Though Israel be not gathered "And that Israel unto him might be gathered"] Five MSS. (two ancient) confirm the Keri, or marginal correction of the Masoretes, wl lo, unto him, instead of al lo, not, in the text; and so read Aquila; and the Chaldee, Septuagint, and Arabic omit the negative. But the Septuagint, MSS. Pachom, and i. D. ii. express also the Keri wl lo by prov auton, to him.

Is. 49:1-6 The great Author of redemption shows the authority for his work. The sword of his word slays the lusts of his people, and all a enmity with them. His sharp arrows wound the conscience; but all thes wounds will be healed, when the sinner prays to him for mercy. But eve the Redeemer, who spake as never man spake in his personal ministry often seemed to labour in vain. And if Jacob will not be brought bac to God, and Israel will not be gathered, still Christ will be glorious This promise is in part fulfilled in the calling of the Gentiles. Me perish in darkness. But Christ enlightens men, and so makes them holy and happy.

Is. 49:7-12 The Father is the Lord, the Redeemer, and Holy One of Israel, as sending the Son to be the Redeemer. Man, whom he came to save, put contempt upon him. To this he submitted for our salvation. He is a pledge for all the blessings of the covenant; in him God wa reconciling the world to himself. Pardoning mercy is a release from the curse of the law; renewing grace is a release from the dominion of sin both are from Christ. He saith to those in darkness, Show yourselves Not only see, but be seen, to the glory of God, and your own comforts Though there are difficulties in the way to heaven, yet the grace of God will carry us over them, and make even the mountains a way. Thi denotes the free invitations and the encouraging promises of the gospel, and the outpouring of the Spirit.

Is. 49:13-17 Let there be universal joy, for God will have mercy upo the afflicted, because of his compassion; upon his afflicted, becaus of his covenant. We have no more reason to question his promise an grace, than we have to question his providence and justice. Be assure that God has a tender affection for his church and people; he would no have them to be discouraged. Some mothers do neglect their children but God's compassions to his people, infinitely exceed those of the tenderest parents toward their children. His setting them as a mark of his hand, or a seal upon his arm, denotes his being ever mindful of them. As far as we have scriptural evidence that we belong to his ransomed flock, we may be sure that he will never forsake us. Let u then give diligence to make our calling and election sure, and rejoic in the hope and glory of God.

Is. 49:18-23 Zion is addressed as an afflicted widow, bereaved of he children. Numbers flock to her, and she is assured that they come to be a comfort to her. There are times when the church is desolate and fe in number; yet its desolations shall not last for ever, and God wil repair them. God can raise up friends for returning Israelites, eve among Gentiles. They shall bring their children, and make them the children. Let all deal tenderly and carefully with young converts an beginners in religion. Princes shall protect the church. It shal appear that God is the sovereign Lord of all. And those who in the exercise of faith, hope, and patience, wait on God for the fulfilmen of his promises, shall never be confounded.

Is. 49:24-26 We were lawful captives to the justice of God, ye delivered by a price of unspeakable value. Here is an express promise Even the prey of the terrible shall be delivered. We may here vie Satan deprived of his prey, bound and cast into the pit; and all the powers that have combined to enslave, persecute, or corrupt the church are destroyed; that all the earth may know that our Saviour an Redeemer is Jehovah, the mighty One of Jacob. And every effort we make to rescue our fellow-sinners from the bondage of Satan, is, in some degree, helping forward that great change __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew