designates the Hebrew language, which at that time flourish- | PART I. contains a general Description of the Estate and Coned only in the kingdom of Judah." III. The SCOPE of Isaiah's predictions is three-fold; viz. 1. To detect, reprove, and condemn the sins of the Jewish people especially, and also the iniquities of the ten tribes of Ísrael, and the abominations of many Gentile nations and countries; denouncing the severest judgments against all sorts and degrees of persons, whether Jews or Gentiles. 2. To invite persons of every rank and condition, both Jews and Gentiles, to repentance and reformation, by numerous promises of pardon and mercy. It is worthy of remark that no such promises are intermingled with the denunciations of divine vengeance against Babylon, although they occur in the threatenings against every other people. 3. To comfort all the truly pious (in the midst of all the calamities and judgments denounced against the wicked) with prophetic promises of the true Messiah.2 These predictions seem almost to anticipate the Gospel history, so clearly do they foreshow the divine character of Christ (ch. vii. 14. compared with Matt. i. 18-23. and Luke i. 27-35.; vi. ix. 6. xxxv. 4. xl. 5. 9, 10. xlii. 6-8. lxi. 1. compared with Luke iv. 18. lxii. 11. lxiii. 1-4.); his miracles (ch. Xxxv. 5, 6.); his peculiar qualities and virtues (ch. ix. 2, 3. xl. 11. xliii. 1—3.); his rejection (ch. vi. 9-12. viii. 14, 15. liii. 3.); and sufferings for our sins (ch. 1. 6. liii. 4—11.;)3 his death, burial (ch. liii. 8, 9.), and victory over death (ch. xxv. 8. liii. 10-12.); and, lastly, his final glory (ch. xlix. 7. 22, 23. lii. 13-15. liii. 4, 5.), and the establishment, increase (ch. ii. 2-4. ix. 7. xlii. 4. xlvi. 13.), and perfection (ch. ix. 2. 7. xi. 4—10. xvi. 5. xxix. 18-24. xxxii. 1. xl. 4, 5. xlix. 9-13. li. 3—6. lii. 6-10. lv. 1-3. lix. 16-21. lx. lxi, 1-5. lxv. 25.) of his kingdom; each specifically pointed out, and portrayed with the most striking and discriminating characters. It is impossible, indeed, to reflect on these, and on the whole chain of his illustrious prophecies, and not to be sensible that they furnish the most incontestable evidence in support of Christianity." IV. The predictions of Isaiah are contained in sixty-six chapters; of which the five first are generally supposed to have been delivered in the reign of Uzziah: the sixth in the reign of Jotham; the seventh to the fifteenth in the reign of Ahaz; and the remainder in that of Hezekiah. Various modes of classifying them have been proposed, in order to present them in the most useful and lucid arrangement; some commentators and critics dividing them into three parts:1. Evangelico-Legal, which contain denunciations of the divine vengeance, intermixed with evangelical promises;— 2. Historical, comprising the narrative part; and, 3. Evangelical, comprising prophecies and promises relative to the deliverance of the Jews from captivity, and the yet greater deliverance of mankind from the bondage of sin, by the Messiah. By other writers, the book of the prophet Isaiah is divided into,-1. Reprehensory, including sharp reproofs and threatenings of the Jews for their sins, in which are mingled promises to the penitent;-2. Minatory, containing threatenings against the enemies of the Jewish church, and also against the Jews themselves;-3. Narrative or Historical; and, 4. Consolatory and evangelical promises concerning Messiah and the church. Other classifications have been proposed, which it is not necessary to specify; but, without adopting any of them, we apprehend that the following synopsis will be found to exhibit a clear view of the various topics discussed by the royal prophet. The predictions of Isaiah, then, may be divided into six parts, each containing a number of discourses, delivered by the prophet to the various nations or people whom he was commissioned to address." 1 Jahn's Introduction, p. 359. Bishop Lowth considers the narrativechapters in Isaiah as a different copy of the relation in the second book of Kings, the account of Hezekiah's sickness only excepted. The difference of the two copies, he is of opinion, is little more than what has manifestly arisen from the mistakes of transcribers: they mutually correct each other; and most of the mistakes may be perfectly rectified by a collation of the two copies with the assistance of the ancient versions. Some few sentences, or members of sentences, are omitted in this copy of Isaiah, which are found in the other copy of the book of Kings; but he doubts whether these omissions were made by design or by mistake. Isaiah, vol. ii. p. 237. The scope of Isaiah's prophecies above given is abridged from Roberts's Clavis Bibliorum, p. 616. 3 The Ethiopian eunuch appears to have been made a proselyte by Saint Philip's explication of this chapter. Vide Acts viii. 32. The whole of it is so ininutely descriptive of Christ's passion, that a famous Rabbi, likewise, on reading it, was converted from Judaism.-Who, indeed, can resist its evidence? dition of the Jews, in the several Periods of their History; the Promulgation and Success of the Gospel and the Coming of Messiah to Judgment. (ch. i.-v.)