Isaiah 22:12-14

“In that day did the Lord God Almighty call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth; and behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine; let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we shall die. And it was revealed in my ears by the Lord Almighty, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you, until you die, says the Lord God Almighty.”

True religion is equally abhorrent from an atheistic contempt of God’s providence, and a presumptuous reliance on it. It teaches us neither to “trust in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are we Jeremiah 7:4.” Nor, on the other hand, to trust in human devices, to the neglect of him, who “works all things after the counsel of his own will.”

It was for the latter of these sins, that the Jews were reproved in the words before us. The Assyrians had invaded their country, and were coming against Jerusalem itself; and the Jews, instead of crying to God for help, contented themselves with fortifying their city; and lived as securely as if no danger were at hand. This greatly incensed God, and caused him to denounce against them his heaviest judgments.

The words before us will lead us to consider,

I. The duty to which God calls us.

The terms used in the text were intended to express repentance.

The shaving of the head, and cutting of the beard, and putting on of sackcloth—were used among the Jews as indications of sorrow, Ezekiel 27:30-31. Of themselves indeed, neither those nor any other actions, however significant, had any value before God; they were even hateful to him, if used without correspondent dispositions of heart, Isaiah 1:13-14; Isaiah 66:3. But, when accompanied with inward contrition, they were pleasing and acceptable in his sight! 1 Kings 21:27-29.

This is the duty to which God calls us at this time.

He spoke to the Jewish nation by the dispensations of his providence, Micah 6:9. Awful visitations were always considered in that view, Judges 20:25-26, and the voice of his prophets, Joel, Isaiah, etc. And is he not calling us to repentance at this time, by the calamities of the nation, by the command of our rulers, and by the voice of all his faithful ministers. Yes; he says aloud, “Turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning! Joel 2:12.”

But how little attention we pay to God will appear, if we consider,

II. The state in which we continue.

The evils of which the prophet complained are, alas! too descriptive of our state:

1. We confide in our own preparations without looking to God.

So often has God prospered our naval exertions, that we almost universally overlook his providence, and ascribe our success to our own superior skill and valor. Our hopes also of future conquests are founded wholly on our own prowess. We are active enough in making preparations; but are as unmindful of God, as if we needed not his aid, nor were at all dependent on his will. For the truth of this assertion we appeal to the public papers, and to the expressions of all with whom we converse, verse 7-11.

2. We still live in our usual habits of conviviality and dissipation.

It is not intemperance and excess that is the object of the prophet’s reprehension, but an unsuitable gaiety of mind at a time when it befit them to be humbling themselves in dust and ashes. And is not this the case with us among all ranks and orders of the community? Doubtless the pressure of the public burdens must impose restraints on many; but still the change in them is not the effect of a voluntary humiliation, but the reluctant fruit of irresistible necessity.

3. We, in too many instances, turn the very warnings of Jehovah into contempt and ridicule.

The Jews were warned of the near approach of their destruction; and they, to ridicule the idea, said, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die!” We indeed, having no information from God respecting the outcome of public affairs, cannot imitate, with respect to them, the impiety of the Jews.

But, in relation to infinitely more important matters, there is as much profane scoffing among us, as among them. The declarations of God’s Word are set at nothing; and they, who most faithfully denounce God’s judgments against sin and sinners, are, for the most part, regarded either as hypocrites or fanatics.

Let us then, as it befits us, proceed with all fidelity to show,

III. The evil and danger of such a state.

What can be more unsuitable to our condition?

What would we think of a child or servant that should manifest such a spirit under our rebukes? Does such conduct then befit us towards God, when he is contending with us and chastising us for our sins? Yes, are we not as devoid of humanity as of piety, while we feel no sympathy with the thousands of our suffering fellow-creatures? Well says the prophet on a similar occasion, “Should we then make mirth, Ezekiel 21:9-10; Ezekiel 21:12.” Surely it befits us rather to “cry and howl” for the miseries that are come upon us, or at least impending over us.

What can be more offensive to God?

