Isaiah 51:9-10 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old… I. THE IMPORT OF THIS PRAYER. "Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord!" In general such a petition as this suggests to us that our prayers for Divine interposition and deliverance from public calamities should be supremely directed to the glory of God. A just regard to the glory of God in our prayers implies the two following things: 1. That we expect deliverance from God alone, desire that it may be attended with such circumstances as His hand and power may be seen in it, and are willing to acknowledge Him as the supreme and only Author of it. 2. We ought also to pray for a dispensation of His grace and mercy that a revival of religion may accompany temporal relief. (1) We have no warrant to ask the last of these without the first. (2) We have no reason to expect that it will be separately bestowed. (3) If it should, in any degree, it would not he a blessing but a curse. II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRAYER. "Awake as in the ancient days, as in the generations of old," etc. The prophet animates his faith, and encourages his own dependence, and that of others, upon the promises of God, by celebrating the greatness of His power, as manifested in former memorable deliverances granted to His chosen people. Consider the effect of such a view upon the mind, and its influence in prayer. 1. It satisfies us of the power of God, and His ability to save. 2. The same view serves to ascertain us of the mercy of God, and His readiness to help us in distress. III. APPLY THE TRUTHS on this subject to our own present situation as to public affairs. Let us remember that we serve an unchangeable God. (J. Witherspoon, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? |
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