-The Predictions in this Section were delivered during the Reign of Uzziah King of Judah. DISCOURSE 1. (ch. i. throughout.) The prophecy contained in this first chapters stands single and unconnected, constituting an entire piece of itself. If, as we suppose to have been the case, it was delivered in the reign of Uzziah, the desolation which it describes may refer to the calamities which were occasioned before that time by Jehoash king of Israel (compare 2 Kings xiv. 12-14.); or, the prophet may describe scenes yet future, as already passing before his eyes, to denote their certainty. As, however, the portrait, which it presents of the desolate and distressed state of the land of Judah, agrees much better with the wicked and afflicted reign of the apostate Ahaz, than with the flourishing circumstances in the reigns of Uzziah and Jotham (who were both, in the main, good princes): on this account the learned Dr. John Taylor thinks it probable that the prediction in this chapter was uttered in the reign of Ahaz, and intends the invasion of Judah by Resin and Pekah, kings of Syria and Israel. But whichever of these conjectures may be preferred, the chapter contains a severe remonstrance against the inclinations to idolatry, want of inward piety, and other corruptions, prevailing among the Jews of that time, intermixed with powerful exhortations to repentance, grievous threatenings to the impenitent, and gracious promises of better times, when the nation shall have been reformed by the just judgments of God. The whole of this discourse affords a beautiful example of the prophet's elegant and impressive manner of writing. DISCOURSE 2. (ch. ii. iii. iv.) contains the following particulars :— 1. The kingdom of Messiah, the conversion of the Gentiles, and their admission into it. (ii. 1-5.) 2. A prediction of the punishment of the unbelieving Jews, for their idolatrous practices, for their confidence in their own strength, and distrust of God's protection; and likewise the destruction of idolatry, in consequence of the establishment of Messiah's kingdom. (ii. 6—20.) 3. A prophecy of calamities of the Babylonian invasion (perhaps also of the invasion by the Romans), with a particular amplification of the distress of the proud and luxurious daughters of Sion. (iii. 1-26.8 iv. 1.) 4. A promise to the remnant that should escape this severe purgation, of a restoration to the favour and protection of God. (iv. 2—6.) This prophetic sermon was probably delivered in the time of Jotham, or perhaps in the reign of Uzziah. DISCOURSE 3. ch. v. This chapter likewise stands single and alone, unconnected with the preceding or following: its subject is nearly the same with that of ch. i., but it exceeds that chapter in force, in severity, in variety, and elegance. It is a general reproof of the Jews for their wickedness, which is represented in the parable of the vineyard (verses 1-5.); and it adds a more express declaration of vengeance by the Babylonian invasion. (verses 6―30.) PART II. comprises the Predictions delivered in the Reigns of Jotham and Ahaz. (ch. vi.-xii.) DiscOURSE 1. The vision and prophecy of Isaiah in the reign of Jotham. (ch. vi.) As this vision seems to contain a solemn designation of Isaiah to the prophetical office, it is supposed by many interpreters to be the first in order of his prophecies Bishop Lowth, however, conjectures that this may not be the case, because Isaiah is said, in the general title of his predictions, to have prophesied in the time of Uzziah; and is of opinion, that it is a new designation, to introduce, with the greater solemnity, a general declaration of the whole course Tomline. (Elements of Christ. Theol. vol. i. p. 107.) In the analysis of the various discourses, or prophetic sermons comprised under each sec tion, we have principally followed Bishop Lowth, in his admirable translation of, and notes upon, the prophet Isaiah. 6 Commentators are divided in opinion, whether the title in verse 1. (the vision of Isaiah) belongs to the whole book, or only to the prophecy contained in this chapter. The former part of the title seems properly to be long to this particular prophecy; the latter part, which enumerates the kings of Judah, under whom Isaiah exercised his prophetic office, seems to extend it to the entire collection of prophecies delivered in the course of his ministry. Vitringa (with whom Bishop Lowth agrees) has solved this doubt very judiciously. He supposes that the former part of the title was originally prefixed to this single prophecy; and that, when the collection of all Isaiah's prophecies was made, the enumeration of the kings of Judah was added, to make it at the same time a proper title to the whole book. As such it is plainly taken in 2 Chron xxxii. 32. where the book of Isaiah is cited by the title of "The Vision of Isaiah the Prophet, the Son of Amos." Vitringa, tom. i. pp. 25-29. Bishop Lowth's Isaiah, vol. ii. p. 4. * Scheme of Scripture Divinity, chap. xxxiv. in vol. i. of Bishop Watson's Collection of Tracts, pp. 143, 144. 8 See a striking medallic illustration of Isa. iii. 26. in Vol. I. P. 91. For a particular elucidation of this sublime vision, see Bp. Lowth's Isaiah, vol. ii. pp. 72-77. and Dr. Hales's Analysis of Chronology, vol. ii. book i. p.436. et seq. of God's dispensations towards his people, and the fates of the nation,-events which are still depending, and will not be fully accomplished until the final restoration of Israel. DISCOURSE 2. (ch. vii.