Bible Commentary

Isaiah 66:15-24

Matthew Henry on Isaiah 66:15-24

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

A prophetic declaration is given of the Lord's vengeance on all enemies of his church, especially that of all antichristian opposers of the gospel in the latter days. 19,20, set forth the abundance of means for conversion of sinners.

These expressions are figurative, and express the plentiful and gracious helps for bringing God's elect home to Christ. All shall be welcome; and nothing shall be wanting for their assistance and encouragement.

A gospel ministry shall be set up in the church; they would have solemn worship before the Lord. In the last verse the nature of the punishment of sinners in the world to come is represented. Then shall the righteous and wicked be separated.

Our Saviour applies this to the everlasting misery and torment of impenitent sinners in the future state. To the honour of that free grace which thus distinguishes them, let the redeemed of the Lord, with humility, and not without holy trembling, sing triumphant songs.

With this affecting representation of the opposite states of the righteous and wicked, characters which include the whole human race, Isaiah concludes his prophecies. May God grant, for Christ's sake, that our portion may be with those who fear and love his name, who cleave to his truths, and persevere in every good work, looking to receive from the Lord Jesus Christ the gracious invitation, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 66:1-24SECTION XII.—FINAL THREATENINGS AND PROMISES (Isaiah 66:1-24.). EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryDivine Judgment; Judgment and Mercy; The Enlargement of the Church. (b. c. 706.)DIVINE JUDGMENT; JUDGMENT AND MERCY; THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE CHURCH. (B. C. 706.) These verses, like the pillar of cloud and fire, have a dark side towards the enemies of God's kingdom and all that are rebels against his…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 66:15Behold, the Lord will come with fire. "Fire" is a usual accompaniment of a "theophany." God descended on Sinai "in fire" (Exodus 19:18), and led the Israelites through the wilderness by the pillar of the cloud and of fi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 66:15-18THE VENGEANCE WHICH GOD WILL TAKE ON HIS ENEMIES. A signal outpouring of God's vengeance upon his enemies precedes the settlement of the Church in its final glorious condition, both in Isaiah and in the Revelation of St…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 66:15-17The purging of the earth by the destruction of the wicked. The kingdom of Christ cannot be fully set up in all its blessedness until the earth is prepared for its reception; and the main preparation required is the elim…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 66:15-24The manifestation of Jehovah. I. IT IS A MANIFESTATION IN FIRE. Very common is the representation of this coming by or in the element of fire. Its associations are of judgment, vengeance—devouring fire (Psalms 50:3). So…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 66:16The slain of the Lord. While it is doubtful as to what special juncture the prophet refers when he says that" the slain of the Lord shall be many," it is painfully and practically certain that at all times these slain o…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 66:16By fire and by his sword (see the introductory paragraph). The "sword of Jehovah" is spoken of also in Isaiah 27:1 and Isaiah 34:5, Isaiah 34:6 (comp. Revelation 19:15, Revelation 19:21). Will the Lord plead with all fl…Joseph S. Exell and contributors