Isa. 51 Abraham our pattern to trust in Christ; in his promises, and righteous salvation: this is constant, but men are transitory, Isa. 51:1–8. A prayer of the godly in affliction, Isa. 51:9–11. The Lord’s answer, Isa. 51:12–16. He bewaileth Jerusalem, Isa. 51:17–20.

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness: now he turneth his speech again to the believing and godly Jews. That seek the Lord; that make it your chief care and business to seek favour and help from God.

I called him from his own country and kindred to follow me to an unknown land, where I promised that I would multiply and bless him, as is particularly explained, Gen. 12:1–3. Alone, Heb. one; either, 1.

For: so this comes in as a reason why they should look unto or consider that famous example of Abraham and Sarah, because they should find the like wonder wrought on their behalf.

Hearken unto me, my people: seeing the Gentiles will hearken to me, as I have formerly told you, take heed that you Jews, whom I chose to be my peculiar people, do not reject my counsel, nor forsake your own mercies, as I fear you will do.

My righteousness; my salvation, as it is expounded in the next clause, the redemption of all my people, both Jews and Gentiles, which is the effect of his righteousness; either his justice, or his faithfulness, or his mercy and goodness; for all these are called by the name of righteousness in…

The heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; the heavens and earth shall pass away, either, 1. Simply, and by a substantial corruption or annihilation, which is yet to be understood comparatively or conditionally, that these should sooner vanish into nothing…

That know righteousness; that love and practise it, as knowing is commonly used. In whose heart is my law; who are tacitly opposed to the carnal Jews that had the law written only in tables. Compare 2 Cor. 3:3, Heb. 8:10. The reproach of men; the censures of the carnal Jews.

The moth shall eat them up; your reproachers shall be easily destroyed, and so God will revenge your cause upon them, and deliver you from their reproaches. Like wool; like a woollen garment, which is sooner corrupted by moths or such creatures than linen.

Awake, awake, thou who hast carried thyself like one asleep, and unconcerned for thy people, and unable to save them. The prophet having foretold what great things God would do for his church, and longing for the accomplishment of them, and knowing that prayer was one means by which God fulfils his…

Art thou not it which hath dried the sea? art not thou the same God, and as potent now as then thou wast? For the ransomed; for thy people, whom thou didst redeem and bring out of Egypt.

Therefore; or, So; Heb. And. This verse contains an answer to the prophet’s prayer. It is true, I did these great things, and I will do the like again. Everlasting joy shall be upon their head, like a crown of glory.

Who art thou? how unreasonable and distrustful art thou, O my church! how unlike to thyself! how unsuitable in these despondencies unto thy own professions and obligations! Of the son of man which shall be made as grass; of a weak mortal and perishing creature.

And forgettest the Lord thy Maker; and dost not consider the infinite power of that God who made thee, and who will plead thy cause. As if he were ready to destroy; as if it were in his power to destroy thee in a moment.

God is not slack, as you think, but maketh haste to fulfil his promise, and to rescue his captive and oppressed people from all their oppressions and miseries.

I have put my words in thy mouth; these great and glorious promises which are in thy mouth are not the vain words of man, a weak, and inconstant, and unfaithful creature, but the words of the almighty, unchangeable, and faithful God, and therefore they shall be infallibly accomplished.

Awake; either, 1. Out of the sleep of security. Or, 2. Out of the sleep of death. Heb. Rouse up thyself; come out of that forlorn and disconsolate condition in which thou hast so long been. This sense suits best with the following words.

When thou wast drunk with this cup, and not able to go, neither thy princes, nor prophets, nor priests were able or willing to lead and support thee.

These two things; either, 1. Those which were now mentioned: 1. That she was drunk with the cup of God’s wrath, Isa. 51:17. 2. That she had none to support or comfort her in that condition, Or, 2.

Thy sons have fainted; they are so far from being able to comfort thee, as was said, Isa. 51:18, that they themselves faint away for want of comfort, and through famine.

But with the cup of God’s fury, mentioned Isa. 51:17

Thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people; who though he hath fought against thee, is now reconciled to thee, and will maintain thy cause against all thine adversaries.

Bow down, that we may go over; lie down upon the ground, that we may trample upon thee, as conquerors. used to do upon their conquered enemies. See Josh. 10:24, Ps. 110:1.