-ix. 7.) commences with an historical account of the occasion of the prophecy (vii. 1-3.), and then follows a prediction of the ill success of the designs of the Israelites and Syrians against Judah (vii. 1-16.); to this succeeds the denunciation of the calamities that were to be brought upon the king and people of Judah by the Assyrians, whom they had now hired to assist them. (vii. 17-25.) These predictions are repeated and confirmed in ch. viii., the ninth and tenth verses of which give a repeated general assurance that all the designs of the enemies of God's people shall ultimately be frustrated; and the discourse concludes, after various admonitions and threatenings (viii. 11-22. ix. 1.), with an illustrious prophecy (ix. 2—7.), in the first instance, perhaps, of the restoration of prosperity under Hezekiah, but principally of the manifestation of the Messiah, the transcendent dignity of his character, and the universality and eternal duration of his kingdom. : 6 DISCOURSE 3. (ch. ix. 8.—x. 4.) contains a distinct prophecy DISCOURSE 3. (ch. xv. xvi.) is a prophecy against the Moabites; hind him, possess himself of their whole country, by taking their principal strong places. Jeremiah, says Bishop Lowth, has happily introduced much of this prophecy of Isaiah into his own larger prophecy against the same people in his fortyeighth chapter; denouncing God's judgments on Moab subsequent to the calamity here foretold, and to be executed by Nebuchadnezzar, by which means several mistakes in the text of both prophets may be rectified. DISCOURSE 4. (ch. xvii.) is a prophecy chiefly directed against Damascus or the kingdom of Syria, with whose sovereign the king of Samaria (or Israel) had confederated against the kingdom of Judah. Bishop Lowth conjectures that it was delivered, soon after the prophecies of the seventh and eighth chapters, in the commencement of Ahab's reign. It was fulfilled by Tiglath-Pileser's taking Damascus (2 Kings xvi. 9.), overrunning a very considerable part of the kingdom of Israel, and carrying a great number of the Israelites also captives into Assyria; and still more fully in regard to Israel, by the conquest of the kingdom, and the captivity of the people, effected a few years after by Shalmaneser. The three last verses of this chapter seem to have no relation to the prophecy to which they are joined: they contain a noble description of the formidable invasion and sudden overthrow of Sennacherib, which is intimated in the strongest terms and most expressive images, exactly suitable to the event. DISCOURSE 5. (ch. xviii.) contains one of the most obscure prophecies in the whole book of Isaiah. Vitringa considers it as directed against the Assyrians; Bishop Lowth refers it to the Egyptians; and Rosenmüller, and others, to the Ethiopians. DISCOURSE 6. (ch. xix. xx.) is a prophecy against Egypt, the conversion of whose inhabitants to the true religion is intimated in verses 18-25. of ch. xix. DISCOURSE 7. (ch. xxi. 1-10.) contains a prediction of the taking of Babylon' by the Medes and Persians. "It is a passage singular in its kind for its brevity and force, for the variety and rapidity of the movements, and for the strength and energy of colouring with which the action and event are painted." The eleventh and twelfth verses of this chapter contain a prophecy concerning Dumah or Idumæa, the land of the Edomites, Mount Seir; which, from the uncertainty of the occasion on which it was delivered, as well as from the brevity of the expression, is very obscure. The five last verses comprise a prophecy respecting Arabia, which was fulfilled within a year after its delivery. DISCOURSE 8. (ch. xxii.) is a prophecy concerning the capture of the Valley of Vision, or Jerusalem (verses 1-14.), the captivity of Shebna (15-19.), and the promotion of Eliakim. (20-24.) The invasion of Jerusalem here announced is either that by the Assyrians under Sennacherib; or by the Chaldæans under Nebuchadnezzar. Vitringa is of opinion that the prophet had both in view; viz. the invasion of the Chaldæans in verses 1-5. and that of the Assyrians in verses 8-11. Compare 2 Kings xxv. 4, 5. and 2 Chron. xxxii. 2-5. DISCOURSE 9. (ch. xxiii.) denounces the destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar (1-17.), the restoration of its prosperity, and the conversion of the Tyrians. Accordingly a Christian church was early formed at Tyre, which became a kind of mother-church to several others, which were connected with it. See Acts xxi. 1-6.3 PART IV. contains a Prophecy of the great Calamities that should befall the People of God, His merciful Preservation of a Remnant of them, and of their Restoration to their Country, of their Conversion to the Gospel, and the Destruction of Antichrist. (ch. xxiv.-xxxv.) DISCOURSE 1. (ch. xxiv. xxv. xxvi.) was probably delivered be- Bishop Newton has collected and illustrated the various predictions of a Scott, on Isa. xxiii. 