Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Isaiah
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 12
Overview:
This is a
Hymn of praise suited to the times of the
Messiah.
- The song of praise in this
Chapter is suitable for the return
of the outcasts of
Israel from their long
Captivity, but it is
especially suitable to the case of a sinner, when he first finds
peace and joy in believing; to that of a believer, when his
peace is renewed after corrections for backslidings; and to that
of the whole company of the redeemed, when they meet before the
Throne of
God in
Heaven. The promise is sure, and the blessings
contained in it are very rich; and the benefits enjoyed through
Jesus Christ,
Call for the most enlarged thanksgivings.
By Jesus
Christ, the Root of
Jesse, the Divine
Anger against mankind was
turned away, for he is our Peace. Those to whom
God is
reconciled, he comforts. They are taught to triumph in
God and
their interest in him. I will trust him to prepare me for his
Salvation, and preserve me to it. I will trust him with all my
concerns, not doubting but he will make all to work for good.
Faith in
God is a sovereign remedy against tormenting fears.
Many Christians have
God for their strength, who have him not
for their song; they walk in
Darkness: but those who have
God
for their strength ought to make him their song; that is, give
him the
Glory of it, and take to themselves the comfort of it.
This
Salvation is from the
Love of
God the
Father, it comes to
us through
God the Son, it is applied
By the new-creating power
of
God the
Spirit. When this is seen
By Faith, the trembling
sinner learns to
Hope in
God, and is delivered from fear. The
purifying and sanctifying influences of the
Holy Ghost often are
denoted under the emblem of springing water. This work flows
through the mediation of
Christ, and is conveyed to our souls
By
means of
God's ordinances. Blessed be
God, we have wells of
Salvation opened
On every side, and may draw from them the
waters of
Life and consolation. In the second part of this
Gospel song, ver. 4-6, believers encourage one another to praise
God, and seek to draw others to join them in it.
No difference
of opinions about the times and
Seasons, and other such matters,
ought to divide the hearts of Christians. Let it be our care
that we may be placed amongst those to whom he will say, Come,
ye blessed of my
Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you
from the beginning of the world.