Isaiah 1:26 And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counsellors as at the beginning: afterward you shall be called… I. ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS OF SOCIETY ARE ABSOLUTELY IN GOD'S HANDS. "I will restore," etc. No man can overturn, or build up, but by His permission. II. ALL INTERRUPTIONS OF SOCIAL ORDER ARE UNDER THE CONTROL OF GOD. III. NO SOCIAL STATE CAN BE PURIFIED BUT BY RELIGIOUS PROCESSES. There are many philanthropic and political projects which have for their aim national regeneration, but they are all foredoomed to come to nought, because they lack the religious element. IV. THE GREAT NAME WILL FOLLOW THE TRUE REGENERATION. "Afterward thou shalt be called," etc. Not first the exalted title, but the illustrative character; not first the splendid renown, but the glorious achievement! (J. Parker, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellers as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. |
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