard as far as Jahaz; therefore the armed soldiers of Moab

out on all the nations. 27 For the LORD of hosts has formed a purpose, and who can cancel it? And his hand is stretched out,

will cry out. His life will be burdensome to him.

and who can turn it back?"

5 "My heart will cry out for Moab. His fugitives will flee to Zoar like a

28 In the year that king Ahaz died this was the burden:

heifer three years old; for by the ascent of Luhith they will

29 "Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia, because the rod of the one who

go up with weeping; for on the road to Horonaim they will

struck you is broken; for out of the serpent's root will come a viper, and its offspring will be a fiery flying serpent. 30 And the firstborn of the poor will feed, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root with famine,

raise a cry of destruction. 6 For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate, for the hay has withered away,

the grass fails; there is no green thing. 7 Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and what they have stored away, they will carry away to the brook of the

and it will kill your remnant."

31 Wail, O gate! Cry out, O city! All you of Philistia, melt away! For a smoke will come from the north,

willows. 8 For the cry is gone all around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to

and there will be no deserter from its ranks. 32 What, then, will one answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD has founded Zion,

Beer-Elim. 9 For the waters of Dimon will be full of blood, for I will bring more on Dimon,

and the poor of his people will find

refuge in it.

lions on him who escapes from Moab,

14:24 This is true of everything God plans (v 27), but He is here speaking of the destruction of the Assyrians, as the following verse makes clear. 14:25 "My land. . .my mountains" – at least partially fulfilled in 701 BC (37:36,37).

city).

"Do not rejoice" – their relief was temporary. Destruction would come to them (vs 30,31). 14:32 The Assyrians were not able to conquer Jerusalem. 15:1 For note on Moab see Gen 19:37. For other prophecies about Moab see Jeremiah chapter 48; Ezek 25:8-11; Amos 2:1-3; Zeph 2:8-11. The locations of many of the places in Moab in this chapter are unknown to us. 15:2 "Baldness", "cut off" – shaving the head and cutting off the beard were indications of mourning (vs 3,4; Jer 48:37). 15:5 See Jer 48:31 – God's grief for Moab. 15:9 "Lions" – 5:29; Jer 50:17.

"Yoke" – 9:40. 14:26 In chapters 13-24 God is speaking of a number of nations which represent the known world of Isaiah's day. 14:27 Verse 24. 14:28-32 For other prophecies against the Philistines see Jeremiah chapter 47; Ezek 25:15-17; Amos 1:6-8; Zeph 2:4-7. 14:28 "Ahaz died" – about 715 BC. 14:29 "Broken" – the rod that struck them was Assyria (20:1. Ashdod was a Philistine

ISAIAH 16:1 902

Her branches were spread out; they have gone over the sea.

and on the remnant of the land.

"Send the lamb to the ruler of the land from

9 Therefore, with the weeping of Jazer I will weep for the vine of Sibmah. I will water you with my tears,

Sela to the wilderness, to the mount of the daughter of Zion. 2 For it will happen that the daughters of Moab will be at the fords of the Arnon, like a wandering bird thrown out of the nest.

O Heshbon, and Elealeh; for the shouting over your summer

fruits and for your harvest has failed. 10 And gladness and joy have been taken away from the plentiful field. And in the vineyards there will be no singing, nor will there be shouting. Those who tread out wine will have

3 "Take counsel, execute judgment, make your shadow like night in the

middle of the day. Hide those driven out. Do not betray the fugitive. 4 Let my outcasts stay with you, O Moab. Be a shelter to them from the presence

none to tread in their presses. I have put a stop to their shouting. 11 Therefore my inner being intones like a harp for Moab, and my inward parts lament for Kir-Haresh.

of the destroyer. For the extortioner will come to an end, Destruction will cease. The oppressors will vanish from the land. 5 And in mercy the throne will be established; and one will sit on it in truth,

12 And this will happen: when it is seen that Moab is weary on

the high place, he will come to his sanctuary to pray;

in the tabernacle of David,

judging and seeking justice, and quickly bringing righteousness."

but he will not prevail. 13 This is the word that the LORD has spoken previously concerning Moab. 14 But now the LORD has spoken, saying, "Within three years, as a hired man

6 We have heard of the pride of Moab, of his great pride, of his haughtiness and his pride and

his wrath; but his boasts are false. 7 Therefore Moab will wail for Moab, everyone will wail. You will mourn for the foundations of

counts the years, the glory of Moab will be despised

with all that great multitude; and those who remain will be very

few and feeble."

Kir-Hareseth; surely they are struck down. 8 For the fields of Heshbon,

The burden concerning Damascus.

See, Damascus will cease from being a

and the vine of Sibmah, languish. The rulers of the nations have broken

city, and will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer will be forsaken. They will be for flocks, which will lie down,

down its choice plants,

which reached as far as Jazer, and wandered through the desert.

without anyone making

16:1 Moab did this in former years (2 Sam 7:2; 2 Kings 3:4,5). This is probably advice spoken by the Moabites among themselves. 16:2-4 The reason for the exhortation in v 1 is the hope of finding refuge from an invading army. 16:5 The last part of v 4 and this verse speak of better times for both Judah and Moab (see Jer 48:47). God's grace will be displayed in the raising up of a king from David's royal house. The language of this verse suggests the Messiah (compare 9:7; 11:4,5). When He rules Moab will share in the blessings of Zion. 16:6 Jer 48:29,30. Pride does not need good reasons for its existence – it can create its own reasons. Compare Jer 48:29. 16:7 "Therefore" – what follows is punishment for Moab's pride. See Jer 48:26,42.

16:8 "Sea" – the Dead sea. 16:9-11 Jer 48:31,36; see notes at Jer 48:31-39. Here it is either the prophet who grieves over Moab or the LORD (see the last line of v 10). In Jer 48:36 it is certainly God Himself. 16:12 The worship and prayer of the people were useless. Just judgment must fall on them because of their pride and wickedness. 16:13,14 A further message added later (we cannot say when) to the oracle of 15:1 - 16:12. 17:1 For other prophecies about Damascus see Jer 49:23-27; Amos 1:3-5. Damascus was the capital of Syria, a country that was frequently at war with Israel (2 Sam 8:5; 1 Kings 20:13; 2 Kings 6:24). The prophecy of this verse has not yet been fulfilled. Damascus is still there, still the capital of Syria. So this prophecy looks to the end of this age.

