The promulgation of the Gospel. The preaching of John Baptist. The preaching of the apostles. The prophet, by the omnipotence of God, and by his incomparableness, comforteth the people.
Before Christ 712.
THE fourth part of the prophesies of Isaiah extends from this to the 49th chapter; the principal argument whereof is, to explain the great mystery of the manifestation of the kingdom of God and his righteousness in the world, by the Messiah, and his forerunner and apostles. Though the argument of the whole is similar, it may be proper to divide these nine Chapter s into four discourses; the first in ch. Isaiah 40-41; the second in ch. Isaiah 42-43; the third in ch. 44-47.; the fourth in ch. 48. The first discourse contains two sections, the former whereof, in this chapter, contains,
I. A prophetic discourse, first, concerning the manifestation of the kingdom of the Son of God in the world; wherein the pious waiters for that kingdom are admonished of its quick approach, Isaiah 40:1-2. Secondly, the subjects of this kingdom are exhorted to prepare their minds for its reception, Isaiah 40:3-5. Thirdly, the nature of this kingdom, namely, its spirituality, is explained, Isaiah 40:6-8. Fourthly, its effects and fruits, Isaiah 40:9-11.
II. This section contains doctrine and reproof, wherein the manner of founding this kingdom, as most agreeable to the supreme wisdom of God, is defended against worldly wisdom, Isaiah 40:12-17.; and the vanity of idolatry, and of the nations and princes supporting it, is shewn by a comparison from the power, truth, and majesty of God, Isaiah 40:18-26.
III. We have in this section consolation, to be given by the ministers of God, directed to the afflicted church; wherein the foregoing prediction and doctrine are applied to its complete comfort, Isaiah 40:27-31. To which is subjoined, in the following chapter, a discourse conceived in the name of God himself, as well reproving the nations, as instructing his people agreeably to the above argument; and making the fourth general part of the whole discourse. The scene of this prophesy is to be fixed at the time of the first promulgation of the Gospel, when God proclaimed to his faithful people that consolation which they had so long expected. The sacred writers apply this prophesy directly to the first preaching of the Gospel. It is generally thought that Isaiah composed this admirable part of his book after the defeat of Sennacherib.