Verse 22
22. But Better, notwithstanding.
This is a people robbed and spoiled They leave the worship of Jehovah; then enemies are sent among them, who unwittingly are God’s instruments of chastisement. All this is in glaring contrast with that condition which Jehovah’s mercies were intended to produce.
Snared in holes Possibly caves, whither, when pursued, fugitives fled.
In prison houses Perhaps they were often kept in their own houses by a besieging enemy.
None saith, Restore No one who can interfere says this; in other words there is no deliverer.
2 3-25
Who will… give ear to this? Who… hearken Calvin and Stier explain this clause as a reproachful exclamation; but Birks, with much truth, says: “It is rather a wondering search after the small remnant who will lay the message to heart amidst the general unbelief.”
Who gave Jacob for a spoil… did not the Lord? Jacob, having splendid opportunities, and using them properly, could have saved himself, but he did not so use them, and has himself wrought the “spoil and the plunder.”
In retribution the Lord has sent the Chaldean as his instrument. The masses of Israel, down to and even through the Captivity, have suffered fury of God’s anger. The nation is overturned; temple and city are destroyed; exile and its mortifications are gloomily endured; but these have been a purifying fire to the remnant few only, while the masses still heed not the desolations thus made upon them as a whole people. In Isaiah 42:19-25 Israel is still the servant of Jehovah, chosen, yet unfaithful to his trust; instructed, yet dark minded; and at best improving but imperfectly the divine lessons given.
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