903 ISAIAH 18:3

and have not remembered the Rock of

them afraid. 3 Also the fortress will cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus,

your strength, therefore you plant pleasant plants,

and set out foreign seedlings. 11 In the day you cause your plant to grow, and in the morning you cause your

and the remnant of Syria. They will be like the glory of the

children of Israel, says the LORD of hosts. 4 And this will happen in that day: the glory of Jacob will wane, and the fatness of his flesh will become lean. 5 And it will be as when the harvester gathers the grain, and reaps the heads with his hand; it will be like one gathering grain in the

seed to flourish; but the harvest will be a heap of ruins

in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.

12 Alas for the uproar of many people, who make a noise like the noise

of the seas! And alas for the rushing of nations,

which make a rushing like the

Valley of Rephaim. 6 Yet some gleanings will be left in it, like when an olive tree is shaken, two or three olives at the top of the

rushing of mighty waters! 13 The nations will rush like the rushing of many waters, but God will rebuke them, and they will flee far away, and be chased like chaff on the

uppermost bough, four or five in its most fruitful branches, says the LORD God of Israel.

mountains before the wind, and like a thing that rolls before the whirlwind. 14 And, look, at evening trouble! Before morning he is no more ! This is the portion of those who plunder us, and the lot of those who rob us.

7 At that day a man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will have respect for the

Holy One of Israel. 8 And he will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, nor will he show respect for what his

Woe to the land of whirring wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, 2 That sends ambassadors by sea, in vessels of bulrushes on the water, saying, "Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth-skinned, to a people dreaded from their

fingers have made, nor the idolatrous groves, nor the images.

9 In that day his strong cities will be like a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children

of Israel; and there will be desolation.

beginning to now, a nation powerful and oppressive,

10 Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation,

whose land is divided by rivers. 3 All you inhabitants of the world,

17:3-6 When Isaiah wrote this the northern kingdom of Israel (here called Ephraim) and Syria were allies against Judah (7:1,2). The glory of Israel passed completely away when Assyria came and conquered it and took the people into exile. 17:5 "Rephaim" – 1 Chron 11:15 – a place west of Jerusalem. 17:6 A remnant of Israel would remain. 17:7,8 Whatever causes men to turn to God is good, even if it is disaster on a country. 17:8 "Altars" – to false gods. "Idolatrous groves" – or "Asherah" – note at Jud 3:7. 17:9 The Israelites drove the Canaanites out of many of their cities in the days of Joshua, and occupied them. Those same cities would now be deserted because Israel would go into exile to Assyria. 17:10 "Forgotten" – one of Israel's worst sins (Jer 2:32; 3:21). And God was sure to punish it (Deut 8:19,20; Ps 50:22; Jer

13:24,25; 18:15,16). 17:12-14 See 10:28-34. This probably refers to the invasion of Judah by Assyria's army, and their sudden defeat at Jerusalem (2 Chron 32:1,20,21). 17:14 How quickly God may deal with the enemies of His people when they trust Him. 18:1,2 The language of this chapter is very obscure and so interpretation is difficult.

"Whirring wings" – may mean a land of many insects or may suggest armies ready to fly at the enemy (7:18,19).

"Ethiopia" – in Hebrew "Cush," a land south of Egypt, including part of presentday Ethiopia. During the time of Isaiah, in 715 BC, Cush and Egypt became united under the leadership of a Cushite. This is perhaps suggested by the words of v 2. In Isaiah's day the two great powers were Egypt (with Cush) on the southwest and Assyria on the northeast. 18:3 Banners and trumpets indicate war

ISAIAH 18:4 904

and dwellers on the earth, look when he lifts up a banner on the

and the heart of Egypt will melt within it.

2 "And I will set Egyptians against Egyptians, and each of them will fight against his brother, and each against his neighbour; city will fight against city, and kingdom against kingdom. 3 And the spirit of Egypt will fail within it. And I will destroy its counsel,

mountains; and listen when he blows a trumpet. 4 For so the LORD said to me, "I will take my rest, and I will look on

from my dwelling place, like bright heat in the sunshine, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest." 5 For before the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he will both cut off the shoots with

and they will resort to idols, and to enchanters, and to mediums and

spiritists. 4 And I will hand over the Egyptians to a cruel ruler, and a fierce king will rule over them",

pruning hooks, and remove and cut away the branches. 6 They will be left together for the birds of the mountains, and for the beasts of the earth; and the birds will spend their summers in them, and all the beasts of the earth will

says the Lord, the LORD of hosts.

5 And the waters will fail from the sea, and the river will become parched and dry. 6 And the streams will turn foul, and the brooks of defense will become

empty and dried up; the reeds and rushes will wither. 7 The plants by the river, by the mouth of the river, and everything planted by the river,

winter in them. 7 At that time a present will be brought to the LORD of hosts from a people

tall and smooth-skinned, and from a people dreaded from their

will wither, be driven away,

beginning up to now, a nation powerful and oppressive,

and be no more. 8 The fishermen also will mourn, and all those who cast hooks into the

whose land is divided by rivers, to the place of the name of the

river will lament, and those who spread nets on the

LORD of hosts, Mount Zion.

water will pine away. 9 Moreover, those who work with fine flax, and those who weave linen, will be

The burden concerning Egypt: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud

and comes to Egypt; and the idols of Egypt will shake at his

disappointed. 10 And its foundations will be broken;

presence,

human heart, its love of idolatry even when idols prove to be useless. 19:2 Indicates struggles for power in Egypt and among its allies. 19:3 When plans of nations and peoples come to nothing, be sure that it is God which brings them to nothing.

(5:26-29; 13:2,3; 31:9; Josh 6:20; Judges 3:27). A great movement of armies is suggested by this verse. 18:4 "My dwelling place" – Jerusalem (Ps 48:1-3). The Lord will be in absolute control of events and can look calmly on at what is happening. 18:5,6 Depicts a sudden destruction of an army. Compare 17:12-14. 18:7 "A present" – sometimes brought by people of other nations to Jerusalem after a victory by Judah, or in recognition of the pre-eminence of the God of Israel (16:1; 2 Chron 32:23). Compare Ps 72:8-11; etc. "A people" – v 2. 19:1 For other prophecies about Egypt see Jeremiah chapter 46; Ezekiel chapters 29-32.

