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Context
Sin Separates Us from God
15Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. 16He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him. 17He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Art Katz
Carter Conlon
Dennis Kinlaw
K.P. Yohannan
Dwight PentecostSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And wondered that there was no intercessor - This and the following verses some of the most eminent rabbins understand as spoken of the Messiah. Kimchi says that Rabbi Joshua ben Levi proposes this objection: "It is written, 'Behold, he will come in the clouds of heaven as the son of man,' Dan 7:13; and elsewhere it is written, 'He cometh lowly, and riding upon an ass,' Zac 9:9. How can these texts be reconciled? Thus: If the Jews have merit, he will come unto them in the clouds of heaven; but if they be destitute of merit, he will come unto them riding upon an ass." Now out of their own mouth they may be condemned. They were truly destitute of all merit when Jesus Christ came into Jerusalem riding upon an ass, according to the letter of the above prophecy; and they neither acknowledged nor received him. And that they were destitute of merit their destruction by the Romans, which shortly followed their rejection of him, sufficiently proves.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
no man--namely, to atone by his righteousness for the unrighteousness of the people. "Man" is emphatic, as in Kg1 2:2; no representative man able to retrieve the cause of fallen men (Isa 41:28; Isa 63:5-6; Jer 5:1; Eze 22:30). no intercessor--no one to interpose, "to help . . . uphold" (Isa 63:5). his arm-- (Isa 40:10; Isa 51:5). Not man's arm, but His alone (Psa 98:1; Psa 44:3). his righteousness--the "arm" of Messiah. He won the victory for us, not by mere might as God, but by His invincible righteousness, as man having "the Spirit without measure" (Isa 11:5; Isa 42:6, Isa 42:21; Isa 51:8; Isa 53:11; Jo1 2:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he saw that there was no man,.... Whose works are good, as the Targum adds; no good man, or faithful and righteous one, that had any regard to truth and justice; that was an advocate for truth, and opposed error, and set on foot a reformation; or was concerned for any of these things, and mourned over the general corruption; not that it must be thought there was not one individual person, but very few, comparatively none; since mention is made before of some that departed from evil, and made themselves a prey: and wondered that there was no intercessor; to stand up, and pray for them, as the Targum; so it seems a spirit of prayer and supplication will be greatly wanting in the times of latter day darkness, and before latter day glory breaks out: or, "that there was no interposer" (h); none to appear on the side of truth and justice, and on the behalf of those that become a prey to others. "Wonder" is here ascribed to God by an anthropopathy, after the manner of men, as being a marvellous and surprising thing, and almost incredible, that none could be found in so good a cause, and taking the part of injured truth and righteousness; and it expresses the general corruption and defect of religion in those times; and shows that it is not for the goodness of men, or their merits, that the Lord will do what is next said he did: therefore his arm brought salvation to him; either to himself, and which redounded to his own honour and glory; or to his people, those that became a prey to their enemies; these he rescued out of their hands, and by his own arm of power saved them; or he himself alone wrought out salvation for them, and delivered them from the insults, reproach, and persecution of men, under whatsoever name; so when antichrist, and antichristianism in every form, shall be destroyed, salvation will be ascribed to God alone, Rev 19:1, and his righteousness, it sustained him; his righteousness, in taking vengeance on his and his people's enemies; and his faithfulness, in the performance of his promises, will support him in, and carry him through, his work, though attended with difficulties that may seem insuperable to men: this may be understood of Christ, as well as what follows. The Jews (i) interpret this of the Messiah, who should come in an age in which are none but wicked men, as is here said. (h) "nullum interventorem", Junius & Tremellius. (i) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 98. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
How sin abounded we have read, to our great amazement, in the former part of the chapter; how grace does much more abound we read in these verses. And, as sin took occasion from the commandment to become more exceedingly sinful, so grace took occasion from the transgression of the commandment to appear more exceedingly gracious. Observe, I. Why God wrought salvation for this provoking people, notwithstanding their provocations. It was purely for his own name's sake; because there was nothing in them either to bring it about, or to induce him to bring it about for them, no merit to deserve it, no might to effect it, he would do it himself, would be exalted in his own strength, for his own glory. 1. He took notice of their weakness and wickedness: He saw that there was no man that would do any thing for the support of the bleeding cause of religion and virtue among them, not a man that would execute judgment (Jer 5:1), that would bestir himself in a work of reformation; those that complained of the badness of the times had not zeal and courage enough to appear and act against it; there was a universal corruption of manners, and nothing done to stem the tide; most were wicked, and those that were not so were yet weak, and durst not attempt any thing in opposition to the wickedness of the wicked. There was no intercessor, either none to intercede with God, to stand in the gap by prayer to turn away his wrath (it would have pleased him to be thus met, and he wondered that he was not), or, rather, none to interpose for the support of justice and truth, which were trampled upon and run down (Isa 59:14), no advocate to speak a good word for those who were made a prey of because they kept their integrity, Isa 59:15. They complained that God did not appear for them (Isa 58:3); but God with much more reason complains that they did nothing for themselves, intimating how ready he would have been to do them good if he had found among them the least motion towards a reformation. 