18. then the kingdom of God shall be established in such perfection as wholly to obscure and eclipse the glory of the temporary, typical, preparatory kingdom now subsisting. On a review of this extensive scene of God's providence in all its parts, the prophet breaks out into a sublime and beautiful song of praise, in which his mind seems to be more possessed by the prospect of future mercies than by the recollection of past events (xxv.); this is followed by another hymn in ch. xxvi. In verse 19. the deliverance of the people of God from a state of the lowest misery is explained by images plainly taken from the resurrection of the dead. DISCOURSE 2. (ch. xxvii.) treats on the nature, measure, and design of God's dealings with his people. DISCOURSE 3. (ch. xxviii.) contains a prophecy directed both to the Israelites and to the Jews. The destruction of the former by Shalmaneser is manifestly denounced in verses 1-5.; and the prophecy" then turns to the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin, the remnant of God's people, who were to continue a kingdom after the final captivity of the Israelites. It commences with a favourable prognostication of their affairs under Hezekiah; but soon changes to reproofs and threatenings for their disobedience and profaneness." In verses 23-29, the wisdom of Providence is illustrated by the discretion of the husbandman. DISCOURSE 4. (ch. xxix.-xxxiii.) predicts the invasion of Sennacherib, the great distress of the Jews while it continued (xxix. 1-4.), and their sudden and immediate deliverance by God's interposition in their favour; and the subsequent prosperous state of the kingdom under Hezekiah; interspersed with severe reproofs and threats of punishment for their hypocrisy, stupidity, infidelity, their want of trust in God, and their vain reliance on assistance from Egypt; and with promises of better times both immediately to succeed and to be expected in the future age. (18-24. xxx.—xxxiii.) DISCOURSE 5. (ch. xxxiv. xxxv.) makes one distinct prophecy, an entire, regular, and beautiful poem, consisting of two parts; the first containing a denunciation of the divine vengeance against the enemies of the people or church of God; the second part describing the flourishing state of the church of God consequent upon the execution of those judgments. It is plain from every part of it, that this chapter is to be understood of Gospel times. The fifth and sixth verses of ch. xxxv. were literally accomplished by our Saviour and his apostles. In a secondary sense, Bishop Lowth remarks, they may have a further view; and, running parallel with the former part of the prophecy, may relate to the future advent of Christ, to the conversion of the Jews, and their restoration to their own land; and to the extension and purification of the Christian faith;— events predicted in the Holy Scriptures as preparatory to it. PART V. comprises the Historical Part of the Prophecy of Isaiah, Ch. xxxvi. relates the history of the invasion of Sennacherib, and of the miraculous destruction of his army, as a proper introduction to ch. xxxvii., which contains the answer of God to Hezekiah's prayer, that could not be properly understood without it. On the subject of these chapters, see p. 265. supra. Ch. xxxviii. and xxxix. relate Hezekiah's sickness and recovery, and his thanksgiving for restoration to health, together with the embassy of the king of Babylon. PART VI. (ch. xl.-lxvi.) comprises a series of Prophecies, delivered, in all probability, towards the close of Hezekiah's Reign. This portion of Isaiah's predictions constitutes the most elegant part of the sacred writings of the Old Testament, "The chief subject is the restoration of the church. This is pursued with the greatest regularity; containing the deliverance of the Jews from captivity-the vanity and destruction of idols-the vindication of the divine power and truth--consolations and invitations to the Jews--denunciations against them for their infidelity and impiety-their rejection, and the calling of the Gentiles--the happiness of the righteous and the final destruction of the wicked. But, as the subject of this very beautiful series of prophecies is chiefly of the consolatory kind, they are introduced with a promise of the restoration of the kingdom, and the return from the Babylonian captivity, through the merciful interposition of God. At the same time, this redemption from Babylon is employed as an image to shadow out a redemption of an infinitely higher and more important nature. 1 Smith's Summary View of the Prophets, p. 56. Compare Matt. xi. 5. xv. 30. xxi. 14. John v. 8, 9. Acts iii, 2. viii. 7. xiv. 8-10. Smith's Summary View of the Prophets, p. 64. The prophet, Bishop Lowth remarks, connects these two events together, scarcely ever treating of the former without throwing in some intimations of the latter; and sometimes he is so fully possessed with the glories of the future more remote kingdom of the Messiah, that he seems to leave the immediate subject of his commission almost out of the question. This part consists of twelve prophetic poems or discourses. DISCOURSE 1. (ch. xl. xli.) contains a promise of comfort to the people of God, interspersed with declarations of the omnipo tence and omniscience of Jehovah, and a prediction of the restoration of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity by Cyrus. DISCOURSE 2. The advent and office of the Messiah are foretold (xlii. 1-17.); for rejecting whom the incredulity of the Jews is reproved. (18-25.) A remnant of them, however, it is promised, shall be preserved, and ultimately restored to their own land. (xliii. 