Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 28:26

Albert Barnes Commentary

Isaiah 28:26

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Isaiah 28:26

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"For his God doth instruct him aright, [and] doth teach him." — Isaiah 28:26 (ASV)

For his God does instruct him ... - Margin, ‘He binds it in such a manner as his God teaches him.’ The more correct idea is conveyed in the text. The word יסרו yise — properly means, he instructs, admonishes, or teaches him. The idea that skill in agriculture is communicated by God is not one that is discordant with reason, or with the general teachings of the Bible. Thus the architectural and mechanical skill of Bezaleel and Aholiab, by which they were enabled to make the tabernacle, is said expressly to have been imparted to them by God (Exodus 31:2–6).

Thus also Noah was taught how to build the ark (Genesis 6:14–16). We are not, indeed, to suppose that the farmer is inspired, or that God communicates to him by special revelation where, and when, and how he shall sow his grain, but the sense is, that God is the author of all his skill. He has endowed him with understanding, and taught him by his providence. It is by the study of what God teaches in the seasons, in the soil, in the results of experience and observation, that he has this art. He teaches him also by the example, the counsel, and even by the failures of others; and all the knowledge of agriculture that he has is to be traced up to God.