Jesus was of a triple character

JESUS WAS OF A TRIPLE CHARACTER
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Isaiah55:4 4
See, I have made him a witness to the
peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples.
BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
Pulpit Commentary Homiletics
The Leadership Of Christ
Isaiah 55:4
W. Clarkson These words, primarily applicable to David, are true of that Son of David whose
course was to be so different, but whose work was to be so much deeper and greater than that of
the King of Israel. David was a man who showed himself possessed of all the essential qualities
of a great leader of men. He had the power of attaching them to his own person with a strong
affection; he shared their hardships and their perils; he impressed on them his own principles and
habits; he lifted them up with his own elevation. In these respects, but with a depth and fulness to
which the earthly monarch can lay no claim at all, Jesus Christ is the great "Leader to the people"
of God.
I. HE ATTACHES US TO HIMSELF. The devotion of his soldiers to Napoleon Bonaparte was
extraordinary; but that great commander, with all his egotism, acknowledged that this was
nothing compared with the devotion of Christian men to the Person of Jesus Christ. The pity with
which he pitied us in our low estate, the tender interest with which he has sought and rescued us,
the shame and the sorrow which he bore for us, the death he died for us, the patient love with
which he has been loving us, - all this will well account for the fact that, as no king, or general,
or statesman has ever done before, Jesus Christ has shown himself the Leader of men by
attaching them to his Person with a passionate and unwavering devotion.
II. HE HAS SHARED OUR HARDSHIPS AND OUR SUFFERINGS. He does not bid us go the
way he went not himself.
"He leads us through no darker rooms
Than he went through before." He asks us to drink of his cup, but it is only to taste that bitter
draught which he himself drained even to the dregs. Whether it be bodily pain or spiritual
distress; whether it be suffering, or poverty, or loneliness, or disappointment, or desertion, or

shame, or death, - Christ has himself endured darker and sadder trials than any he calls us to
encounter.
III. HE CONSTRAINS US TO LIVE HIS OWN LIFE. He not only demands of us that our
minds shall be possessed with his own principles, and that our lives shall illustrate them, but he
has the power of constraining us to think as he thought, to feel as he felt, to do as he did, to be
what he was. If this purpose of his is not accomplished or is not being wrought in us, then are we
not his "disciples indeed."
IV. HE SHARES WITH US HIS OWN EXALTATION. If we bear his cross, we shall sit down
with him on his throne. To us all he says, "I appoint unto you a kingdom." If we suffer with him,
we shall reign with him. - C.
Biblical Illustrator
Behold I have given Him for a Witness to the people.
Isaiah 55:4-6
Witness; Leader; Commander
Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.1. Most modern authorities hold that the person spoken of in ver. 4. is the
historical David, and that vers. 4, 5 institute a parallel between the position he occupied in the
heathen world of his time and that which Israel shall occupy in the future; the thought expressed,
therefore, is that the Messianic hope is transferred from the dynasty to the nation. The view is
thus succinctly stated by Driver: "As David became ruler of subject nations (2 Samuel 8.), a
knowledge of his religion, however imperfect, spread among them; thus he was a 'witness' to
them. This position of David is idealized in Isaiah 18:43 ('Thou makest me a head of nations; a
people whom I have not known shall serve me'); and the position, as thus idealized, is here
enlarged, and extended in a spiritual sense to Israel (ver. 5)."
2. Others think that the reference in ver. 4 is to the future Messianic king (who is called David in
Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23f.), so that the two verses represent under two aspects the future
greatness of Israel.
3. An intermediate position is taken by some, viz. that ver. 4 goes back to the promise made to
David, but regards it as one destined to be fulfilled in the person of his Son, the Messiah. It is
very difficult to decide between these conflicting explanations. The third view seems on the
whole the best; the original covenant guarantees an endless dominion to the family of David, and
after the restoration this will assume a spiritual character and expand into universal empire in the
reign of the Messiah.
(Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.)

Christ a witness to the people
A Barnes, D. D.One who stood forth to bear solemn testimony in regard to God — to His law,
and claims, and plans; and One who was therefore designated to be the Instructor, Guide, and
Teacher of men.
(A Barnes, D. D.)
Christ the Father's Witness
R. Jessop, M. A.I. THE QUALIFICATIONS WHICH WERE REQUISITE. A witness is one
who gives evidence, even at the expense of life. This has been so generally received as its
meaning, that the original word "martyr" has been transferred to our own language, without any
material alteration of its signification — not that every person who is willing to lay down his life,
is therefore a true witness, but he cannot be a true witness without it. There are many
qualifications requisite beside this, and we shall now examine how far they were possessed by
the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. He must have been an eye-witness of the things He related. He came to bear testimony to
things of which the world at large were entirely ignorant, and concerning which He could derive
no information, except by being intimately conversant with them. But He who "came for a
Witness, to bear witness unto the truth," could say, "I came forth from the Father, and am come
into the world." "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the
bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him."
2. But He might have possessed this and every other qualification without the willingness to
communicate what He knew as an eyewitness. And herein is manifested the exceeding love of
the three Persons in the Trinity, towards man. The Father sets Him forth as His gift to sinners —
"Behold I have given Him." The Son, when before His unjust judge, declares, "To this end was I
born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. And He
was anointed with the Holy Ghost, and with power for this particular work.
3. It is also required in a witness that He declare the whole troth, and nothing but the truth. In
Revelation 1:5 we read — "Jesus Christ is the faithful Witness;" and in the third chapter He calls
Himself "the Amen, the faithful and true Witness." Hence it follows that His testimony must
contain all needful truth: that natural religion is not sufficient — that as it is a testimony, it can
be received only by faith, and no prerequisites are placed by God in the way of a sinner coming
to Him. That whilst this testimony is before the mind, it does work effectually in all those who
believe, i.e. receive it on testimony; and that, as it came from God, it is the imperative duty of all
who hear, to believe it, and that God is just in condemning those who believe not.
II. WHAT THAT TRUTH WAS TO WHICH HE BORE TESTIMONY. "I am come," says He,
"a light into the world, that whosoever followeth Me should not walk in darkness, but have the
light of life." By this He means to say, that all the world was lying in darkness and the shadow of
death, "alienated from the life of God by the ignorance that was in them, because of the blindness
of their hearts;" and it was to strike at the root of every false religion, and every garbled form of
His own, that He puts Himself forth as the only Witness, who, from His perfect acquaintance
with what He spoke, was qualified to teach those truths which mankind had so perverted.
1. The Lord Jesus Christ came to restore the true knowledge of God, and this He did by
testifying, in the first place, to the character of the Father, that "God is love."

