Here, as in the former Chapter s, the contrast is drawn between the Lord Jehovah, and the idols of the nations around; and the striking difference which marks the several worshippers is made between them that serve the Lord, and them that serve him not. And in the midst, a beautiful allusion is also made to the person of Christ. And who that reads the Prophet's account, and compares it with the Evangelist's, but must be struck with the wonderful agreement? Isaiah 50:4-6; Matthew 27:28-31. The chapter closeth with tracing up the desolations of our ruined nature to the source and origin of that ruin in man's own apostacy and rebellion. The Lord is justified in all the righteous acts of his government. By the entrance of sin, misery followeth: and what can rescue and redeem from present and everlasting woe, but his righteousness, who hath thereby magnified the law, and made it honourable?
Isaiah 42:17-25
17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
18 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.
19 Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?
20 Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
21 The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.
22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.
23 Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?
24 Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.
25 Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.