Isa 52:1-2, 54:10-13 | JFB | STEP | 1. strength —as thy adornment; answering to "beautiful garments" in the parallel clause. Arouse thyself from dejection and assume confidence. the holy city — ( ). no more . . . unclean — ( ). A prophecy never yet fulfilled. uncircumcised

Isaiah 52:1-2

1. strength—as thy adornment; answering to "beautiful garments" in the parallel clause. Arouse thyself from dejection and assume confidence.

the holy city— (Ne 11:1; Re 21:2).

no more . . . unclean— (Isa 35:8; 60:21; Joe 3:17; Re 21:27). A prophecy never yet fulfilled.

uncircumcised—spiritually (Eze 44:9; Ac 7:51).

2. from the dust—the seat of mourners (Job 2:12, 13).

arise, and sit—namely, in a more dignified place: on a divan or a throne [LOWTH], after having shaken off the dust gathered up by the flowing dress when seated on the ground; or simply, "Arise, and sit erect" [MAURER].

bands of . . . neck—the yoke of thy captivity.

Isaiah 54:10-13

10. (Isa 51:6; Ps 89:33, 34; Ro 11:29).

covenant of my peace— (2Sa 23:5). The covenant whereby I have made thee at peace with Me.

11. not comforted—by anyone; none gave her help or comfort.

lay . . . with fair colours—rather, "lay . . . in cement of vermilion" [LOWTH]. The Hebrew for "fair colors" means stibium, the paint with which Eastern women painted their eyelids and eyelashes (2Ki 9:30). The very cement shall be of the most beautiful color (Re 21:18-21).

12. windows—rather, "battlements"; literally, "suns"; applied to battlements from their radiated appearance.

agates—rather, "rubies."

carbuncles—literally, "sparkling gems"; the carbuncle when held to the sun becomes like a burning coal.

all thy borders—rather, "thy whole circuit," consisting of precious stones. The glory of the Church on earth, when the Hebrew Church, according to the original design, shall be the metropolis of Christendom.

13. Quoted by the Saviour (Joh 6:45), to prove that in order to come to Him, men must be "drawn" by the Father. So Jer 31:34; Mic 4:2; 1Co 2:10; Heb 8:10; 10:16; 1Jo 2:20.

great . . . peace—generally (Ps 119:165). Specially referring to the peaceful prosperity which shall prevail under Messiah in the latter days (Isa 2:4, 9:6).