Isaiah 30:26 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Moreover, the light of the moon, &c.— The images of light and darkness are made use of in almost all languages, to represent prosperity and adversity; but the Hebrews make use of them more frequently than any other nation, insomuch that they scarce ever omit them when the subject will bear them. They may thereby be referred to the parabolic style, wherein they are used with greater boldness and luxuriance than in any other: for the Hebrews do not confine themselves to the images of the spring, of the day-break, or of a cloudy night; but describe the sun and stars, rising as it were out of a new creation, with re-doubled splendor, or immerged a second time into chaos and primeval darkness. Does the prophet promise a renewal of the divine favours, and a revival of every kind of felicity to his people? With what dazzling colours does he paint the event, which no version can convey, nor indeed any totally obscure! The light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, &c. There is nothing difficult in the literal meaning of these words, which informs us of the fifth illustrious benefit to be conferred upon the church, together with the sign of the time in which it should be conferred. The emblem made use of by the prophet is singly designed to express the great and exuberant plenty of light with which the people of God should be blessed at that time; and the sum of what he says is, that God would copiously and gloriously illuminate his church by his Spirit, and that the church should be sanctified and rejoiced by his glory, Exodus 29:43 insomuch that if the former times were compared, its measure and abundance should be as much more as seven exceeds one, or as the collected light of seven days exceeds the light of one day, or as the light of the sun exceeds that of the moon. See Zechariah 12:8. The sign of the time in which this event should happen, is said to be in the day when the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, &c. that is to say, when he restores the Jews, utterly ruined and overthrown, and with them the church, miserably afflicted and fallen by its idolatry, vices, and hypocrisy, and gives again to religion its honour and beauty. Compare Isaiah 30:13-14 and ch. Isaiah 1:5-6. The time here pointed out must necessarily be the same with that mentioned in the preceding note, for the subject is the same. See Genesis 13:41 and 1 Peter 1:8. 2 Corinthians 4:6. Vitringa, and Bishop Lowth's 4th Prelection.