"Spiritists" – Deut 18:9-14. Men in general are willing to try anything and consult anything except the true and living God. 19:4 "A fierce king" – possibly the king of Assyria (20:4); possibly the Babylonian king who later conquered Egypt (Jer 43:10-13). 19:5-10 The whole economy of Egypt was dependent on the Nile river. Drying up of the river would be a terrible disaster. There is no event in history that literally fulfills these verses. Therefore they either refer to the future, or more likely, use figurative, poetical language to suggest the complete downfall of Egypt.

"Cloud" – Ps 18:9,10; 68:4; 104:3; Matt 26:64; Acts 1:9; Rev 1:7.

"Idols" – God had judged the gods and idols of Egypt in the days of Moses (Ex 12:12), and had shown that He was the only true God. But the Egyptians still clung to their idols. Learn from this the stubborn depravity of the

"All the wage earners will be troubled in heart" (v 10) – this probably best brings out the meaning of the Hebrew though it

905 ISAIAH 19:25

all the wage earners will be troubled in heart.

Egypt, everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself, because of the purpose of the LORD of hosts, which he has determined to fulfil against it. 18 In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one will be called, The City of Destruction. 19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the middle of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. 20 And it will be as a sign and as a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry out to the LORD because of oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he will deliver them. 21 And the LORD will become known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the LORD, and perform it. 22 And the LORD will strike Egypt; he will strike and heal it; and they will return to the LORD, and he will hear their plea and heal them.

11 Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of Pharaoh's wise

counsellors has become stupid. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I am the son of the wise,

the descendant of ancient kings?" 12 Where are they? Where are your wise men ? Let them tell you now, and let them

know what the LORD of hosts has

planned against Egypt. 13 The princes of Zoan have become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived, and those who are the mainstay of its

tribes have led Egypt astray. 14 The LORD has mingled a perverse spirit in its midst, and they have caused Egypt to err in

all of its actions, like a drunken man staggers in his vomit. 15 Nor will there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail,

23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt, and the Egyptian will travel to Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. 24 In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, a blessing in the middle of the region, 25 whom the LORD of hosts will bless, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance."

branch or rush, can do.

16 In that day Egypt will be like women; and it will be afraid and in dread because of the moving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he moves over it. 17 And the land of Judah will be a terror to

differs from the KJV. See not at Ps 14:7. 19:11 "Zoan" – an important city of Egypt well-known to the Jews (Num 13:22; Ps 78:12,43). It was the capital of northern Egypt for some time.

Notes on the Day of the LORD at 13:6-13; Joel 1:15; 1 Thess 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10).

"In that day" (v 16) can hardly mean in the days when the Assyrians or Babylonians invaded the land in the times of the prophets of Israel. Certainly not all of the matters predicted in these verses happened then. What is foretold here is nothing less than the conversion of Egypt to the true God, and complete peace and harmony between Egypt, Israel and Assyria (vs 23,24. These nations fought each other for centuries). But before that happens God will strike Egypt (vs 16,22), and that people will know that God has done it and be terrified of both God and the people of God (Judah – vs 16,17). This will be a means of turning Egypt to God and of making that land a blessing on earth (v 24), and will bring forth from God's lips the wonderful words of v 25. It is hard to see how all this can have any possible fulfillment except at the return of Christ and His reign over the earth in universal peace (2:2-4; 9:7; 11:1-16). 19:18 "City of Destruction" – or, possibly, "City of the Sun." 20:1-6 Ashdod was near the border of Judah. Judah and Jerusalem were endangered by Assyria's armies. Some in Judah brought pressure on the king to make an alliance with Egypt (v 5; 30:1,2; 31:1). God made Isaiah a sign to the people that the allied peoples of Egypt and Cush would

"Counsel" – v 3. Counselors who do not know the true God will not always give good advice. 19:12 See 1 Cor 1:20. There is no wisdom or counsel against the Lord. 19:13 "Noph" – another name for Memphis. This city had been a previous capital of northern Egypt and was still an important city.

"Mainstay" – leaders, prophets, and priests who held the nation together. When such people are fools and wicked, the nation is in deep trouble (9:15,16; Jer 2:8; etc). 19:14 "The LORD has mingled" – one way God has of judging and punishing a wicked nation is to give them up to their folly and to see that they fall victim to empty counsel and wrong plans (6:9-13; Jer 25:15-26).

"Staggers" – sometimes the nations of earth behave as if they were drunk. 19:15 See 9:14,15. 19:16-25 This is an obscure and difficult passage and at present not all the details can be satisfactorily interpreted. The passage begins with the words "in that day", and the same words appear in vs 18, 19, 23, 24. The expression is indefinite but may look forward to the Day of the LORD already referred to by Isaiah (2:20; etc.

ISAIAH 20:1 906 20

In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him) and fought against Ashdod, and took it, 2 at that same time the LORD spoke through Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, "Go and remove the sackcloth from your waist, and take off your sandals from your feet." And he did so, walking about naked and barefoot.

I writhe at the hearing of it; I am dismayed by seeing it. 4 My heart pounds, terror makes me afraid, the twilight I desired he has turned into

fear for me. 5 Prepare the table! Be on the lookout in the watchtower! Eat, drink! Arise, you princes,

and anoint the shield!

3 And the LORD said, "Just as my servant Isaiah has walked about naked and barefoot three years as a sign and wonder against Egypt and against Ethiopia, 4 so the king of Assyria will lead the Egyptians away prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. 5 And they will be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their hope, and of Egypt their glory. 6 And the inhabitant of this territory will say in that day, 'See, such is our hope, where we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria. And how will we escape?'"