2. Having thus borne testimony to the Father, He proceeds to bear testimony to Himself. Of
Himself He testified that He was the promised Messiah, and that, though man, He was also God.
3. The Lord Jesus likewise was a Witness in declaring that it was the belief of His word, received
as a testimony, which should bring salvation.
4. We shall now examine what He says of Himself as being a King, and consequently having a
kingdom in the world. Whether He has a kingdom or not in the world is a question we are
competent to decide by our own observation of the characters we meet with in our passage
through life. But if we can see no signs of it, we must suspend our judgments till we see what the
end will be. If He has already established, it will be an additional proof that He is a faithful and
true Witness. Now when examined by Pilate, the question was expressly put by him to Jesus,
"Art thou a king then?" to which in the most unequivocal manner He replied, "Thou sayest that I
am a king." The nature of that kingdom He had as expressly borne testimony,, to — "My
kingdom is not of this world; now is My kingdom not from hence. But He bore testimony to this
fact not only on His trial before Pilate (though this is called the good confession, because he
immediately after sealed it with His blood), but in the whole of His public ministry.
III. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT. While Christ was in the world He bore witness to the
truth, but when He went hence to the Father, the Spirit was commissioned to lead into all truth
those whom He left behind, and they, by His inspiration, have committed it to writing. The Holy
Scriptures are, therefore, the testimony of Christ, as it has been witnessed to us by the Spirit. Of
this testimony, the whole world are ignorant by nature, and as soon as it is made known to them,
the pride and carnal enmity of the unrenewed mind rises in opposition to it. This opposition to
the truth of God, it is the especial province of the Spirit of God to overcome, and the way in
which He effects this, is by taking of things, i.e. the testimony of Christ, and showing them to us,
and this He does in such a manner as commends to us, as most lovely, what we before thought
most hateful. Many of the children of God are led into and kept in a state of doubt as to their
acceptance with God, from thinking that the only witness which the Spirit bears is to the life and
conversation, forgetting that these evidences can only flow from the primary witness which He
bears to the testimony of Christ. This consideration will also show what it is so important to
remember, the connection between soundness and clearness of doctrinal truth with consistency
of life.
(R. Jessop, M. A.)
Christ as a Witness
HomilistChrist as a Witness is —
I. MOST GLORIOUSLY COMMUNICATIVE. Some witnesses are so ignorant that they have
but little to say, and others, though better informed, have but little to communicate of
importance. What does Christ testify?
1. Of God.
2. Of man.
(1)Man's spiritual existence.
(2)Moral depravity.
(3)Imminent danger.
(4)Future retribution.

3. Of duty. He lived duty.
4. Of man's restoration.
II. MOST UNQUESTIONABLY CREDIBLE. Witnesses are often incredible from two reasons.
1. Their ignorance. They are found to be so imperfectly acquainted with the circumstances of the
case to which they testify, that their evidence is either received with suspicion, or rejected as
worthless. But is Christ incredible on this ground? No. HIS knowledge is infinite. He knows all
about everything of which He testifies. He knows God, man, the universe.
2. Untruthfulness. Many are placed in the witness-box who, though they have a competent
intelligence, have no inviolable attachment to truth. Their prevarication destroys the worth of
their evidence. Infinitely removed is Christ from this. He is the Truth. Truth is dearer to Him
than life. False witnesses abound; but here is One on whose testimony we may and ought to
repose with unbounded trust.
(Homilist)
Christ given, as a Witness
J. Allan.I. THE PECULIAR FITNESS, OR QUALIFICATIONS, OF JESUS, TO ACT AS A
WITNESS FOR GOD TO THE PEOPLE.
1. Jesus was singularly qualified to act as a Witness to the people, because of His being
acquainted with the whole counsel of God: whilst His own mind as the Son was in perfect
accordance with that of His Father.
2. Jesus was specially qualified to act as a Witness, because of His necessary freedom from all
temptation to suppress or mistake any part of the truth. He was from time to time knowingly
putting Himself into situations, and bearing, testimony to such views, as were prejudicial to His
safety, and endangering His life.
3. Jesus was specially qualified to be a Witness for God to the people, because of His alliance
with both in His nature, together with His zeal for God's glory and the good of men In matters
where ordinary witness-bearing is required, the interests of at least two parties are generally
concerned, and, in so far, it augurs favourably for the ends of justice, that persons acting as
witnesses in the case feel something like equal interest in both.
II. THE MODE OF HIS ACTING IN DISCHARGING THE DUTIES OF HIS OFFICE AS A
WITNESS.
1. He witnessed to the effect of confirming that portion of the Scriptures which God had
previously given to the Church, as a revelation of His will. That portion is contained in the Old
Testament exclusively, such as known to us, and therefore shutting out all Jewish Apocryphas,
Talmuds, or Mishnas. To none of these mere human productions did the Lord Jesus ever testify,
but in the course of His public teaching He witnessed again and again to the authenticity of the
sacred Scriptures, in quoting from them certain, things written concerning Himself by the
inspiration of the Almighty.
2. Christ was also a Witness for God to the people, not only in testifying to what had already
been written, but in farther adding to the revelation of Heaven. This revelation includes the
whole of the New Testament, for this has been added to the Old by the Great Witness of whom
we now speak, as an it contains He either delivered orally in the course of His personal ministry,
or by the apostles, whose several epistles were written by His inspiration.

3. Jesus was still farther a Witness for God to the people, in the miracles He wrought, and in the
holy exemplary life which He led. The many marvellous things He did afforded abundant proof
that He came from God, and that consequently His doctrines were true. As God-man He
witnessed in the flesh to His own holy law, and in that hath set us aa example that we should
follow His steps.
4. Jesus, in acting as a Witness for God to the people, sealed and ratified His testimony in His
cruel and ignominious death.
(J. Allan.)
Christ's triple characterThere is no Gospel apart from our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence, it is not at all
wonderful that, after the glorious Gospel invitations, expostulations, and exhortations of the first
three verses of this chapter, we should come, in the fourth verse, to these words: "'Behold, I have
given Him.' I have talked to you about waters, and about wine and milk, and about bread, and
about fatness; but, 'behold, I have given Him,' for He is all these, — water, wine, milk, bread,
fatness. I have spoken to you about 'an everlasting covenant even the sure mercies of David;' but
I mean Him, for He is the great Surety of the covenant, and I have given Him for a covenant of
the people." We cannot do without a personal Christ. The first word in our text, "Behold,'
reminds us that this is a theme for wonder. A part of the wonder concerning Christ consists in the
fact that His Father has given Him to the people. Not to you, O kings and princes; — not to you,
a few aristocrats picked here and there; but, "I have given Him for a witness to the people." He is
the people's Christ, the people's Leader, the people's Friend, the people's King. And the wonder
increases when you recollect that the word translated "people" might be just as accurately
rendered "nations." No doubt, the Lord's intention here is to refer to the Gentiles: — not to the
chosen people, Israel, alone; but even to us, "sinners of the Gentiles," who were outside the
favoured family of the Jews.
I. Let us, with believing eye, SEE OUR LORD IN THREE CHARACTERS OR
RELATIONSHIPS.
1. Our blessed Lord is a Witness for the Father, — a Witness concerning the Father. We should
never have known what God was like if it had not been that "the only-begotten Son, which is in
the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." If, indeed, I do see God in Christ, what a
blessed God He is to me! For who would not love Jesus! Nor is Christ merely the Witness
concerning God's character, but also concerning God's bearing towards us. How does God feel
with regard to His rebellious creatures! He also came to be witness of another matter, namely,
that God has set up a kingdom among the sons of men. There is no way of entrance into the
kingdom of Divine grace except by regeneration; and Jesus Christ is the Witness of that great
truth. Whatever Christ has taught concerning any truth which has to do with our salvation, is His
witness upon that point; and if we want to know the truth about anything, we must go to Christ to
learn it.
2. The second office of Christ, mentioned in the text, is that, of a Leader to His own people. The
word "leader might be rendered "the foremost; and, truly, Christ is the foremost of all His
people, — the standard-bearer among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely. In the Church of
God, Jesus Christ is the Leader, because His life is the perfect example of practical holiness.
First, He is God's witness revealing to us the truth; then, next, He is our Example, working out
the practical part of that revelation in His own life.

