Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 9. All ye beasts of the field] Here manifestly begins a new section.
The prophet in the foregoing chapters, having comforted the faithful Jews with many great promises of God's favour to be extended to them, in the restoration of their ruined state, and in the enlargement of his Church by the admission of the Gentiles; here on a sudden makes a transition to the more disagreeable part of the prospect, and to a sharp reproof of the wicked and unbelievers; and especially of the negligent and faithless governors and teachers, of the idolaters and hypocrites, who would still draw down his judgments upon the nation. Probably having in view the destruction of their city and polity by the Chaldeans, and perhaps by the Romans. The same subject is continued in the next chapter; in which the charge of corruption and apostasy becomes more general against the whole Jewish Church. Some expositors have made great difficulties in the 9th verse of this chapter, where there seems to be none. It is perfectly well explained by Jeremiah, chap. xii. 7, 9, where, having introduced God declaring his purpose of punishing his people, by giving them up as a prey to their enemies the Chaldeans, a charge to these his agents is given in words very nearly the same with those of Isaiah in this place:- "I have forsaken my house; I have deserted my heritage; I have given up the beloved of my soul into the hands of her enemies.] Come away, be gathered together, all ye beasts of the field; Come away to devour." All ye beasts in the forest "All ye beasts of the forest."] Instead of r-yb baiyaar, three MSS. have r-y yaar, without the preposition; which seems to be right, and is confirmed by ali the ancient Versions.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- An invitation to receive freely the blessings of the Saviour. (Is 55:1-5) Gracious offers of pardon and peace. (Is. 55:6-13)
Is. 55:1-5 All are welcome to the blessings of salvation, to whom thos blessings are welcome. In Christ there is enough for all, and enoug for each. Those satisfied with the world, that see no need of Christ do not thirst. They are in no uneasiness about their souls: but wher God gives grace, he gives a thirst after it; and where he has given thirst after it, he will give it. Come to Christ, for he is the Fountain opened, he is the Rock smitten. Come to holy ordinances, to the streams that make glad the city of our God. Come to the healin waters, come to the living waters, Rev. 22:17. Our Saviour referred to this, John 7:37. Come, and buy; make it your own by application of the grace of the gospel to yourselves. Come, and eat; make it still mor your own, and enjoy it. The world comes short of our expectations; we promise ourselves, at least, water in it, and we are disappointed; but Christ outdoes our expectations. We come to him, and we find wine an milk. The gifts offered to us are such as no price can be set upon. The things offered are already paid for; for Christ purchased them at the full price of his own blood, I Pet. 1:19. Our wants are beyond number and we have nothing to supply them; if Christ and heaven are ours, we see ourselves for ever indebted to free grace. Hearken diligently; le the proud heart stoop; not only come, but accept God's offers. All the wealth and pleasure in the world, will not yield solid comfort an content to the soul. They do not satisfy even the appetites of the body; for all is vanity and vexation. Let the disappointments we mee with in the world, help to drive us to Christ, and to seek for satisfaction in him only. Then, and not before, we shall find rest for our souls. Hear, and your soul shall live. On what easy terms i happiness offered us! By the sure mercies of David, we are to understand the Messiah. All his mercies are covenant mercies; they ar purchased by him, they are promised in him, and out of his hand the are dispensed to us. We know not how to find the way to the waters, but Christ is given to be a Leader, a Commander, to show us what to do, an enable us to do it. Our business is to obey him, and follow him. An there is no coming to the Father but by him. He is the Holy One of Israel, true to his promises; and he has promised to glorify Christ, by giving him the heathen for his inheritance.
Is. 55:6-13 Here is a gracious offer of pardon, and peace, and of all happiness. It shall not be in vain to seek God, now his word is callin to us, and his Spirit is striving with us. But there is a day comin when he will not be found. There may come such a time in this life; it is certain that at death and judgment the door will be shut. There mus be not only a change of the way, but a change of the mind. We mus alter our judgments about persons and things. It is not enough to brea off from evil practices, we must strive against evil thoughts. To repent is to return to our Lord, against whom we have rebelled. If we do so, God will multiply to pardon, as we have multiplied to offend But let none trifle with this plenteous mercy, or use it as an occasio to sin. Men's thoughts concerning sin, Christ, and holiness, concernin this world and the other, vastly differ from God's; but in nothing mor than in the matter of pardon. We forgive, and cannot forget; but when God forgives sin, he remembers it no more. The power of his word in the kingdoms of providence and grace, is as certain as in that of nature Sacred truth produces a spiritual change in the mind of men, whic 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 gospe of salvation. And do thou help us, O Spirit of all truth, to have suc views of the fulness, freeness, and greatness of the rich mercy in Christ, as may remove from us all narrow views of sovereign grace _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew כל3605 חיתו2416 שׂדי7704 אתיו857 לאכל398 כל3605 חיתו2416 ביער׃3293