The word “surely” is equivalent to an oath, Hebrews 6:13-14; and is it a light thing which causes Jehovah to swear by his own life and immortal perfections? Is it a small matter that causes “the Lord God Almighty to shut up his tender mercies, and to swear that the guilt of such or such an action shall “never be purged away?” Must not that be beyond measure offensive to him, that can fill his bosom with such “fiery indignation”? The sins that have brought down his chastisements are surely great; but an obstinacy under those chastisements which are intended to reform us, is but too probably a forerunner of our utter destruction, Jeremiah 7:12-16. Such also is the import of that threatening, Amos 4:12, the ground of which five times repeated from verse 6 to 11.

What can be more destructive in its consequences?

The nation cannot be delivered but by means of a national repentance; nor can any individual escape the eternal wrath of God, but by means of his own personal repentance, Luke 13:3. If there is only one impenitent transgressor in the whole kingdom, “God will search him out with candles,” in order to punish him! Zephaniah 1:12.” Even in his present dispensations God will put a difference between those who mourn for sin, and those who are at ease in Zion, Amos 6:1; Amos 6:3-7. Ezekiel 9:4-5. But much more in his decisions at the day of judgment! Isaiah 5:11-12; Isaiah 65:12-14. Whether therefore we consider our national or our personal danger—it befits us instantly to put away our unbelief and impenitence, and to turn to God with the deepest contrition.

ADDRESS.

It may be thought that the injunctions given to the Jews, had respect to them rather than to ourselves. Let an apostle then be heard in confirmation of the prophet; and let us depart with a determination through grace to obey his voice, “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into heaviness; humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God; and he shall lift you up! James 4:9-10.” The very Gospel itself, with all that Christ has done and suffered for us, will do us no good if we remain impenitent. The command is, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” We must “sow in tears, if ever we would reap in joy!”

Charles Simeon

Isaiah 21:11-12

“The burden of Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire you; return, come.”

This portion of holy writ is justly considered as very obscure; and the more so, because we are not aware of any records of history that will reflect light upon it. The learned Vitringa conceives the scope of the prophecy to be this: that, on occasion of some heavy calamity inflicted either on the Assyrians or Chaldeans in common with the Jews, an inhabitant of Edom inquired of the prophet what the duration of the trouble should be; and then he supposes the prophet to answer, that, as far as respected the Jews, a morning of relief was at hand; but that to Edom there was coming a night of long and heavy affliction. But on such an interpretation, the severe answer of the prophet seems uncalled for.

I would rather confine the whole subject to Idumea; and then the question of the Edomite, and the answer of the prophet, will be natural, and perfectly consistent. It is well known that the Prophet Isaiah foretold the fate of Edom, as well as of all the other nations around Judea; and that he predicted the heaviest calamities to them all.

Now, I suppose an Edomite unbelievingly and contemptuously to ask, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?” That is, ‘You, as placed on a watch-tower, presume to declare what shall befall our nation; tell me how long is it before these calamities which you predict, shall come upon us?’ To this question the prophet answers, ‘You will have yet a “morning” of prosperity; but, I can assure you, it shall be succeeded by a long “night” of heavy adversity. If you really desire to be informed, in order to avert, by penitence, the threatened calamity, follow up your inquiries in a befitting spirit, “return” to God, whom you have forsaken; and “come” to Him, from whom you have deeply revolted. Then there may yet be hope both concerning you and your nation.’

In this view of the prophecy, we see:

I. In what way men treat the Divine testimony.

The spirit shown by the inquiring Edomite is precisely that which has prevailed in every age, and which the Apostle Peter teaches us to expect as still more prevalent in the latter days, “There shall come, in the last days, scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation, 2 Peter 3:3-4.” This, I apprehend, was the way in which the predictions of Noah relative to the deluge were treated by the scoffers in the antediluvian world; and people of a similar spirit abounded in Isaiah’s days; whom he describes as teeming with atheistical defiance, and saying, “Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it, Isaiah 5:19.”