3. The third character our Lord bears, according to our text, is that of Commander. There may be
many meanings given to that title, but it seems to me that it must relate mainly to those of His
people who are not yet saved. To them, He is a Commander; to them He issues laws as a law-
giver, for such is also the sense of the term. But I think there is more, in this title of Christ, than
the mere fact of His making the law, and bidding us publish it abroad in His name. He is also a
Commander because He has power to enforce His proclamations. He calls a nation that knew
Him not, and then they learn to know Him.
II. THE THREE EXCELLENCES OF CHRIST IN CONNECTION WITH THESE THREE
OFFICES.
1. Is Christ a Witness? Then He is a true Witness. There are no falsehoods or mistakes in the
witness which Christ bears.
2. If our Lord be a Leader, he has, in that capacity, the quality of holiness. You may safely
follow wherever He leads you.
3. If He be a Commander, you see in Him Divine power. It is no use having a commander-in-
chief who issues proclamations, but who has neither wit nor wisdom in the day of battle.
III. THESE RELATIONSHIPS AND EXCELLENCES DEMAND FROM US THREE
DUTIES.
1. Is Christ a true Witness? Then, believe Him.
2. If He be a Leader, and holiness is the mark of His Leadership, then, let us imitate Him.
3. Then, if He be a Commander, what does He require of us? Obedience.
IV. THERE ARE THREE BENEFITS WHICH WILL BE SECURED BY THE
PERFORMANCE OF THESE DUTIES.
1. If you do believe Christ, "the faithful and true Witness," then you have certainty as to what
you believe.
2. Then, if Jesus Christ be our Example, and we imitate Him, the next benefit we obtain is safety.
3. If Christ be our Commander, and He hath all power, and we obey Him, then victory is sure.
( C. H. Spurgeon.)
The greatest Gift in time or eternityI. A DIVINE GIFT.
1. The Father has given His Son.
2. The Son consented to be given.
3. We have the purpose of this Gift avowed. "For a Witness," etc.
4. The persons thus favoured. "The people."
II. A DIVINE PROMISE made to this Leader and Commander.
1. To call those whom He does not know (ver. 5). That must be a strange nation which Christ
does not know. There will be people at the last to whom Christ will say, "I never knew you;" and
there arc such people now, whom Christ has never known in this sense. He never spoke with
them, He never heard their voice in prayer, He never knew them by mutual acquaintance. And
there are nations of this kind of people.

2. Christ is to make run those who do not know Him. People who did not know anything about
Christ, and who did not want to know about Him, shall on a sudden hear of Him, and they shall
run to Him. I have often noticed that, when such people do come to Christ, they always run to
Him.
3. Here is a Divine promise to exert a singular motive power. "Because of the Lord thy God,"
etc, A glorified Christ makes men run to Him.
III. A DIVINE EXHORTATION.
( C. H. Spurgeon.)
A Leader and Commander to the people.
Our glorified Leader
F. B. Meyer, B. A.1. He was typified in David. He has been constituted Prince. His name is made
great. His throne shall be for ever. His kingdom shall be made sure. For a great while to come
His house shall stand. His name shall be continued as long as the sun, and men shall be blessed
in Him. All nations shall call Him happy (Psalm 72.). The type was spoilt by David's infidelity
and sin. But, even though this was so, on God's side there was no vacillation, no swerving from
His purpose. His mercies were sure. Much more in the case of Jesus Christ, the eternal purpose
cannot miscarry.
2. This title is applied to Christ after His resurrection. Four times only in the New Testament is
Christ called Leader or Prince, and always in resurrection. (Acts 3:14, 15; Acts 5:31; Hebrews
2:9, 10; Hebrews 12:2.) However translated, whether by "Author," "Prince," "Captain," or
"Leader," it is the same Greek word, and is applied to Christ as risen.
3. The original meaning of the word is very interesting. Etymologically, it means the first of a
file of men, and therefore their leader and commanding officer. This conception, therefore, is
presented to our mind, that our Lord is the first of a long procession of souls whom He is leading
up from the grave, with its darkness and corruption, through the steeps of air, past principalities
and powers, to the very throne of God. He is the First-born from the dead, and therefore Ruler of
the kings of the earth. He first, by the resurrection from the dead, has obtained the right to
proclaim light to the Gentiles. If this thought of Christ being the first of a long procession is
carried out, in respect to the passages mentioned above, it yields great results.(1) He leads the
dead out of death into life.(2) He leads the vanquished into the victory of the heavenlies.(3) He
leads sufferers through suffering to the perfection, which is only possible as the effect of
grievous pain, sanctified through the grace of the Holy Ghost.(4) He leads also the ranks of
believers. (Hebrews 11., 12:2.)(5) These conclusions suggested by the New Testament are
substantiated and confirmed by the expression used here. "Thou shalt call a nation that Thou
knowest not." To whom can this refer, save to the Gentiles, who were once far off? "Nations that
knew not Thee, shall run unto Thee." Of whom can this be true, save of that vast ingathering
suggested to our Lord by the Greeks who came to Him before He died, and concerning whom He
said, "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me"?
(F. B. Meyer, B. A.)
Christ given as a Leader
J. Allan.He is peculiarly fitted to be a Leader and Commander —

I. BECAUSE HE IS INVESTED WITH FULL POWERS AND AUTHORITY TO ACT
ACCORDING TO HIS PLEASURE.
II. BECAUSE OF HIS KNOWING ALL THE DIFFICULTIES THEY HAVE TO
ENCOUNTER IN THEIR SOJOURNING AND WARRING CONDITION.
III. BECAUSE OF POSSESSING FULL ABILITY TO INFLUENCE, IN ANY MANNER HE
SEES FIT, THE HEARTS OF ALL MEN.
IV. BECAUSE OF THE EXAMPLE HE GAVE IN HIS PERSONAL CONFLICTS WITH HIS
ENEMIES, OF WISDOM, FAITHFULNESS, AND COURAGE.
V. BECAUSE OF POSSESSING FULL ABILITY TO REWARD EVERY FAITHFUL
FOLLOWER. Who, then, would not wish to fight under the banners of such a Commander? It is
no dubious cause, but one that always ends in glory.
(J. Allan.)
The people's Leader
W. Birch.I. GOD HAS APPOINTED JESUS CHRIST TO LEAD US IN THE WAY OF
TRUTH.
II. GOD HAS GIVEN JESUS CHRIST TO BE OUR LEADER IN THE PATHS OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1. Jesus leads us by showing that God gives us power to walk in the path of righteousness.
2. In following Jesus in the path of righteousness we must employ self-effort. God gives power,
but it is requisite for us to use it. Without earnest self-effort, righteousness is impossible. Notice
the crawling worm, how it wriggles and struggles to escape from its old self, and how it is
rewarded with wings to fly from flower to flower in the garden. Hear the wee bird pecking itself
out from its shell.
III. GOD HAS GIVEN CHRIST TO BE OUR LEADER TO THE CALVARY OF SELF-
SURRENDER. The inner chamber of the heart is required for the indwelling of God. If the inner
man be true, temptation has but little power over us.
IV. JESUS CHRIST HAS BEEN GIVEN TO BE OUR LEADER IN THE WARFARE OF
HOLINESS.
V. GOD HAS GIVEN JESUS TO BE OUR LEADER IN THE WRESTLINGS OF PRAYER.
Remember that our Leader spent whole nights in prayer to God.
VI. GOD HAS GIVEN JESUS FOR OUR LEADER IN THE INVINCIBILITY OF FAITH.
1. Let us copy His faith in the loving care of our Father.
2. Let those who are teachers of others follow our Leader in His faith in the power of the Gospel.
3. With our Leader, let us have faith that our paths are Divinely directed.
VII. GOD HAS GIVEN CHRIST TO BE OUR LEADER IN THE CONFIDENCE OF HOPE.
VIII. GOD HAS GIVEN CHRIST TO BE OUR LEADER IN THE CAMPAIGN OF LOVE.
Wishing well is a good thing, but doing is better. Jesus Christ is our Leader in loving words and
active deeds.
(W. Birch.)

