Isaiah 51:17 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Isaiah 51:17.— From hence to the 61st chapter, follows the third and most extensive discourse, in which the state of the church, from the times of the Maccabees, but particularly of Jesus Christ and his kingdom, is foretold, to the end of the world; yet so, that in describing the corrupt times of the church, (which is done in Isaiah 56-58) the depraved state of the church, which preceded the times of the Maccabees, is alluded to, and the phrases frequently taken from thence. The whole discourse may be divided into nine sections. The first, which is preparatory, is contained in ch. Isaiah 51:17 and ch. 52. The second in ch. 53; the third in ch. 54; the fourth in ch. 55; the fifth in 56; the sixth in 57; the seventh in 58 and Isaiah 59:15; the eighth in Isaiah 59:16-21.; the ninth in ch. 60: The occasion of the prophesy is taken from the preceding discourse, ch. Isaiah 49:1 wherein the mystery of the humiliation of the Messiah, his exaltation, and the calling of the Gentiles, being proposed, it seemed good to the Holy Spirit to take this occasion to speak of that mystery more at large; for it was of consequence to the church to have the events of the new oeconomy described, as in a picture, from its first beginning to its consummation; particularly to have clearly set forth, and preserved in the treasures of the prophetic word, the doctrine concerning the most bitter passion of the Messiah, the grand foundation of salvation, that there might not be left any objection for incredulity. This section may be divided into four parts, according to the four scenical periods observable in it. The first apostrophe is directed to the church, wherein it is commanded to raise itself up from its state of affliction; and here, first, the afflictions which the church had sustained are enumerated, Isaiah 51:17,—20; secondly, deliverance is promised from these evils, and leverage upon her enemies, Isaiah 51:21-23. The second apostrophe is directed to the same church, about the time of the approach of the Messiah's kingdom; wherein she is ordered to put on dress, to adorn herself agreeably to the state of an oeconomy of grace and liberty, ch. Isaiah 52:1-2. Secondly, the occasion of that exhortation or command is delivered; namely, the approaching redemption of the church, Isaiah 51:3. Thirdly, the reason of that command, and of the necessity of redemption, is explained from the condition of the church, detained a long time in captivity and servitude, corporal as well as spiritual, but now to be delivered by their God present with them, Isaiah 51:4-6. Next follows an exclamation of a prophetical or evangelical chorus; wherein is set forth the greatness and excellence of the blessing of the Gospel, to be promulgated through the whole world, by preachers appointed for that purpose: and here we have the exclamation itself, Isaiah 51:7-8 and an address to the renewed church, exhorting it to joy on account of this benefit, Isaiah 51:9-10. The third apostrophe is directed to the preachers of the Gospel; wherein, first, they are animated and excited to undertake this expedition, and are instructed concerning the manner of undertaking it, Isaiah 51:11-12; secondly, the basis and foundation of the kingdom of God, to be established among the Jews and Gentiles, is laid down; namely, the obedience unto death of the Messiah to his Father amidst the greater sufferings, and the exaltation which should follow it, Isaiah 51:13-15.