God expostulateth with his people about his mercies to the church, about his promises, and about the vanity of idols.
Before Christ 712.
THE disputation against idolatry is continued from the preceding section, and here consists of a two-fold instance: in the former of which, we have, first, the address of the true God calling upon idolaters to dispute with him, Isaiah 41:1. Secondly, an argument which he produces to convince them of error, Isaiah 41:2-7 which argument is taken from a certain illustrious person to be raised up by God, whose appearance and attributes are enumerated Isaiah 41:2-4 and the consequence of it; namely, the wonder of idolaters, Isaiah 41:5-7. Thirdly, a consolatory apostrophe is added, directed to the afflicted people of God, and confirming of three articles; the first, directed to the church near the times of the Maccabees; Isaiah 41:8-13. The second, to the church of the apostolic times; small and contemptible at the beginning, but about to overcome the world, Isaiah 41:14-16. The third, to the Christian church afflicted in the first days of the Gospel; Isaiah 41:17-20. The second instance, directed against idolaters, contains also, 1. An address, summoning them to dispute, Isaiah 41:21. Isaiah 41:2. The argument itself,—the prediction of certain future events of great moment; which is proposed in general, Isaiah 41:22-24 and is urged from the singular example of Cyrus to be raised up by God, and foretold by the prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 41:25-28; Isaiah 41:3. The conclusion, Isaiah 41:29.