2. He engaged his own strength and righteousness for them. They shall be saved, notwithstanding all this; and, (1.) Because they have no strength of their own, nor any active men that will set to it in good earnest to redress the grievances either of their iniquities or of their calamities, therefore his own arm shall bring salvation to him, to his people, or to him whom he would raise up to be the deliverer, Christ, the power of God and arm of the Lord, that man of his right hand whom he made strong for himself. The work of reformation (that is the first and principal article of the salvation) shall be wrought by the immediate influences of the divine grace on men's consciences. Since magistrates and societies for reformation fail of doing their part, one will not do justice nor the other call for it, God will let them know that he can do it without them when his time shall come thus to prepare his people for mercy, and then the work of deliverance shall be wrought by the immediate operations of the divine Providence on men's affections and affairs. When God stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, and brought his people out of Babylon, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, then his own arm, which is never shortened, brought salvation. (2.) Because they have no righteousness of their own to merit these favours, and to which God might have an eye in working for them, therefore his own righteousness sustained him and bore him out in it. Divine justice, which by their sins they had armed against them, through grace appears for them. Though they can expect no favour as due to them, yet he will be just to himself, to his own purpose and promise, and covenant with his people: he will, in righteousness, punish the enemies of his people; see Deu 9:5. Not for thy righteousness, but for the wickedness of these nations they are driven out. In our redemption by Christ, since we had no righteousness of our own to produce, on which God might proceed in favour to us, he brought in a righteousness by the merit and meditation of his own Son (it is called the righteousness which is of God by faith, Phi 3:9), and this righteousness sustained him, and bore him out in all his favours to us, notwithstanding our provocations. He put on righteousness as a breast-plate, securing his own honour, as a breast-plate does the vitals, in all his proceedings, by the justice and equity of them; and then he put a helmet of salvation upon his head; so sure is he to effect the salvation he intends that he takes salvation itself for his helmet, which therefore must needs be impenetrable, and in which he appears very illustrious, formidable in the eyes of his enemies and amiable in the eyes of his friends. When righteousness is his coat of arms, salvation is his crest. In allusion to this, among the pieces of a Christian's armour we find the breast-plate of righteousness, and for a helmet the hope of salvation (Eph 6:14-17; Th1 5:8), and it is called the armour of God, because he wore it first and so fitted it for us. (3.) Because they have no spirit or zeal to do any thing for themselves, God will put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and clothe himself with zeal as a cloak; he will make his justice upon the enemies of his church and people, and his jealousy for his own glory and the honour of religion and virtue among men, to appear evident and conspicuous in the eye of the world; and in these he will show himself great, as a man shows himself in his rich attire or in the distinguishing habit of his office. If men be not zealous against sin, God will, and will take vengeance on it for all the injury it has done to his honour and his people's welfare; and this was the business of Christ in the world, to take away sin and be revenged on it. II. What the salvation is that shall be wrought out by the righteousness and strength of God himself. 1. There shall be a present temporal salvation wrought out for the Jews in Babylon, or elsewhere in distress and captivity. This is promised (Isa 59:18, Isa 59:19) as a type of something further. When God's time shall come he will do his own work, though those fail that should forward it. It is here promised, (1.) That God will reckon with his enemies and will render to them according to their deeds, to the enemies of his people abroad, that have oppressed them, to the enemies of justice and truth at home, that have oppressed them, for they also are God's enemies; and, when the day of vengeance shall have come, he will deal with both as they have deserved, according to retribution (so the word is), the law of retributions (Rev 13:10), or according to former retributions; as he has rendered to his enemies formerly, accordingly he will now repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; his fury shall not exceed the rules of justice, as men's fury commonly does. Even to the islands, that lie most remote, if they have appeared against him, he will repay recompence; for his hand shall find out all his enemies (Psa 21:8), and his arrows reach them. Though God's people have behaved so ill that they do not deserve to be delivered, yet his enemies behave so much worse that they do deserve to be destroyed. (2.) That, whatever attempts the enemies of God's people may afterwards make upon them to disturb their peace, they shall be baffled and brought to nought: When the enemy shall come in like a flood, like a high spring-tide, or a land-flood, which threaten to bear down all before them without control, then the Spirit of the Lord by some secret undiscerned power shall lift up a standard against him, and so (as the margin reads it) put him to flight. He that has delivered will still deliver. When God's people are weak and helpless, and have no standard to lift up against the invading power, God will give a banner to those that fear him (Psa 60:4), will by his Spirit lift up a standard, which will draw multitudes together to appear on the church's behalf. Some read it, He shall come (the name of the Lord, and his glory, before foreseen of the Messiah promised) like a straight river, the Spirit of the Lord lifting him up for an ensign. Christ by the preaching of his gospel shall cover the earth with the knowledge of God as with the waters of a flood, the Spirit of the Lord setting up Christ as a standard to the Gentiles, Isa 11:10. (3.) That all this should redound to the glory of God and the advancement of religion in the world (Isa 59:19): So shall they fear the name of the Lord and his glory in all nations that lie eastward or westward. The deliverance of the Jews out of captivity, and the destruction brought on their oppressors, would awaken multitudes to enquire concerning the God of Israel, and induce them to serve and worship him and enlist themselves under the standard which the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up. God's appearances for his church shall occasion the accession of many to it. This had its full accomplishment in gospel times, when many came from the east and west, to fill up the places of the children of the kingdom that were cast out, when there were set up eastern and western churches, Mat 8:11. 