counsel to men, in which he consults our welfare. He is the Wonderful Counsellor; none teaches
like him. He is God, the mighty One. Such is the work of the Mediator, that no less power than that
of the mighty God could bring it to pass. He is God, one with the Father. As the Prince of Peace,
he reconciles us to God; he is the Giver of peace in the heart and conscience; and when his kingdom
is fully established, men shall learn war no more. The government shall be upon him; he shall bear
the burden of it. Glorious things are spoken of Christ's government. There is no end to the increase
of its peace, for the happiness of its subjects shall last for ever. The exact agreement of this prophecy
with the doctrine of the New Testament, shows that Jewish prophets and Christian teachers had the
same view of the person and salvation of the Messiah. To what earthly king or kingdom can these
words apply? Give then, O Lord, to thy people to know thee by every endearing name, and in every
glorious character. Give increase of grace in every heart of thy redeemed upon earth.
Is. 9:8-21 Those are ripening apace for ruin, whose hearts are unhumbled under humbling
providences. For that which God designs, in smiting us, is, to turn us to himself; and if this point
be not gained by lesser judgments, greater may be expected. The leaders of the people misled them.
We have reason to be afraid of those that speak well of us, when we do ill. Wickedness was universal,
all were infected with it. They shall be in trouble, and see no way out; and when men's ways displease
the Lord, he makes even their friends to be at war with them. God would take away those they
thought to have help from. Their rulers were the head. Their false prophets were the tail and the
rush, the most despicable. In these civil contests, men preyed on near relations who were as their
own flesh. The people turn not to Him who smites them, therefore he continues to smite: for when
God judges, he will overcome; and the proudest, stoutest sinner shall either bend or break.
Chapter 10
Woes against proud oppressors. (Is. 10:1-4) The Assyrian but an instrument in the hand of God
for the punishment of his people. (Is. 10:5-19) The deliverance from him. (Is. 10:20-34)
Is. 10:1-4 These verses are to be joined with the foregoing chapter. Woe to the superior powers
that devise and decree unrighteous decrees! And woe to the inferior officers that draw them up,
and enter them on record! But what will sinners do? Whither will they flee?
Is. 10:5-19 See what a change sin made. The king of Assyria, in his pride, thought to act by his
own will. The tyrants of the world are tools of Providence. God designs to correct his people for
their hypocrisy, and bring them nearer to him; but is that Sennacherib's design? No; he designs to
gratify his own covetousness and ambition. The Assyrian boasts what great things he has done to
other nations, by his own policy and power. He knows not that it is God who makes him what he
is, and puts the staff into his hand. He had done all this with ease; none moved the wing, or cried
as birds do when their nests are rifled. Because he conquered Samaria, he thinks Jerusalem would
fall of course. It was lamentable that Jerusalem should have set up graven images, and we cannot
wonder that she was excelled in them by the heathen. But is it not equally foolish for Christians to