the mind of men, which neither rain nor snow can make on the earth. It shall not return to the Lord
without producing important effects. If we take a special view of the church, we shall find what
great things God has done, and will do for it. The Jews shall come to their own land; this shall
represent the blessings promised. Gospel grace will make a great change in men. Delivered from
the wrath to come, the converted sinner finds peace in his conscience; and love constrains him to
devote himself to the service of his Redeemer. Instead of being profane, contentious, selfish, or
sensual, behold him patient, humble, kind, and peaceable. The hope of helping in such a work
should urge us to spread the gospel of salvation. And do thou help us, O Spirit of all truth, to have
such views of the fulness, freeness, and greatness of the rich mercy in Christ, as may remove from
us all narrow views of sovereign grace.
Chapter 56
A charge to keep the Divine precepts. (Is. 56:1,2) Blessings promised. (Is. 56:3-8) Reproof to
the careless watchmen, the teachers and rulers of the Jews. (Is. 56:9-12)
Is. 56:1,2 The Lord tells us what are his expectations of duty from us. Be honest and just in all
dealings. Also strictly observe the sabbath day. To have the blessing of God upon employments
all the week, make conscience of keeping the sabbath holy. Have nothing to do with sin. Blessed
is the man that keeps his hand from all things displeasing to God and hurtful to his own soul. Those
who, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, will be found walking in ways
of holy obedience.
Is. 56:3-8 Unbelief often suggests things to discourage believers, against which God has
expressly guarded. Spiritual blessings are unspeakably better than having sons and daughters; for
children are a care, and may prove a grief and shame, but the blessings we partake of in God's
house, are comforts which cannot be made bitter. Those who love the Lord truly, will serve him
faithfully, and then his commandments are not grievous. Three things are promised. Assistance: I
will not only bid them welcome, but incline them to come. Acceptance, and comfort: though they
came mourning to the house of prayer, they shall go away rejoicing. They shall find ease by casting
their cares and burdens upon God. Many a sorrowful spirit has been made joyful in the house of
prayer. The Gentiles shall be one body with the Jews, that, as Christ says, John 10:16, there may
be one fold and one Shepherd. Thanks be to God that none are separated from him except by wilful
sin and unbelief; and if we come to him, we shall be accepted through the sacrifice of our great
High Priest.
Is. 56:9-12 Desolating judgments are called for; and this severe rebuke of the rulers and teachers
of the Jewish church, is applicable to other ages and places. It is bad with a people when their
shepherds slumber, and are eager after the world. Let us pray the Great Shepherd to send us pastors
after his own heart, who will feed us with knowledge, that we may rejoice in his holy name, and
that believers may be daily added to the church.