The grand Chieftain
Homilist.Assuming that these words apply to Christ, they present Him in a capacity with which
the world has ever associated its loftiest ideas of heroism, glory and renown. In many other
places Christ is spoken of as an illustrious Chieftain (Joshua 5:13, 15; Isaiah 63:1-5; Hebrews
2:10; Revelation 19:11-16). He is the Captain of the Lords hosts. His relation of Commander to
His people suggests to us certain ideas concerning the Church.
I. THE CONFLICT OF THE CHURCH. The state of the good here is not a state of conquest but
of battle.
1. The enemies are principles, not persons. Error, corruptions, impiety, immorality, wrong in all
its forms.
2. The inspiration is benevolent, not selfish. None of the selfish passions, ambition, avarice,
revenge, fire the heart and nerve the arm of the true Church in battle. It is pure benevolence, that
benevolence which seeketh not its own, which bears each other's burdens.
3. The weapons are spiritual, not carnal. Not civil taw, worldly policy, but truth, example, love:
we persuade men. Moral suasion, founded on truth, instinct with love, backed by example, is the
grand weapon.
II. THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH. All the members of the true Church are as one united army,
in one campaign, under one Commander.
1. They unite in the aims of their Commander. All loyal armies are of one mind as to aim, and
that aim is the purpose of their chieftain. His aim is to establish judgment, rectitude on the earth,
and every member of the true Church has this one master-aim.
2. They unite in the direction of their Commander. His will is their law.
3. They unite in the spirit of their Commander. Every commander seeks to give his master-
passion to his army. It is only as he succeeds it can be true to him. The Church of Christ is united
by the spirit of Christ, that spirit permeates, centralizes and controls all.
III. THE SUBORDINATION OF THE CHURCH. The subordination of the Church to Christ is
—
1. Unconditional.
2. Cordial. It is not so in the martial life of men. Many a soldier is forced, contrary to the wishes
of his heart, to subordination to the will of his commander. All the instincts of his manhood often
recoil at it. Not so with those under the command of Christ.
3. Permanent. human commanders die while the campaign is being accomplished, and soldiers
recover their independent wills and become their own masters. Not so with the soldiers of Christ.
IV. THE GLORY OF THE CHURCH
1. Your Commander is all wise. He knows the number, the resources, the stratagems of your
antagonists. Nothing in the future will take Him by surprise.
2. Your Commander is all-mighty. There are no difficulties He cannot overcome; no exigencies
that He cannot supply
3. Your Commander is all-generous.

4. Christ is a Commander who leads all His soldiers to glory. He makes them kings and priests
unto God. Conclusion: Let the battle of our life be a battle fought under this banner. Let this love
inspire us to brave deeds. It is said of Trajan that he won the heart of his army because he tore up
his robe to bind up the wounds of a soldier who had been stricken down in the field. Let the
memory of Christ's unparalleled love win our highest sympathies and undivided powers.
(Homilist.)
STUDYLIGHT RESOURCES
Albert Barnes'Notes onthe Whole Bible
Behold, I have given him - This is evidently the language of God respecting the Messiah, or of
David as representing the Messiah. Rosenmuller supposes that the name David here is used to
designate the Messiah, and in support of this appeals to Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24-25;
Jeremiah 30:9; Hosea 3:5. An examination of these passages will show that they all refer to the
Messiah by the name of David; and it is morally certain that in the passage before us, the name
David Isaiah 55:3 suggested the Messiah. It seems to me that this is to be regarded as a direct
address respecting the Messiah, and that the object of the speaker here is to state a reason why he
should be embraced. That reason was that God had constituted him as a leader. The Chaldee
renders this, ‹Lo, I have constituted him as a prince to the people, a king and ruler over all
kingdoms.‘ Kimchi says that it means that the Messiah would be a monitor or a mediator
between people and him who would accuse them. Grotius supposes that Jeremiah is intended
here; but in that opinion he is destined undoubtedly to stand forever alone. The almost unbroken
interpretation, from the earliest times, is that which refers it directly to the Messiah.
For a witness to the people - Noyes renders this, ‹A ruler.‘ Rosenmuller, ‹A monitor,‘ - one
whose office it was publicly to admonish, or reprove others in the presence of witnesses. Jerome
renders it, ‹A witness.‘ The Septuagint, Μαρτύριον Marturion - ‹A testimony.‘ The Chaldee (‫בר‬
rab ), ‹A prince.‘ The Hebrew word (‫דע‬ ‛ēd ) means properly “a witness” Proverbs 19:5-9; then
testimony, witness borne Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17; then a prince, chief, lawgiver,
commander. Compare the use of the verb in 2 Kings 17:13; Psalm 50:7; Psalm 81:9;
Lamentations 2:13. The parallelism requires us to understand it in this sense here - as one who
stood forth to bear solemn testimony in regard to God to his law, and claims, and plans; and one
who, therefore, was designated to be the instructor, guide, and teacher of people.
A leader - Chaldee, ‹A king.‘ The idea is, that he would sustain the relation of a sovereign. One
of the important offices of the Messiah is that of king.
A commander - Or, rather, a lawgiver. He would originate the laws and institutions of his people.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.

Bibliography
Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/isaiah-55.html. 1870.
l " return to 'Jump List'
Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible
"Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.
Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and a nation that knew not thee shall run
unto thee, because of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified
thee."
The speaker in these verses is Jehovah, and the one addressed is the Christ, as indicated by the
last clause, for it was God who glorified the Lord Jesus Christ.
Also, Christ was indeed the Leader and the Commander of all who would believe on his Holy
Name.
"Shall run unto thee ..." (Isaiah 55:5). "This refers to the alacrity with which the Gentiles (in the
future) should repair to the Messiah, that they might enjoy the blessings of his reign."[18]
Despite the fact of there being, in a sense, many covenants that God made with men, the mention
here (Isaiah 55:3) of a "covenant of peace" to appear in the future applies to only one covenant.
"There is no more than one gracious covenant, whose substance is this: the Servant (Christ)
himself is given to us as the covenant (Isaiah 49:8; 53:6)."[19]
Copyright Statement
James Burton Coffman Commentaries reproduced by permission of Abilene Christian University
Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. All other rights reserved.
Bibliography
Coffman, James Burton. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "Coffman Commentaries on the Old and
New Testament". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bcc/isaiah-55.html. Abilene
Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people,.... That is, the Messiah, as Aben Ezra,
Kimchi, and Ben Melech rightly interpret it. This respects an act past in eternity, in God's eternal
purposes and decrees, when he appointed Christ to the office of a Mediator; and this was an act
of his grace, a free gift of his, flowing from his love to his people, both Jews and Gentiles, even
all his elect, to whom Christ is a "witness", both of his father and of himself: of his father, of his
good will to men, in forming the scheme of their salvation; of his love to sinners, in the mission
of him; of his justice and holiness, which appear in his being the propitiation for sin; of his truth
in his promises; of his whole mind and will, with respect to doctrine and worship: he is a witness
of himself; of his deity and perfections; of his divine and eternal sonship; of his existence before
his incarnation; of his Messiahship; of the end of his coming into the world; of his sufferings,
death, and resurrection; of his second coming; and of the several characters he bears: he is a
witness of the covenant itself, as well as the surety, Mediator, and messenger of it, and of truth in