2. There shall be a more glorious salvation wrought out by the Messiah in the fulness of time, which salvation all the prophets, upon all occasions, had in view. We have here the two great promises relating to that salvation: - (1.) That the Son of God shall come to us to be our Redeemer (Isa 59:20): Thy Redeemer shall come; it is applied to Christ, Rom 9:26. There shall come the deliverer. The coming of Christ as the Redeemer is the summary of all the promises both of the Old and New Testament, and this was the redemption in Jerusalem which the believing Jews looked for, Luk 2:38. Christ is our Goel, our next kinsman, that redeems both the person and the estate of the poor debtor. Observe, [1.] The place where this Redeemer shall appear: He shall come to Zion, for there, on that holy hill, the Lord would set him up as his King, Psa 2:6. In Zion the chief corner-stone was to be laid, Pe1 2:6. He came to his temple there, Mal 3:1. There salvation was to be placed (Isa 46:13), for thence the law was to go forth, Isa 2:3. Zion was a type of the gospel church, for which the Redeemer acts in all his appearances: The Redeemer shall come for the sake of Zion; so the Septuagint reads it. [2.] The persons that shall have the comfort of the Redeemer's coming, that shall then lift up their heads, knowing that their redemption draws nigh. He shall come to those that turn from the ungodliness in Jacob, to those that are in Jacob, to the praying seed of Jacob, in answer to their prayers; yet not to all that are in Jacob, that are within the pale of the visible church, but to those only that turn from transgression, that repent, and reform, and forsake those sins which Christ came to redeem them from. The sinners in Zion will fare never the better for the Redeemer's coming to Zion if they go on still in their trespasses. (2.) That the Spirit of God shall come to us to be our sanctifier, Isa 59:21. In the Redeemer there was a new covenant made with us a covenant of promises; and this is the great and comprehensive promise of that covenant, that God will give and continue his word and Spirit to his church and people throughout all generations. God's giving the Spirit to those that ask him includes the giving of them all good things, Luk 11:13; Mat 7:11. This covenant is here said to be made with them, that is, with those that turn from transgression; for those that cease to do evil shall be taught to do well. But the promise is made to a single person - My Spirit that is upon thee, being directed either, [1.] To Christ as the head of the church, who received that he might give. The Spirit promised to the church was first upon him, and from his head that precious ointment descended to the skirts of his garments; and the word of the gospel was first put into his mouth; for it began to be spoken by the Lord. And all believers are his seed, in whom he prolongs his days, Isa 53:10. Or, [2.] To the church; and so it is a promise of the continuance and perpetuity of the church in the world to the end of time, parallel to those promises that the throne and seed of Christ shall endure for ever, Psa 89:29, Psa 89:36; Psa 22:30. Observe, First, How the church shall be kept up, in a succession, as the world of mankind is kept up, by the seed and the seed's seed. As one generation passes away another generation shall come. Instead of the fathers shall be the children. Secondly, How long it shall be kept up - henceforth and for ever, always, even unto the end of the world; for, the world being left to stand for the sake of the church, we may be sure that as long as it does stand Christ will have a church in it, though no always visible. Thirdly, By what means it shall be kept up; by the constant residence of the word and Spirit in it. 1. The Spirit that was upon Christ shall always continue in the hearts of the faithful; there shall be some in every age on whom he shall work, and in whom he shall dwell, and thus the Comforter shall abide with the church for ever, Joh 14:16. 2. The word of Christ shall always continue in the mouths of the faithful; there shall be some in every age who, believing with the heart unto righteousness, shall with the tongue make confession unto salvation. The word shall never depart out of the mouth of the church; for there shall still be a seed to speak Christ's holy language and profess his holy religion. Observe, The Spirit and the word go together, and by them the church is kept up. For the word in the mouths of our ministers, nay, the word in our own mouths, will not profit us, unless the Spirit work with the word, and give us an understanding. But the Spirit does his work by the word and in concurrence with it; and whatever is pretended to be a dictate of the Spirit must be tried by the scriptures. On these foundations the church is built, stands firmly, and shall stand for ever, Christ himself being the chief corner-stone.
Sin Separates Us from God
15Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. 16He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him. 17He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Isaiah 64
By Leonard Ravenhill3.1K1:25:47ISA 4:3ISA 5:2ISA 59:16JOL 1:11JOL 2:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying Acts 26 and Isaiah 40 in order to understand the role of a preacher and the concept of God. He encourages preachers to turn people from darkness to light and lead them to forgiveness of sins and an inheritance in God. The preacher also mentions the significance of Richard Baxter, a historical figure who transformed a town through his preaching and devotion. Lastly, the preacher reflects on the role of prophets and mentions that some people compare Jesus to Jeremiah.
