2. For—Ye deserve these reproofs; "for" ye call yourselves citizens of "the holy city" (Isaiah 52:1), but not in truth (Isaiah 48:1; Nehemiah 11:1; Daniel 9:24); so the inscription on their coins of the time of the Maccabees. "Jerusalem the Holy." read more
The Lord called on His people to pay attention to what He had to say to them and to respond appropriately (cf. Isaiah 42:18; Isaiah 46:12). The many descriptions of the Israelites in these verses reminded them of their origins and their identity, their commitments to and their appreciation for Yahweh, and their present relationship with Him. In view of all this, they needed to heed what He said. They had not done that as they should have in the past. read more
Israel’s inveterate unbelief 48:1-5 read more
The former failure 48:1-11This section recapitulates the revelation that Yahweh predicts the future, so that when the event He predicts happens, people will recognize that He is the only true God. He can cause new things to happen because He alone is the Creator. This prophecy has been the source of much critical attack on Isaiah. [Note: See Oswalt, The Book . . . 40-66, pp. 270-72, for discussion.] Again, the critics’ disbelief in God’s ability to predict the future and then bring it into... read more
Let the Exiles trust in Jehovah, and come out of Babylon1-11. Jehovah’s purpose will be executed, but not for Israel’s merit. 12-22. Let Israel recognise His leading in the course of history, and learn to obey Him.1. The prophet here addresses those whose professions of allegiance to Jehovah are hollow (Isaiah 46:8), and who in the land of exile had in their hearts apostatised: cp. Isaiah 42:17. Come.. waters] i.e. are descended from Judah (Psalms 68:26).3-5. Events of their history had been... read more
XLVIII.(1) Are come forth out of the waters of Judah.—The words limit the wider terms of Jacob and Israel to the Judæan exiles. For the phrase, comp. “ye that are of the fountains of Israel” (Psalms 68:26). The ideal attributes of Israel, “swearing by the name of Jehovah . . .” are pressed in contrast with their actual state of hypocrisy and unrighteousness. read more
(2) They call themselves of the holy city . . .—The words of praise are spoken, as the preceding words show, with a touch of irony. Those who so boasted were not true citizens of Zion (Psalms 15:1; Matthew 3:9). They did not enter into all that was implied in their confession of Jehovah Sabaoth. read more
CHAPTER XIIITHE CALL TO GO FORTHIsaiah 48:1-22On the substance of chapter 48, we have already encroached, and now it is necessary only to summarise its argument, and to give some attention to the call to go forth from Babylon, with which it concludes.Chapter 48 is addressed, as its first verse declares, to the exiles from Judah: "Hear this, Oh House of Jacob, that call yourselves by the name of Israel, and from the waters of Judah have come forth": that is, you so-called Israelites, who spring... read more
CHAPTER 48 The Divine Restatement Concerning His People, Their Condition and Future 1. Their condition and Jehovah’s predictions (Isaiah 48:1-8 ) 2. Jehovah acts for His Name’s sake (Isaiah 48:9-11 ) 3. I am He” (Isaiah 48:12-16 ) 4. Israel’s future blessing (Isaiah 48:17-21 ) 5. No peace for the wicked (Isaiah 48:22 ) This chapter touches once more upon the different phases of Jehovah’s messages from chapters 40-47. Israel’s apostate condition, Jehovah’s sovereign grace and mercy... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 48:1
1. the waters of Judah—spring from the fountain of Judah (Numbers 24:7; Deuteronomy 33:28; Psalms 68:26; Margin). Judah has the "fountain" attributed to it, because it survived the ten tribes, and from it Messiah was to spring. swear by . . . Lord— (Isaiah 19:18; Isaiah 45:23; Isaiah 65:16). mention—in prayers and praises. not in truth— (Jeremiah 5:2; John 4:24). read more