Verse 22. I the Lord will hasten it in his time] There is a time set for the fulfillment of this prophecy: that time must come before it begins to take place; but when it does begin, the whole will be performed in a short space. It is not, therefore, the time determined for the event that shall be hastened, but all the circumstances of the event; all the parts of the prediction shall be speedily completed. I the Lorde in hys tyme sodeynly schal boun thys. - Old MS. Bible. And because it is the LORD, therefore it will be done: for although it be difficult, he is almighty.
Is. 60:1-8 As far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favou of God towards us, our light is come. And if God's glory is seen upo us to our honour, we ought, not only with our lips, but in our lives to return its praise. We meet with nothing in the history of the Jew which can be deemed a fulfilment of the prophecy in this chapter; we must conclude it relates principally to future events. It predicts the purity and enlargement of the church. The conversion of souls is her described. They fly to Christ, to the church, to the word an ordinances, as doves to their own home; thither they fly for refuge an shelter, thither they fly for rest. What a pleasant sight to see poorsouls hastening to Christ!
Is. 60:9-14 God will be very gracious. We must begin with his promise thence all mercies take rise. Many shall be brought into the church even from farcountries. Christ is always ready to receive all who com to him; and the gate of mercy is always open, night and day. All tha are about the church shall be made serviceable to it. But those wh will not be subject to Christ's golden sceptre, to his word and Spirit who will not be kept in by the laws and rules of his family, shall be broken in pieces by his ironrod. The peculiaradvantages of ever nation, and of every description of men, shall join to beautify the church of Christ. We must suppose this to be accomplished in the beauties of holiness, and the graces and comforts of the Spirit, with which gospelordinances are adorned and enriched. Blessed be his name the gates of Zion are ever open to returning sinners.
Is. 60:15-22 We must look for the full accomplishment in times an things, exceeding those of the Old Testament church. The nations an their kings shall lay themselves out for the good of the church. Such salvation, such a redemption, shall be wrought out for thee, a discovers itself to be the work of the Lord. Every thing shall be changed for the better. In thy land shall no more be heard threats of those that do violence, nor complaints of those that sufferviolence Thy walls shall be means of safety, thy gates shall be written upo with praises to God. In the close of this chapter are images an expressions used in the description of the New Jerusalem, Rev. 21:23 22:5. Nothing can answer to this but some future glorious state of the church on earth, or the state of the church triumphant in heaven. Thos that make God their only light, shall have him their all-sufficien light. And the happiness shall know no change or alloy. No people of earth are all righteous; but there are no mixtures in heaven. The shall be wholly righteous. The spirits of just men shall there be madperfect. The glory of the church shall be to the honour of God. When it shall be finished, it will appear a work of wonder. It may seem to difficult to be brought about, but the God of almightypower ha undertaken it. It may seem to be delayed and put off; but the Lord wil hasten it in the time appointed by his wisdom, though not in the tim prescribed by our folly. Let this hope cheer us under all difficulties and stir us up to all diligence, that we may have an abundant entranc into this everlastingkingdom of our Lord and Saviour JesusChrist __________________________________________________________________
