Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Isaiah Ch.41 / 66 Ch.s
ISA:41
* God's care of his people. (1-9) they are encouraged not to
fear. (10-20) The vanity and folly of idolatry. (21-29)
#1-9 Can any heathen god raise up one in righteousness, make
what use of him he pleases, and make him victorious over the
nations? The Lord did so with Abraham, or rather, he would do so
with Cyrus. Sinners encourage one another in the ways of sin;
shall not the servants of the living God stir up one another in
his service? God's people are the seed of Abraham his friend.
This is certainly the highest title ever given to a mortal. It
means that Abraham, by Divine grace, was made like to God, and
that he was admitted to communion with Him. Happy are the
servants of the Lord, whom he has called to be his friends, and
to walk with him in faith and holy obedience. Let not such as
have thus been favoured yield to fear; for the contest may be
sharp, but the victory shall be sure.
#10-20 God speaks with tenderness; Fear thou not, for I am with
thee: not only within call, but present with thee. Art thou
weak? I will strengthen thee. Art thou in want of friends? I
will help thee in the time of need. Art thou ready to fall? I
will uphold thee with that right hand which is full of
righteousness, dealing forth rewards and punishments. There are
those that strive with God's people, that seek their ruin. Let
not God's people render evil for evil, but wait God's time. It
is the worm Jacob; so little, so weak, so despised and trampled
on by every body. God's people are as worms, in humble thoughts
of themselves, and in their enemies' haughty thoughts of them;
worms, but not vipers, not of the serpent's seed. Every part of
God's word is calculated to humble man's pride, and to make him
appear little in his own eyes. The Lord will help them, for he
is their Redeemer. The Lord will make Jacob to become a
threshing instrument. God will make him fit for use, new, and
having sharp spikes. This has fulfilment in the triumphs of the
gospel of Christ, and of all faithful followers of Christ, over
the power of darkness. God has provided comforts to supply all
their wants, and to answer all their prayers. Our way to heaven
lies through the wilderness of this world. The soul of man is in
want, and seeks for satisfaction; but becomes weary of seeking
that in the world, which is not to be had in it. Yet they shall
have a constant supply, where one would least expect it. I will
open rivers of grace, rivers of living water, which Christ spake
of the Spirit, #Joh 7:38,39|. When God sets up his church in the
Gentile wilderness, there shall be a great change, as if thorns
and briers were turned into cedars, and fir-trees, and myrtles.
These blessings are kept for the poor in spirit, who long for
Divine enlightening, pardon, and holiness. And God will render
their barren souls fruitful in the grace of his Spirit, that all
who behold may consider it.
#21-29 There needs no more to show the folly of sin, than to
bring to notice the reasons given in defence of it. There is
nothing in idols worthy of regard. They are less than nothing,
and worse than nothing. Let the advocates of other doctrines
than that of salvation through Christ, bring their arguments.
Can they tell of a cure for human depravity? Jehovah has power
which cannot be withstood; this he will make appear. But the
certain knowledge of the future must be only with Jehovah, who
fulfils his own plans. All prophecies, except those of the
Bible, have been uncertain. In the work of redemption the Lord
showed himself much more than in the release of the Jews from
Babylon. The good tidings the Lord will send in the gospel, is a
mystery hid from ages and generations. A Deliverer is raised up
for us, of nobler name and greater power than the deliverer of
the captive Jews. May we be numbered among his obedient servants
and faithful friends.