general; to which he has bore witness by his word and doctrines; by his works and miracles; by
his sufferings and death; by the Scriptures of truth; by his Gospel, and the ministers of it; and by
his spirit, and a faithful witness he is:
a leader and commander to the people; he is a "leader", as he is a teacher of his people, who
teaches them to profit, and leads them in the way they should go; as a king that guides his
subjects with the skilfulness of his hands, as David the type of him did; as a general leads out and
on his armies to battle; as a shepherd leads his flock to good pastures; as a guide to those that
know not the way; and as one that goes before others by way of example: Christ leads his people
out of their own ways into his ways; and he leads them in a right way to the city of their
habitation, to heaven at last; and he leads them on gradually and gently, as they are able to bear.
He is a "commander" in a military way, a wise, powerful, valiant, and courageous one, and
always victorious; and in a political sense, as a King commands his subjects, whose commands
are to be obeyed; and indeed they are written on the hearts of his people; they are not grievous,
though they cannot be performed in their own strength; nor is it designed that life and salvation
should be obtained by the observance of them, but are done to testify subjection to Christ, and
gratitude to him. The Targum is,
"behold, I have appointed him a Prince to the people, a King, and a ruler over all kingdoms.'
Copyright Statement
The New John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible Modernised and adapted for the computer by
Larry Pierce of Online Bible. All Rightes Reserved, Larry Pierce, Winterbourne, Ontario.
A printed copy of this work can be ordered from: The Baptist Standard Bearer, 1 Iron Oaks Dr,
Paris, AR, 72855
Bibliography
Gill, John. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/isaiah-55.html. 1999.
Geneva Study Bible
Behold, I have given g him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
(g) Meaning Christ, of whom David was a figure.
Copyright Statement
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliography
Beza, Theodore. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "The 1599 Geneva Study Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/gsb/isaiah-55.html. 1599-1645.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
him — the mystical David (Ezekiel 37:24, Ezekiel 37:25; Jeremiah 30:9; Hosea 3:5). Given by
God (Isaiah 49:6).

witness — He bore witness even unto death for God, to His law, claims, and plan of redeeming
love (John 18:37; Revelation 1:5). Revelation is a “testimony”; because it is propounded to be
received on the authority of the Giver, and not merely because it can be proved by arguments.
commander — “preceptor” [Horsley]; “lawgiver” [Barnes].
to the people — rather, “peoples.”
Copyright Statement
These files are a derivative of an electronic edition prepared from text scanned by Woodside
Bible Fellowship.
This expanded edition of the Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary is in the public domain and
may be freely used and distributed.
Bibliography
Jamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4".
"Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfb/isaiah-55.html. 1871-8.
Wesley's ExplanatoryNotes
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
Behold — I have appointed, and will in due time actually give.
Him — The David last mentioned, even Christ.
A witness — To declare the will of God concerning the duty and salvation of men, to bear
witness to truth, to confirm God's promises, and, among others, those which respect the calling
of the Gentiles: to be a witness of both parties of that covenant made between God and men.
The people — To all people.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available on the
Christian Classics Ethereal Library Website.
Bibliography
Wesley, John. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole
Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/isaiah-55.html. 1765.
Calvin's Commentary on the Bible
4.Behold, I have given him a witness to the peoples. The Prophet now explains more fully the
reason why he mentioned “David.” It was because into his hand had been committed the promise
of a Redeemer that was to come, and this discourse might be expressed with a view to his public
character, so far as he was the surety of the covenant; for he did not act for himself individually,
but was appointed to be a sort of mediator between God and the people. Yet it is beyond all
doubt that the Prophet leads them directly to Christ, to whom the transition from David was easy

and natural; as if he had said, “That successor of David shall come forth, by whose hand perfect
salvation and happiness hath been promised.”
By calling him “a witness,” he means that the covenant into which he entered shall be ratified
and confirmed in Christ. There is a weighty meaning in the word “witness;” for he clearly shows
that this covenant shall be proved in Christ, by whom the truth of God shall be made manifest.
He will! testify that God is not false. But this testimony consists in doctrine; and if it were not
added, we should receive little benefit from Christ’s coming, as it is said, “I will publish the
command.” (Psalms 2:7) In this sense also Isaiah said in another passage, that Christ will have a
mouth like a sword or an arrow. (Isaiah 49:2)
A leader and instructor. This is added, in order to procure attention to his doctrine; for, if we do
not hear him when he speaks, and if we do not embrace by assured faith what he makes known to
us concerning the Father’s good pleasure, his power is set aside. In like manner, the name of
Christ is pronounced loudly enough by the Papists; but since they refuse to receive him as a
teacher and instructor, and acknowledge him merely by name, their boasting is idle and
ridiculous.
To the peoples. This was added for the purpose of amplification, because the Church could not
be restored to her ancient dignity, or be enlarged, but by assembling the Gentiles; and therefore it
was necessary that the voice of Christ should pierce even to the remotest countries, because he
has been appointed a “witness, leader, and instructor” to the whole human race.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Calvin, John. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "Calvin's Commentary on the Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/isaiah-55.html. 1840-57.
John Trapp Complete Commentary
Isaiah 55:4 Behold, I have given him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to
the people.
Ver. 4. Behold, I have given him,] i.e., Christ, called David, [Isaiah 55:3] because typed out by
David, promised to him, and sprang of him.
For a witness.] To teach and testify his Father’s will and counsel, Ut de veritate hac et voluntate
Patris testaretur. " class="bible_footnote alt_foreground_dark bold" id="a" style="display: inline;
"(a) at which, being his eternal wisdom, he had been present. See Revelation 3:14.
A leader and commander to the people.] Of Christ’s priestly office had been spoken in Isaiah
53:12, here of his prophetical and princely. These were frequently set forth even in the Old
Testament; by the crown or golden plate on the high priest’s head was signified Christ’s kingly
office; by the breastplate, his priestly; and by the bells, his prophetic.

Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Trapp, John. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". John Trapp Complete Commentary.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/isaiah-55.html. 1865-1868.
Hawker's PoorMan's Commentary
How sweet and blessed is this declaration of Jehovah, concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. Here he
is revealed under those distinguishing characters. And is he not the faithful witness in heaven?
Called of God the Father, hath he not witnessed the whole truth of God, by his spotless life and
holy death? Yea, doth he not now, by his blessed Spirit, confirm the whole, in the hearts, and
lives, and consciences of his people? Is he not the leader, the captain, the commander, of his little
army, in guiding, directing, strengthening, and making more than conquerors, all his chosen,
through this wilderness, to his kingdom above?
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Hawker, Robert, D.D. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pmc/isaiah-55.html. 1828.
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible
Isaiah 55:4. Behold, I have given him, &c.— The witness and leader here spoken of,
unquestionably, is the Messiah, whom God declares that he had given, not to instruct the Jews
only, but also the people of the Gentiles. Instead of commander, Vitringa reads instructor. Christ
is the faithful and true witness. See Revelation 3:14.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Coke, Thomas. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tcc/isaiah-55.html. 1801-1803.
Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae
DISCOURSE: 982
CHRIST A WITNESS AND COMMANDER

