Isa 29:23, 45:11 | JFB | STEP | 23. But —rather, "For." he —Jacob. work of mine hands —spiritually, as well as physically ( ). By Jehovah's agency Israel shall be cleansed of its corruptions, and shall consist wholly of pious men ( ). midst of him —that is, his land. Or else "His children" are the Gentiles adopted among the Israelites, his lineal descendants ( ) [HORSLEY ].

Isaiah 29:23

23. But—rather, "For."

he—Jacob.

work of mine hands—spiritually, as well as physically (Isa 19:25; 60:21; Eph 2:10). By Jehovah's agency Israel shall be cleansed of its corruptions, and shall consist wholly of pious men (Isa 54:13, 14; 2:1; 60:21).

midst of him—that is, his land. Or else "His children" are the Gentiles adopted among the Israelites, his lineal descendants (Ro 9:26; Eph 3:6) [HORSLEY].

Isaiah 45:11

11. Ask . . . command—Instead of striving with Me in regard to My purposes, your wisdom is in prayer to ask, and even command Me, in so far as it is for My glory, and for your real good (Mr 11:24; Joh 16:23, 13, latter part of the verse; 1Jo 3:22).

sons— (Isa 54:13; Ga 3:26).

work of my hands—spiritually (Eph 2:10); also literal Israel (Isa 60:21). MAURER translates, instead of "command," Leave it to Me, in My dealings concerning My sons and concerning the work of My hands, to do what I will with My own. LOWTH reads it interrogatively, Do ye presume to question Me and dictate to Me (see Isa 45:9, 10)? The same sense is given, if the words be taken in irony. But English Version is best.