The present possibility 48:12-22In a sense, Isaiah 48:12-22 are the "second verse" of the song, and Isaiah 48:1-11 are the "first verse." God was making much the same point, though with a slightly different emphasis. read more
The titles of God give the reasons the Israelites should listen to Him. They should listen because of who He is and what He had done for them. Additionally, God is essentially one who teaches His people how to make a net gain of their lives (not necessarily a profit in business). He is also the one who guides His people through dangers to safety and fulfillment. read more
God’s will for the exiles 48:17-22The remaining verses in this chapter conclude this section (Isaiah 48:12-22) and this chapter of Isaiah, as well as the whole segment of chapters 40-48 . read more
Failure to listen and hear the Lord’s instruction (cf. Isaiah 48:1; Isaiah 48:4; Isaiah 48:8) in the past had limited Israel’s peace (Heb. shalom) and her right conduct (Heb. sedaqa). Things could have been far better if she had only listened and obeyed. She could have experienced a ceaseless, powerful flow of His blessings."Every sensitive teacher knows the pain of heart that comes when he pours himself out for students who prove to be unteachable. Israel proved to be like that (cf. Isaiah... 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
(17) The Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit.—The words applied to the natural human, perhaps we may add, to the specially national, desire, to make a good investment. The question what was profitable? was one to which men returned very different answers. It was the work of the true Redeemer to lead men to the one true imperishable gain (comp. Matthew 16:26), to lead them in the one right way (John 14:4-6). read more
(18) Then had thy peace been as a river.—Literally, “as the river,” i.e., the Euphrates, which for the Babylonian exiles was a natural standard of comparison. “Righteousness,” as elsewhere, includes the idea of the blessedness which is its recompense. United with “peace” it implies every element of prosperity. 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 48:18
18. peace— ( :-). Compare the desire expressed by the same Messiah (Matthew 23:37; Luke 19:42). river— (Isaiah 33:21; Isaiah 41:18), a river flowing from God's throne is the symbol of free, abundant, and ever flowing blessings from Him (Ezekiel 47:1; Zechariah 14:8; Revelation 22:1). righteousness—religious prosperity; the parent of "peace" or national prosperity; therefore "peace" corresponds to "righteousness" in the parallelism (Revelation 22:1- :). read more