To such an extent did this impiety prevail in the time of Ezekiel, that God speaks of it as actually passed into a proverb, “Son of man, what is that proverb that you have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision fails?” And it is worthy of particular observation, that the answer which Ezekiel was commanded to give to the scoffers of Israel, is precisely to the same effect with that which Isaiah had given to the Idumean inquirer, “Tell them, thus says the Lord God; I will make this proverb to cease; and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision, Ezekiel 12:22-23.”

Thus it is that men treat the Divine testimony at this day:

1. They speak of God’s judgments with unbelieving indifference.

As God’s ambassadors to a guilty world, we are constrained to denounce his judgments against impenitent transgressors; but how is our testimony received by them? Have we not reason to take up the lamentation which was first uttered by the Prophet Isaiah, and was afterward repeated both by the Lord Jesus Christ and his servant Paul, “Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Isaiah 53:1. John 12:37-38. Romans 10:16.”

It is in vain that we bring forth either the declarations of Jehovah, or positive instances of their accomplishment. The prevailing idea among unbelievers, is that however wickedly they may live, they have nothing to fear. They imagine that God is too merciful to inflict punishment on them, and especially the punishment of everlasting torments, which no actions of theirs can be reasonably supposed to merit. Full of this erroneous conceit, they become settled on their lees, and say, in their hearts at least, if not also with their lips, “The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil, Zephaniah 1:12.”

2. They speak of God’s judgments with contemptuous levity.

This, I apprehend, was the real feeling expressed in those interrogations, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?” In the same manner was the Apostle Paul regarded as a “babbler,” unworthy of anything but derision. His discourse, which almost converted King Agrippa to the faith, brought to Festus no other conviction than this, “Paul, you are beside yourself; much learning is making you mad! Acts 26:24.” And even the Lord Jesus Christ himself, who “spoke as never any man spoke,” was considered as unfit for any person of respectability to hear, “He has a devil, and is mad; why do you listen to him? John 10:20.”

Is it to be wondered at, then, if those who faithfully preach the Gospel be still at this day branded with opprobrious names, and their message be considered only as “a cunningly devised fable?” It must be so, as long as there shall be a carnal man on earth; for “the things of the Spirit are foolishness to him;” and those who live only to proclaim and propagate those things, can appear to him in no other light than fools. If, like Ezekiel, we have boldness to deliver God’s messages to men, we shall be sure to have applied to our ministrations the same contemptuous observation as was made on his, “Ah! Lord God, does he not speak parables? Ezekiel 20:49.”

The prophet’s answer to his scoffing inquirers shows us,

II. In what way they themselves should be treated.

It is good, in many cases, to “answer a fool according to his folly.” But there are cases (and particularly where the eternal interests of men are at stake,) in which we should “not answer a fool according to his folly, Proverbs 26:4-5,” but should give him such counsel and admonition as his necessities require. Mark the conduct of the prophet on this occasion:

1. The prophet’s admonition.

He tells the inquirer, that, though his countrymen should yet have a season of prosperity, a night of fearful adversity awaited them. And this is the answer which I must make to the profane scoffer, or the careless unbeliever: ‘You may go on prosperously for a season; you may have riches in the world; you may account yourselves happy, and be so accounted by all your carnal friends; but, though your day may be bright and long, as in the height of summer—a night, a long and fearful night, will come at last! O! how terrible will be that night, which shall never be irradiated with so much as a single gleam of hope! Yet such is the state that awaits you; for you “is reserved the blackness of darkness forever! Jude 1:13.”

It may seem at present to be at a great distance; but every day and hour brings it nearer to you; and at the appointed hour it will commence. Yes, Peter tells us, that “for a long time your judgment lingers not, and your damnation slumbers not! 2 Peter 2:3.” While men “refuse to turn, God whets his sword, and bends his bow, and ordains his arrows against them!” for their destruction, Psalm 7:12-13. And the very interval that is allowed to them is only given that they may “fill up the measure of their iniquities,” and have “his wrath come upon them to the uttermost.”

Their present prosperity is only like the rich pasture to flocks and herds, whereby “they are nourished for the day of slaughter, James 5:3.” Happy, happy is the brute creation, which, if taken in an unexpected hour, survives not the stroke that takes them hence!

