Psalms 102:18
18. people . . . created—(compare Ps 22:31), an organized body, as a Church.
Isaiah 43:1
1. But now—notwithstanding God's past just judgments for Israel's sins.
created—not only in the general sense, but specially created as a peculiar people unto Himself (Isa 43:7, 15, 21; Isa 44:2, 21, 24). So believers, "created in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:10), "a peculiar people" (1Pe 2:9). redeemed—a second argument why they should trust Him besides creation. The Hebrew means to ransom by a price paid in lieu of the captives (compare Isa 43:3). Babylon was to be the ransom in this case, that is, was to be destroyed, in order that they might be delivered; so Christ became a curse, doomed to death, that we might be redeemed. called . . . by . . . name—not merely "called" in general, as in Isa 42:6; 48:12; 51:2, but designated as His own peculiar people (compare Isa 45:3, 4; Ex 32:1; 33:12; Joh 10:3). Isaiah 45:8
8. Drop—namely, the fertilizing rain (Ps 65:12).
skies—clouds; lower than the "heavens." righteousness—that is, the dews of the Holy Spirit, whereby "righteousness" shall "spring up." (See latter end of the verse). earth—figuratively for the hearts of men on it, opened for receiving the truth by the Holy Ghost (Ac 16:14). them—the earth and the heavens. HORSLEY prefers: "Let the earth open, and let salvation and justice grow forth; let it bring them forth together; I the Lord have created him" (Isa 45:13). MAURER translates, "Let all kinds of salvation (prosperity) be fruitful" (Ps 72:3, 6, 7). The revival of religion after the return from Babylon suggests to the prophet the diffusion of Messiah's Gospel, especially in days still future; hence the elevation of the language to a pitch above what is applicable to the state of religion after the return. Isaiah 60:21
21. all righteous— (Isa 4:3; 52:1; Re 21:27).
inherit . . . land— (Isa 49:8; 54:3; 65:9; Ps 37:11, 22; Mt 5:5). branch of my planting— (Isa 61:3; Ps 92:13; Mt 15:13). work of my hands—the converted Israelites (Isa 29:23; 45:11). that I may be glorified—the final end of all God's gracious dealings (Isa 49:3; 61:3). Ephesians 2:10
10. workmanship—literally, "a thing of His making"; "handiwork." Here the spiritual creation, not the physical, is referred to (Eph 2:8, 9).
created—having been created (Eph 4:24; Ps 102:18; Isa 43:21; 2Co 5:5, 17). unto good works—"for good works." "Good works" cannot be performed until we are new "created unto" them. Paul never calls the works of the law "good works." We are not saved by, but created unto, good works. before ordained—Greek, "before made ready" (compare Joh 5:36). God marks out for each in His purposes beforehand, the particular good works, and the time and way which tie sees best. God both makes ready by His providence the opportunities for the works, and makes us ready for their performance (Joh 15:16; 2Ti 2:21). that we should walk in them—not "be saved" by them. Works do not justify, but the justified man works (Ga 5:22-25).
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