The Compassion of God
By Art Katz2.8K1:29:24Compassion Of GodPSA 102:13ISA 59:16ROM 11:25REV 15:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that it is not enough for Christians to simply appear good or have a Sunday face. He argues that true transformation comes when God's nature is established in believers, leading them to exhibit compassion and mercy even towards those who despise them, just as God does. The speaker predicts that in the last days, Jews will once again face widespread hatred and persecution, similar to the Nazi era. However, he believes that a radical change will come at the appointed time, bringing about a transformation in both the Jewish people and the church.
The Power of Gentle Hands
By Carter Conlon2.5K54:04IntimacyPSA 110:2ISA 40:10ISA 52:10ISA 53:1ISA 59:16MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Isaiah chapter 40 verse 10, which describes the coming of the Lord with a strong hand and His arm ruling for Him. The speaker highlights the anticipation and longing of the people of Israel for a Messiah who would deliver them from their enemies. The people wondered how this Messiah would display His power and reign over their oppressors. The speaker emphasizes the hope and expectation of the people for a powerful Savior who would bring deliverance and rule with authority.
Carry His Burden
By Dennis Kinlaw1.9K51:36BurdensEXO 2:23EXO 34:6PSA 103:1ISA 50:2ISA 59:16ISA 63:5JER 5:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for the world that is without God. He encourages the audience to bear the burden and care for others, believing that there will be fruit and new life as a result. The speaker shares a personal story of being moved by the burden of a Chinese preacher for his country, highlighting the impact of their ministry in opening churches in Canton. The sermon concludes with a reading from Psalm 103, reminding the audience of God's forgiveness, healing, redemption, and satisfaction of their desires.
The Ark of the Covenant: Crossing Jordan Part Ii
By Roy Hession1.8K51:18Ark Of The CovenantEXO 32:10JOS 3:1JOS 3:11JOS 3:17ISA 59:16MAT 6:33HEB 9:28In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites as they finally reach the promised land after 40 years of discipline. However, they face a great obstacle in the form of the overflowing Jordan River and the armed inhabitants of the land. The speaker draws a parallel between the Israelites' struggle and our own spiritual journey. He shares his personal experience of realizing that he was too focused on himself and wanting to be in the forefront, but through studying Galatians 2:20, he understood that he needed to let Christ be his life. The speaker emphasizes that we are not meant to improve our old selves, but rather to recognize that we have been ended at the cross and to surrender to God's intentions for us.
The Impact One Life Can Have, Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan1.6K25:59BenevolenceISA 59:16JER 9:1MAT 5:14MAT 10:37MAT 16:24MAT 22:37LUK 9:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to break free from the sins and distractions that hinder their relationship with God. He challenges the audience to consider how long they will continue to indulge in sinful habits before saying no to them. The speaker also highlights the importance of being aware of global issues and having a compassionate heart towards those who are suffering. He shares a powerful story of a young woman in a hostile community who faced persecution for her faith but remained committed to Jesus. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the impact of a devoted prayer life and the influence of a mother's faith on her children.
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
By Dwight Pentecost1.6K36:33BeatitudesPSA 24:1PSA 24:3ISA 1:15ISA 59:12ISA 59:16EZK 36:25In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the poor quality of the recording but expresses hope that the message will still be a blessing. The speaker then reads from Psalm 24, emphasizing that the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord. The sermon focuses on the theme of acceptance by God and the need for clean hands and a pure heart. The speaker also highlights the promise of salvation through the death of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Lamb of God.
A Man to Stand in the Gap
By George Verwer1.4K20:38World EvangelismIntercessionSurrenderISA 59:16EZK 22:30MAT 28:19George Verwer emphasizes the urgent need for individuals to stand in the gap for the lost, drawing from Ezekiel 22, where God laments the absence of a man to intercede for the land. He highlights the dire state of the world, where many have become complacent about evangelism, and challenges the notion that world evangelization is impossible. Verwer shares personal testimonies of prayer and the transformative power of God in reaching the unreached, urging both young and old to take action in spreading the Gospel. He believes that God is raising an army of believers to fulfill the Great Commission, and that prayer is essential for this mission. Ultimately, he calls for a renewed commitment to evangelism and intercession, stressing that God is actively seeking those willing to stand in the gap.
Prayer
By Corrie Ten Boom1.1K44:052CH 7:14ISA 59:16JHN 14:13ROM 8:27EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:162TI 2:1HEB 4:16JAS 5:16
This sermon emphasizes the importance and power of intercessory prayer, highlighting stories of answered prayers, the impact of praying for others, and the significance of praying in Jesus' name. It encourages believers to be faithful intercessors, sharing examples of how prayer can lead to miracles and blessings, even in challenging circumstances.
The Power of Prayer
By K.P. Yohannan93526:04PrayerGEN 22:13PSA 32:6ISA 55:8ISA 59:16MAT 6:331CO 4:20JAS 5:16In this sermon, KP Yohanan emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession for the world. He calls for a revival of prayer, where believers earnestly seek God's face and weep before Him on behalf of society and the world. Yohanan shares a testimony of a prayer meeting where 1800 people gathered to pray, and the Lord showed up in a powerful way. He also highlights the urgent need to pray for countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, which have been devastated by natural disasters and violence. Yohanan urges listeners to take action and intercede for these nations.
