The prophet in the foregoing chapters, having comforted the faithful Jews with many great promises of God's favour to be extended to them, in the restoration of their ruined state, and in the enlargement of his Church by the admission of the Gentiles; here on a sudden makes a transition to the more disagreeable part of the prospect, and to a sharp reproof of the wicked and unbelievers; and especially of the negligent and faithless governors and teachers, of the idolaters and hypocrites, who would still draw down his judgments upon the nation. Probably having in view the destruction of their city and polity by the Chaldeans, and perhaps by the Romans. The same subject is continued in the next chapter; in which the charge of corruption and apostasy becomes more general against the whole Jewish Church. Some expositors have made great difficulties in the 9th verse of this chapter, where there seems to be none. It is perfectly well explained by Jeremiah, chap. xii. 7, 9, where, having introduced God declaring his purpose of punishing his people, by giving them up as a prey to their enemies the Chaldeans, a charge to these his agents is given in words very nearly the same with those of Isaiah in this place:- "I have forsaken my house; I have deserted my heritage; I have given up the beloved of my soul into the hands of her enemies.] Come away, be gathered together, all ye beasts of the field; Come away to devour." All ye beasts in the forest "All ye beasts of the forest."] Instead of r-yb baiyaar, three MSS. have r-y yaar, without the preposition; which seems to be right, and is confirmed by ali the ancient Versions.

Is. 56:1,2 The Lord tells us what are his expectations of duty from us Be honest and just in all dealings. Also strictly observe the sabbat day. To have the blessing of God upon employments all the week, make conscience of keeping the sabbath holy. Have nothing to do with sin Blessed is the man that keeps his hand from all things displeasing to God and hurtful to his own soul. Those who, through the Spirit, wai for the hope of righteousness by faith, will be found walking in way of holy obedience.

Is. 56:3-8 Unbelief often suggests things to discourage believers against which God has expressly guarded. Spiritual blessings ar unspeakably better than having sons and daughters; for children are care, and may prove a grief and shame, but the blessings we partake of in God's house, are comforts which cannot be made bitter. Those wh love the Lord truly, will serve him faithfully, and then his commandments are not grievous. Three things are promised. Assistance: will not only bid them welcome, but incline them to come. Acceptance and comfort: though they came mourning to the house of prayer, the shall go away rejoicing. They shall find ease by casting their care and burdens upon God. Many a sorrowful spirit has been made joyful in the house of prayer. The Gentiles shall be one body with the Jews that, as Christ says, John 10:16, there may be one fold and on Shepherd. Thanks be to God that none are separated from him except be wilful sin and unbelief; and if we come to him, we shall be accepte through the sacrifice of our great High Priest.

Is. 56:9-12 Desolating judgments are called for; and this severe rebuk of the rulers and teachers of the Jewish church, is applicable to othe ages and places. It is bad with a people when their shepherds slumber and are eager after the world. Let us pray the Great Shepherd to sen us pastors after his own heart, who will feed us with knowledge, tha we may rejoice in his holy name, and that believers may be daily adde to the church __________________________________________________________________

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