6 For thus the Lord has said to me, "Go, set a watchman. Have him declare what he sees." 7 And he saw a chariot with a pair of horsemen, a chariot of donkeys, and a chariot of camels;

and he listened alertly with great care. 8 And he cried out like a lion, "My lord, I stand continually on the

watchtower in the daytime, and I have sat at my post whole nights; 9 And, look, here comes a chariot of men, with a pair of horsemen." And he answered and said, "Babylon has fallen, has fallen! And all the carved images of her gods

The burden concerning the desert by the

sea: As whirlwinds pass through the south,

so this comes from the desert,

he has broken to the ground." 10 O my threshing, and the grain of my floor! I have declared to you what I have

from a terrible land. 2 A grievous vision has been declared to me: the treacherous dealer deals treacherously, and the plunderer plunders. Go up, O Elam! Lay siege, O Media! I have brought to an end all the

heard from the LORD of hosts,

the God of Israel.

groaning it has caused. 3 Therefore my loins are filled with pain; pangs have taken hold of me,

11 The burden concerning Dumah: He calls out to me from Seir, "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?"

like the pangs of a woman in labour.

themselves be put to shame and led away capture. Victorious armies in those days sometimes stripped conquered enemies and led them away. 20:1 "Assyria" – note at 2 Kings 15:19. 20:2 "Remove" – everywhere in the Bible nakedness is a mark of shame (v 4; 32:11; Ezek 16:39; 23:26; Hos 2:3).

because of the groaning she (Babylon) caused to other peoples. 21:3,4 The prophets were sometimes overcome by the visions they saw and the messages they delivered. Thoughts of the destruction, the pains, the miseries they announced caused them deep grief (16:911; Jer 4:19-26; Dan 8:27; 10:15-17). 21:5 Isaiah sees in vision the careless revelry of Babylon's leaders when the enemy was at their gates. Compare Dan 5:1-4,30,31. 21:6-9 In vision Isaiah looks forward to a time long after his own day and hears the report of messengers or refugees from Babylon telling of the complete destruction of that city. 21:9 See 13:19; Rev 14:8; 18:2. 21:10 "What I have heard" – this is what God's prophets always did. They proclaimed no messages, speculations or theories of their own. 21:11 "Dumah" – is a Hebrew word meaning "silence." It was also a tribe descended from Ishmael (Gen 25:14; Josh 15:52; 1 Chron 1:30). Here it is probably the name

"Sackcloth" – usually a sign of mourning (Gen 37:34; Est 4:1; Ps 69:11). Sometimes, as here, the clothing of a prophet (compare garment of hair in 2 Kings 1:8; Zech 13:4; Matt 3:4; 11:8,9). Sackcloth was made of hair – Rev 6:12. 20:5 This would include the Philistines who looked to Egypt for help. 21:1,2 "Desert by the sea" – Babylon (v 9). This city and kingdom were conquered by the Medes and Persians (Elam was a part of the Medo-Persian empire). A part of Babylonia lay by the Persian gulf, the sea of v 1. Though once very fertile it was to become like a desert (13:19-21; Jer 50:10,12; 51:41-43). In v 2 Elam and Media are called on to attack Babylon

907 ISAIAH 22:10

all who are found in you,

12 The watchman said, "The morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire. Return, come."

who have fled from afar, are captured together. 4 Therefore I said, "Look away from me. I will weep bitterly. Do not attempt to comfort me,

13The burden against Arabia:

In the forest in Arabia you will lodge,

O you caravans of Dedanim. 14 The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him who was thirsty, with their bread they met him who fled. 15 For they fled from the sword, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the stress of battle. 16 For thus the Lord has said to me, "Within a year, as a hired man counts the years, all the glory of Kedar will fail, 17 and the remainder of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, will be diminished; for the LORD God of Israel has spoken it."

because of the plundering of the

daughter of my people." 5 For it is a day of trouble, and of trampling down, and of perplexity from the Lord God of

hosts in the Valley of Vision, a breaking down of the walls, and of crying out to the mountains. 6 And Elam took up the quiver, with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield. 7 And it will happen that your choicest valleys will be full of chariots, and the horsemen will set themselves

in array at the gate. 8 And he removes the covering of Judah. And you looked in that day to the

The burden concerning the Valley of Vision: What troubles you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops? 2 You that are full of uproar, a city full of tumult, a joyous city,

armour of The House of the Forest. 9 You have also seen the breaches in the wall of the city of David,

your slain men are not killed by the sword,

that they are many. And you collected the water of the lower pool. 10 And you numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and broke down the houses to fortify

or dead in battle. 3 All your rulers have fled together, they are captured by the archers.

of a place in the land of Edom (Seir was a mountain in Edom). For other prophecies about Edom see 34:5-15; Jer 49:7-22; Ezek 25:12-14; Amos 1:11,12, Obadiah. The enquiry about the time of night indicates anxiety and danger. 21:12 "Morning" – probably means that a time of relief from enemies is coming, to be followed by more danger (night).

the mention in v 8 of Judah, of the "House of the Forest" (built by king Solomon – 1 Kings 7:2-6; 10:17,21), of the city of David in v 9 (see 2 Sam 5:6,7,9), and of Jerusalem in v 10.

Isaiah sees a vision of a future enemy siege. Jerusalem has been besieged many times. The two most significant in the days of the prophets were the one by the Assyrians (701 BC – 2 Chron 32:1,2,9,10), and the one by the Babylonians (588 - 586 BC – 2 Kings 25:1-3). In the future lay the siege of the Romans (70 AD). And it seems clear that there will be a siege of Jerusalem at the end of this age (Zech 12:2,3; 14:2). It is not revealed what siege is meant in this chapter. 22:2 "Uproar", "joyous" – v 13; 5:11,12; 32:13. Though some were dying because of disease or famine, many were careless and continued to seek pleasure. 22:3 Perhaps this was fulfilled in 2 Kings 25:4-6. 22:4 See 15:5; 21:3,4; Jer 9:1. 22:5 "Mountains" – 2:19; Hos 10:18; Luke 23:30; Rev 6:16. 22:6 "Kir" – 2 Kings 16:9; Amos 1:5 – a place somewhere in the regions of Assyria, and probably near Elam (see 21:2). Soldiers from these places may have fought in the armies of both Assyria and Babylon. 22:9 "Water" – 2 Kings 20:20.

