Isaiah 54:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 54:1-5

If we apply this to the state of the Jews after their return out of captivity, it is a prophecy of the increase of their nation after they were settled in their own land. Jerusalem had been in the condition of a wife written childless, or a desolate solitary widow; but now it is promised that the city should be replenished and the country peopled again, that not only the ruins of Jerusalem should be repaired, but the suburbs of it extended on all sides and a great many buildings erected upon... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 54:2

Enlarge the place of thy tent ,.... To which the church is compared, because of its uncertain and movable condition, being sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another; and because of its outward meanness and weakness, as well as its small extent; but now it is signified that it should be enlarged, and room be made for an accession of in habitants to it; or, in other words, that the Gospel church state should not be confined to Jerusalem, but should take place in other parts of Judea,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 54:1-6

The relation of the Church to God that of a wife to her husband. The analogy set forth by the prophet in the first six verses of this chapter is one to which equal prominence is given in the Old Testament and the New. It forms the basis of one entire book of the Old Scriptures—the Canticles, or Song of Solomon. It pervades the whole teaching of the prophets, which declares apostasy from God to be "adultery" ( Isaiah 57:3-5 ; Jeremiah 3:9 ; Jeremiah 5:7 ; Jeremiah 13:27 ; Jeremiah... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 54:1-10

A PROMISE TO ISRAEL OF GREAT INCREASE , AND OF GOD 'S PERSISTENT PROTECTION . There is no close connection between this chapter and the last, or even between this section and the preceding. Isaiah 54:1-5 take up the thought of Isaiah 49:19-21 , and expand it. Israel is assured of a great enlargement of her numbers, and bidden to rejoice thereat. She is then further comforted with a promise that she shall never be forsaken ( Isaiah 49:6-10 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 54:1-17

The future of the Church. "The person addressed is the ideal Zion, who is practically identical with the ideal or spiritual Israel." I. HER FRUITFULNESS . Nothing to an Israelitish mind can suggest more forcibly the idea of desolation and sorrow in a nation or spiritual community than the childless woman. Historically , the restored exiles may be referred to; physically and to some extent spiritually Israelites, but, while on a foreign soil, and unbaptized with the Spirit,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 54:2

Enlarge the place of thy tent (comp. Isaiah 33:20 and Jeremiah 10:20 ). The memory of the old nomadic life caused the "tent" to be the symbol and representative of the dwelling-place. Israel will have so many more children that her "tent" will need enlarging. The curtains; i.e. the tent-cloth (comp. Exodus 26:1-37 and Exodus 36:1-38 ; where the word used occurs repeatedly). Thy cords … thy stakes (comp. Exodus 35:18 ; Exodus 39:40 , etc.). The ropes and tent-pegs, which kept... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 54:2

Enlargement and consolidation. "Spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes." Applying these words to the Church of Christ in its attitude of holy expectation, and its sacred duty under all circumstances, but particularly in the time of growth, we learn of it— I. THAT IT SHOULD CONSTANTLY BE ANTICIPATING ENLARGEMENT . The challenge comes from its Lord, "Spare not, lengthen thy cords;" i.e. take the attitude and the action of those who are looking for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 54:2

Divine enlargements. The figure employed is taken from tent-life, and it is used in a similar way by Jeremiah. "My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains ' ( Jeremiah 10:20 ). "The Orientals have two kinds of tents—the one larger, and the other smaller; but both constructed much in the same way. They are sustained by poles, more or fewer in number,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 54:2

Enlarge the place of thy tent - The same idea occurs in Isaiah 49:19-20 (see the notes at that chapter). The curtains of thy habitations. The word ‘curtain’ does not quite express the sense here. It is commonly with us used to denote the cloth hanging round. a bed or at a window, which may be spread or drawn aside at pleasure, or the hanging in theaters to conceal the stage from the spectators. The word here, however, denotes the canopy or cloth used in a tent; and the idea is, that the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 54:2-3

Isaiah 54:2-3. Enlarge the place of thy tent That it may be capable of receiving the Gentiles, who shall flock to thee in great numbers, and desire to associate themselves with thee. And let them Those to whom that work belongs; stretch forth the curtains, &c. The meaning is, the curtains must and shall be stretched out. Spare not Fear not lest thou shouldest prepare more room than will be occupied; for very large accessions are to be expected. And strengthen thy stakes That... read more

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