The Pulpit Commentary — Isaiah — Volume 1 — Section 333

the promise ma.de to Abraham, as a man of God and man of faith, that "in him, and in hi8 seed, all nations of the earth should be blessed" (Gen. xxii. 18). Scripture intimates that the Jews have been the great conservatorA of the two foundation-truth11, of (1) God's unity and (2) God's spirituality, for the whole world, and that they are yet to be the great agents in the conversion of the world to God, as revealed in Jesus Obrist; and perhaps no race ie eo widely scattered over the earth, or so efficiently represented in all lands, ae the J ewe. They may be a " blessing" indeed, when the veil is taken away, and they see in Jesus of Nazareth the world's Messiah and Saviour. We, however, for the purpose of this homily, think of the Jew in the world ae representing the godly man set in various circumstances, and exercising a graciou~ influence in his circle, whatever it may be. He is a source of blessing, a means of blessing, and an object of blessing. I. HE IS A SOURCE OF BLESSING, This term brings up for consideration his uncon- scious influence-the blessing which flows from the good man, by virtue of what he is, rather than of what he does. A beautiful picture, a work of perfect art, a gracious and gentle-mannered person, exert power for good apart from conscious intention. And so the pure are the " salt of the earth." II. HE IS A MEANS OF BLESSING. This term brings to view his conscious influence. For the good man lies under trust, and wants to be faithful. And the good man, by virtue of his goodness, is full of concern for the well-being of others; so his life must be an active charity. Like his Master, he is "ever going about, doing good," inventing ways in which he can become a blessing. III. HE IS AN OBJEOT TO BE BLESSED, By God, whose wo:k he is doing, whose Name he is honouring, and whose service he is commending. God never forgets our work of faith and labour of love, but ensures that all who are a blessing are blessed.-R. T. Ver. 25.-All nations belonging unto God. This is a singular and even !!Uiprising expression. These nations were idolatrous, and they came under severe Divine judg- ments, and yet God claims them as his, and even declares bis favour towards them, using the same terms concerning Egypt and Assyria as concerning his own people Israel, and saying, "Blessed is my people Egypt, and the work of my hands Assyria, and mine inheritance Israel." • Speaker's Commentary 'says, "The widespread influence of the Jews over Syria, and the adjacent countries under the Syro-Macedocia.n kings, as well as over Egypt under the Ptolemies, may represent an initial stage in the fulfilment of the prophecy. A. second stage commenced with that great day, which sent devout men back from Jerusalem into Egypt and Libya on one side, into Partbia, Media, Elam, and Mesopotamia, on the other (Acts ii. 9, 10), to tell how "GoJ, having raised up his Son Jesus" (the Prince and the Saviour), bad sent him to bless" the Jews first, and in them all nations." I. As INDIVIDUALS, COMPOSING NATIONS, ALL MEN ARE Goo's OBEATION. So be has natural rights in them all. "It is be that bath made us, and not we ourselves;" then "Come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." II. As LOCATED IN PARTICULAR POSITIONS, NATIONS HAVE THE BOUNDS OF THEIR HABITATIONS APPOINTED BY GoD. See St. Paul's argument in Acts xvii. 26. III, As ENDOWED WITH NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS, ALL NATIONS ARE CALLED TO THE SERVICE OF Goo. For ·nations have special gifts, as truly as individuals; and wherever there are gifts there must be responsibility. The genius of every nation is its special ability to witness for and work for God. It bas been well said that Israel, Greece, and Rome were three countries of God's election; Israel called to witness for religion, Greece for art, and Rome for law. But a similar statement might be made concerning every nation. IV. As UNDER MORAL TRIAL, ALL NATIONS ABE WITHIN THE SUPERVISION OF GoD. The true way to regard national history and experiences is this: In them, GoJ's dealings with individuals find open and public illustration; and so individuals may learn moral lessons that have personal application to themselves. V. As NEEDING A REDEEMER, ALL NATIONS SHARE IN THE ONE PROVISION 11ADE BY GoD. God loves the world. All have sinned. There is only one Name, but by it all men everywhere may be saved.-R. 'l'. 330 'lllE llOOK OF TUE PROPHET ISA.I.All, [en. x.x. ,1-6.