1. The ideal is political. The salvation of Israel is secured when all public offices are filled with good men. “Judges” and “counsellors.”
2. The ideal will be realised by a restoration of the best days of the past. (Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.)
Social regeneration
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.)
National revivification
The imperishable kernel that remains becomes the centre to which all demerits of excellence are attracted. (F. Delitzsch.)
“The city of righteousness”
With Isaiah, the giving of a name is the perception and recognition of the real existence of what has come into outward manifestation. (J. Parker, D. D.)
