Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Ariel] That Jerusalem is here called by this name is very certain: but the reason of this name, and the meaning of it as applied to Jerusalem, is very obscure and doubtful. Some, with the Chaldee, suppose it to be taken from the hearth of the great altar of burnt-offerings which Ezekiel plainly calls by the same name, and that Jerusalem is here considered as the seat of the fire of God, la rwa ur el which should issue from thence to consume his enemies: compare chap. xxxi. 9. Some, according to the common derivation of the word, la yra ari el, the lion of God, or the strong lion, suppose it to signify the strength of the place, by which it was enabled to resist and overcome all its enemies. tinev de fasi thn polin outwv eirhsqai epei, dia qeou, leontov dikhn esparatte touv antairontav. Procop. in loc. There are other explanations of this name given: but none that seems to be perfectly satisfactory. - Lowth.
From Ezek. xliii. 15, we learn that Ari-el was the name of the altar of burnt-offerings, put here for the city itself in which that altar was. In the second verse it is said, I will distress Ari-el, and it shall be unto me as Ari-el. The first Ari-el here seems to mean Jerusalem, which should be distressed by the Assyrians: the second Ari-el seems to mean the altar of burntofferings. But why is it said, "Ari-el shall be unto me as Ari-el?" As the altar of burntofferings was surrounded daily by the victims which were offered: so the walls of Jerusalem shall be surrounded by the dead bodies of those who had rebelled against the Lord, and who should be victims to his justice. The translation of Bishop Lowth appears to embrace both meanings: "I will bring distress upon Ari-el; and it shall be to me as the hearth of the great altar." Add ye year to year] Ironically. Go on year after year, keep your solemn feasts; yet know, that God will punish you for your hypocritical worship, consisting of mere form destitute of true piety. Probably delivered at the time of some great feast, when they were thus employed.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The desolations of Samaria. (Is. 28:1-4) The prosperity of Judah; with reproofs for sinfulness and unbelief. (Is. 28:5-15) Christ is pointe out as the sure Foundation for all believers. (Is. 28:16-22) God' dealings with his people. (Is. 28:23-29)
Is. 28:1-4 What men are proud of, be it ever so mean, is to them as crown; but pride is the forerunner of destruction. How foolishl drunkards act! Those who are overcome with wine are overcome by Satan and there is not greater drudgery in the world than hard drinking Their health is ruined; men are broken in their callings and estates and their families are ruined by it. Their souls are in danger of being undone for ever, and all merely to gratify a base lust. In God' professing people, like Israel, it is worse than in any other. And he is just in taking away the plenty they thus abuse. The plenty they wer proud of, is but a fading flower. Like the early fruit, which, as soo as discovered, is plucked and eaten.
Is. 28:5-15 The prophet next turns to Judah, whom he calls the residu of his people. Happy are those alone, who glory in the Lord of host himself. Hence his people get wisdom and strength for every service an every conflict. But it is only in Christ Jesus that the holy God communicates with sinful man. And whether those that teach are drun with wine, or intoxicated with false doctrines and notions concernin the kingdom and salvation of the Messiah, they not only err themselves but lead multitudes astray. All places where such persons have taugh are filled with errors. For our instruction in the things of God, it is needful that the same precept and the same line should be ofte repeated to us, that we may the better understand them. God, by his word, calls us to what is really for our advantage; the service of God is the only true rest for those weary of the service of sin, and ther is no refreshment but under the easy yoke of the Lord Jesus. All thi had little effect upon the people. Those who will not understand what is plain, but scorn and despise it as mean and trifling, are justl punished. If we are at peace with God, we have, in effect, made covenant with death; whenever it comes, it cannot do us any rea damage, if we are Christ's. But to think of making death our friend while by sin we are making God our enemy, is absurd. And do not the make lies their refuge who trust in their own righteousness, or to death-bed repentance? which is a resolution to sin no more, when it is no longer in their power to do so.
Is. 28:16-22 Here is a promise of Christ, as the only foundation of hope for escaping the wrath to come. This foundation was laid in Zion in the eternal counsels of God. This foundation is a stone, firm an able to support his church. It is a tried stone, a chosen stone approved of God, and never failed any who made trial of it. A corne stone, binding together the whole building, and bearing the whol weight; precious in the sight of the Lord, and of every believer; sure foundation on which to build. And he who in any age or natio shall believe this testimony, and rest all his hopes, and his never-dying soul on this foundation, shall never be confounded. The right effect of faith in Christ is, to quiet and calm the soul, til events shall be timed by Him, who has all times in his own hand an power. Whatever men trust to for justification, except the righteousness of Christ; or for wisdom, strength, and holiness, excep the influences of the Holy Ghost; or for happiness, except the favou of God; that protection in which they thought to shelter themselves will prove not enough to answer the intention. Those who rest in righteousness of their own, will have deceived themselves: the bed i too short, the covering too narrow. God will be glorified in the fulfilling of his counsels. If those that profess to be members of God's church, make themselves like Philistines and Canaanites, the must expect to be dealt with as such. Then dare not to ridicule the reproofs of God's word, or the approaches of judgements.
Is. 28:23-29 The husbandman applies to his calling with pains an prudence, in all the works of it according to their nature. Thus the Lord, who has given men this wisdom, is wonderful in counsel, an excellent in his working. As the occasion requires, he threatens corrects, spares, shows mercy, or executes vengeance. Afflictions ar God's threshing instruments, to loosen us from the world, to par between us and our chaff, and to prepare us for use. God wil proportion them to our strength; they shall be no heavier than there is need. When his end is answered, the trials and sufferings of his people shall cease; his wheat shall be gathered into the garner, but the chaf shall be burned with unquenchable fire _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew הוי1945 אריאל740 אריאל740 קרית7151 חנה2583 דוד1732 ספו5595 שׁנה8141 על5921 שׁנה8141 חגים2282 ינקפו׃5362