1-13.) The destruction of Babylon and the restoration of the Jews are again foretold, as also (perhaps) their return after the Roman dispersion (14-20.); and they are admonished to repent of those sins which would otherwise bring the severest judgments of God upon them. (21—28.) DISCOURSE 3. contains promises of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, intermingled with an exposure of the folly of idolatry (xliv. 1-20.), which, in force of argument, energy of expres sion, and elegance of composition, far surpasses any thing that was ever written upon the subject. The prophet then announces by name the instrument of their deliverance, Cyrus, (21-28. xlv. 1-5.);* and, after adverting, in splendid imagery, to the happy state of the people of God, restored to their country, and flourishing in peace and plenty, in piety and virtue, he proceeds to answer or prevent the objections and cavils of the unbelieving Jews, disposed to murmur against God, and to arraign the wisdom and justice of his dispensations in regard to them; in permitting them to be oppressed by their enemies, and in promising them deliverance instead of preventing their captivity. (6-25.) St. Paul has borrowed the prophet's imagery, and has applied it to the like purpose with equal force and elegance in Rom. ix. 20, 21. DrscOURSE 4. foretells the carrying away of the idols of Babylon (xlvi. 15.); the folly of worshipping them is then strikingly contrasted with the attributes and perfections of Jehovah (6— 13.); and the divine judgments upon Babylon and Chaldæa are further denounced. (xlvii.) DISCOURSE 5. contains an earnest reproof of the Jews for their infidelity and idolatry (xlviii. 1—19. 21, 22.); and foretells their deliverance from the Babylonian captivity. (20.) DISCOURSE 6. The Messiah (whose character and office had been generally exhibited in ch. xlii.) is here introduced in person, declaring the full extent of his commission, which is, not only to restore the Israelites, but to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, to call them to the knowledge and obedience of the true God, and to bring them to be one church together with the Is raelites, and with them to partake of the same common salva tion, procured for all by the great Redeemer and Reconciler of man to God. (xlix.) DISCOURSE 7. predicts the dereliction of the Jews for their rejection of the Messiah (1. 1--3.), whose sufferings and exaltation are foretold. (4-11.) The prophet exhorts the believing Jews, after the pattern of Abraham, to trust in Christ, and foretells their future restoration after the Babylonish captivity, as also their ultimate conversion to Christianity, (li. lii. 1—12.) DISCOURSE 8. predicts the humiliation of Christ, which had been intimated in l. 5, 6., and obviates the offence which would be occasioned by it, by declaring the important and necessary cause of it, and foreshowing the glory which should follow it. (lii. 13—15. liii.) DISCOURSE 9. foretells the amplitude of the church, when Jews and Gentiles should be converted. (liv.) DISCOURSE 10. is an invitation to partake of the blessings of the Gospel, from which none. shall be excluded who come on the termas prescribed. (lv. lvi. 1—8.) DISCOURSE 11. denounces calamities against the inhabitants of Judah, who are sharply reproved for their idolatry and hypocrisy. Bishop Lowth is of opinion, that the prophet probably verse. 1. Cyrus is called God's Shepherd-Shepherd was an epithet Isa. xliv. 28. "There is a remarkable beauty and propriety in this which Cyrus took to himself, and which he gave to all good kings. 2. This Cyrus should say to the temple-Thy foundation shall be laid not, Thou shall be built. The fact is, only the foundation was laid in the days of Cyrus, the Ammonites having prevented the building; nor was it resumed till the second year of Darius, one of his successors. There is often a pre. cision in the expressions of the prophets, which is as honourable to truth, as it is unnoticed by careless readers." Dr. A. Clarke, on Isa. xliv. 28. 269 has in view the destruction of their city and polity by the | from their severe captivity in Babylon, and their restoration Chaldæans, and perhaps, by the Romans. (lvi. 9-12. lvii.- to their own country (verses 1-3.), introduces a chorus of lix. 1—15.) The fifty-ninth chapter, he observes, is remark- them, expressing their surprise and astonishment at the sudable for the beauty, strength, and variety of the images with den downfall of Babylon, and the great reverse of fortune which it abounds, as well as for the elegance of the composition that had befallen the tyrant, who, like his predecessors, had and the exact construction of the sentences. oppressed his own, and harassed the neighbouring kingdoms. DISCOURSE 12. chiefly predicts the general conversion of the These oppressed kingdoms, or their rulers, are represented Jews to the Gospel, the coming in of the fulness of the Gen- under the image of the fir trees and the cedars of Libanus, tiles, the restoration of the Jews, and the happy state of the which is frequently used to express any thing in the political Christian church. (lix. 16-21. lx.