His Manifest Presence - Part 3
By Walter Beuttler92355:08Presence of GodISA 6:8ISA 50:4ISA 59:16MAT 11:28JHN 14:27ROM 10:152CO 1:3In this sermon, the speaker talks about the importance of spreading the teachings of God and the limitations that come with it. He mentions that there is a need for teachers to educate others about the word of God. The speaker shares a personal experience where he received a message from God to go to Amsterdam on New Year's Day. He also mentions a book he saw with the title "I am leading you where you do not want to go," which he interprets as a confirmation of his calling. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for surrendering to God's will and being willing to go wherever He leads, even if it is not what we desire.
Why Revival Tarries
By H.T. De Villiers90046:08RevivalISA 59:16JOL 1:4JHN 14:26In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and temptations faced when praying for revival in a world filled with iniquity. He shares his personal experience of feeling discouraged and questioning the effectiveness of his prayers. However, he finds inspiration in the biblical figure of Joel, who cried out to God in the midst of darkness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being a revival intercessor with clean hands, a pure heart, and a consecrated life. He also draws parallels between the spiritual state of the people in Joel's time and the present day, highlighting the need for a true representation of the Christian life. The sermon concludes with a call to sanctify a fast, gather the people, and cry out to the Lord for revival.
Power of Prayer
By K.P. Yohannan44824:57PrayerGEN 22:13PSA 14:2ISA 59:16JER 5:1EZK 22:30MAT 6:331TI 2:1In this video, KP Johanin encourages believers to prioritize prayer and seeking God's face in the midst of societal and economic crises. He shares a powerful testimony of a prayer meeting where 1800 people gathered to intercede for their children, future, nation, and society. Johanin highlights the need for believers to have a deep knowledge of the living God, emphasizing that this is the crisis in the church today. He concludes by sharing the importance of seeking God above all else and allowing Him to transform lives and bear fruit that remains.
The Power of a Praying Mom
By Shane Idleman1959:03The Power of PrayerThe Role of Mothers in FaithGEN 18:23PRO 16:18ISA 59:16MAT 7:7LUK 18:1ROM 8:26EPH 6:181TH 5:16HEB 11:1JAS 5:16Shane Idleman emphasizes the destructive nature of pride and the necessity of brokenness in the church, urging believers to move beyond routine worship and seek a deeper connection with God through prayer. He highlights the significant role of mothers in intercession, illustrating how their prayers can change the course of history, much like biblical figures such as Sarah and Hannah. Idleman challenges men to take spiritual leadership, especially on Mother's Day, and stresses the importance of prayer and fasting in the face of societal issues. He encourages all believers to persevere in faith, trust in God's sovereignty, and remain committed to prayer, even when faced with discouragement. Ultimately, he calls for a return to genuine prayer and reliance on God as the only hope for the nation.
Call for True Laborers
By Walter Beuttler3PSA 75:5ISA 6:8ISA 59:16EZK 1:1EZK 22:30LUK 10:1ACT 13:12TI 1:11Walter Beuttler shares his upcoming missionary journey to France, West Africa, Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Australia, and back to Africa, highlighting the divine appointments God gives for specific work and the importance of being willing to go where God leads. He emphasizes the need for prayer for more laborers in the harvest field, both locally and globally, and the significance of being equipped by God rather than relying on worldly wisdom. Beuttler stresses the importance of having an open heaven, receiving personal revelations from God, and being willing to listen and obey God's voice. He challenges listeners to be intercessors and to respond to God's call to go and work in His kingdom.
Ezekiel 22:30
By Chuck Smith1God's CallIntercession2CH 7:14PRO 14:34ISA 59:16JER 5:1EZK 22:30MAT 6:33ROM 3:232TI 4:3JAS 4:101PE 5:8Chuck Smith emphasizes that God is actively seeking individuals to serve Him, highlighting the deplorable state of Judah, where corruption permeated leadership, the priesthood, and the prophets. Despite the nation's moral decay and rejection of God's guidance, God remains merciful and desires repentance, searching for someone to intercede on behalf of the people. However, He found none willing to stand in the gap, leading to inevitable judgment. Smith draws parallels to contemporary society, urging listeners to recognize the need for righteousness and the importance of seeking God amidst a morally corrupt world.
James O. Frasier
By David Smithers01SA 1:15PSA 51:17ISA 59:16MAT 11:12LUK 14:28ROM 8:26EPH 6:181TH 5:17JAS 4:7David Smithers preaches about the life of James O. Fraser, a humble servant of God who thrived in obscurity and solitude, laboring in almost total obscurity in China's Yunnan Province to reach the Lisu tribal people. Fraser's success was attributed to his deep prayer life, where he learned to touch God through fervent and continuous prayer, often spending hours in prayer and travailing before the Lord. He practiced the spiritual discipline of 'praying through,' fighting spiritual battles through prayer and resisting demonic attacks through the power of the Cross. Fraser's life exemplified the need for true revival, emphasizing the importance of humility, faith, and boldness in prayer to overcome the powers of darkness and experience victory.