But let us reflect a moment on that hour when a profane scoffer, or a careless unbeliever, shall open his eyes in the eternal world! He has buoyed himself up with the hope that he should see the face of God in peace—but how will he shrink back at the sight of an angry God! What a shriek will he utter, that shall be heard through the vast expanse of Hell; when, instead of a listless and unobservant Deity, as he had pictured to himself, he shall see a holy God filled with wrath and fiery indignation, and prepared to execute all the judgments which he had denounced against him!

I must, I must warn you, my beloved brethren, that these are indeed the true sayings of God; and, whether believed or not, they shall be verified before long; for “God will be true; and every man,” that contradicts him, “will be found a liar.”

2. The prophet’s counsel.

Not even the scoffer should be dismissed without such counsel, as, if duly received, may operate a saving change upon his soul. The prophet here says to the inquiring Edomites, “If you will inquire seriously, inquire; returning” from your evil ways, and “coming” humbly and believingly to your God. So I say to you: If there be among you any who really desire to know the purposes of Heaven, come; and, as God’s watchman, I will, to the best of my power, instruct you. And this in particular will I declare to you, that if only you will return to God, your past iniquities shall not be your ruin.”

Hear what God himself said to the Prophet Jeremiah, “Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, you backsliding Israel; and I will not cause my anger to fall upon you .…Turn unto me; for I am married unto you .…Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” And the very instant that they replied, “Behold, we come unto you; for you are the Lord our God;” the prophet was commanded to say, “If you will return, O Israel, says the Lord, return unto me, Jeremiah 3:12; Jeremiah 3:14; Jeremiah 3:22; Jeremiah 4:1.”

This fully explains the words, “Return, come.”

In all the Scriptures there is not a single word that tends to the discouragement of a returning sinner. No, the whole sacred volume says, Come, come, come, “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come; and let him who hears say, Come; and whoever will, let him come, and take of the water of life freely!” And lest we should suppose that any sin whatever shall prove a bar to the acceptance of a returning penitent, our blessed Savior expressly says, “Him who comes unto me, I will never cast out!” This counsel, then, I would affectionately give to you, “Inquire; Return; Come.”

But that this counsel may be better understood, I will now, in conclusion, address you more at length.

1. Be serious in your inquiries into the truth of God.

Inquire after nothing in a light, contemptuous manner, “Be not mockers, lest your bands be made strong.” Nor make any inquiry with indifference; like Pilate, when he asked of our Lord, “What is truth?” and never waited to receive an answer. But set yourselves diligently to “search the Scriptures;” for in them alone will you find the whole truth, without any mixture of error.

Inquire, too, into the state of your souls before God. Bring them to the true and proper touchstone, the Word of God; examine yourselves by it; and beg of God to search and try you; that, if there be any hidden evil in your heart, it may be disclosed to you, and be purged away by the blood and Spirit of Christ.

2. Be assured that God’s Word shall take effect.

Presume not to sit in judgment on it, or condemn it. You are not called to judge, but to submit. If you see not the reason of God’s declarations, do not therefore conclude that they are not founded in wisdom or goodness or truth; but say, “What I know not now, I shall know hereafter.” If the Word of God holds forth a threatening, then tremble at it, and beg of God that it may never be executed upon you. If, on the contrary, it sets forth a promise, then lay hold of it, and rest upon it, and expect the accomplishment of it to your soul. And be fully satisfied in your minds, that the final states of the whole world shall be in exact agreement with it, and eternal happiness or misery be awarded to all according to its unerring dictates.

3. Let the final outcome of things be the great object of your concern.

It matters little whether your present portion resemble morning or night. If you enjoy all the prosperity that the world can afford, of what value will it be when night comes? On the other hand, if you experience here one continued night of affliction, it will soon pass away, and no more be remembered, when once the bright morn of everlasting day shall have arisen upon you! Learn then to despise the pleasure of sense, and to endure with fortitude the troubles of life. Do not fear to make sacrifices, or to sustain any afflictions, in the cause of Christ, “in whose favor is life, and whose loving-kindness is better than life itself.” Set eternity before you, and keep it ever in your view; and then, though your night be long, the day shall soon arise upon you, when “your sun shall no more go down;” but “the Lord shall be an everlasting light unto you, and your God your glory!”

