Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

(Jeff_L) #1

Is. 2:10-22 The taking of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans seems first meant here, when idolatry
among the Jews was done away; but our thoughts are led forward to the destruction of all the
enemies of Christ. It is folly for those who are pursued by the wrath of God, to think to hide or
shelter themselves from it. The shaking of the earth will be terrible to those who set their affections
on things of the earth. Men's haughtiness will be brought down, either by the grace of God convincing
them of the evil of pride, or by the providence of God depriving them of all the things they were
proud of. The day of the Lord shall be upon those things in which they put their confidence. Those
who will not be reasoned out of their sins, sooner or later shall be frightened out of them. Covetous
men make money their god; but the time will come when they will feel it as much their burden.
This whole passage may be applied to the case of an awakened sinner, ready to leave all that his
soul may be saved. The Jews were prone to rely on their heathen neighbours; but they are here
called upon to cease from depending on mortal man. We are all prone to the same sin. Then let not
man be your fear, let not him be your hope; but let your hope be in the Lord your God. Let us make
this our great concern.


Chapter 3


The calamities about to come upon the land. (Is. 3:1-9) The wickedness of the people. (Is.
3:10-15) The distress of the proud, luxurious women of Zion. (Is. 3:16-26)


Is. 3:1-9 God was about to deprive Judah of every stay and support. The city and the land were
to be made desolate, because their words and works had been rebellious against the Lord; even at
his holy temple. If men do not stay themselves upon God, he will soon remove all other supports,
and then they must sink. Christ is the Bread of life and the Water of life; if he be our Stay, we shall
find that is a good part not to be taken away, John 6:27. Here note, 1. That the condition of sinners
is exceedingly woful. 2. It is the soul that is damaged by sin. 3. Whatever evil befals sinners, be
sure that they bring it on themselves.


Is. 3:10-15 The rule was certain; however there might be national prosperity or trouble, it would
be well with the righteous and ill with the wicked. Blessed be God, there is abundant encouragement
to the righteous to trust in him, and for sinners to repent and return to him. It was time for the Lord
to show his might. He will call men to a strict account for all the wealth and power intrusted to and
abused by them. If it is sinful to disregard the necessities of the poor, how odious and wicked a
part do they act, who bring men into poverty, and then oppress them!


Is. 3:16-26 The prophet reproves and warns the daughters of Zion of the sufferings coming
upon them. Let them know that God notices the folly and vanity of proud women, even of their
dress. The punishments threatened answered the sin. Loathsome diseases often are the just
punishment of pride. It is not material to ask what sort of ornaments they wore; many of these
things, if they had not been in fashion, would have been ridiculed then as now. Their fashions

Free download pdf