Isaiah 27:2-6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 27:6

To take root "From the root" - For ישרש yashresh , I read, with the Syriac, משרש mishshoresh . And for ופרח יציץ yatsits uparach , פרח יציצו yatsitsu parach , joining the ו vau to the first word, and taking that into construction with the first part of the sentence, Israel shall bud forth. I suppose the dialogue to be continued in this verse, which pursues the same image of the allegory, but in the way of metaphor. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:1-11

God's treatment of the rebellious and the righteous. Amid the different and difficult interpretations and the numerous and dubious applications given to these verses, we may discern some truths respecting God's treatment of human character. I. HIS TREATMENT OF THE WICKED . 1. The sharpness of his instruments . He punishes with "a sore and great and strong sword" ( Isaiah 27:1 ) He "whets his glitter-nag sword ( Deuteronomy 32:41 ). Out of the mouth of the Son of God... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:1-13

In that day. We have here a general picture of the events which precede the condition of the inauguration of a new era. I. THE FIGHT WITH THE MONSTER OR MONSTERS . We cannot enter into the subject of this symbolism, in reference to which, in the absence of definite information, so much of fanciful interpretation has gathered. We cannot refer the serpent or the dragon to the storm-cloud, or lightning, as some have done; nor historically to Egypt and Assyria. Something much... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:2

Sing ye unto her . Our translators have, strangely enough, inverted the order of the two clauses, which stand thus in the Hebrew: "A vineyard of red wine; sing ye unto it, "or "sing ye of it." The "vineyard of red wine" is one that produces abundance of rich fruit. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:2-3

Vineyard-keeping. The vine is a familiar Bible figure for the pious individual; and the vineyard, or cluster of vines, an equally familiar figure of the Church. Several things make the figure specially suitable. The vine is a beautiful plant; it is dependent, and cannot be its best when standing alone; it brings forth rich and abundant fruit; it needs constant and careful tending; its wood is useless for any other purpose than carrying the sap that flows through it; and it is exposed to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:2-6

GOD 'S CARE FOR HIS VINEYARD . This piece may be called a companion picture to Isaiah 5:1-7 , or a joy-song to be set over against that dirge. In both the figure of the vineyard is employed to express the people of God, and God is "the Lord of the vineyard." But whereas, on the former occasion, all was wrath and fury, menace and judgment, here all is mercy and loving-kindness, protection and promise. The difference is, no doubt, not with God, "with whom is no variableness, neither... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:3

I the Lord do keep it ; or, guard it (comp. Isaiah 26:3 ; Isaiah 42:6 ; Isaiah 49:8 ; Psalms 121:5 ). Vineyards were considered to require special watching, since they were liable to damage both from thieves and foxes (So Isaiah 2:15 ). It was usual to build towers in them, from which a watch could be kept ( Isaiah 5:2 ; Matthew 21:33 ). I will water it every moment (compare the threat in Isaiah 5:6 , "I will command my clouds that they rain no rain upon it"). The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:3

Divine guardianship. "Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." Then there are hurtful powers and hurtful people in the world. The Word itself lets light in upon the condition of humanity. There are hidden invisible foes; and there is need for One who can discern and defeat them. I. THE EYE THAT SEES . This is all-important. For we are blind to our worst enemies. Evil puts on the garb of good. And evil hides itself. The serpent is coiled up at the bottom of the cup. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:3-5

The means whereby God purifies and perfects his Church. Despite human weakness and human perversity, God will build up and establish a faithful Church—he will "purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" ( Titus 2:14 ). It is for his honor that this should be so, and he is strong enough to effect it. His "strength is made perfect in weakness" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). We are shown here some, at any rate, of the chief means whereby he effects his purpose. Most prominent of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 27:4

Fury is not in me ; i.e. "I am not now angered against my vineyard, as on the former occasion ( Isaiah 5:1-30 :47); or at any rate my anger now is not fury." (Isaiah frequently ascribes "fury" to God, as in Isaiah 34:2 ; Isaiah 42:25 ; Isaiah 51:17 , Isaiah 51:20 , Isaiah 51:22 ; Isaiah 58:1-14 :18; Isaiah 63:3 , Isaiah 63:5 , Isaiah 63:6 ; Isaiah 66:15 .) Who would set the briars and thorns against me in battle? The "briars and thorns" are apparently unrighteous... read more

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