Attributed commentary excerpt
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 58:14
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Notes on the Whole Bible
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord - That is, as a consequence of properly observing the Sabbath, thou shalt find pleasure in Yahweh. It will be a pleasure to draw near to him, and you shall no longer be left to barren ordinances and to unanswered prayers. The delight or pleasure which God’s people have in him is a direct and necessary consequence of the proper observance of the Sabbath. It is on that day set apart by his own authority, for his own service, that he chooses to meet with his people, and to commune with them and bless them; and no one ever properly observed the Sabbath who did not find, as a consequence, that he had augmented pleasure in the existence, the character, and the service of Yahweh. Compare Job 22:21-26, where the principle stated here - that the observance of the law of God will lead to happiness in the Almighty - is beautifully illustrated (see also Psalms 37:4). And I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth - A phrase like this occurs in Deuteronomy 32:13 : ‘He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of fields.’ In Habakkuk 3:19, the phrase also occurs: ‘He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.’ So also Psalms 18:33 : ‘He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.’ In Amos 4:13, it is applied to God: ‘He maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth.’ Kimchi, Calvin, and Grotius suppose that the idea here is, that God would restore the exiled Jews to their own land - a land of mountains and elevated places, more lofty than the surrounding regions. Vitringa says that the phrase is taken from a conqueror, who on his horse or in his chariot, occupies mountains, hills, towers, and monuments, and subjects them to himself. Rosenmuller supposes it means, ‘I will place you in lofty and inaccessible places, where you will be safe from all your enemies.’ Gesenius also supposes that the word ‘high places’ here means fastnesses or strongholds, and that to walk over those strongholds, or to ride over them, is equivalent to possessing them, and that he who has possession of the fastnesses has possession of the whole country (see his Lexicon on the word במה bâmâh, No. 2). I give these views of the most distinguished commentators on the passage, not being able to determine satisfactorily to myself what is the true signification. Neither of the above expositions seems to me to be entirely free from difficulty. The general idea of prosperity and security is undoubtedly the main thing intended; but what is the specific sense couched under the phrase ‘to ride on the high places of the earth,’ does not seem to me to be sufficiently explained. And feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father - That is, thou shalt possess the land promised to Jacob as an inheritance. For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it - This formula often occurs when an important promise is made, and it is regarded as ample security for the fulfillment that Yahweh has promised it. What more ample security can be required, or conceived, than the promise of the eternal God? Remarks on Isaiah 58:1-14 I. From Isaiah 58:1-6, and the exposition given of these verses, particularly Isaiah 58:6, we may make the following remarks respecting slavery. 1. That the prophets felt themselves at entire liberty to animadvert on slavery as an evil. They did not feel themselves restrained from doing it b…
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