Charles Simeon

Isaiah 19:24-25

“In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land; whom the Lord Almighty shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.”

There is among God’s ancient people an idea that, so far from their nation being converted to Christianity, the whole world is, in due season, to be converted to Judaism. Nor do we wonder much that this error should prevail among them; since, in the prophetic writings, the change which is to be wrought upon the Gentiles is very generally described in terms taken from the Jewish Law. This is peculiarly observable in the passage before us, where Assyria and Egypt, the representatives of God’s enemies in all ages, are spoken of as “raising an altar to the Lord,” and “offering sacrifices thereon;” and “making vows unto the Lord,” and “swearing by his name;” and as “raising up to him a pillar,” such as the Israelites formed after their passage through Jordan, “to be a sign and a witness to the Lord” that they were his redeemed people, and that he alone was their God See these different expressions, verse 18-21.

But a more thorough knowledge of their prophecies would convince them, that they are to enjoy a far different dispensation from that of Moses—a dispensation, not of works, but of grace; a dispensation, suited not to one small nation only, but to Egyptians and Assyrians, and to every people under Heaven. In fact, though legal terms are here used to express the piety which shall characterize the latter day, it is of that day that my text speaks, when “all the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ;” and it is in this view that God expresses such satisfaction in it.

Let us consider,

I. The event in which God expresses such delight.

It is the conversion of the Gentiles to God.

Egypt and Assyria, and the whole Gentile world, when the Lord Jesus Christ shall be erected as a standard in the midst of them, shall flock to it from every quarter; and, together with the outcasts of Israel, and the dispersed of Judah, form one universal Church, “one fold under one Shepherd. Compare verse 23, 24 with 11:10-12, 15, 16.” “With Assyria and Egypt shall Israel be a third, even a blessing in the midst of the land.” Hitherto, “the Israelites have only been a curse in the different countries over which they have been dispersed Zechariah 8:13;” for while they have been universally execrated, they have been a snare to their enemies, and an occasion of greatly aggravating their guilt. But “in that day they will prove a blessing” to all among whom they dwell; they will prove a blessing, as examples “whose conversion will be as life from the dead to the whole world, Romans 11:12; Romans 11:15;” they will prove a blessing, too, as instruments, who, being themselves converted, “will declare God’s glory among the Gentiles,” and, like the priests of old, present thousands and millions of them as free-will offerings upon God’s altar, Isaiah 66:19-21.

We all know of what use the showers are which descend upon the face of the earth, wherever God is pleased to send them; and precisely that office are the Jews, now dispersed over the earth, in due season destined to perform, Micah 5:7. The whole process is well described by the Prophet Zechariah, who says, that “many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord Almighty in Jerusalem, every one of them taking hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you; for we have heard that God is with you! Zechariah 8:20-23.”

In this event God will greatly rejoice.

To this effect he has said, “I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy; and I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people, Isaiah 65:18-19.” The expressions in my text are peculiarly striking to this effect, “The Lord Almighty shall bless all his converts, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” All will be regarded by him with peculiar affection, while yet his people Israel shall possess their original and distinctive honor, as “his special people,” the lot of his inheritance, Deuteronomy 32:9.” But when God pronounces these “blessed,” he makes them so; he makes them blessed by the richest communications of his grace, his mercy, and his peace; and in due season he will consummate their blessedness in the fullest possible enjoyment of his presence and glory.

Such is the blessedness prepared for all who believe in Christ, whatever may have been their former state. We may have been as hostile to Christ as the superstitious Jews, or as far from him as the idolatrous Gentiles—and yet, if we embrace and obey the Gospel, this blessedness shall be ours.

And is this event now fast approaching? Let us then consider,

II. The effect which the prospect of it should produce on us.

Surely we should not be insensible to it.