"Inquire" – if the Edomites want to know more about their future they are free to ask the prophets of the true God in Judah. 21:13 "Arabia" – for another prophecy about Arabia see Jer 49:28-33.

"Dedanim" – an Arabian tribe (Ezek 27:20; 38:13). 21:14 "Tema" – an oasis in northern Arabia mentioned in Job 6:19; Jer 25:23. 21:15 Both the Assyrians and Babylonians attacked the Arabs at different times. 21:16 "Kedar" – an important place for the tribes in the Arabian desert. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked Kedar (Jer 49:28,29). The God of Israel is the God of the whole earth, the only true and living God, and He is concerned about every tribe and people and nation in the world. 22:1 Jerusalem was built on hills and there were hills all around and valleys between them. The Valley of Vision was one of these, but which one we cannot say. This prophecy is about Jerusalem. This can be seen by

ISAIAH 22:11 908

the wall. 11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old

18 He will certainly turn violently and toss you like a ball into a large country. There you will die, and there your

glorious chariots will be the shame

pool; but you did not look to its Maker,

of your lord's house.' 19 And I will drive you from your position, and pull you down from your state.

or have respect for the one who

formed it long ago. 12 And in that day the Lord God of hosts called for weeping and for mourning,

20 "And this will happen on that day: I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, 21 and I will clothe him with your robe, and strengthen him with your belt, and I will commit your authority into his hands. And he will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 And I will lay the key of the house of David on his shoulder; so he will open, and no one will shut, and he will shut, and no one will open. 23 And I will fasten him as a peg in a sure place; and he will be as a glorious throne to his father's house. 24 And they will hang on him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the cups to all the jars.

and for shaving the head, and for wearing sackcloth, 13 And, look, joy and gladness, slaughtering oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine, and saying "let us eat and drink,

for tomorrow we die." 14 And it was revealed in my hearing by the LORD of hosts, "Surely this wickedness will not be purged from you until you die, says the Lord God of hosts."

15 Thus says the Lord God of hosts, "Go, get yourselves to this steward,

to Shebna, who is over the house, and say, 16 'What do you have here? And whom do you have here, that you have cut out a tomb for yourself here, like one cutting out a tomb on high for himself, and carving for yourself a resting

25 "In that day, says the LORD of hosts, the peg that is fastened in the sure place will be removed, and be cut off, and fall; and the load that was on it will be cut off; for the LORD has spoken.'"

The burden concerning Tyre.

place in a rock? 17 See, the LORD will hurl you down, you mighty man, and will surely seize you.

Wail, you ships of Tarshish, for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no harbour.

official in the palace; Eliakim was. 22:20 Eliakim means "God will establish." 22:21 Eliakim would be a faithful and compassionate administrator in contrast to the self-seeking Shebna. 22:22 Eliakim would be a powerful palace administrator. He would also be a small picture of the Lord Jesus who would be given the throne of David and have absolute authority, not over a palace, but over the world (Rev 3:7; Matt 28:18; John 17:2). 22:23,24 What "hangs" on the Lord Jesus who now has the keys of David? The fate of nations and peoples in the whole earth, the eternal destiny of every individual, and the honor of His Father the God of the universe. 22:25 "That day" – day of future judgment. "Fall" – Eliakim too would lose his position, unlike the Lord Jesus who is king forever and will never fail either His Father or His people. 23:1 Other prophecies concerning Tyre are in Ezek 26:1-28:19; Amos 1:9,10. In those days Tyre was a famous city and very important seaport (v 3) on the Mediterranean coast. Part of the city was built on the mainland. This was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in 572 BC. Part of the city was built on two rocky islands about 800 meters from shore. This part was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 332 BC.

22:11 This applies to the majority of the people then, but there were, doubtless, always a few who did look to God, as king Hezekiah did at the time of the Assyrian siege (37:1,2,14-20). 22:12-14 At a time of national disaster when God is commanding repentance and mourning for sin, to be careless and make merry is a great evil in God's eyes. 22:15-24 Shebna was the highest official in the palace of Judah's king at one time. Evidently he used his position for his own ends. Only three things about him are recorded. He hewed out a tomb from the rock for himself (v 16. 2 Chron 16:13,14; Matt 27:57-60), he obtained splendid chariots (both of which indicate wealth), and he was a disgrace to the king (v 18). This suggests that his life style was extremely objectionable. Shebna is an example of a man who misused his office. He served himself rather than the king and people. God had two punishments for him. He would lose his position to Eliakim (vs 19-21) and he would die in exile far from his grand tomb (v 18). 22:19 "I will drive" – God puts down one and promotes another as He pleases (1 Sam 2:7; Ps 75:7). "State" – according to 36:3, at the time of the Assyrian siege in the days of king Hezekiah, Shebna was no longer the chief

909 ISAIAH 23:17

From the land of Cyprus it is revealed

O daughter of Tarshish; there is no more strength. 11 He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms. The LORD has given a command

to them. 2 Be still, you inhabitants of the coastland, you whom the merchants of Sidon who

cross the sea, have filled. 3 And on great waters the grain of Sihor, the harvest of the river,

against the merchant city, to destroy its strongholds. 12 And he said, "You will no longer rejoice, O you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Arise, cross over to Cyprus. There also you will have no rest." 13 See the land of the Chaldeans. This people did not exist until

is her revenue; and she is a marketplace for the nations. 4 Be ashamed, O Sidon, for the sea has spoken, the strength of the sea, saying, "I am not in labour, nor do I bring forth children, nor do I rear young men or bring up virgins." 5 When word comes to Egypt, they will be in great pain at the report

the Assyrian founded it for those

who dwell in the desert. They set up its towers,

about Tyre. 6 Cross over to Tarshish. Wail, you inhabitants of the coastland! 7 Is this your joyous city, city of antiquity, of ancient days? Her own feet have carried her far away

they erected its palaces. And he brought it to ruin. 14 Wail, you ships of Tarshish! For your stronghold is destroyed.

15 And it will come about in that day, that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, in accordance with the days of one king. At the end of seventy years Tyre will sing like a prostitute.

to sojourn. 8 Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose merchants

are princes, whose traders are the honourable of the earth? 9 The LORD of hosts has planned it to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all those

16 Take a harp, go about the city, you prostitute who has been forgotten. Make sweet melody, sing many songs,

so that you may be remembered.

