‏ Isaiah 25

* A song of praise. (1-5) A declaration of the gospel blessings.

(6-8) The destruction of the enemies of Christ's church. (9-12)

1-5 However this might show the deliverance of the Jews out of

captivity, it looked further, to the praises that should be

offered up to God for Christ's victories over our spiritual

enemies, and the comforts he has provided for all believers.

True faith simply credits the Lord's testimony, and relies on

his truth to perform his promises. As God weakens the strong who

are proud and secure, so he strengthens the weak that are

humble, and stay themselves upon him. God protects his people in

all weathers. The Lord shelters those who trust in him from the

insolence of oppressors. Their insolence is but the noise of

strangers; it is like the heat of the sun scorching in the

middle of the day; but where is it when the sun is set? The Lord

ever was, and ever will be, the Refuge of distressed believers.

Having provided them a shelter, he teaches them to flee unto it. 6-8 The kind reception of repentant sinners, is often in the

New Testament likened to a feast. The guests invited are all

people, Gentiles as well as Jews. There is that in the gospel

which strengthens and makes glad the heart, and is fit for those

who are under convictions of sin, and mourning for it. There is

a veil spread over all nations, for all sat in darkness. But

this veil the Lord will destroy, by the light of his gospel

shining in the world, and the power of his Spirit opening men's

eyes to receive it. He will raise those to spiritual life who

were long dead in trespasses and sins. Christ will himself, in

his resurrection, triumph over death. Grief shall be banished;

there shall be perfect and endless joy. Those that mourn for sin

shall be comforted. Those who suffer for Christ shall have

consolations. But in the joys of heaven, and not short of them,

will fully be brought to pass this saying, God shall wipe away

all tears. The hope of this should now do away over-sorrow, all

weeping that hinders sowing. Sometimes, in this world God takes

away the reproach of his people from among men; however, it will

be done fully at the great day. Let us patiently bear sorrow and

shame now; both will be done away shortly. 9-12 With joy and praise will those entertain the glad tidings

of the Redeemer, who looked for him; and with a triumphant song

will glorified saints enter into the joy of their Lord. And it

is not in vain to wait for him; for the mercy comes at last,

with abundant recompence for the delay. The hands once stretched

out upon the cross, to make way for our salvation, will at

length be stretched forth to destroy all impenitent sinners.

Moab is here put for all adversaries of God's people; they shall

all be trodden down or threshed. God shall bring down the pride

of the enemies by one humbling judgment after another. This

destruction of Moab is typical of Christ's victory, and the

pulling down of Satan's strong holds. Therefore, beloved

brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the

work of the Lord; for your labour is not in vain in the Lord.