17 Is it not yet just a little while Before Lebanon will be turned into a fertile field , And the fertile field will be considered as a forest ? 18 On that day the deaf will hear words of a book , And out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see . 19 The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the Lord , And the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel . 20 For the ruthless will come to an end and the scorner will be finished , Indeed all who are intent on doing evil will be cut off ; 21 Who cause a person to be indicted by a word , And ensnare him who adjudicates at the gate , And defraud the one in the right with meaningless arguments . 22 Therefore thus says the Lord , who redeemed Abraham , concerning the house of Jacob : "Jacob shall not now be ashamed , nor shall his face now turn pale ; 23 But when he sees his children , the work of My hands , in his midst , They will sanctify My name ; Indeed, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob And will stand in awe of the God of Israel . 24 "Those who err in mind will know the truth , And those who criticize will accept instruction .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 29:17-24
Commentary on Isaiah 29:17-24
(Read Isaiah 29:17-24)
The wonderful change here foretold, may refer to the affairs of Judah, though it looks further. When a great harvest of souls was gathered to Christ from among the Gentiles, then the wilderness was turned into a fruitful field; and the Jewish church, that had long been a fruitful field, became as a deserted forest. Those who, when in trouble, can truly rejoice in God, shall soon have cause greatly to rejoice in him. The grace of meekness contributes to the increase of our holy joy. The enemies who were powerful shall become mean and weak. To complete the repose of God's people, the scorners at home shall be cut off by judgements. All are apt to speak unadvisedly, and to mistake what they hear, but it is very unfair to make a man an offender for a word. They did all they could to bring those into trouble who told them of their faults. But He that redeemed Abraham out of his snares and troubles, will redeem those who are, by faith, his true seed, out of theirs. It will be the greatest comfort to godly parents to see their children renewed creatures, the work of God's grace. May those who now err in spirit, and murmur against the truth, come to understanding, and learn true doctrine. The Spirit of truth shall set right their mistakes, and lead them into all truth. This should encourage us to pray for those that have erred, and are deceived. All who murmured at the truths of God, as hard sayings, shall learn and be aware what God designed in all. See the change religion produces in the hearts of men, and the peace and pleasure of a humble and devout spirit.