1. This prospect should prevail to enlarge our philanthropy.

We are, for the most part, very narrow and contracted in our regards for our fellow men. Rarely do we feel much for any, except our own immediate neighbors, or those in whose welfare we have some personal interest. And even then, it is for their temporal, rather than their spiritual welfare that we are chiefly concerned. But we ought to extend our regards to the whole family of man dispersed throughout the earth; and, above all, to feel for their eternal interests.

Behold how Jehovah expresses himself in our text. One would have thought that the great oppressors of his people, Egypt and Assyria, might have been excepted from his benevolent regards; but we find he contemplates their return to him with the utmost delight. Thus, then, should it be with you. You should be like-minded with God in this holy feeling. The whole world, whether Jews or Gentiles, should be objects of your deepest solicitude. To see them ignorant of God and his Christ, should fill you with pain; and to have a prospect of their conversion, should excite in you the liveliest joy. Let me not be mistaken; I would not have your neighbors overlooked, either in relation to their temporal or their eternal interests; but I would have your hearts expanded, even as God’s is, to embrace the whole family of man; and, as the conversion of their souls to God is, beyond all comparison, the most important object, I would have that to occupy the chief place in your minds.

2. This prospect should prevail to raise our expectations.

We think it almost impossible to enlighten the minds of the idolatrous Gentiles; and we quite ridicule the idea of converting the bigoted and superstitious Jews. But the work shall be done; for the prophet says, “If this is marvelous in your eyes, should it also be marvelous in my eyes? says the Lord Almighty, Zechariah 8:6.”

Beloved brethren, not only is this event certain, but it is also near. Between two and three thousand years ago, the Prophet Isaiah had such clear views of it, that he saw it through this long vista, exhibited as it were before his eyes, “Lift up your eyes round about, and behold; all these gather themselves together, and come to you. As I live, says the Lord, you shall surely clothe yourself with them all as with an ornament, and bind them on you as a bride does .…You shall say in your heart, Who has begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been? Isaiah 49:18; Isaiah 49:21.” “Who are these that fly as doves to their windows, Isaiah 60:8.”

Now, did the prophet in his day see it realized before his eyes, and shall not we, now that the time is so nearly come? Dear brethren, you may already see “a stir among the dry bones, through the whole valley of vision; and it is yet but a very little time, and the Spirit of God shall breathe upon them, and they shall live, a whole army, Ezekiel 37:7-10.” Yes, I can confidently say, “It is now but a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest! Isaiah 29:17.”

3. This prospect should prevail to quicken our exertions.

In every age has God carried on his work through the instrumentality of men. What were the Prophets or the Apostles, but ministers, by whom he accomplished the purposes of his grace? And so, at this time, he appeals to us respecting the ignorant and ungodly world, “How shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14.”

You will say, perhaps, “We cannot all be preachers.” True; but there is much which may be done by every one among us. We may all comply with that direction of the prophet, “Lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.” Yes, we may all “pray for the peace and welfare of Jerusalem.” In fact, we are commanded, not only to pray, but to give God no rest, until he establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth, Isaiah 62:6-7.” We may also contribute, each according to his ability, to further those means which are employed, of circulating through the world the Scriptures of truth, and of sending Missionaries also to instruct mankind.

The command given by our Lord was, “to go forth into all the world, and to preach the Gospel to every creature.” But how can people go at their own cost? If a warfare against a hostile nation is determined, we never think of men going to maintain it at their own cost. Nor is it to be supposed that now people should wage war against all the powers of darkness, and go forth to rescue the millions whom they hold in bondage, if they are not aided in their efforts by the contributions of their brethren. In this way, then, all may exert themselves in the common cause; and if our blessed Lord gave up himself to the most cruel death for the salvation of the world, methinks we, who have been partakers of his mercy, should use our efforts in every possible way, to extend the knowledge of Him through the world; and never to rest, until “all shall know Him, from the least to the greatest,” and “all flesh shall see the salvation of God!”

Charles Simeon

Isaiah 19:20

“They shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors, and He shall send them a Savior, and a great One, and he shall deliver them.”