-lxvi.) In ch. lx. and or religious world that is supereminently great and majestic : Ixi. the great increase and flourishing state of the church of the whole earth shouts for joy; the cedars of Libanus utter a God, by the conversion and accession of the heathen nations severe taunt over the fallen tyrant, and boast their security to it, are "set forth in such ample and exalted terms, as plainly now he is no more. (verses 4-8.) show, that the full completion of the prophecy is reserved for future times. This subject is displayed in the most splendid colours, under a great variety of highly poetical images, designed to give a general idea of the glories of that perfect state of the church, which we are taught to expect in the latter times; when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in, and the Jews shall be converted and gathered from their disper-insult and deride him on being reduced to the same low state sions; and the kingdoms of this world shall become the king doms of our Lord and of his Christ." (Bp. Lowth.) The remarkable prophecy in lxiii. 1—6., which some expositors refer to Judas Maccabæus, the learned prelate applies primarily to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish polity; which in the Gospel is called the "coming of Christ," and the "days of vengeance" (Matt. xvi. 28. Luke xxi. 22.); but he thinks it may ultimately refer to the yet unfulfilled predictions, which intimate a great slaughter of the enemies of God and his people. The two last chapters of this prophecy manifestly relate to the calling of the Gentiles, the establishment of the Christian dispensation, and the reprobation of the apostate Jews, and their destruction executed by the Romans. V. Isaiah has, with singular propriety, been denominated the "evangelical prophet," on account of the number and variety of his prophecies concerning the advent and character, the ministry and preaching, the sufferings and death, and the extensive permanent kingdom of the Messiah. So explicit and determinate are his predictions, as well as so numerous, that he seems to speak rather of things past than of events yet future; and he may rather be called an evangelist, than a prophet. No one, indeed, can be at a loss in applying them to the mission and character of Jesus Christ, and to the events which are cited in his history by the writers of the New Testament. This prophet, says Bishop Lowth, abounds in such transcendent excellencies, that he may be properly said to afford, the most perfect model of prophetic poetry. He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamented; he unites energy with copiousness, and dignity with variety. In his sentiments there is uncommon elevation and majesty; in his imagery, the utmost propriety, elegance, dignity, and diversity; in his language, uncommon beauty and and, notwithstanding the obscurity of his subjects, a surprisenergy; ing degree of clearness and simplicity. To these we may add, that there is such sweetness in the poetical composition of his sentences, whether it proceed from art or genius, that, if the Hebrew poetry at present is possessed of any remains in the writings of Isaiah; so that the saying of Ezekiel may of its native grace and harmony, we shall chiefly find them most justly be applied to this prophet, "Thou art the confirmed exemplar of measures, Full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty."-Ezek. xxviii. 12. Isaiah also greatly excels in all the graces of method, order, connection, and arrangement: though in asserting this we must not forget the nature of the prophetic impulse, which bears away the mind with irresistible violence, and frequently in rapid transitions from near to remote objects, from human to divine; we must likewise be careful in remarking the limits of particular predictions, since, as they are now extant, they are often improperly connected, without any marks of discrimination; which injudicious arrangement, on some occasions, creates almost insuperable difficulties. Bishop Lowth has selected the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth chapters of this prophet, as a specimen of the poetic style in which he delivers his predictions, and has illustrated at some length the various beauties which eminently distinguish the simple, regular, and perfect poem contained in those chapters. But the grandest specimen of his poetry is presented in the fourteenth chapter, which is one of the most sublime odes occurring in the Bible, and contains the noblest personifications to be found in the records of poetry. The prophet, after predicting the liberation of the Jews This is followed (9.) by one of the boldest and most animated personifications of Hades, or the regions of the dead, that was ever executed in poetry. Hades excites his inhabitants, the shades of princes, and the departed spirits their couches as from their thrones; and advancing to the of monarchs. These illustrious shades arise at once from entrance of the cavern to meet the king of Babylon, they of impotence and dissolution with themselves. (10, 11.) The Jews now resume the speech (12.): they address the king of Babylon as the morning-star fallen from heaven, as the first in