than a pretence, to serve a turn, deceive themselves. And as those that quarrel with God, so those
that think to conceal themselves from him, in effect charge him with folly. But all their perverse
conduct shall be entirely done away.
Is. 29:17-24 The wonderful change here foretold, may refer to the affairs of Judah, though it
looks further. When a great harvest of souls was gathered to Christ from among the Gentiles, then
the wilderness was turned into a fruitful field; and the Jewish church, that had long been a fruitful
field, became as a deserted forest. Those who, when in trouble, can truly rejoice in God, shall soon
have cause greatly to rejoice in him. The grace of meekness contributes to the increase of our holy
joy. The enemies who were powerful shall become mean and weak. To complete the repose of
God's people, the scorners at home shall be cut off by judgements. All are apt to speak unadvisedly,
and to mistake what they hear, but it is very unfair to make a man an offender for a word. They did
all they could to bring those into trouble who told them of their faults. But He that redeemed
Abraham out of his snares and troubles, will redeem those who are, by faith, his true seed, out of
theirs. It will be the greatest comfort to godly parents to see their children renewed creatures, the
work of God's grace. May those who now err in spirit, and murmur against the truth, come to
understanding, and learn true doctrine. The Spirit of truth shall set right their mistakes, and lead
them into all truth. This should encourage us to pray for those that have erred, and are deceived.
All who murmured at the truths of God, as hard sayings, shall learn and be aware what God designed
in all. See the change religion produces in the hearts of men, and the peace and pleasure of a humble
and devout spirit.
Chapter 30
The Jews reproved for seeking aid from Egypt. (Is. 30:1-7) Judgements in consequence of their
contempt of God's word. (Is. 30:8-18) God's mercies to his church. (Is. 30:19-26) The ruin of the
Assyrian army, and of all God's enemies. (Is. 30:27-33)
Is. 30:1-7 It was often the fault and folly of the Jews, that when troubled by their neighbours
on one side, they sought for succour from others, instead of looking up to God. Nor can we avoid
the dreadful consequences of adding sin to sin, but by making the righteousness of Christ our refuge,
and seeking for the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. Men have always been prone to lean to their
own understandings, but this will end in their shame and misery. They would not trust in God. They
took much pains to gain the Egyptians. The riches so spent turned to a bad account. See what
dangers men run into who forsake God to follow their carnal confidences. The Creator is the Rock
of ages, the creature a broken reed; we cannot expect too little from man, or too much from God.
Our strength is to sit still, in humble dependence upon God and his goodness, and quiet submission
to his will.
Is. 30:8-18 The Jews were the only professing people God then had in the world, yet many
among them were rebellious. They had the light, but they loved darkness rather. The prophets