17 And it will happen at the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she will return to

honoured in the earth. 10 Overflow through your land like a river,

"Tarshish" – a city far to the west of Israel, probably in present-day Spain. It was famous for sailing vessels and trade by sea (2:16; 2 Chron 9:21; Ezek 27:12.

see in 2:11-18. 23:10 "Daughter of Tarshish" – the city of Tarshish. 23:12 "Virgin daughter of Sidon" – the city of Sidon. Compare 47:1. The phrase does not mean that Sidon was pure, only that it too was a "daughter" of the human race.

"Cyprus" – literally "Kittim", the Hebrew name for Cyprus. 23:2 "Sidon" – another important seaport about 40 kilometers north of Tyre. Both Tyre and Sidon were in the country of the Phoenicians. 23:4 "The strength of the sea" – probably a reference to Tyre. The part of the city built on the rocky islands, being completely surrounded by water, was considered safe from attack. Tyre thought that she was unique and stood alone in the world. 23:5 Egypt would grieve at the loss of a great trading and commercial partner. The river in v 3 speaks of Egypt's River Nile. 23:6 "Cross over" – to escape the destruction of their city. 23:7 "Ancient" – even in Isaiah's day Tyre was at least 1300 years old.

"Cyprus" – literally "Kittim", the Hebrew name for Cyprus. 23:13 Before the Babylonians became a powerful kingdom the Assyrians destroyed Babylon (689 BC). Isaiah says the same thing would happen to Sidon. 23:14 Verse 1. 23:15-17 Tyre would be restored to its place as a city of trade and commerce. This happened between the destruction of the city by Nebuchadnezzar and the more complete destruction by Alexander the Great. 23:17 "Prostitute" – in the Bible this word is sometimes used of the people of a city or nation in two different senses. A people that turned from the true God and worshiped other gods or idols is called a prostitute and an adulteress (note and references at Lev 20:5). A great commercial city such as Tyre also is called a prostitute. This is no doubt because its people spent their lives for selfish gain and forgot God for the sake of profit (compare Rev 17:1,5; 18:1-19).

"Far away" – the people of Tyre had founded cities in other parts of the world – for example, Carthage in North Africa. 23:8,9 Who planned it? Nebuchadnezzar? Alexander? Yes, but behind them, working out His purposes, God Himself did the planning. His purpose? The same as we

ISAIAH 23:18 910

her hire, and act the prostitute with all the kingdoms of the world, on the face of the earth. 18 But her profit and her pay will be set apart for the LORD. It will not be stored up or hoarded. For her profit will be for those who dwell before the LORD, for an abundance to eat, and for fine clothing.

laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who live on it are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth

are burned, and few men are left. 7 The new wine fails, the vine languishes,

See, the LORD makes the earth empty,

all the merry-hearted sigh. 8 The mirth of tambourines ceases, the noise of the revelers comes to an end, the joy of the harp ceases. 9 They will not drink wine with a song; strong drink will be bitter to those who drink it.

and lays it waste, and turns it upside down,

and scatters its inhabitants around. 2 And it will be like this: as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the creditor, so with the debtor. 3 The land will be completely emptied, and utterly plundered; for the LORD has spoken this word. 4 The earth mourns and fades away; the world languishes and fades away, the haughty people of the earth languish. 5 The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the

10 The city of confusion is broken down. Every house is shut up,

so that no one comes in. 11 In the streets there is a crying out for wine. All joy becomes gloom,

the mirth of the land is gone. 12 In the city desolation is left, and the gate is smashed to ruins. 13 When it becomes like this inside the land among the people, it will be like the shaking of an olive tree, and like the gleanings when grape

23:18 The Lord commanded that money made by a harlot should not be given to Him (Deut 23:18). However, the wealth of a city doomed to destruction could come into the treasury of the Lord (Josh 6:17,19). The promise here is that the wealth of Tyre would benefit the servants of God. But we are not told how this wealth would come to them. Compare (60:5-11; 61:6). 24:1 From the beginning of chapter 13 God spoke of the punishment He would inflict on various nations. Now He joins them all together with all other nations and speaks of the destruction He will send on the whole world. This chapter deals with the end of this age, "the day of the Lord", the time when God pours out His anger on a godless world. The wording of 24:4,6,13,16, 19,20,23; 25:6-8; 26:19-21 seems sufficient evidence for thinking this. Those verses speak of events which the New Testament reveals will occur at the end of this age and the beginning of the next. Chapters 25-27 are linked with this chapter and refer to the same events. These chapters are also tied together by the expression "in that day" – 24:21; 25:9; 26:1; 27:1,2,12. "Makes the earth empty, and lays it waste", etc – 34:1-4; 2 Pet 3:10-12; Revelation chapters 15 and 16. 24:2 When God punishes the world for its sins He will observe no social distinctions (Rev 6:15-17). 24:4 The tense of the verbs changes to present and continues so, for the most part,

up to v 21. It is as though Isaiah were caught forward and saw what was happening with his own eyes – as indeed he probably did in vision. 24:5 Here is the reason for the destruction described in the previous verses. The earth is a part of God's holy creation. Men have defiled it. God gave good and holy laws and covenants for the good of mankind. Mankind despised and violated them. This is the history of the world as God sees it. Compare Gen 6:5,12; Ps 14:2; Rom 1:1832. 24:6 "Therefore" – if a people or a land, or the whole world, was unworthy of punishment God certainly would not send it. He sends it because He must to be true to justice and to promote the good of the universe as a whole.