Isaiah 55:4.—Behold, I have given him for a Witness to the people, a Leader and Commander to
the people.
AMONGST the various means which God used for the spiritual benefit of his ancient people,
one was, to provoke them to jealousy, by declaring, that the blessings which they so abused
should be transferred to another people, who would make a more suitable improvement of them.
From the beginning he warned them of this by Moses: “They have moved me to jealousy with
that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them
to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation
[Note: Deuteronomy 32:21.].” Our blessed Lord and his Apostles frequently had recourse to this
expedient: and St. Paul tells us, that he had used it, not to irritate his countrymen, but, if possible,
to save them [Note: Romans 11:11; Romans 11:15.]. The Prophet Isaiah had this object in view,
in the passage before us. He has been expostulating with the Jewish people on their folly and
impiety in not seeking after the blessings of salvation, and especially those blessings which God
had covenanted to bestow upon them through their exalted Messiah [Note: Compare ver. 3. with
Acts 13:34.]; and he tells them, that God had given this Messiah, not, as they imagined, to them
only, but to the whole Gentile world; who would eventually run to him, and embrace him, and
become the heirs of those benefits, which the ungrateful Israelites neglected and despised.
That it is the Messiah who is here spoken of, there can be no doubt. He is often designated by the
name of David [Note: Jeremiah 30:9. Ezekiel 34:23-24. Hosea 3:5.]: and “an unspeakable gift”
he is to a ruined world [Note: 2 Corinthians 9:15.].
We propose to shew,
I. For what ends he is given—
Doubtless he was sent for the salvation of man; according as it written, “God so loved the world,
that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
should have everlasting life [Note: John 3:16.].” But there are two ends of his incarnation
specified in the text; to which therefore we will confine our attention. He was given,
1. “To be a Witness to the people”—
[God had from all eternity devised a plan for the redemption of the world through the sufferings
of his only-begotten Son. And of this plan the Lord Jesus Christ came to testify. For this office
he was well qualified; having concerted the plan together with his Father; as it is written, “The
counsel of peace was between them both [Note: Zechariah 6:13.].”
Of this stupendous mystery the Lord Jesus testified by the Prophets, hundreds of years before he
came into the world. Not one word of all that they delivered on this momentous subject
proceeded from themselves: “they spoke only as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [Note: 2
Peter 1:21.],” and as they were instructed “by an immediate inspiration from God [Note: 2
Timothy 3:16.].” The Spirit by whose sacred agency they were moved, was “the Spirit of
Christ:” as St. Peter says: “The Prophets, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto us,
searched what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ did signify, when it testified
beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow [Note: 1 Peter 1:10-11.].”
Here both the subject and the author of their testimony are declared to be precisely such as we
have affirmed. It was of the wonders of redemption that they testified; and the Author of their
testimony was Jesus Christ.

In due time he came down from heaven, and testified of these things in his own person. He had
from all eternity been “in the bosom of his Father [Note: John 1:18.],” and was privy to every
thing which the Father had ordained [Note: John 5:20.]: and at the appointed season he came, “as
a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the
Fathers [Note: Romans 15:8.]:” as St. John informs us; “He that cometh from heaven is above
all: and what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth [Note: John 3:31-32.].” The light which he
cast on this mystery was far greater than that which had been given to the Jewish Church: yet the
time was not come for the full disclosure of it: he had many things to say, which the people could
not hear whilst he was yet sojourning on earth, because the mystery itself yet remained to be
accomplished, by his death, and resurrection, and ascension.
He therefore afterwards bore a fuller testimony by his Apostles; who, through that “unction of
the Holy One who taught them all things” and “brought all things to their remembrance,”
“testified of the Gospel of the grace of God [Note: Acts 20:24.],” and “declared the whole
counsel of God” respecting it. To this effect St. John says; “We have seen, and do testify, that the
Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world [Note: 1 John 4:14.].” The record was the
same, by whomsoever it was delivered; namely, “that God has given to us eternal life; and that
this life is in his Son: he that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not
life [Note: 1 John 5:11-12.].” By whomsoever it was delivered also, it was equally “the
testimony of Christ [Note: 1 Corinthians 1:6.],” both as having him for its Author, and him for its
end.
Hence the appropriate name of Christ, as designating the first great object of his Mission, is,
“The faithful and true Witness [Note: Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14.].”]
2. To be “a Leader and Commander to the people”—
[Moses, in his day, was a witness from God, to make known to the Jewish people the Divine
will: but Joshua was the commander, who was to lead them into the Promised Land, and to give
them a full possession of their inheritance. The two offices are combined in Christ; who, whilst
he is given for a Witness, is also given for “a Leader and Commander to the people.” He even
appeared to Joshua of old, “as Captain of the host of the Lord,” from whom alone all Joshua’s
success should spring [Note: Joshua 5:14-15.]. And to us also is he revealed under the same
blessed character, “The Captain of our salvation [Note: Hebrews 2:10.].” He is at the head of all
his people, and goes forth with them to battle: and all who have enlisted under his banners are to
fight as good soldiers of Jesus Christ,” and to “quit themselves like men [Note: 2 Timothy 2:3. 1
Corinthians 16:13.];” nor are they ever to cense from their conflicts till they have gained the
victory [Note: 1 Timothy 6:12.]. Indeed “through him they shall be more than conquerors [Note:
Romans 8:37.]:” for he will never leave them, till he has fulfilled to them all that he has
undertaken, and put them into possession of their promised inheritance [Note: Joshua 23:14.].]
From the ends for which he is given, we proceed to shew,
II. The manner in which he is to be received—
This must correspond with God’s design in sending him into the world. He must be received,
1. With a faith that wavers not—
[As he is a Witness to us, we must listen to his testimony with childlike simplicity. If he declare
to us the plan of salvation, we must submit to it with the deepest reverence, and not for a moment
dispute against it, or attempt to substitute in its place any plan of our own. If he open to us the

great and precious promises which God has made in his word, we must rely upon them, and
expect their accomplishment with the most assured confidence. If, on the other hand, he
denounce the judgments of God against impenitent transgressors, we must tremble at his word,
and humble ourselves before him in dust and ashes. As for all that men may say in opposition to
his testimony, it must be to us of no greater weight than the dust upon the balance. Our answer
must be, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them [Note: Isaiah 8:20.].” To sit at his feet, like Mary, must be the delight of
our souls. We must treasure up in our hearts his every word, even as his own Mother did, whilst
he was yet a child [Note: Luke 2:51.]. We must “meditate on his sayings day and night [Note:
Psalms 1, 2.].” They must be “more to us than our necessary food [Note: Job 23:12.],” and
“sweeter to us than honey and the honey-comb.” If under any circumstances our faith in his word
begin to waver, we must be ashamed of ourselves, and mourn for it, as treating him with the
greatest dishonour. Such conduct would be deemed a heinous offence even to a creature like
ourselves: how much more offensive then must it be to him! it is nothing less than “making God
a liar.” This is the interpretation which God himself puts upon such conduct [Note: John 5:9-10.].
Let us dread lest we be found guilty of this sin; and let us “be strong in faith, giving glory to
God.”]
2. With an obedience that has no reserves—
[The obedience which a soldier owes to his Commander is unbounded. The Commander has only
to say, “Come,” and he cometh; “Go,” and he goeth; “Do this,” and he doeth it. He does not
think it any excuse for disobedience, that by following the command he shall have to encounter
an enemy that will seek his life. On the contrary, the more dangerous the post is that is assigned
him, the more he considers himself bound to execute the command with promptitude and zeal:
and, if he hesitate through fear, he is deemed unworthy any more to serve his prince: yea, he may
account himself happy, if his life be not also forfeited as the penalty of his transgression. Shall
there then be any limit to the obedience which we shall render to our heavenly Leader? Shall his
commands be disobeyed through fear, or be executed with a timid trembling mind? Shall not his
authority awe us, and his example shame us, into a conduct more worthy of our profession? Shall
we not account it rather an honour to suffer for him, and be ready at any time, or in any manner,
to lay down our lives for his sake? Yes; we must fight the good fight of faith. We must put on the
whole armour provided for us, and go forth “strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
We must be studious to learn from day to day, what is his will concerning us; and, once apprised
of it, we must set ourselves instantly to obey it. Does it call for self-denial? We should for his
sake “mortify the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Does it summon us to action? “Whatever
our hand findeth to do, we must do it with our might.” We must be ever ready to “follow him
without the camp, bearing his reproach.” There is nothing to which he calls us, which He has not
himself both done and suffered; he, without any obligation on his part, except what his own love
had imposed upon him: whereas we are bound by our allegiance to the God of heaven, and by all
our hopes of acceptance with him in a better world, to “war a good warfare:” for it is only by
being “faithful unto death that we can ever obtain the crown of life [Note: Revelation 2:10.].”
It is said in the words following my text, that the Gentiles to whom this Saviour was given,
“should run unto him, and glorify his name.” I call on you therefore to verify this prediction, and
“not to receive the grace of God in vain.” It is in this way only that you can shew to the Jews
what blessings you enjoy, and stir them up to seek a participation of them. And in this way alone

