The fervent desire of the prophet to confirm the church in God's promises. The office of the ministers (unto which they are incited) in preaching the Gospel, and preparing the people thereto.
Before Christ 698.
THE second section of this fourth discourse contains, I. A speech of the prophetic company, representing the governors of the church of the New Testament, who first set forth the duty of the church's continual intercession for a brighter revelation of the salvation and kingdom of God, Isaiah 62:1; and secondly, explain more distinctly the attributes of that brighter revelation, such as the accession of the Gentiles and kings themselves to the church, Isaiah 62:2. A new name to be given to the church by God himself;—middle of Isaiah 62:2. The preservation of that church, as of a thing most precious and ornamental, Isaiah 62:3. Its defence against external enemies by avengers and patrons, to be raised up by God, Isaiah 62:4-5. II. We have in the second part a speech of the chorus representing the church, acknowledging, first, the singular benefit of the divine care and providence, whereby pastors and watchmen were given to it, continually interceding for a more clear revelation of the salvation of God; Isaiah 62:6. Secondly, exciting them to persevere in this duty, till God should fulfil his promises to the church; latter end of Isaiah 62:6-7. In the third part, the prophetic chorus first confirms the hope of the church by the oath wherewith God had ratified his promises of grace, Isaiah 62:8-9. Secondly, it teaches, by a figurative discourse, that all impediments being removed which might seem capable of obstructing this work of God, there should be a great conflux to the church, Isaiah 62:10.; and thirdly, it sets forth anew, and more fully explains, these promises of grace, Isaiah 62:11-12.