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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 48:16-22

Here, as before, Jacob and Israel are summoned to hearken to the prophet speaking in God's name, or rather to God speaking in and by the prophet, and that as a type of the great prophet by whom God has in these last days spoken unto us, and that is sufficient: Come near therefore, and hear this. Note, Those that would hear and understand what God says must come near, and approach to him; let them come as near as they can. Let those that have hearkened to the tempter now come near, and hear... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 48:18

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments ,.... Which the Jews did not, but slighted and despised them, and were not obedient to them. So, in the times of Christ, they disregarded his doctrines, though so profitable; and despised his ordinances and commands, which were not grievous; they neither hearkened to them themselves, nor would suffer others; wherefore our Lord expresses his great concern at it, and his desire, as man, after their welfare; see Matthew 23:13 , then had thy... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 48:18

As a river "Like the river" - That is, the Euphrates. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:12-22

The new revelation. The verses contain a summary of the contents of Isaiah 40-47. God is the First and the Last—the sole Creator. Prophecy is an evidence of his claims; and so is the mission of Cyrus. I. THE REVELATION CONCERNING GOD . First Jacob and Israel, the chosen people, are called to listen. Jehovah is the Alpha and the Omega of the universe. The First Cause and Reason of things; he gave the first impulse to their course, the goal of which will still be himself. Before... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:16-22

THE THIRD ADDRESS . Israel is reminded of God's merciful teaching and leading in the past ( Isaiah 48:16 , Isaiah 48:17 ); expostulated with on their disobedience ( Isaiah 48:18 , Isaiah 48:19 ); exhorted to go forth boldly and joyfully from Babylon ( Isaiah 48:20 , Isaiah 48:21 ); and finally warned that God's blessings—even such a blessing as deliverance—are no blessings to any but the righteous ( Isaiah 48:22 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:17-19

Human freedom and Divine regret. In these fervent and eloquent words of the prophet we learn— I. THAT GOD DESIGNS GOOD AND EVEN GREAT THINGS FOR THE OBEDIENT . If Israel had only been obedient to the Divine commandment, it would have rejoiced in: 1 . Abounding prosperity. Its peace (prosperity) would have been "as a river," flowing on continuously, without break, night and day, generation after generation. Victory in war and fruitfulness in the field would... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:18

Oh that thou hadst hearkened! (comp. Psalms 81:13-16 , "Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries," etc.) Some render, "Oh that thou wouldst hearken!" etc; on the analogy of Isaiah 64:1 ; but unnecessarily. Dr. Kay says that God "upbraideth not," referring to James 1:5 . But he may expostulate. What is it but expostulation, when our Lord says, "O Jerusalem, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:18

The blessings of obedience. "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." What might have been! How often we reproach ourselves with thinking over the "might have beens"! How searching it is to find God helping us regretfully to realize what might have been (comp. Psalms 81:13-16 )! "Peace" and "righteousness" here both stand as terms to express "prosperity," that best of prosperities which comes as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:18

Christ's peace and righteousness. Illustrating the meditative and spiritualizing method of treating prophetic Scripture, the following outline, after R. M. McCheyne, is given. I. THEIR PEACE WOULD HAVE BEEN AS A RIVER . 1 . It has a source. It begins at the fountain of Christ's blood. 2 . It is fed from above. Rains and showers feed the rivers. The shower of grace feeds the rivers of peace. 3 . It has inundations, as the Nile. An awakening providence often makes... read more

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