Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 54:11-17

"O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will set thy stones in fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy pinnacles of rubies, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy border of precious stones. And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 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. Behold, they may gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall because of thee. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the fire of coals, and bringeth forth a weapon for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness which is of me, saith Jehovah." — Isaiah 54:11-17 (ASV)

Let the people of God, when afflicted and tossed, consider that God is speaking comfortingly to them through these words, taking notice of their griefs and fears. The church is entirely glorious when filled with the knowledge of God, for no one teaches like Him. It is a promise of the teaching and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

All who are taught by God are also taught to love one another. This seems to relate especially to the glorious times that will follow the tribulations of the church. Holiness, more than anything, is the beauty of the church. God promises protection.

There will be no fears within; there will be no fighting without. Military men value themselves on their splendid titles, but God calls them, "Wasters made to destroy," for they make wasting and destruction their business. He created them; therefore, He will use them to accomplish His own purposes. The day is coming when God will reckon with wicked men for their hard speeches (Jude 1:15). Security and final victory are the heritage of each faithful servant of the Lord.

The righteousness by which they are justified, and the grace by which they are sanctified, are the gift of God and the effect of His special love. Let us implore Him to sanctify our souls and to employ us in His service.