Bible Commentary

Isaiah 47:13

The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 47:13

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Many counsellors.

"Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels." The mind of man will seek counsel. For men everywhere, in the old Athenian groves and gardens, and in the fellowship of modern clubs and associations, will seek for "opinion" to guide and help them. They are so slow to trust alone to conscience and to God.

I. THE UNSATISFYING ORACLES. "Thou art wearied." You have tried them so often without results of guidance and good. All is vain. Men go here and there, but, alas! too often to those who are the most likely to fall in with their desires and whims. Like Absalom, men consult counsellors like Ahithophel, who pander to their folly. Then, when times of real emergency and anxiety come, when the poor tired heart needs rest and peace, it is led to new pleasures, new excitements and interests, until weariness ensues. How contrasted is the Christian's lot! "Commit thy way unto him."

II. THE MANIFOLD FAILURE. It is a failure all round. Think of the multitude of counsellors. Men go to a minister instead of to the Bible; or to a priest instead of to a Saviour; or to their passions instead of their conscience; or to man instead of to God. Humbly let us seek the heavenly guidance. "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way."—W.M.S.

HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 47:1-15The fall of ancient states a warning to modern ones. History has been defined as "philosophy teaching by examples." It is only on the supposition that there are lessons to be learnt from them that historical inquiries o…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 47:1-15EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 47:1-15A SONG OF TRIUMPH OVER THE FALL OF BABYLON. The song divides itself into four strophes, or stanzas—the first one of four verses (Isaiah 47:1-4); the second of three (Isaiah 47:5-7); the third of four (Isaiah 47:8-11); a…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 47:1-15The fall of Babylon. This is a scoffing song at the overthrow of Babylon. It is divided into four nearly equal stanzas. Luxury, ambition, and the practice of magic—the one sin worse than the others—were prevalent at Bab…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Isaiah 47:7-15Let us beware of acting and speaking as Babylon did; of trusting in tyranny and oppression; of boasting as to our abilities, relying on ourselves, and ascribing success to our own prudence and wisdom; lest we partake of…Matthew HenrycommentaryBabylon Threatened. (b. c. 708.)BABYLON THREATENED. (B. C. 708.) Babylon, now doomed to ruin, is here justly upbraided with her pride, luxury, and security, in the day of her prosperity, and the confidence she had in her own wisdom and forecast, and p…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 47:13The weariness of self-service. "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels." Babylon was trusting self, trying to find its own way out of calamities; and it was proving what weary, hopeless work that always is. A…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 47:13Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Mr. Cheyne's rendering is more intelligible, "Thou hast wearied thyself with the multitude of thy consultations.'' Those at the head of affairs had consulted the divine…Joseph S. Exell and contributors