"Curse" – Gen 3:17; 4:11; Deut 11:26; 27:15-26; Prov 3:33; Gal 3:10,13; Rev 22:3. "Few" – compare the great loss of human life in Rev 6:4,8; 8:11; 9:15,18; 13:15; 19:17,18,21. 24:7-13 A picture of conditions before the final destruction of earth. 24:10 "City of confusion" – the city's name is not given. Possibly the destruction of a city such as Jerusalem (or Tyre – 23:1, or Damascus – 17:1) is given as a picture of what will happen to the whole earth. Or possibly the meaning is the city that represents fallen mankind at the end of this age – Babylon (Revelation chapters 17 and 18). 24:13 Verse 6 – comparatively few of earth's

911 ISAIAH 25:2

harvest is ended. 14 They will raise their voice; they will sing; because of the majesty of the LORD

20 The earth will reel to and fro like a drunkard, and will sway like a cottage; and its transgression will be heavy on it, and it will fall, and not rise again.

they will cry out aloud from the sea. 15 Therefore glorify the LORD in the fires, the name of the LORD God of Israel

21 And it will come about in that day, that the LORD will punish the host

of exalted ones on high, and the kings of the earth on the earth. 22 And they will be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit,

in the coastlands of the sea. 16 From the ends of the earth we have heard songs, "Glory to the Righteous One. " But I said, "My leanness, my leanness! Woe to me! The treacherous deal treacherously; yes, the treacherous deal very treacherously."

and will be shut up in the prison; and after many days they will be punished. 23 Then the moon will be abashed and the sun ashamed, for the LORD of hosts will reign in

17 Terror and the pit and the snare await you, O inhabitant of the earth. 18 And it will happen that the one who flees from the sound of terror,

Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his elders gloriously.

will fall into the pit; and the one who comes up from inside

O LORD, you are my God. I will exalt you, I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things. Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. 2 For you have made a city a heap of rubble, a fortified city a ruin, a citadel of foreigners to be a city no more;

the pit will be caught in the snare. For the windows above are open, and the foundations of the earth shake. 19 The earth is violently broken up, the earth is splintered,

it will never be rebuilt.

the earth is shaken violently.

people will remain after the event of v 1. 24:14-16 The few who remain after God's judgment will sing for joy to the God of Israel, the only God there is. They will know that it is He who has preserved and saved them from destruction. See Rev 7:1-8.

prison and being (fully) punished. During this period the Lord Himself will reign in Jerusalem (v 23). Compare Rev 20:7,11-15. 24:23 Again the reign of God Himself over a judged and purged earth is brought before us (see 2:2-4; 7:6,7; 11:1-10). In the glory of God and His reign the glory of the sun and moon will be as nothing. It is remarkable how similar this chapter is to chapters 14 to 21 of the book of the Revelation. What we have there in some detail is given in this chapter in great brevity. Here as there we see God's anger coming on all the people of the earth, their utter sinfulness and depravity, the destruction of all they delight in, a remnant of true believers, a terrible shaking of the earth, the punishment of Satan and evil men followed by the reign of God and His Christ.

"Fires" (v 15) – the Hebrew word here probably means "east." 24:16-18 "But I said" – Isaiah, thinking of the future conditions of earth, is pained to his heart (see 15:5; 16:9,11; Jer 9:1; 4:19-26). He thinks particularly of treachery, one of the worst of sins (21:2; 33:1. See also Luke 21:16; John 6:70; 2 Tim 3:4. 24:17 Luke 21:34,35. 24:18 Compare Amos 5:19. "Windows above are open" – Gen 7:11. But the earth will never again be destroyed by a flood (Gen 9:11). Fire will be God's instrument of destruction next time (v 6; 2 Pet 3:7). 24:19,20 Haggai 2:6,7; Rev 16:17-20; Ps 46:2; Heb 12:27,28. 24:21 "That day" – the day of the Lord. Notes at 13:6-13; Joel 1:15; 1 Thess 5:1-3; etc. "Host of exalted ones on high" – Satan and spirit beings who follow him (Eph 6:11,12; Rev 12:7-9). Their day of punishment is coming. And with them the leaders of earth who oppose the living God (Rev 19:19-21). 24:22 "Pit" – Rev 20:1-3. "Punished" – or "visited." Consider the phrase "after many days" – observe that there is a period of time between being shut up in

"LORD of hosts" – note at 1 Sam 1:3. 25:1 Following the catastrophe described in chapter 24 there are two chapters of praise to God. When God in anger strikes a city, a country, or the earth as a whole, is this a reason for praise? Those in fellowship with God will grieve for the misery that comes to men (24:16-18), but may praise God that He is working His purposes out, faithfully and justly, judging wickedness, and saving and protecting His people in the midst of disaster (4:5. Compare Rev 18:20; 19:1-5). This is what we have here. "Wonderful things" – the things described in the previous chapter.

"Of old" – 14:24,26,27; 23:8,9. 25:2 "City" – 24:10-12; Rev 18;21.

ISAIAH 25:3 912

3 Therefore the strong people will glorify you, the city of the terrible nations will fear you. 4 For you have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones was

and he will take away the rebuke of

his people from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken it. 9 And it will be said in that day, "See, this is our God. We have waited for him,

and he will save us. This is the LORD. We have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

like a storm against the wall. 5 You will subdue the noise of foreigners, which is like heat in a dry place; like heat by the shadow of a cloud,

10 For in this mountain the hand of the LORD will rest, and Moab will be trampled down under him, like straw is trampled down for the refuse heap. 11 And he will spread out his hands among them, as the swimmer spreads out his arms to swim. And he will bring down their pride

the song of the terrible ones will be

suppressed.

6 And in this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all people a feast of

choice things, a banquet of aged wines,

of choice pieces full of marrow,

together with the plunder of their hands. 12 And he will bring down the fortification of the high fort of your walls,

of refined aged wines. 7 And in this mountain he will remove the presence of the covering

lay it low, and bring it to the ground,

enveloping all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears

to the very dust.

In that day this song will be sung

from all faces;

in the land of Judah:

25:3 See 19:19,20,23,24; Ps 72:5-11; Rev 15:3,4; 21:24. 25:4 God protects His own people in time of disaster, sometimes physically, always spiritually, sometimes both.

which brings death (Rom 5:12; 6:23) will have no place then.

"Victory" – the Hebrew word here means splendour, glory, sincerity, truth, faith, confidence, forever, perfection, completeness.

"Refuge" – 4:5,6. Note and references at Ps 7:1,2. The phrase "poor and needy" is used often in Psalms to indicate the righteous, God-fearing poor. 25:5 13:11; Jer 51:55. 25:6-8 God has greater purpose for earth than the destruction of wickedness. He is a God of love and grace. In these verses are revealed the wonderful things He prepares for redeemed mankind. 25:6 "In this mountain" – a mountain in Jerusalem or Jerusalem itself. In Jerusalem, on a hill called Calvary, God, by the death of His Son, laid the foundation for all future blessings to the earth and its people (chapter 53).

