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(vers. 22-25): —

I. A BLESSED INVITATION. "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."

1. The subject to which it refers is unspeakably momentous. The word "saved" is easily pronounced, but who can comprehend the fulness of its meaning?

2. The duty it enjoins for securing this great blessing is exceedingly simple. "Look unto Me." Many are quite confounded at the simplicity of the Gospel terms of salvation.

3. The range of this invitation is unlimited. "All the ends of the earth." The call is wide as the world.

4. The ground on which it rests is highly encouraging. "For I am God, and there is none else." In a previous verse it is said, "They have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save." The idols of the heathen are altogether impotent. But our God is able to save, and He alone is able. At the same time, something more than mere power is necessary, and that something is not wanting in Him to whom we are invited to look. He is "a just God and a Saviour."

II. AN EMPHATIC PROCLAMATION. "I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return; that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." In reference to this subjection two things are stated —

1. Its universality. In the time of Elijah, God had reserved unto Himself seven thousand men who had not bowed the knee to Baal; but here we have a period predicted when idols shall be utterly abolished.

2. Its certainty. "I have sworn by Myself." These emphatic expressions denote that the purpose was made in the most solemn manner, and ratified in the most sacred form. It is a purpose, therefore, that will be infallibly executed. "From henceforth expecting." says the apostle of the enthroned Redeemer, "till His enemies be made His footstool." And has He not ample grounds for such an expectation? The desires even of the righteous shall be granted, their hope will not be disappointed; how certain, then, must be the fulfilment of the desires and hopes of Him whom the Father heareth always? Is it not said, "Ask of Me"? &c.

III. A WISE RESOLUTION. "Surely, shall one say," &c. (ver. 24). The two blessings which are here referred to, are absolutely necessary to salvation, and all who are enlightened from above will be led to apply for them where alone they are to be found. It is here stated, "Surely shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength": let each of us determine, by Divine aid, to be that one. It must be a personal resolution, as the surrender is a personal surrender. It is added, "Even to Him shall men come, i.e. they will apply to Him for these blessings. On the other hand, He will be made known by terrible things in righteousness to those who refuse to seek His face, and continue to rebel against His authority. "All that are incensed against Him shall be ashamed."

IV. AN IMPORTANT DECLARATION. "In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory."

(Anon.)

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KJV: Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

WEB: "Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.