Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 54:14

Albert Barnes Commentary

Isaiah 54:14

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Isaiah 54:14

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression, for thou shalt not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near thee." — Isaiah 54:14 (ASV)

In righteousness you shall be established - This is language that is appropriately addressed to a city or commonwealth. The idea is that it would not be built up by fraud, plunder, and conquest, as many cities had been, but by the prevalence of justice.

You shall be far from oppressions - That is, you shall be far from being oppressed by others. So the connection demands. The Hebrew would bear an active meaning, so that it might be read, ‘be far from oppression,’ that is, be far from oppressing others. But the design of the prophet is rather to promise than to command; and the idea is that they should have no occasion to fear the violence of others anymore.

For it shall not come near you - This doubtless refers to the security, perpetuity, and prosperity of the church under the Messiah.