But Esaias is very bold, and saith
The apostle here produces another testimony in proof of this,
that the Israelites must needs have some knowledge of this truth,
the calling of the Gentiles; since a famous prophet of theirs,
Isaiah, also spake out with great freedom; he did not mince the
matter, or cover it with dark sayings, but with all plainness and
perspicuity, and with great courage and intrepidity declared it;
though he knew he run the risk, not only of his fame and credit
among the Jews, but of his life also, for so doing: the citation
is made from ( Isaiah 65:1 ) .
I was found of them that sought me not, I was made manifest
unto
them that asked not after me;
here also the Gentiles are meant by "them that sought me not, and
asked not after me"; the Messiah; and so R. Moses the priest says
F14, that these words are to be
understood, (Mlweh twmwa
le) , "concerning the nations of the world". The common
people among them sought after the things of the world; their
philosophers sought after the wisdom of it; and the more devout
and religious among them sought the observance of superstitious
rites and ceremonies, and, at best and most, a little morality
and external righteousness; but none sought after Christ, for
they knew nothing of him, and therefore did not so much as ask
after him; they did not ask counsel of him, nor ask concerning
him, nor ask for him; not for his coming into the world, as the
Jews did, nor for the preaching of the Gospel among them, for it
came among them unasked for, unexpected, and undesired, as well
as undeserved by them, nor for any blessing of his; and yet such
was his grace and goodness, that he was "found" of these persons,
in the preaching of the Gospel; which by his kind providence was
brought among them, and they were brought under the hearing of
it; and by the Spirit of God directed to him in it, in whom they
found life, peace, pardon, righteousness, food, and rest, and
every valuable blessing; a pearl of great price they found, a
finding which can never be lost: he is also said to be "made
manifest" unto them, not in the flesh, but in the ministry of the
word; in which his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice,
are evidently set forth, and clearly manifested; and besides the
outward manifestation of Christ to them by the Gospel, they had
no internal revelation of him in their hearts by his Spirit,
setting forth to them his grace and fulness, and showing them
their interest therein: from this prophecy, also, the Jews could
not but have some knowledge of this mystery of grace.