He hath redeemed Jerusalem "He hath redeemed Israel" - For the word ירושלם yerushalaim , which occurs the second time in this verse, MS. Bodleian and another read ישראל yisrael . It is upon a rasure in a third; and left unpointed at first, as suspected, in a fourth. It was an easy mistake, by the transcriber casting his eye on the line above: and the propriety of the correction, both in regard to sense and elegance, is evident. read more
Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence - The Prophet Jeremiah seems to have had his eye on this passage of Isaiah, and to have applied it to a subject directly opposite. It is here addressed by the prophet in a way of encouragement and exhortation to the Jews coming out of Babylon. Jeremiah has given it a different turn, and has thrown it out, as a reproach of the heathen upon the Jews when they were driven from Jerusalem into captivity: - "Depart; ye are polluted, depart; depart ye,... read more
My servant shall deal prudently - ישכיל yaskil , shall prosper, or act prosperously. The subject of Isaiah's prophecy, from the fortieth chapter inclusive, has hitherto been, in general, the deliverance of the people of God. This includes in it three distinct parts; which, however, have a close connection with one another; that is, The deliverance of the Jews from the captivity of Babylon; The deliverance of the Gentiles from their miserable state of ignorance and idolatry; and, ... read more
As many were astonished at thee "As many were astonished at him" - For עליך aleicha read עליו alaiv . So the Syriac, Chaldee, and Vulgate in a MS.; and so likewise two ancient MSS. His visage was so marred more than any man - Most interpreters understand this of the indignities offered to our blessed Lord: but Kimchi gives it another turn, and says, "It means the Jewish people, whom are considered by most nations as having an appearance different from all the people of the earth.... read more
So shall he sprinkle many nations - I retain the common rendering, though I am by no means satisfied with it. " יזה yazzeh , frequent in the law, means only to sprinkle: but the water sprinkled is the accusative case; the thing on which has על al or אל el . Θαυμασονται, ό , makes the best apodosis. ינהג yenahag would do. ינהרו yinharu is used Isaiah 2:2 ; Jeremiah 31:12 ; Jeremiah 51:14 , but is unlike. 'Kings shall shut,' etc., is good, but seems to want a first... read more
FURTHER ADDRESS OF THE PROPHET TO JERUSALEM . Zion is exhorted to rise from the dust, throw off her bonds, and assert her freedom ( Isaiah 52:1 , Isaiah 52:2 ). God will deliver her from this third captivity for his Name's sake, which her oppressors blaspheme ( Isaiah 52:3-6 ). read more
The redemption of Jerusalem. I. THE SUMMONS . It comes from the Divine representatives. She had been called upon to arise and to stand up, and now she is to put on her strength and her robes. "Strength returns to Zion when the arm of Jehovah is mighty within her." It is useless to counterfeit the semblance of strength which does not exist. Nor is strength merely a matter of the will; but there ever is a secret fund of strength in the hearts of those who know that God has not forsaken... read more
The liberty of the Church. "Loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion." I. THE RIGHT OF THE CHURCH TO LIBERTY . The sight of the daughter of Zion in chains was very pitiable in the prophet's eye. How much more grievous the spectacle of a Christian Church in bondage, enslaved and oppressed! The Christian Church, being composed of those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and being called into existence for the purpose of... read more
Ye have sold yourselves for nought ; rather, for nought were ye sold. God received nothing when he allowed his people to become the slaves of the Babylonians. He took no price for them (see Isaiah 50:1 ), and therefore is free to claim them back without payment (comp. Isaiah 45:13 ). He has but to say the word; and he is about to say it. read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 52:8
Thy watchmen lift up the voice "All thy watchmen lift up their voice" - There is a difficulty in the construction of this place which, I think, none of the ancient versions or modern interpreters have cleared up satisfactorily. Rendered word for word it stands thus: "The voice of thy watchmen: they lift up their voice." The sense of the first member, considered as elliptical, is variously supplied by various expositors; by none, as it seems to me, in any way that is easy and natural. I am... read more