INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

The aim of this manual is to place within the reach of a large number, some of the chief results of modern investigations into the life and times of the great prophet Isaiah. While time and qualification are necessary for the understanding of the processes through which specialists work their way, all may understand results, and should know them. Absolute certainty as to all details can never be expected here, and perhaps would be of no particular value, if possible: a broad general view of the circumstances in which any prophet lived is of high importance. Where the letter killeth, the Spirit giveth life.

A commentary this is not. It is rather an historical representation of a prophet's views and environment, very much in the words of his own choosing, or in the literature of the time in which he lived. Hence in the very forefront stands the text without note or comment—in an unbroken continuity. And this as far as possible-consistently with the accuracy required, and the placing of the portions of dialogue and poetry in appropriate form-has been done in the words of the authorised version, dear from its associations to all. Changes are absolutely necessary to bring out the meaning of the text; but assuredly the Revisers have erred, either from timidity in some places, leaving the best translation in the margin, or in other places from making unnecessary changes, which have not markedly made the meaning clearer. Explanations are placed by themselves in a glossary, while a continuous series of sections gives an historical account of the prophet's sayings and doings. All chapter and verse divisions are omitted in order that the text may appear in its natural order of delivery, and without the mechanical form, which they give to the Scripture. Thus the

aim is to let the prophet himself speak directly to us now, as he once spoke to his own people. By bringing the reader into touch with the living prophet, he is brought into closer fellowship with the Living God, who spoke to, and through him.

The grand personality of Isaiah as a formative master-mind, with a distinctive prophetic programme, and clear views about Jehovah's relation to Judah and the nations, needs full appreciation. The facts must here speak for themselves. The messages, or declarations of the Divine Purpose as originally delivered, must be studied in the circumstances of their delivery. Hence portions of the historical books find their own proper place. Whether we have the prophecies in the exact form in which Isaiah delivered them, can never be determined. Certainly they are not arranged in order of time or subject. Probably there are editorial additions, and perhaps editorial rearrangements. When it is borne in mind that a prophecy was essentially a spoken message, and only secondarily a written word or scripture; and further, that writing took place on parchments or skins of great value-it can be understood that longer prophecies might run into two pieces, and shorter ones be placed in to fill up the remaining spaces. Thus prophecies not at all connected might be associated in order of sequence; and in later times the information necessary for a chronological order might not be available. Modern Assyriology helps greatly here.

The Book of the Prophecies of Isaiah, as now extant, undoubtedly contains prophecies by several prophets, even as the book of Psalms contains psalms by many writers: but in both cases the collection rightly and naturally receives the name of the first, and most important, contributor. A master mind and true originator in each case receives deservedly the credit for the whole. At the close of the thirty-ninth chapter there is a new beginning in the book before us-with new authors, and new circumstances. But as the second half owes the master mind of Isaiah everything, it gathered round him. In the earlier chapters there are portions that seem to have a

different authorship; there are undeniably sections that are difficult to reconcile with an Isaianic authorship. But these may be owing to the recognised liberty of editorial recension in working up materials lying to hand. Such a work should be approached without prejudice that so we may truly learn 'what the Lord saith.' We have all been trained to interpret Scripture by the traditional views of Rabbis, and Christian Divines: and the exclusive national ideas of the former, and the eager Messianic Exegesis of the latter, have not unfrequently cast the literal meaning into the background. What has to be done is to read Isaiah in the light of his own times, and apart altogether from the fulness of the New Testament light. This is not easy, but it is obligatory on all.

And finally, be it observed that just as the power to bring sweetest music out of an instrument depends more on the performer than on the instrument he uses, so the power rightly to draw teaching, and guidance from the Scriptures depends on the reader being divinely influenced by that same Holy Spirit by whom 'holy men of old spake as they were moved.' The understanding of a perfectly inspired prophecy will require a perfectly inspired mind; and those who are not prophets cannot expect fully to appreciate the prophets. A firm persuasion of the eternal character of the principles of truth and righteousness will enable us to apply to our daily life the words of revelation, in which these principles were once enshrined by the prophet Isaiah.

Note.-Names of persons and places in black type in the text are commented on in the Glossary in the order in which they occur.