God usually grants his mercies when we are reduced to the greatest straits. This is manifest in his most remarkable dispensations of providence and of grace. In the greatest extremity God promised to send a deliverer to Egypt.

In this view it seems applicable to the angel who slew 185,000 of Sennacherib’s army; for, though that deliverance was more immediately given to the Jews under Hezekiah—yet in its consequences it extended to Egypt. Sennacherib had before conquered and ravaged Egypt; and it was most probable that if he had taken Jerusalem be would have again proceeded there with his victorious army, and reduced that already desolated kingdom to the lowest ebb of misery. And perhaps there may be a further reference to some other deliverers.

But there is a further reference to Christ as the Savior of the Gentile world. This appears from the whole context, verse 18-25; and it is in seasons of heavy dejection that He reveals himself to them; to him therefore we must look as the Savior foretold in the text.

I. In what respects He is “a great Savior”.

It is justly said by the Psalmist that “his greatness is unsearchable! Psalm 145:3; nevertheless we may, not unprofitably, endeavor to illustrate it.

He is great when considered in his own person.

He has a name above every name either on earth or in Heaven. He is exalted to be a Prince that can give repentance and remission of sins, Acts 5:31. The voice of inspiration calls him, “the great God and our Savior, Titus 2:13.” He speaks of himself in terms of similar import, Isaiah 45:22; nor can anything be more glorious than the description given of him by the prophet, Isaiah 9:6. This Savior, “though a man, thinks it not robbery to be equal with God, Philippians 2:6.” He is “God manifest in the flesh, 1 Timothy 3:16,” even “God over all blessed forever! Romans 9:5.”

He is also great in respect of the salvation he has wrought out for us.
Who can count the number of the sins from which he has delivered us?
Who can estimate the misery from which he has redeemed us?

Through our whole lives we have been heaping up treasures of wrath, Romans 2:5. Yet is there no condemnation to us if we are savingly interested in him, Romans 8:1; besides, he has purchased for us an eternal inheritance in Heaven. Who can estimate all that is there enjoyed? We must know all the glories of Heaven and the horrors of Hell, before we can fully appreciate the greatness of his salvation.

But before we speak peace to ourselves, it befits us to inquire,

II. For whose deliverance he is sent.

Great as his mercy is, it will not indiscriminately extend to all. They, for whose relief he comes, are “oppressed” with the burden of sin.

The generality, alas! are well contented with their bondage. If he should offer to deliver them, they would thrust him from them, as the Israelites of old did their savior Moses, Acts 7:37; Acts 7:39. But there are some who mourn like the saints of old, Isaiah 6:5. Romans 7:24. They desire nothing so much as to be delivered from their corruptions. For these Jesus came down from Heaven, and died upon the cross. Nor, though they be lawful captives, will he leave them in the hand of their enemies. Isaiah 48:24, 25.

They at the same time “cry earnestly to the Lord” for deliverance.

There are some, it must be confessed, who are uneasy in their sins—yet do not with fervor and constancy implore his mercy, Psalm 32:3-4. Hosea 7:14. Such therefore, notwithstanding their uneasiness, obtain no help from him. His mercy is promised to those alone who seek it with importunity, Matthew 7:7. Ezekiel 36:37. But humble and believing suppliants shall never be rejected by him. They shall find him a great, compassionate, and all-sufficient Savior.

APPLICATION.

Are any among you unconcerned about their sins? O! reflect on your state. Would God have sent you such a Savior, if your condition had not required it? Or, will you take occasion from this stupendous grace, to live more securely in your sins? O! consider that your cries, however available now, will soon, if delayed, become of no effect! Luke 16:24-25.

Are others of you conflicting with sin and Satan? Lift up your heads with joy. However desperate your state may seem, your redemption draws near, nor shall all the powers of darkness rescue you from your Redeemer’s hands! John 10:28.

Are there here any who have experienced deliverance? Adore your Lord, and go on, “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Only commit yourselves entirely to him, and you shall join in eternal Hallelujahs to God and to the Lamb!

Charles Simeon