splendour and dignity in the political world fallen from his high state: they introduce him as uttering the most extravagant vaunts of his power and ambitious designs in his former glory; these are strongly contrasted, in the close, with his present low and abject condition. (13-15.) image, to diversify the same subject, and give it a new turn To complete the whole, God is introduced, declaring the fate of Babylon, the utter extirpation of the royal family, and the total desolation of the city; the deliverance of his people, and the destruction of their enemies; confirming the irreversible decree by the awful sanction of his oath. (21-27.) "How forcible," says Bishop Lowth, "is this imagery, how diversified, how sublime! how elevated the diction, the figures, the sentiments! The Jewish nation, the cedars of Lebanon, the ghosts of departed kings, the Babylonish monarch, the travellers who find his corpse, and last of all JEHOVAH himself, are the characters which support this beautiful lyric drama. One continued action is kept up, or rather a series of interesting actions are connected together in an incomparable whole; this, indeed, is the principal and distinguished excellence of the sublimer ode, and is displayed in its utmost perfection in this poem of Isaiah, which may be which has been transmitted to us. The personifications here considered as one of the most ancient, and certainly one of the most finished, specimens of that species of composition are frequent, yet not confused; bold, yet not improbable: a free, elevated, and truly divine spirit pervades the whole; to the character of perfect beauty and sublimity. If, indeed, nor is there any thing wanting in this ode to defeat its claim I may be indulged in the free declaration of my own sentiments on this occasion, I do not know a single instance, in the whole compass of Greek and Roman poetry, which, in every excellence of composition, can be said to equal, or even to approach it."2 Bishop Lowth observes, "is taken from their custom of burying, those at 1 "The image of the dead," so admirably described by the prophet, least of the higher rank, in large sepulchral vaults hewn in the rock. Of this kind of sepulchres there are remains at Jerusalen now extant; and drell, p. 76. You are to form to yourself an idea of an immense subterrane. some that are said to be the sepulchres of the kings of Judah. See Maunous vault, a vast gloomy Cavern, all round the sides of which there are cells, to receive the dead bodies: here the deceased monarchs lie in a distinwith his arms beside him, his sword at his head, and the bodies of his guished sort of state suitable to their former rank, each on his own couch, chiefs and companions round about him. See Ezek. xxxii. 27. On which place Sir John Chardin's manuscript note is as follows:- En Mingrelie ils et on les enterre de mesme, leurs armes postes de cette façon.'" Bp. dorment tous leurs epées sous leurs têtes, et leurs autres armes à leur côté; Lowth's Translation of Isaiah, vol. ii. p. 121. Bishop Lowth's Lectures on Hebrew Poetry, vol. ii. pp. 84-86. vol. i. ad Vet. Fæd. p. 367. PP. 291–301. and his Translation of Isaiah, vol. ii. pp. 230-232. Jahn, Introd. 5. ON THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JOEL. . Author and date.-II, Occasion and scope.-III. Analysis of the book.-IV. Observations on its style. BEFORE CHRIST, 810-660, or later. the Gospel; interspersing promises of safety to the faithful PART III. predicts the general Conversion and Return of the I. $ 6. ON THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET MICAH. Author and date.-II. Occasion and scope.-III. Synopa's of its contents.-IV. Prophecies concerning the MessiahV. Observations on its style. BEFORE CHRIST, 758-699. I. CONCERNING the family, condition, and pursuits of this prophet, there is great diversity of opinion among learned men. Although several persons of the name of Joel are mentioned in the Old Testament,' we have no information concerning the prophet himself, except what is contained in the title of his predictions (i. 1.), that he was the son of Pethuel. According to some idle reports collected and preserved by the pseudo-Epiphanius,2 he was of the tribe of Reuben, and was born at Bethhoron, a town situated in the confines of the territories of Judah and Benjamin. It is equally uncertain under what sovereign he flourished, or where he died. The celebrated Rabbi Kimchi and others place him in the reign of Joram, and are of opinion that he foretold the seven years' famine which prevailed in that king's reign. (2 Kings viii. 1-3.) The authors of the two celebrated Jewish Chronicles entitled Seder Olam (both great and little), Jarchi, and several other Jewish writers, who are also followed by Drusius, Archbishop Newcome, and other Christian commentators, maintain that he prophesied under Manassch. Tarnovius, Eckermann, Calmet, and others, place him in the reign of Josiah but Vitringa, Moldenhawer, Rosenmuller, and the majority of modern commentators, are of opinion (after Abarbanel), that he delivered his predictions during the reign of Uzziah: consequently he was contemporary with Amos and Hosea, if indeed he did not prophesy before Amos. This opinion, which we think more probable than any, is