Isaiah 49:4 Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD… I. A LAMENTABLE COMPLAINT, wherein our Lord complaineth, that although He came to the house of Israel, where He published the Divine doctrine, wrought many miracles, and showed admirable holiness of life, yet for most part He had lost His labour. "I have laboured in vain," &c. II. A CONSOLATION of Himself upon this complaint, wherein He reareth up Himself with the consolations of God in the midst of all those oppositions that were made against Him, and all His lost labour. "My judgment is with the Lard, and My work with My God." III. A CONFIRMATION of this consolatory part, by three arguments — 1. From the assurance of His calling. "And now thus saith the Lord that formed Me from the womb to be His servant." 2. From His own faithfulness. "Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord"; I do My duty faithfully. 3. From the faithfulness of God. "My God shall be My strength": as if He had said, I know that God called Me to this office, and that I am faithful in it, and therefore He will assist and stand by Me, and reward Me. (T. Taylor, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God. |
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