My righteousness is near
These are either the words of God the Father, and to be
understood not of his essential righteousness, nor of his
vindictive justice; but of the righteousness of his Son, which he
calls his own, because he approves and accepts of it, imputes and
reckons it to his people, and with it justifies them. The words
may be rendered, "my righteous One", as in the Vulgate Latin
version; not Cyrus, as Grotius; but Christ, God's righteous
servant, who was near to come in the flesh, in order to work
righteousness. Or these are the words of Christ, speaking of his
own righteousness, which was near being wrought out by him, as it
was when he became the end of the law for it, by obeying its
precept, and bearing its penalty; and near being revealed in the
Gospel, where it is revealed from faith to faith; and near being
applied by the blessed Spirit, as it is to all that believe; and
is near to be come at, and laid hold on, by faith: my
salvation is gone forth:
the "salvation" appointed by the Lord; provided in covenant;
wrought out by Christ; applied by the Spirit; and fully enjoyed
in heaven: this is "gone forth" in the purpose and decree of God,
in prophecy and promise, and in the declaration of the Gospel:
or, "my Saviour", as the Vulgate Latin version; the Saviour of
God's appointing, providing, and sending. Or these are the words
of the Saviour himself, who has wrought it out, in whom it is,
and of whom it is to be had; it is done, and ready for sinners to
look unto and embrace; it is ready to be revealed, and to be
fully enjoyed: and mine arms shall judge the
people;
to whom the arm of the Lord is revealed, and the Gospel is the
power of God unto salvation; both the arms of Christ are ready to
receive them, and these protect and defend them, and judge,
condemn, and destroy those that despise it: the isles shall
wait upon me;
upon Christ, for his coming; for his salvation and righteousness;
for his Gospel, the truths, promises, and blessings of it; and in
his house and ordinances, for his presence. This is a prophecy of
the conversion of the Gentiles, even in the isles of the sea,
those afar off, as ours of Great Britain and Ireland, in which
there have been and are many waiting upon him: and on mine
arm shall they trust;
as on Christ, the arm of the Lord, for salvation; so on the power
of Christ for protection and preservation; and on his promises in
the Gospel, for their support; which is the arm of the Lord
revealed unto them, and yields much support and comfort, and
makes known that which is a proper object of trust.