their hope. If the things of God be an offence to us, they will undo us. The apostle quotes this as
to all who persisted in unbelief of the gospel of Christ, I Pet. 2:8. The crucified Emmanuel, who
was and is a Stumbling-stone and Rock of offence to unbelieving Jews, is no less so to thousands
who are called Christians. The preaching of the cross is foolishness in their esteem; his doctrines
and precepts offend them.
Is. 8:17-22 The prophet foresaw that the Lord would hide his face; but he would look for his
return in favour to them again. Though not miraculous signs, the children's names were memorials
from God, suited to excite attention. The unbelieving Jews were prone to seek counsel in difficulties,
from diviners of different descriptions, whose foolish and sinful ceremonies are alluded to. Would
we know how we may seek to our God, and come to the knowledge of his mind? To the law and
to the testimony; for there you will see what is good, and what the Lord requires. We must speak
of the things of God in the words which the Holy Ghost teaches, and be ruled by them. To those
that seek to familiar spirits, and regard not God's law and testimony, there shall be horror and
misery. Those that go away from God, go out of the way of all good; for fretfulness is a sin that is
its own punishment. They shall despair, and see no way of relief, when they curse God. And their
fears will represent every thing as frightful. Those that shut their eyes against the light of God's
word, will justly be left to darkness. All the miseries that ever were felt or witnessed on earth, are
as nothing, compared with what will overwhelm those who leave the words of Christ, to follow
delusions.
Chapter 9
The Son that should be born, and his kingdom. (Is. 9:1-7) The judgments to come upon Israel,
and on the enemies of the kingdom of Christ. (Is. 9:8-21)
Is. 9:1-7 The Syrians and Assyrians first ravaged the countries here mentioned, and that region
was first favoured by the preaching of Christ. Those that want the gospel, walk in darkness, and in
the utmost danger. But when the gospel comes to any place, to any soul, light comes. Let us earnestly
pray that it may shine into our hearts, and make us wise unto salvation. The gospel brings joy with
it. Those who would have joy, must expect to go through hard work, as the husbandman, before
he has the joy of harvest; and hard conflict, as the soldier, before he divides the spoil. The Jews
were delivered from the yoke of many oppressors; this was a shadow of the believer's deliverance
from the yoke of Satan. The cleansing the souls of believers from the power and pollution of sin,
would be by the influence of the Holy Spirit, as purifying fire. These great things for the church,
shall be done by the Messiah, Emmanuel. The Child is born; it was certain; and the church, before
Christ came in the flesh, benefitted by his undertaking. It is a prophecy of him and of his kingdom,
which those that waited for the Consolation of Israel read with pleasure. This Child was born for
the benefit of us men, of us sinners, of all believers, from the beginning to the end of the world.
Justly is he called Wonderful, for he is both God and man. His love is the wonder of angels and
glorified saints. He is the Counsellor, for he knew the counsels of God from eternity; and he gives