Is. 31:1-5 God will oppose the help sought from workers of iniquity. Sinners may be convicted
of folly by plain and self-evident truths, which they cannot deny, but will not believe. There is no
escaping the judgments of God; and evil pursues sinners. The Lord of hosts will come down to
fight for Mount Zion. The Lion of the tribe of Judah will appear for the defence of his church. And
as birds hovering over their young ones to protect them, with such compassion and affection will
the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. He will so defend it, as to secure its safety.
Is. 31:6-9 They have been backsliding children, yet children; let them return, and their
backslidings shall be healed, though they have sunk deep into misery, and cannot easily recover.
Many make an idol of their silver and gold, and by the love of that are drawn from God; but those
who turn to God, will be ready to part with it. Then, when they have cast away their idols, shall the
Assyrian fall by the sword of an angel, who strikes more strongly than a mighty man, yet more
secretly than a mean man. God can make the stoutest heart to tremble. But if we keep up the fire
of holy love and devotion in our hearts and houses, we may depend upon God to protect us and
them.
Chapter 32
Times of peace and happiness. (Is. 32:1-8) An interval of trouble, yet comfort and blessings in
the end. (Is. 32:9-20)
Is. 32:1-8 Christ our righteous King, and his true disciples, are evidently here intended. The
consolations and graces of his Spirit are as rivers of water in this dry land; and as the overhanging
rock affords refreshing shade and shelter to the weary traveller in the desert, so his power, truth,
and love, yield the believer the only real protection and refreshment in the weary land through
which he journeys to heaven. Christ bore the storm himself, to keep it off from us. To him let the
trembling sinner flee for refuge; for he alone can protect and refresh us in every trial. See what
pains sinners take in sin; they labour at it, their hearts are intent upon it, and with art they work
iniquity; but this is our comfort, that they can do no more mischief than God permits. Let us seek
to have our hearts more freed from selfishness. The liberal soul devises liberal things concerning
God, and desires that He will grant wisdom and prudence, the comforts of his presence, the influence
of his Spirit, and in due time the enjoyment of his glory.
Is. 32:9-20 When there was so much provocation given to the holy God, bad times might be
expected. Alas! how many careless ones there are, who support self-indulgence by shameful
niggardliness! We deserve to be deprived of the supports of life, when we make them the food of
lusts. Let such tremble and be troubled. Blessed times shall be brought in by the pouring out of the
Spirit from on high; then, and not till then, there will be good times. The present state of the Jews
shall continue until a more abundant pouring out of the Spirit from on high. Peace and quietness
shall be found in the way and work of righteousness. True satisfaction is to be had only in true
religion. And real holiness is real happiness now, and shall be perfect happiness, that is, perfect