Matthew 9:35
By Chuck Smith0Laborers in God's HarvestIntercessionISA 59:16EZK 22:30MAT 8:21MAT 9:37JHN 4:35Chuck Smith emphasizes the urgent need for laborers in God's work, noting that the lack of intercessors has always hindered the fulfillment of His mission. He reflects on the biblical examples of Isaiah and Ezekiel, who lamented the absence of those willing to stand in the gap for others. Smith challenges the congregation to consider their own commitment to prayer and action for the lost, particularly in nations like China, India, and Russia. He reminds us that while the harvest is plentiful, the workers are few, urging believers to respond to the call to serve. The sermon calls for a deeper awareness of the spiritual needs around us and the importance of stepping up to meet those needs.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And wondered that there was no intercessor - This and the following verses some of the most eminent rabbins understand as spoken of the Messiah. Kimchi says that Rabbi Joshua ben Levi proposes this objection: "It is written, 'Behold, he will come in the clouds of heaven as the son of man,' Dan 7:13; and elsewhere it is written, 'He cometh lowly, and riding upon an ass,' Zac 9:9. How can these texts be reconciled? Thus: If the Jews have merit, he will come unto them in the clouds of heaven; but if they be destitute of merit, he will come unto them riding upon an ass." Now out of their own mouth they may be condemned. They were truly destitute of all merit when Jesus Christ came into Jerusalem riding upon an ass, according to the letter of the above prophecy; and they neither acknowledged nor received him. And that they were destitute of merit their destruction by the Romans, which shortly followed their rejection of him, sufficiently proves.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
no man--namely, to atone by his righteousness for the unrighteousness of the people. "Man" is emphatic, as in Kg1 2:2; no representative man able to retrieve the cause of fallen men (Isa 41:28; Isa 63:5-6; Jer 5:1; Eze 22:30). no intercessor--no one to interpose, "to help . . . uphold" (Isa 63:5). his arm-- (Isa 40:10; Isa 51:5). Not man's arm, but His alone (Psa 98:1; Psa 44:3). his righteousness--the "arm" of Messiah. He won the victory for us, not by mere might as God, but by His invincible righteousness, as man having "the Spirit without measure" (Isa 11:5; Isa 42:6, Isa 42:21; Isa 51:8; Isa 53:11; Jo1 2:1).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he saw that there was no man,.... Whose works are good, as the Targum adds; no good man, or faithful and righteous one, that had any regard to truth and justice; that was an advocate for truth, and opposed error, and set on foot a reformation; or was concerned for any of these things, and mourned over the general corruption; not that it must be thought there was not one individual person, but very few, comparatively none; since mention is made before of some that departed from evil, and made themselves a prey: and wondered that there was no intercessor; to stand up, and pray for them, as the Targum; so it seems a spirit of prayer and supplication will be greatly wanting in the times of latter day darkness, and before latter day glory breaks out: or, "that there was no interposer" (h); none to appear on the side of truth and justice, and on the behalf of those that become a prey to others. "Wonder" is here ascribed to God by an anthropopathy, after the manner of men, as being a marvellous and surprising thing, and almost incredible, that none could be found in so good a cause, and taking the part of injured truth and righteousness; and it expresses the general corruption and defect of religion in those times; and shows that it is not for the goodness of men, or their merits, that the Lord will do what is next said he did: therefore his arm brought salvation to him; either to himself, and which redounded to his own honour and glory; or to his people, those that became a prey to their enemies; these he rescued out of their hands, and by his own arm of power saved them; or he himself alone wrought out salvation for them, and delivered them from the insults, reproach, and persecution of men, under whatsoever name; so when antichrist, and antichristianism in every form, shall be destroyed, salvation will be ascribed to God alone, Rev 19:1, and his righteousness, it sustained him; his righteousness, in taking vengeance on his and his people's enemies; and his faithfulness, in the performance of his promises, will support him in, and carry him through, his work, though attended with difficulties that may seem insuperable to men: this may be understood of Christ, as well as what follows. The Jews (i) interpret this of the Messiah, who should come in an age in which are none but wicked men, as is here said. (h) "nullum interventorem", Junius & Tremellius. (i) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 98. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
How sin abounded we have read, to our great amazement, in the former part of the chapter; how grace does much more abound we read in these verses. And, as sin took occasion from the commandment to become more exceedingly sinful, so grace took occasion from the transgression of the commandment to appear more exceedingly gracious. Observe, I. Why God wrought salvation for this provoking people, notwithstanding their provocations. It was purely for his own name's sake; because there was nothing in them either to bring it about, or to induce him to bring it about for them, no merit to deserve it, no might to effect it, he would do it himself, would be exalted in his own strength, for his own glory. 1. He took notice of their weakness and wickedness: He saw that there was no man that would do any thing for the support of the bleeding cause of religion and virtue among them, not a man that would execute judgment (Jer 5:1), that would bestir himself in a work of reformation; those that complained of the badness of the times had not zeal and courage enough to appear and act against it; there was a universal corruption of manners, and nothing done to stem the tide; most were wicked, and those that were not so were yet weak, and durst not attempt any thing in opposition to the wickedness of the wicked. There was no intercessor, either none to intercede with God, to stand in the gap by prayer to turn away his wrath (it would have pleased him to be thus met, and he wondered that he was not), or, rather, none to interpose for the support of justice and truth, which were trampled upon and run down (Isa 59:14), no advocate to speak a good word for those who were made a prey of because they kept their integrity, Isa 59:15. They complained that God did not appear for them (Isa 58:3); but God with much more reason complains that they did nothing for themselves, intimating how ready he would have been to do them good if he had found among them the least motion towards a reformation. 