supported by the following arguments:-1. Only Egypt and Edom (iii. 19.) are enumerated among the enemies of Judah, no mention whatever being made of the Assyrians or Babylonians:-2. Joel (iii. 4-7.) denounces the same judgments, as Amos (i. 9-11.), against the Tyrians, Sidonians, and II. The people of Judah and Israel being very profane and Idumæans (who had invaded the kingdom of Judah, carried impenitent in the days of Isaiah (in consequence of which off its inhabitants, and sold them as slaves to the Gentiles): the Assyrian captivity was then hastening upon Israel, and -3. It appears from Joel ii. 15-17. that at the time he the Babylonian not long after fell upon Judah), the prophet flourished the Jews were in the full enjoyment of their reli- Micah was raised up to second Isaiah, and to confirm his gious worship:-4. More prosperous times are promised to predictions against the Jews and Israelites, whom he inJudæa, together with uncommon plenty (ii. 18, 19.):-vited to repentance both by threatened judgments and by 5. Although Joel foretells the calamity of famine and barren- promised mercies.10 ness of the land, it is evident from Amos (iv. 6, 7.) that the Israelites had not only suffered from the same calamity, but were even then labouring under it. II. From the palmer-worm, locust, canker-worm, caterpillar, &c. being sent upon the land of Judah, and devouring its fruits (the certain forerunners of a grievous famine), the prophet takes occasion to exhort the Jews to repentance, fasting, and prayer, promising them various temporal and spiritual blessings. III. This book consists of three chapters, which may be divided into three discourses or parts; viz. PART I. is an Exhortation, both to the Priests and to the Peo- PART II. An Exhortation to keep a public and solemn Fast From the fertility and prosperity of the land described in these verses, the prophet makes an easy transition to the copious blessings of the Gospel, particularly the effusion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: with these he connects the destruction of the Jewish nation and polity in consequence of their rejecting 1 See Simonis Onomasticon Vet. Test. p. 517. 2 De Vitis Prophetarum in Epiphanii op. tom. ii. p. 245. Relandi Palestina, p. 633. 4 Typus Doctrina Prophet. cap. iv. p. 35. et seq. Introductio in Libros Canonicos Vet. et Nov. Test. pp. 120, 121. The famine predicted by Joel, Jahn refers to that which took place in the time of the Maccabees. See 1 Macc. ix. 23-27. I. MICAH, the third of the minor prophets, according to the arrangement in the Hebrew and all modern copies, as well as in the Septuagint, was a native of Morasthi, a small town in the southern part of the territory of Judah; and, as we learn from the commencement of his predictions, he prophe sied in the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of that country; consequently he was contemporary with Isaiah, Joel, Hosea, and Amos. The time, place, and manner of his death are unknown. The genuineness of his prophecies relating to the complete destruction of Jerusalem, and of the temple, is supported by the testimony of Jeremiah. (xxvi. 18, 19.) III. This book contains seven chapters, forming three parts; viz. INTRODUCTION or title, i. 1. PART I. comprises the Prophecies delivered in the Reigns of Jotham King of Judah (with whom Pekah King of Iro was contemporary), in which the Divine Judgments are de nounced against both Israel and Judah for their Sins, (i. 2-16.) PART II. contains the Predictions delivered in the Reigns of Ahaz King of Judah (with whom his Son Hezekiah was asso ciated in the Government during the latter Part of his Lift), and of Pekah King of Israel, who was also contemporary with him. (ii.—iv. 8.). In this prophetic discourse, Micah foretells the captivity of both nations (ii. 1-5.), and particularly threatens Israel for their enmity to the house of David (6--13.), and Judah for their cruelty to the pious. (iii. 1-7.) He then vindicates his prophetic mission, and denounces to the princes of Israel, that, though they should "build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity," for their sake Zion should be ploughed as a field, and Jerusalem should become heaps. (8--12.) This prophecy had its utmost completion in the final destruction of the city and temple by the Romans. We learn from Jer. xxvi. 18, 19. 24., that this particular prediction was uttered in the time of Hezekiah; and that in the reign of Jehoiakim it was a means of preserving Jeremiah from being delivered into the hands of the people who were desirous of putting him to death. In ch. iv. 1-8. the glorious and peaceful kingdom of Messiah is foretold, together with the establishment of the church. PART III. includes the Prophecies delivered by Micah during the Reign of Hezekiah King of Judah, the first six years of whose Government were contemporary with the greater Part Early in the last century, Mr. Hermann Von der Hardt, whom, from his love of philosophical paradoxes, Bp. Lowth has termed the "Har douin of Germany," attempted to reduce Joel's elegies to iambic verse He accordingly published the three first elegies at Helmstadt, in 1708; and again, with additions, at the same place, in 1720, in 8vo. 10 Roberts's Clavis Bibliorum, p. 671 |