Isaiah 45:19

“I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth, &c.] In a private whisper, in a muttering manner, and out of the belly, as the Heathen priests did; and from out of cells, dens, and caverns of the earth, from whence the oracles of Heathen deities were delivered; but in a free, open, clear, and public manner, before multitudes, in the face of all men, or where there was a great concourse of people: so Christ delivered the law on Mount Sinai, in an audible manner, attended with a multitude of angels, and before all the people; and when here on earth he said nothing in secret, but openly to the world, in the synagogues and temple of the Jews, where they resorted in great numbers,…”

“not . . . secret--not like the heathen oracles which gave their responses from dark caverns, with studied obscurity (Isa 48:16). Christ plainly quotes these words, thereby identifying Himself with Jehovah (Joh 18:20). I said not . . . Seek . . . in vain--When I commanded you to seek Me (Jehovah did so, Isa 45:11, "Ask Me," &c.), it was not in order that ye might be sent empty away (Deu 32:47). Especially in Israel's time of trial, God's interposition, in behalf of Zion hereafter, is expressly stated as about to be the answer to prayer (Isa 62:6-10; Psa 102:13-17, Psa 102:19-21). So in the case of all believers, the spiritual Israel. righteousness--that which is veracious: not in the…”

“I have not spoken in secret - The word rendered ‘secret’ (סתר sı̂ther) denotes a hiding, or covering; and the phrase here means secretly, privately. He did not imitate the pagan oracles by uttering his predictions from dark and deep caverns, and encompassed with the circumstances of awful mystery, and with designed obscurity. In a dark place of the earth - From a cave, or dark recess, in the manner of the pagan oracles. The pagan responses were usually given from some dark cavern or recess, doubtless the bettcr to impress with awe the minds of those who consulted the oracles, and to make them more ready to credit the revelations of the fancied god. Such was the seat of the Sybil, mentioned…”

“In secret - The Heathen idols deliver oracles in obscure cells and caverns: but I have delivered my oracles to Israel publickly and plainly. In vain - Serve and worship me for nought. As I appointed them work, so from time to time I have given them abundant recompence. Right - I require nothing of my people which is not highly just and good. Isaiah 45:20”

“spoken: Isa 43:9, Isa 43:10, Isa 48:16; Deu 29:29, Deu 30:11-14; Pro 1:21, Pro 8:1-4; Joh 7:26, Joh 7:28; Joh 7:37-39, Joh 18:20; Act 2:4-8 Seek: Isa 1:15, Isa 8:19, Isa 55:6, Isa 55:7, Isa 58:1-3; Ch1 28:8; Ch2 15:2; Ezr 8:22; Psa 24:6; Psa 69:13, Psa 69:32; Pro 15:8; Jer 29:13; Amo 5:4; Mal 3:13, Mal 3:14; Mat 15:8, Mat 15:9; Jam 4:3 speak righteousness: Isa 63:1; Num 23:19, Num 23:20; Deu 32:4; Psa 9:10, Psa 12:6, Psa 19:7-10, Psa 111:7, Psa 111:8; Psa 119:137, Psa 119:138; Pro 8:6, Pro 30:5 Isaiah 45:20”