2. He engaged his own strength and righteousness for them. They shall be saved, notwithstanding all this; and, (1.) Because they have no strength of their own, nor any active men that will set to it in good earnest to redress the grievances either of their iniquities or of their calamities, therefore his own arm shall bring salvation to him, to his people, or to him whom he would raise up to be the deliverer, Christ, the power of God and arm of the Lord, that man of his right hand whom he made strong for himself. The work of reformation (that is the first and principal article of the salvation) shall be wrought by the immediate influences of the divine grace on men's consciences. Since magistrates and societies for reformation fail of doing their part, one will not do justice nor the other call for it, God will let them know that he can do it without them when his time shall come thus to prepare his people for mercy, and then the work of deliverance shall be wrought by the immediate operations of the divine Providence on men's affections and affairs. When God stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, and brought his people out of Babylon, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, then his own arm, which is never shortened, brought salvation. (2.) Because they have no righteousness of their own to merit these favours, and to which God might have an eye in working for them, therefore his own righteousness sustained him and bore him out in it. Divine justice, which by their sins they had armed against them, through grace appears for them. Though they can expect no favour as due to them, yet he will be just to himself, to his own purpose and promise, and covenant with his people: he will, in righteousness, punish the enemies of his people; see Deu 9:5. Not for thy righteousness, but for the wickedness of these nations they are driven out. In our redemption by Christ, since we had no righteousness of our own to produce, on which God might proceed in favour to us, he brought in a righteousness by the merit and meditation of his own Son (it is called the righteousness which is of God by faith, Phi 3:9), and this righteousness sustained him, and bore him out in all his favours to us, notwithstanding our provocations. He put on righteousness as a breast-plate, securing his own honour, as a breast-plate does the vitals, in all his proceedings, by the justice and equity of them; and then he put a helmet of salvation upon his head; so sure is he to effect the salvation he intends that he takes salvation itself for his helmet, which therefore must needs be impenetrable, and in which he appears very illustrious, formidable in the eyes of his enemies and amiable in the eyes of his friends. When righteousness is his coat of arms, salvation is his crest. In allusion to this, among the pieces of a Christian's armour we find the breast-plate of righteousness, and for a helmet the hope of salvation (Eph 6:14-17; Th1 5:8), and it is called the armour of God, because he wore it first and so fitted it for us. (3.) Because they have no spirit or zeal to do any thing for themselves, God will put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and clothe himself with zeal as a cloak; he will make his justice upon the enemies of his church and people, and his jealousy for his own glory and the honour of religion and virtue among men, to appear evident and conspicuous in the eye of the world; and in these he will show himself great, as a man shows himself in his rich attire or in the distinguishing habit of his office. If men be not zealous against sin, God will, and will take vengeance on it for all the injury it has done to his honour and his people's welfare; and this was the business of Christ in the world, to take away sin and be revenged on it. II. What the salvation is that shall be wrought out by the righteousness and strength of God himself. 1. There shall be a present temporal salvation wrought out for the Jews in Babylon, or elsewhere in distress and captivity. This is promised (Isa 59:18, Isa 59:19) as a type of something further. When God's time shall come he will do his own work, though those fail that should forward it. It is here promised, (1.) That God will reckon with his enemies and will render to them according to their deeds, to the enemies of his people abroad, that have oppressed them, to the enemies of justice and truth at home, that have oppressed them, for they also are God's enemies; and, when the day of vengeance shall have come, he will deal with both as they have deserved, according to retribution (so the word is), the law of retributions (Rev 13:10), or according to former retributions; as he has rendered to his enemies formerly, accordingly he will now repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; his fury shall not exceed the rules of justice, as men's fury commonly does. Even to the islands, that lie most remote, if they have appeared against him, he will repay recompence; for his hand shall find out all his enemies (Psa 21:8), and his arrows reach them. Though God's people have behaved so ill that they do not deserve to be delivered, yet his enemies behave so much worse that they do deserve to be destroyed. (2.) That, whatever attempts the enemies of God's people may afterwards make upon them to disturb their peace, they shall be baffled and brought to nought: When the enemy shall come in like a flood, like a high spring-tide, or a land-flood, which threaten to bear down all before them without control, then the Spirit of the Lord by some secret undiscerned power shall lift up a standard against him, and so (as the margin reads it) put him to flight. He that has delivered will still