"Tears" – Rev 7:7; 21:4. God is a loving Father whose own hand will wipe away the tears of His people and eternally remove from them all cause of tears.

"Rebuke" – or "disgrace" – Ps 119:22,39; Matt 5:11; 1 Pet 4:14. 25:9 "Our God" – v 1. Those who do not have this one true God as their God will not partake of the above blessings.

"Waited for him" – everywhere in the Bible the relationship between trust and salvation is revealed (12:2; 26:4; Ps 2:12; John 5:24; Acts 16:31). "Rejoice" – 9:3; 35:10; 41:16; 51:3; 66:14; Ps 9:2; Rev 19:7. 25:10 "Moab" – in the context of chapters 24,25 Moab probably represents all the enemies of God's people. Compare 30:31 and 34:5. 25:11 "Pride" – 2:11-18; 16:6. 25:12 Verse 2; 24:10,12. 26:1 "That day" – 24:21-23; 25:9. "A strong city" – 14:32. Jerusalem and perhaps the new one of Revelation chapter 21. In some places in Scripture "city" seems to be used as a symbol of the social life of a whole people, or of mankind. From one point of view there are really only two cities – the city of man and the city of God. City here is put in contrast to the city of 24:10,12; 25:2; 26:5.

"Feast", "banquet" – a symbol of rejoicing and fellowship with God and spiritual blessings (55:1,2; Matt 22:1,2; Luke 14:15,16). In the context the "marriage supper of the Lamb" is suggested (Rev 19:6,7). 25:7 The "covering", and "veil" that covers all nations probably indicate spiritual ignorance and death. Compare 2 Cor 3:1416; Eph 4:18. God will destroy the veil and fully enlighten "all people" on this mountain (v 6; 2:14; 11:9). 25:8 "Death" – 1 Cor 15:54; Heb 2:14; Rev 20:14; 21:4. Death will have no place in the final conditions of earth because sin

913 ISAIAH 26:17

We have a strong city. God will appoint salvation for walls and

10 If grace is shown to the wicked, still he will not learn righteousness. He will deal unjustly in an upright land, and will not perceive the majesty of the LORD. 11 LORD, when your hand is lifted up, they will not see; but they will see your zeal for the people, and be put to shame; yes, the fire reserved for your enemies

bulwarks. 2 Open the gates, so that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may

come in. 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind rests on you, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever; for in Yah, the LORD, is eternal strength. 5 For he brings down those who dwell on high. He lays low the lofty city, he lays it low, to the ground, he brings it to the very dust. 6 The foot will trample it down, the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.

will consume them.

12 LORD, you will establish peace for us, for you have also done all our works in us. 13 O LORD our God, other lords beside you have had dominion over us, but through you alone we will make

mention of your name. 14 They are dead, they will not live. They are deceased, they will not stand up, for you have punished and destroyed them, and have wiped out all memory of them. 15 You have increased the nation, O LORD, you have increased the nation. You are glorified. You have extended all the borders of the land. 16 LORD, in trouble they sought you. They poured out a prayer when your

7 The way of the just is uprightness. O most upright One, you make the path of the just level. 8 Yes, following the way of your judgments, O LORD, we have waited for you. The desire of our soul is for your name, and for the remembrance of you. 9 With my soul I have desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit in me I will seek you early. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn

correction was on them. 17 As a woman with child who draws near the time for her delivery is in pain,

righteousness.

"Salvation" – 32:18; 60:18; Zech 2:5; 9:8; 118:19,20; Isa 60:11. 26:2 "Open" – 60:11; Ps 24:7; 118:19,20; Rev 21:25. "Righteous" – Ps 51:1-5; 24:3-6; Rev 21:27; 22:14,15. 26:3 In any age this is the way to peace of mind – Phil 4:6,7; Ps 37:3-8; 112:6-9. 26:4 "Eternal" – everything else a person may trust is temporary, passing away in weakness. "Yah" = Yahweh (Jehovah). 26:5 See 2:11-18; 24:10,12; 25:2; Rev 18:21. 26:6 Cruel oppressors will not have the upper hand forever. 26:7 "Level" – or "smooth." 42:16; Ps 26:12; 27:11; 143:10. 26:8 The second part of this verse can be true of us only if the first part is also true of us. 26:9-11 In v 9 Isaiah speaks for himself. 26:9 "In the night" – Ps 42:8; 63:6; 77:2; 119:55,62. "Early" – Ps 42:1-3; 63:1. "Learn righteousness" – Rev 15:4. Judgments and punishments are severe teachers, but it is far better to learn by them than not to learn at all (compare Ps 119:71). 26:10 This has been true of all nations from the beginning (Rom 1:20-25), and was true of Israel. God's grace has been shown to men in many ways (Ps 100:1-5; 145:9;

Matt 5:45; Acts 14:17; Rom 2:4). 26:11 "Hand" – 9:12,17,21; Ps 89:13. The wicked do not wish to see God at work and so do not, until God Himself causes them to see.

"Zeal" – 9:7; 37:32; Joel 2:18; Zech 1:14; John 2:17. "Fire. . .will consume them" – 2 Thess 2:8; Rev 20:15; 21:8. 26:12-19 Isaiah speaks for the Jews of that future time referred to in v 1.

"You have also done all our works in us" – 1 Cor 3:6,7; 12:6; Gal 2:8; Phil 2:13; Col 1:29; Heb 13:21. This does not mean that God's people are mere puppets without will. They work with God and God works with and in them. 26:13 "Lords" – foreign rulers at various times in their history, possibly together with their gods and idols. Here is a determination that it shall no longer be so. See 1 Cor 8:5,6. 26:14 God will rid the earth of all evil rulers, human or supernatural, and will Himself reign over His people. 26:15 "Increased" – 9:3; 14:2; 54:2,3. 26:16-18 A confession of their weakness and failure. Their prayers were like a mere whisper. They produced nothing by their pains and efforts. They failed in the supreme task God gave them (v 18). Israel was to be the channel of blessing and

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