This chapter, as the former, in intended both for the conviction of idolaters and for the consolation of all God’s faithful worshippers; for the Spirit is sent, and ministers are employed by him, both to convince and to comfort.

That particular instance of God’s care for his people Israel in raising up Cyrus to be their deliverer is here insisted upon as a great proof both of his sovereignty above all idols and of his power to protect his people. Here is, I.

The scope of these verses is to silence the fears, and encourage the faith, of the servants of God in their distresses. Perhaps it is intended, in the first place, for the support of God’s Israel, in captivity; but all that faithfully serve God through patience and comfort of this scripture may…

The Lord, by the prophet, here repeats the challenge to idolaters to make out the pretentions of their idols: ” Produce your cause and make your best of it; bring forth the strongest reasons you have to prove that your idols are gods, and worthy of your adoration.” Note, There needs no more to show…