can you “walk worthy of your high calling,” or “render to the Lord according to the benefits he
has conferred upon you.”]
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Simeon, Charles. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/shh/isaiah-55.html. 1832.
Matthew Poole's EnglishAnnotations on the Holy Bible
I have given, I have already appointed, and will in due time actually give,
him; the David last mentioned, even Christ, the Son and successor of David, as is plain and
certain from the titles and works ascribed to him in this and the following verse. But of this See
Poole "Isaiah 55:3". For a witness; to be a Prophet or Teacher to declare the counsel and will of
God concerning the duty and salvation of men; to bear witness unto the truth, as Christ himself
affirmeth, John 18:37; to confirm God’s promises, Romans 15:8, and, amongst others, those
which respect the calling and reconciliation of the Gentiles; to be a witness for both parties of
that covenant made between God and men. To the people; not only to my people of Israel, but to
all people, Gentiles no less than Jews, as is evident from the following verse, and from Isaiah
49:6, and divers other places.
A Leader and Commander; a sovereign Prince to give them laws, and exact their obedience, and
in case of their obedience to give them protection and rewards.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Poole, Matthew, "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the
Holy Bible. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mpc/isaiah-55.html. 1685.
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible
4. Behold — God continues calling attention to the functions of the great Messiah. He desires the
people — all people — to grasp the full idea of Messiah.
I have given him — David, Messiah — type and antitype; David in supreme royalty, king over
all foes and friends; Christ in ascended majesty, but dispensing to weak and strong, low and
high, the rich blessings in full scope and adaptation which in his redemptive work he has secured
for all who will take of them. He is a witness to the people — Better, a monitor, instructor, in all
stages; then a leader, commander, and lawgiver; originating laws and institutions for his
“people.” As to the idea of “people,” be it ever kept in mind that no race distinctions are allowed,

Jew or Gentile is embraced. This is the era of the Gospel, not wholly of schoolmaster training for
the Gospel. 5.
Thou — Thou Messiah, or Son of David; the idea of kingly glory in the typical David not being
yet dropped.
Shalt call — Or, invite and bring together.
A nation that thou knowest not — That is, the Gentile world, whom he had not hitherto
distinguished by covenants of blessing — the Davidic nation being still uppermost in thought.
Nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee — Become one with the covenant people; run
eagerly, on knowing of thee more particularly; as indeed, in early gospel preaching, they did so
run.
Because of the Lord thy God — And all this, because agreeing to the spirit of his everlasting
covenant. Psalms 2; Acts 3:13.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Whedon, Daniel. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "Whedon's Commentary on the Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/whe/isaiah-55.html. 1874-1909.
Expository Notes ofDr. Thomas Constable
"Behold" introduces this verse and the next, and suggests comparison of them. The readers are
not only to listen to what the Lord says but to look at what He presents. God is the speaker, but
who is the "him" that is a witness to the nations and a leader and commander for the peoples? It
could be David ( Isaiah 55:3), who witnessed to the character of Yahweh in his ministry. It could
be Messiah, who would be a witness (light) to the nations and lead them. It is probably not Israel,
since "him" is an unusual way of referring to Israel in this context. Nor is it the people of God
more generally. I think the witness is the Servant Messiah, whom David anticipated and
prefigured. Watts believed he was Darius. [Note: Watts, Isaiah 34-66 , p246.] "The faithful
mercies of David" ( Isaiah 55:3) point beyond David; they are the faithful mercies promised to
David.
". . . the book of the King ([Isaiah] chapters1-37) portrayed the Messiah as the fulfilment [sic] of
the ideal in its royal aspects, but now Isaiah brings the values of the Servant-Messiah within the
basic Davidic-Messianic model. It is the Servant, with his prophetic task ( Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah
49:2-3; Isaiah 50:4), who fulfils the role of Davidic witness to the world [cf. Isaiah 49:1]." [Note:
Motyer, pp454-55.]
Copyright Statement

Bibliography
Constable, Thomas. DD. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas
Constable". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/isaiah-55.html. 2012.
George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary
Him. David, who continually proclaimed the divine mercies, (Psalm xvii. 1.) or rather Christ;
though Grotius alone would refer it to Jeremias. (Calmet)
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Haydock, George Leo. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "George Haydock's Catholic Bible
Commentary". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/hcc/isaiah-55.html. 1859.
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
Him = Messiah: not David, but David"s Son and David"s Lord.
people = peoples.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Bullinger, Ethelbert William. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "E.W. Bullinger's Companion bible
Notes". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bul/isaiah-55.html. 1909-1922.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged
Behold, I have given him - the mystical David (Ezekiel 37:24-25; Jeremiah 30:9; Hosea 3:5).
Given by God (Isaiah 49:6).
For a witness to the people - Hebrew, peoples. He bore witness even unto death for God, to His
law, His claims, and His plan of redeeming love (John 18:37; Revelation 1:5, "the Faithful
Witness.") Revelation is a "testimony" ('eedah and 'eeduth, from 'eed, a witness); because it is
propounded to be received on the authority of the Giver, and not merely because it can be proved
by arguments.
A leader - Nagiyd (Hebrew #5057), Prince [ archeegon (Greek #747)]: Acts 3:15, "the Prince of
life:" the same Hebrew term as in Daniel 9:26.

Commander - `preceptor' (Horsley). So Vulgate. But the Chaldaic, Septuagint, Arabic, and
Syriac much the same as the English version. Hebrew, uwmtsaweek (Hebrew #6680), from
tsaawah (Hebrew #6680), to enjoin, or command.
To the people - Hebrew, peoples.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Jamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4".
"Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfu/isaiah-55.html. 1871-8.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(4) I have given him . . .—Better, I gave, the words referring primarily to the historic David
(Comp. Psalms 78:70-71), though realised fully only in Him who was the “faithful and true
witness” (John 18:37; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14), the “captain” or “leader” of our salvation
(Hebrews 2:10).
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Ellicott, Charles John. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "Ellicott's Commentary for English
Readers". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ebc/isaiah-55.html. 1905.
Treasuryof Scripture Knowledge
I have
John 3:16; 18:37; 1 Timothy 6:13; Revelation 1:5; 3:14
a leader
49:8-10; Psalms 2:6; Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23,24; Daniel 9:25; Hosea 3:5; Micah 5:2-4;
Matthew 2:6; 28:18-20; John 10:3,27; 12:26; 13:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Ephesians 5:24;
Hebrews 2:10; 5:9
Copyright Statement

