Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

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Chapter 62


God's care of his church and people. (Is. 62:1-5) The office of ministers in preaching the gospel.
(Is. 62:6-9) Every hinderance shall be removed from the way of salvation. (Is. 62:10-12)


Is. 62:1-5 The Son of God here assures his church of his unfailing love, and his pleading for
her under all trails and difficulties. She shall be called by a new name, a pleasant name, such as
she was never called by before. The state of true religion in the world, before the preaching of the
gospel, no man seemed to have any real concern for. God, by his grace, has wrought that in his
church, which makes her his delight. Let us thence learn motives to holiness. If the Lord rejoices
over us, we should rejoice in his service.


Is. 62:6-9 God's professing people must be a praying people. He is not displeased with us for
being earnest, as men commonly are; he bids us to cry after him, and give him no rest, Luke 11:5,6.
It is a sign that God is coming to a people in mercy, when he pours out a spirit of prayer upon them.
See how uncertain our creature-comforts are. See also God's mercy in giving plenty, and peace to
enjoy it. Let us delight in attending the courts of the Lord, that we may enjoy the consolations of
his Spirit.


Is. 62:10-12 Way shall be made for Christ's salvation; all difficulties shall be removed. He
brings a reward of comfort and peace with him; but a work of humiliation and reformation before
him; and they shall be called, The holy people, and, The redeemed of the Lord. Holiness puts honour
and beauty upon any place or person, makes them admired, beloved, and sought after. Many events
may have been part fulfilments of this, as earnests of more glorious times yet to come. The close
connexion between the blessedness of the Jews and of the Gentiles, runs through the Scriptures.
The Lord Jesus will complete his work, and he never will forsake one whom he has redeemed and
sanctified.


Chapter 63


Christ's victory over his enemies. (Is. 63:1-6) His mercy toward his church. (Is. 63:7-14) The
prayer of the church. (Is. 63:15-19)


Is. 63:1-6 The prophet, in vision, beholds the Messiah returning in triumph from the conquest
of his enemies, of whom Edom was a type. Travelling, not as wearied by the combat, but, in the
greatness of his strength, prepared to overcome every opposing power. Messiah declares that he
had been treading the wine-press of the wrath of God, Rev. 14:19; 19:13, and by his own power,
without any human help, he had crushed his obstinate opposers, for the day of vengeance was
determined on, being the appointed season for rescuing his church. Once, he appeared on earth in
apparent weakness, to pour out his precious blood as an atonement for our sins; but he will in due
time appear in the greatness of his strength. The vintage ripens apace; the day of vengeance, fixed

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