Isaiah 56

Isaiah 56:1

KEep ye judgement] Or, equitie. God here sheweth, what he requireth to be exercised by them, both before, and after their delivery and return from captivitie. Chap. 55. 12. works of mercie and equitie, 2 Samuel 8:15. 1 Chron. 18. 14. Psalms 99:4. Mic. 6. 8. Zech. 18. 16, 17. the fruits of faith and repentance. Matthew 3:8. Daniel 4:27. Galatians 5:6. Titus 3:8.

my salvation is near] Psalms 85:9. Chap. 46. 13. & 51. 5. Matthew 3:2. Mark 1:15.

my righteousnesse] Which I shall shew, both in performance of my promises to you; and in executing judgement upon your oppressours. Chap. 1. 17. & 51. 5.

Isaiah 56:2

that layeth hold on it] Or, holdeth this fast. Vers. 4. Jeremiah 8:5.

keepeth the sabbath] Put here for the whole exercise of religion and piety, as Jeremiah 17:21-22. to be adjoyned to, and go along with the former duties. Vers. 1.

Isaiah 56:3

Neither let the sonne of the stranger] Let none deem himself uncapable of Gods grace in regard of his countrey, or of his outward state and condition: for God will refuse none, that shall sincerely embrace his service. Act. 1. 34, 35. Rom. 2. 10, 11. 1 Cor. 12, 13. Galatians 3:28. Col. 3. 11. Chap. 54. 5.

I am a drie tree] Barren; and without possibilitie of issue.

Isaiah 56:4

unto the eunuchs] Act. 8. 27, 37.

choose] Psalms 119:30.

the things that please me] Isaiah 38:3. 1 John 3:22.

take hold of my covenant] Or, hold fast my covenant: Vers. 2, 6. are carefull to observe and keepe covenant with me. Psalms 103:18.

Isaiah 56:5

in mine house] In my Church, 1 Timothy 3:15. among my people. Vers 6.

a place] Heb. hand; as Chap. 57. 8.

a name better then of sonnes and of daughters] Better then that name, that is by issue of either sex here on earth continued. Numbers 27:4. 2 Samuel 18:18. for they shall be called my people, Hosea 2:23. and my children, 2 Corinthians 6:18.

an everlasting name] Heb. a name of eternity. Chap. 63. 12.

that shall not be out off] As that by issue continued, it failing, oft is. 1 Kings 14:10. Psalms 109:13. See Chap. 55. 13.

Isaiah 56:6

taketh hold of my covenant] Or, holdeth fast my covenant. Who not onely entreth into covenant with me, but is carefull also constantly to observe what thereby he hath obliged himself unto. Vers. 2. 4. Jeremiah 11:6.

Isaiah 56:7

will I bring to my holy mountain] Heb. my mountain of holinesse. Mount Zion; a type of the Church. Chap. 2. 2. & 11. 9. Ezekiel 20:40.

their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar] Their spirituall sacrifices, of themselves, of praise, of prayer, of beneficence, Psal. 50. 23 & 69. 30, 31. & 141. 2. Romans 12:1. 2 Corinthians 8:5. Philippians 4:18. Hebrews 13:15-16. shall be accepted. Psal. 51. 17, 19. Malachi 1:11. & Malachi 3:4. Romans 15:16. being offered upon the true altar, Christ. Hebrews 13:10; Hebrews 13:15. Chap. 60. 7. See Jerem. 33. 18.

mine house shall be called an house of prayer] Matthew 21:13. Mark 11:17. Luke 19:46. Or, shall be an house of prayer: as Chap. 54. 5. Matthew 5:9.

for all people] Not for the Jews alone, but for all other people indifferently, without exception or exclusion of any. Romans 10:12-13.

Isaiah 56:8

befides those that are gathered unto him] Heb. to his gathered, to wit, Gods dispersed ones, among other people. John 10. 16. and 11. 52.

Isaiah 56:9

All ye beasts of the field] Here seemeth to begin an other prophecie, or sermon: and the four ensuing verses to belong to the Chapter following.

All ye beasts] Heb. Every beast: as Chap. 43. 20.

of the field] The enemies of the people of God; Psalms 80:13. called upon here to come and destroy them for their wickednesse. Jeremiah 12:9.

Isaiah 56:10

His watchmen are blinde] Their prophets or rulers, as well ecclefiasticall as civill; Chap. 62. 6. Jeremiah 6:17. Ezekiel 3:17. & 33. 2, 7. that should watch the approach of the enemie, are blinde; Chap. 42. 19. and any enemie therefore may safely and quietly come in upon them. See Ezek. 34. 5, 8.

all ignorant] Hosea 4:6.

they are all dumb dogs, &c.] The same prophets, who as wakefull mastives should give warning of the thiefs approaching to the house, or the wolves to the flock; are either dumb, or drunk, or fast asleep.

they cannot bark] By admonishing the people of their sinnes: Chap. 58. 1. and forewarning them of evils imminent for the same. Ezekiel 3:18. 19.

sleeping] Or, dreaming. or, talking in their sleep. or, snorting.

Isaiah 56:11

greedy dogs] Heb. strong of appetite. Proverbs 23:2.

which can never have enough] Heb. know not to be satisfied: as Jeremiah 6:15.

shepheards cannot understand] Ezekiel 34:23. Heb. know not to understand: as Amos 3:10.

all look to their own way] Chap. 53. 6. Philippians 2:21.

Isaiah 56:12

Come ye, say they] They incite and incourage the people to evill courses, which they ought to have withdrawn them from.

I will fetch] Heb. take: as Genesis 18:7.

to morrow shall be as this day, and much more] We are well yet, and shall be better to morrow: as scoffing at the menaces of Gods prophets. Chap. 22. 13. Or, continuing in their excesse day after day; and inciting others to joyne with them therein. Proverbs 23:35.