Isaiah 50:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The Lord God hath given me, &c.— The second discourse of the fifth part of this book extends to the 17th verse of the following chapter. It is divided into two sections; the former of which, in the present chapter, contains a discourse of the Messiah, both historical, or narrative, and doctrinal, by way of apostrophe, directed to the hearers. In the historical part, he relates, first, that he was appointed to the excellent office of preaching the Gospel, and was immediately instructed by God for that purpose: Isaiah 50:4. Secondly, that he had shewn the greatest readiness to undertake, and the greater diligence to fulfil, this office; Isaiah 50:5. As well as thirdly, the greatest patience and constancy, first, amid reproaches, injuries, and contumelies brought upon him: the grounds of which constancy, he shews to be, his confidence in the assistance of God, and his full persuasion of his good-will towards him, Isaiah 50:6-7. Secondly, amid the calumnies and contradictions of his adversaries, none of whom, however, could stand before him, God approving and justifying his cause: Isaiah 50:8-9. In the doctrinal part, he first graciously addresses those who fear the Lord; and foretels to them a happy end, Isaiah 50:10. Secondly, he foretels to his adversaries destruction, to arise from those very things wherein they sought salvation, Isaiah 50:11. This chapter wants very little more comment than the present analysis, and a reference to the history of our Lord. The meaning of the phrase, To speak a word, &c. is to teach the doctrine of grace to the spiritually weary. See chap. Isaiah 61:1. The next clause is a metaphor taken from a diligent school-master, who early every morning rouses his scholars to hear his instructions; and the meaning is, that he had every day, from morning to evening, the illuminating grace of the Holy Spirit with him, to instruct him in the perfect knowledge of all things which concerned his state, his function, and the necessities of his church. Literally the passage runs thus, Every morning he plucketh my ear, that I may hear like those who are instructed. See Matthew 11:28 and Psalms 1:2 which many of the ancients have understood of the man Christ Jesus. See Vitringa.