Bible Commentary

Isaiah 49:2

The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 49:2

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

He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says that "the Word of God" generally "is … sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow" ().

Christian experience testifies that tiffs keen, searching, cutting power attaches in an especial way to the sayings of Jesus, which pierce the heart as no other words can do, and rankle in the soul, which is quite unable to forget them.

The imagery recurs in the Revelation of St. John (; , ; , ). In the shadow of his hand hath he hid me. Either keeping him safe from the malice of his enemies, or reserving him until, "in the fulness of time," it would be fitting to reveal him to the world.

And made me a polished shaft, A weapon even keener than a sword, smoothed and polished, so as to make it pierce the deeper, and kept hid in God's quiver until the time came when it could be launched with most effect against the hearts of ungodly men.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Isaiah 49:1-6The great Author of redemption shows the authority for his work. The sword of his word slays the lusts of his people, and all at enmity with them. His sharp arrows wound the conscience; but all these wounds will be heal…Matthew HenrycommentaryEncouragement to the Gentiles. (b. c. 706.)ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE GENTILES. (B. C. 706.) Here, I. An auditory is summoned together and attention demanded. The sermon in the foregoing chapter was directed to the house of Jacob and the people of Israel, Isaiah 49:1.…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 49:1-13Jehovah and his Servant. The Servant of Jehovah is wearied with the obstinacy of the Israelites, and turns to the lands afar off, that he may unfold to them his high mission and its purport. The offer of salvation is to…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 49:1-4The claim, the confession, and the consolation of the Servant of God. We may treat this passage either historically or practically. We look at it— I. IN ITS REFERENCE TO JESUS CHRIST. He was, indeed, an Israel, a Prince…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 49:1-26SECTION III. THE MISSION OF THE SERVANT OF THE LORD (CH. 49-53). EXPOSITION The connection of the present section is especially with Isaiah 42:1-7, where the mission of the Servant of Jehovah was first announced. That m…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 49:1-12JEHOVAH'S ATTESTATION OF HIS SERVANT'S MISSION. Jehovah called his Servant from the womb; mentioned him by name; made his mouth a sharp sword; held him in his hand; caused him to be a polished weapon; appointed him his…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 49:2Fitness for God's service. The general idea of this section of Isaiah's prophecies needs to be borne in mind. In it "Israel himself, in all his contradictory characteristics, becomes the engrossing subject of the prophe…Joseph S. Exell and contributors