emulate the people of the world in vanities, instead of keeping to things which are their special
honour? For a tool to boast, or to strive against him that formed it, would not be more out of the
way, than for Sennacherib to vaunt himself against Jehovah. When God brings his people into
trouble, it is to bring sin to their remembrance, and humble them, and to awaken them to a sense
of their duty; this must be the fruit, even the taking away of sin. When these points are gained by
the affliction, it shall be removed in mercy. This attempt upon Zion and Jerusalem should come to
nothing. God will be as a fire to consume the workers of iniquity, both soul and body. The desolation
should be as when a standard-bearer fainteth, and those who follow are put to confusion. Who is
able to stand before this great and holy Lord God?
Is. 10:20-34 By our afflictions we may learn not to make creatures our confidence. Those only
can with comfort stay upon God, who return to him in truth, not in pretence and profession only.
God will justly bring this wasting away on a provoking people, but will graciously set bounds to
it. It is against the mind and will of God, that his people, whatever happens, should give way to
fear. God's anger against his people is but for a moment; and when that is turned from us, we need
not fear the fury of man. The rod with which he corrected his people, shall not only be laid aside,
but thrown into the fire. To encourage God's people, the prophet puts them in mind of what God
had formerly done against the enemies of his church. God's people shall be delivered from the
Assyrians. Some think it looks to the deliverance of the Jews out of their captivity; and further yet,
to the redemption of believers from the tyranny of sin and Satan. And this, "because of the anointing;"
for his people Israel's sake, the believers among them that had received the unction of Divine grace.
And for the sake of the Messiah, the Anointed of God. Here is, Is. 10:28-34, a prophetical description
of Sennacherib's march towards Jerusalem, when he threatened to destroy that city. Then the Lord,
in whom Hezekiah trusted, cut down his army like the hewing of a forest. Let us apply what is here
written, to like matters in other ages of the church of Christ. Because of the anointing of our great
Redeemer, the yoke of every antichrist must be broken from off his church: and if our souls partake
of the unction of the Holy Spirit, complete and eternal deliverances will be secured to us.
Chapter 11
The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects. (Is. 11:1-9) The conversion of the
Gentiles and Jews. (Is. 11:10-16)
Is. 11:1-9 The Messiah is called a Rod, and a Branch. The words signify a small, tender product;
a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth out of the stem of Jesse; when the royal family
was cut down and almost levelled with the ground, it would sprout again. The house of David was
brought very low at the time of Christ's birth. The Messiah thus gave early notice that his kingdom
was not of this world. But the Holy Spirit, in all his gifts and graces, shall rest and abide upon him;
he shall have the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him, Col. 1:19; 2:9. Many consider that seven
gifts of the Holy Spirit are here mentioned. And the doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit is
here clearly taught. The Messiah would be just and righteous in all his government. His threatening