W as there ever a more striking, and decisive passage than this, in confirmation of the greatness and glory of his person and character, to whom the words are addressed? Jehovah first gives him his own glorious and distinguishing name: the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One. And, Reader, do pray observe, how the Redeemer is called: his Holy One; that is Jehovah's Holy One; for Jesus, in his mediatorial character, is the Christ; that is, the sent, the anointed of God. I hope you know your Redeemer in this sense. Peter did, and found it most blessed, Matthew 16:13-17. And if we read the words, his Holy One, as Israel's Holy One, it is still blessed; if Christ our Redeemer be God's Christ; so is he his Church's also. Precious consideration! Jehovah next points to his wonderful humiliation; which, indeed, was such as was never before heard of: not only one man, for many despised him; but the nation at large abhorred him.
He was despised in his person, his offices, his perfections, his attributes, yea, in all things, as the most abject of men. See Matthew 27:43; John 9:29. His attributes were also contemned; though wisdom itself; yet said they, how knoweth this man letters, having never learned? John 7:15. His omniscience was reviled: Prophecy, say they, unto us, thou Christ, when they had blindfolded him, who is he that smote thee? Matthew 26:68. So again his kingly office: If he be the king of Israel, let him come down from the cross! And so also his priestly office: He saved others, say they, himself he cannot save! Matthew 27:39-44. Hear also what the Lamb of God saith of himself on this subject, Psalms 22:6-8. But what glory doth Jehovah promise shall follow? The presence of God the Father was assured to him, in the midst of all these taunts and reproaches! the issue of the travail of his soul was certain. And the Lord Jesus, as the whole of the covenant, hath accomplished the purposes, and is going on to the present hour to accomplish them, on the earth. See those scriptures, Zechariah 9:11; John 11:42; Isaiah 53:10-12.