Every week, one Greek or Hebrew word changes how you read a familiar passage. Subscribe free →
BibleWord.ai iconBibleWord.ai

Attributed commentary excerpt

John Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:27

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
The first shall say to Zion, behold, behold them, &c.] Or, “I the first say to Zion”; I who am the first and the last, (<234104>Isaiah 41:4) which some ancient Jewish writersf805 observe is the name of the Messiah, and apply the passage to him; or, I am the “first” that say these things to Zionf806, behold, behold them; behold such and such things shall come to pass, and accordingly they have come to pass; or, “behold”, the promised Messiah, whom I have long spoken of, behold, he is come; (see <234201>Isaiah 42:1), and behold them, his apostles and ministers, publishing the good tidings of salvation, as follows. The Targum is, “the words of consolation which the prophets prophesied from the beginning concerning Sion, behold they come;” they come to pass; which is such a proof of deity the idols and their worshippers cannot give: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings; which some interpret of Isaiah; others of Cyrus; others of Christ; and others of John the Baptist. I suppose the singular put for the plural, “one that bringeth good tidings”, or, “an evangelist for evangelists”; and may be understood of Gospel teachers, whom the Lord gave to his church and people, and by means of whom he spread his Gospel, not only in Judea, but in the Gentile world, to the overthrow of Paganism.
How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.