Isaiah 13:11,12 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

I know that I am singular in my views of this sweet portion, which comes in between what went before, and what follows after these verses: at least I have never seen the writings of any Commentator, who doth not apply these verses, as the former, to the subject of Babylon's destruction; as if from the greatness of the slaughter which would take place in the fall of Babylon, men would become so scarce, as that one only would be more precious than gold. But, with all humble submission, I would say, that I cannot help reading these two verses as in parentheses; as if in the midst of judgment, the Lord remembered mercy; and while speaking of the dreadful punishment which should take place for sin, the Lord pointed to his dear Son, as the one only source from whence a whole world of evil should find mercy. Surely, it is from Jesus alone, and by his gracious interposition, that the earth stands. And therefore, why may not the Lord be supposed to be saying by these verses; when I have punished, and am punishing the world, for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity, and have caused the arrogancy of the proud to cease; then shall my people look unto Him whom they have pierced, and mourn; and then shall the Man, Christ, my fellow, be more precious than fine gold: even this one identical Man, the Lord our righteousness, than the golden wedge of Ophir. Reader, remember, I do not presume to say that such is the interpretation of the passage: but if I err, may the Lord forgive my error: I confess that the very thought refresheth my soul. And the passage, seen in this point of view, in the midst of Babylon's burden, is not unlike some sweet herbage, or some cooling stream, found in the midst of the desert, where all around is a heath, or a dreary prospect.