Isaiah:44

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* Verse 1-8 - Israel is here called Jeshurun , which means "the upright one ." Such only are Israelites indeed , in whom is no guile . Those that serve God he will own . He will help them over difficulties , and in their services . Water is the emblem of the Holy Spirit ; as water refreshes , cleanses , and makes the earth fruitful , so do his influences the soul . This gift of the Holy Ghost is the great blessing , the plentiful pouring out of which God kept for the latter days . Where God gives his Spirit , he will give all other blessings . Hereby shall be a great increase of the church ; thus it shall be spread to distant places . Was there any other Rock , or Protector , that could defend them ? None besides could foretell these things to come , of which God by his prophets gave notice . All was set in order in the Divine predictions , as well as in the Divine purposes . Could any other have done so ? Who can compare with Israel 's Redeemer and King ? * Verse 9-20 - Image-making is described , to expose the folly of idolaters . Though a man had used part of a log for fuel , he fell down before an image made of the remainder , praying it to deliver him . Man greatly dishonours God , when he represents him after the image of man . Satan blinds the eyes of unbelievers , causing absurd reasonings in matters of religion . Whether men seek happiness in worldly things , or run into unbelief , superstition , or any false system , they feed on ashes . A heart deceived by pride , love of sin , and departure from God , turns men aside from his holy truth and worship . While the affections are depraved , a man holds fast the lie as his best treasure . Are our hearts set upon the wealth of the world and its pleasures ? They will certainly prove a lie . If we trust to outward professions and doings , as if those would save us , we deceive ourselves . Self-suspicion is the first step towards self-deliverance . He that would deliver his soul , must question his conscience , Is there not a lie in my right hand ? * Verse 21-28 - Return unto me . It is the great concern of those who have backslidden from God , like the Jews of old , to hasten their return to him . The work of redemption wrought for us by Christ , encourages to hope for all blessings from him . Our transgressions and our sins are as a thick cloud between heaven and earth : sins separate between us and God ; they threaten a storm of wrath . When God pardons sin , he blots out , he dispels this cloud , this thick cloud , so that the way to heaven is open again . The cloud is scattered by the Sun of righteousness ; it is quite gone . The comforts that flow into the soul when sin is pardoned , are like clear shining after clouds and rain . Let not Israel be discouraged ; nothing is too hard for God : having made all , he can make what use he pleases of any . Those that learn to know Christ , see all knowledge to be foolishness , in comparison with the knowledge of him . And his enemies will find their counsels turned into foolishness , and themselves taken in their craftiness . The exact fulfilling the prophecies of Scripture confirms the truth of the whole , and proves its Divine origin . The particular favours God designed for his people in captivity , were foretold here , long before they went into captivity . Very great difficulties would be in the way of their deliverance ; but it is promised that by Divine power they should all be removed . God knew who should be the Deliverer of his people ; and let his church know it , that when they heard such a name talked of , they might know their redemption drew nigh . It is the greatest honour of the greatest men , to be employed as instruments of the Divine favour to his people . In things wherein men serve themselves , and look no further , God makes them do all his pleasure . And a nobler Shepherd than Cyrus does his Father 's will , till his work is fully completed . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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