deliver. When God's people are weak and helpless, and have no standard to lift up against the invading power, God will give a banner to those that fear him (Psa 60:4), will by his Spirit lift up a standard, which will draw multitudes together to appear on the church's behalf. Some read it, He shall come (the name of the Lord, and his glory, before foreseen of the Messiah promised) like a straight river, the Spirit of the Lord lifting him up for an ensign. Christ by the preaching of his gospel shall cover the earth with the knowledge of God as with the waters of a flood, the Spirit of the Lord setting up Christ as a standard to the Gentiles, Isa 11:10. (3.) That all this should redound to the glory of God and the advancement of religion in the world (Isa 59:19): So shall they fear the name of the Lord and his glory in all nations that lie eastward or westward. The deliverance of the Jews out of captivity, and the destruction brought on their oppressors, would awaken multitudes to enquire concerning the God of Israel, and induce them to serve and worship him and enlist themselves under the standard which the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up. God's appearances for his church shall occasion the accession of many to it. This had its full accomplishment in gospel times, when many came from the east and west, to fill up the places of the children of the kingdom that were cast out, when there were set up eastern and western churches, Mat 8:11. 2. There shall be a more glorious salvation wrought out by the Messiah in the fulness of time, which salvation all the prophets, upon all occasions, had in view. We have here the two great promises relating to that salvation: - (1.) That the Son of God shall come to us to be our Redeemer (Isa 59:20): Thy Redeemer shall come; it is applied to Christ, Rom 9:26. There shall come the deliverer. The coming of Christ as the Redeemer is the summary of all the promises both of the Old and New Testament, and this was the redemption in Jerusalem which the believing Jews looked for, Luk 2:38. Christ is our Goel, our next kinsman, that redeems both the person and the estate of the poor debtor. Observe, [1.] The place where this Redeemer shall appear: He shall come to Zion, for there, on that holy hill, the Lord would set him up as his King, Psa 2:6. In Zion the chief corner-stone was to be laid, Pe1 2:6. He came to his temple there, Mal 3:1. There salvation was to be placed (Isa 46:13), for thence the law was to go forth, Isa 2:3. Zion was a type of the gospel church, for which the Redeemer acts in all his appearances: The Redeemer shall come for the sake of Zion; so the Septuagint reads it. [2.] The persons that shall have the comfort of the Redeemer's coming, that shall then lift up their heads, knowing that their redemption draws nigh. He shall come to those that turn from the ungodliness in Jacob, to those that are in Jacob, to the praying seed of Jacob, in answer to their prayers; yet not to all that are in Jacob, that are within the pale of the visible church, but to those only that turn from transgression, that repent, and reform, and forsake those sins which Christ came to redeem them from. The sinners in Zion will fare never the better for the Redeemer's coming to Zion if they go on still in their trespasses. (2.) That the Spirit of God shall come to us to be our sanctifier, Isa 59:21. In the Redeemer there was a new covenant made with us a covenant of promises; and this is the great and comprehensive promise of that covenant, that God will give and continue his word and Spirit to his church and people throughout all generations. God's giving the Spirit to those that ask him includes the giving of them all good things, Luk 11:13; Mat 7:11. This covenant is here said to be made with them, that is, with those that turn from transgression; for those that cease to do evil shall be taught to do well. But the promise is made to a single person - My Spirit that is upon thee, being directed either, [1.] To Christ as the head of the church, who received that he might give. The Spirit promised to the church was first upon him, and from his head that precious ointment descended to the skirts of his garments; and the word of the gospel was first put into his mouth; for it began to be spoken by the Lord. And all believers are his seed, in whom he prolongs his days, Isa 53:10. Or, [2.] To the church; and so it is a promise of the continuance and perpetuity of the church in the world to the end of time, parallel to those promises that the throne and seed of Christ shall endure for ever, Psa 89:29, Psa 89:36; Psa 22:30. Observe, First, How the church shall be kept up, in a succession, as the world of mankind is kept up, by the seed and the seed's seed. As one generation passes away another generation shall come. Instead of the fathers shall be the children. Secondly, How long it shall be kept up - henceforth and for ever, always, even unto the end of the world; for, the world being left to stand for the sake of the church, we may be sure that as long as it does stand Christ will have a church in it, though no always visible. Thirdly, By what means it shall be kept up; by the constant residence of the word and Spirit in it. 1. The Spirit that was upon Christ shall always continue in the hearts of the faithful; there shall be some in every age on whom he shall work, and in whom he shall dwell, and thus the Comforter shall abide with the church for ever, Joh 14:16. 2. The word of Christ shall always continue in the mouths of the faithful; there shall be some in every age who, believing with the heart unto righteousness, shall with the tongue make confession unto salvation. The word shall never depart out of the mouth of the church; for there shall still be a seed to speak Christ's holy language and profess his holy religion. Observe, The Spirit and the word go together, and by them the church is kept up. For the word in the mouths of our ministers, nay, the word in our own mouths, will not profit us, unless the Spirit work with the word, and give us an understanding. But the Spirit does his work by the word and in concurrence with it; and whatever is pretended to be a dictate of the Spirit must be tried by the scriptures. On these foundations the church is built, stands firmly, and shall stand for ever, Christ himself being the chief corner-stone.