Vers. 10-12.-The homeward call. "The prophet returns to the exiles in Babylon, and urii;es them not to delay their homeward march." It is the same call which resounded in the two former divisions of the prophecy (eh. xlviil. 20; lii. 11). I. THE WAY CLEARED. The gates of Babylon are to be thrown open. Invisible servants of Jehovah are to prepare the way (eh. :xl. 3; lvii. 14). A great highway (as in eh. :xi. 16) is seen stretching homeward, from which the party of pioneers is removing obstructions; and on high there floats a banner over the escort of Gentile people ( eh. :xliv. 22; xi. 10, 12). . II. THE PROCLAMATION, The news of the approaching salvation of Israel is to be published to the ends of the earth. Meanwhile Zion, by means of angelic or prophetic ministry, is to be informed of her coming deliverance. He who is Retributor and Compensator is at hand. III. 'fnE REALIZATION OF ZioN'B DESTINY, The people are to be known once more by that great appellation given them in the Law (Exod. :xix. 6), the holy people, partaking of the nature of the holy God-by him redeemed, by him sanctified-a title which passed over into Christian use. In contrast to her former isolation and neglectedness (Jer. xxx. 17), the city will be" sought out," the object of the nations' love and care. In Christians as the elect, the beloved of God, in the Church as the" city set on a hill," or as a glorious and spotless bride, may be found the Christian fulfilment of these prophecies.-J.
Ver. 4.-Fellowship with God, "Thou shalt no more be termed Foreaken.n Mis- taken we may be-our judgment is so weak, our bearts so worldly-but not forsaken. It is a beautiful word, and it is enough. God will not condescend to explain all his ways to men; but he is a Father, and the Father will never forsake his child. Isaiah is cnlled the evangelical prophet, and he is so; be heralds the kingdom of Christ, describes the nature of the kingdom, under a King who shall reign in righteousness, and gives us the pathetic picture of his sorrows. In one word, as II prophet of the Redeemer, be describes the tbeopbany, the appearance or manifestation of God himself; the great coming age of Immanuel," God with us." ·wars are prophesied of, even after the advent of Christ-tribulations and shaking of nations. Much has to be over- turned; but amid all there is the pathway of the true King. Jesus comes, aud comes to reign. Much is transient here. It is declared so to be. Man is said to be a pilgrim, and yet utters a cry of wonder that he cannot make earth a home. Riches are said to have wings, and then man is surprised that they flee away. Life is said to be like the grass, and then man is staggered that it is cut down. Friends turn false or fickle, and then man is surprised that evil hearts act in evil ways. Nature has her seasons, nnd then man marvels at the analogue of life which has its night as well as its day. On the one band man scoffs at and scorns the Bible, and on the other refuses to see how full of realism aud truth all its moral revelations are. It is equally true on its restful side. It tells us that amidst all we have a Father in heaven, whose will is wise and just, whose heart ie ltlnd and true and good, It jlssures u~ in that coming of 1B4IAl'I-Il• 2Y 434 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH. [oH. LXII. 1-12,