Bibliography
Torrey, R. A. "Commentary on Isaiah 55:4". "The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tsk/isaiah-55.html.
Preacher's Complete HomileticalCommentary
CHRIST GIVEN FOR A WITNESS, LEADER, AND COMMANDER
Isa . Behold, I have given Him for a witness, &c.
In going into the wide world and entering upon the stern battle of life, feelings of doubt and
uncertainty are not unfrequently experienced, especially by the young. They are comparatively
ignorant of the difficulties, &c., that are before them; they have heard much from their seniors of the
snares, &c., in life's path; they have read many a story of moral wreck and ruin, or of suffering
innocence and unprincipled prosperity, and consequently they often shrink from the arduous duties
which spread out before them. How eagerly at this juncture of life do they long for some friend or
guide to direct them, and when such an one is found with what unshrinking adherence and tenacity
do they cling to that friend. What they so naturally and earnestly desire, and what we all stand in
need of, our Heavenly Father has graciously provided in Christ, of whom the prophet speaks in the
text.
I. GOD'S GREATEST GIFT TO MAN.
1. The Person given. His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Isa ; Eze 37:25; Joh 3:16, and
others). Given in purpose and in promise, He came "in the fulness of time"—the completion of the
designed period, the exact date when all things were ready for His coming (Gal 4:4). What an
infinitely great and glorious gift! manifesting in the highest possible degree God's boundless love
towards us, for His Son was infinitely dear to Him, and sinners were infinitely vile in His sight (Joh
3:16; Joh 15:13; Rom 5:7-8; Rom 8:32). "Thanks"—eternal thanks—"be unto God for His
UNSPEAKABLE gift!" (Cf. p. 112, 113).
2. To whom He was given. To the peoples or nations of the world universally, as the subsequent
verses express The Evangelical Prophet loved to dwell on this delightful truth—one of the chief
glories of the Gospel (Isa , and others). The Messiah was given to be the Saviour, not of the Jews
only, but also of the Gentiles—the race that had rebelled, and were in a hopeless condition (Isa 49:6;
Luk 2:10; Joh 6:33; Joh 17:21; 2Co 5:15; 1Jn 2:2; Heb 2:9). What "glad tidings of great joy!" Christ
is God's great gift to you; receive Him here and NOW.
II. GOD'S BENEFICENT PURPOSE IN THE GIFT OF HIS SON. He has given Him—
1. For a Witness. The office of a witness is to give evidence of some important fact or facts. Thus
Christ is a witness (Joh ). He states facts. He is the great Prophet and Teacher, the perfect Revealer
of Divine truth to mankind, of everything necessary to salvation. By the fall man has lost the
knowledge of God, and Christ is the only source of spiritual light (Joh 1:9; Joh 8:12). All who lived
before His advent were enlightened by Him (1Pe 1:10-11). He bore witness even unto death (1Ti
6:13).
(1.) To the beneficence of God's laws.
(2.) To the mercifulness of God's character, manifested especially in His gracious provision for
man's salvation—provision full and free, &c.
(3.) To the justness of God's claims—based upon redeeming love.

(4.) To the reliableness of God's promises.
(5.) To the condemnation of the unbelieving and disobedient (Joh ; Joh 3:36, and others). As a
witness He is
(1.) credible and competent; His credentials are supreme; He is thoroughly acquainted with
everything of which He testifies; He can be trusted implicitly without fear.
(2.) Faithful and final, because Divine. False witnesses abound—beware! But this witness cannot be
deceived, nor can He deceive us. Thank God for such a "faithful and true witness." Listen to, and
confide in His testimony as recorded in the Scriptures of truth (Joh ).
2. For a Leader. The same word is translated "Captain," "Ruler," "Prince" (2Sa ; 1Sa 25:30; Eze
28:2; Dan 9:25). The expression may be understood in such an extensive meaning, as applied to
Christ as possessed of supreme authority and jurisdiction over the Church, and over the world, in His
mediatorial capacity. This is the grand glory of Christ our King (Eph 1:20-23; Rev 19:16). The office
of a leader is to go before, to conduct, &c. As such Christ executes this office—
(1.) By the instructions of His Word.
(2.) By His perfect example (Joh ; 1Pe 2:21; Heb 12:2). He never says go, always come; because He
has gone before us in hardship and suffering, &c.
"He leads us through no darker rooms
Than He went through before."
(3.) By the light of His Spirit.
(4.) By the events of His providence. He has never led one astray, but millions to a glorious
character and heaven. Is He your Leader? Can you say, "He leadeth me"? What an unspeakable
blessing is a Divinely guided life (P. D. 1640).
3. FOR A COMMANDER (Zec ; 1Ch 16:15-16; Psa 33:9; Psa 110:2-3; Isa 2:3-4). As
Commander—
(1.) He enlists for the conflict against foes.
(2.) He trains for service.
(3.) He gives orders.
(4.) He provides the weapons—not carnal.
(5.) He encourages by His presence.
(6.) He leads and goes forward to victory. Are you submitting to His rule, obeying His commands,
fighting under His banner, &c. (2Ti )? Let not "other lords" have dominion over you—He only has
the right. You have been called into His kingdom. But you cannot have Him as your Saviour unless
you take Him as your Sovereign. "Where Jesus comes He comes to reign." Trajan won the heart of
his soldiers by tearing up his royal robe to bind a soldier's wound. "The King Immortal" gave His
life for you.! But if you refuse His righteous reign your danger and doom cannot be exaggerated.—
A. Tucker.
I. THE GRAND BESTOWMENT.
Christ is the greatest gift God could bestow, or man receive. All that He is, has done, has obtained, is
given. This is a gift—

1. We could not claim.
2. We did not deserve.
3. We did not ask.
4. We cannot adequately estimate. "God only knows the love of God."
II. THE SPECIAL CHARACTERS UNDER WHICH CHRIST IS PRESENTED.
1. As a Witness to the people.
2. As a Leader, &c.
3. As a Commander, &c.
III. THE REGARD DUE TO HIM UNDER THESE CHARACTERS.
1. Is He a Gift? Receive Him with cheerfulness, gratitude, affection.
2. Is He a Witness? Believe and rest upon His faithful word.
3. Is He a Leader? Follow Him in every conflict. Rely upon His presence and wisdom in every
emergency, &c.
4. Is He a Commander? Let your obedience to Him as a Sovereign attest your love to Him as God's
chief gift.—Samuel Thodey.
I. The representation afforded of the Mediatorial offices of the Saviour. Numerous and varied
epithets are employed in sacred Scripture to describe Christ. They are not empty and unmeaning, as
among men; but describe a corresponding variety and excellence in His Person and work. Examine
the several terms used in the text, and mark their mutual relation and bearing on each other.
1. As a Witness.
2. As a Leader.
3. As a Commander.
II. The circumstances connected with His designation to these offices. They are remarkable, and
claim our best attention.
1. He is Divinely appointed.
2. He is graciously bestowed.
3. He was given for the advantage of a countless number.
4. He was given in such a way as to demand our attention. "Behold!" Contemplate the fact with
astonishment. Put yourself under the guidance and control of this great Leader. Confide in Him.
"Follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth."—George Smith, D.D.
PRECEPT AUSTIN RESOURCES

CHRIST’S TRIPLE CHARACTER NO. 2787
A SERMON INTENDED FOR READING ON LORD’S-DAY, JULY 13, 1902.
DELIVERED BY C. H. SPURGEON, AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE,
NEWINGTON, ON LORD’S-DAY EVENING, JUNE 16, 1878.
“Behold, I have given Him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the
people.” Isaiah 55:4.
THERE is no gospel apart from our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the essence of it; He is
everything in it; there would be no gospel without Him. In this chapter the Holy Spirit had
been speaking, very largely, through the prophet, of gospel bounties and privileges. He had
bid the thirsty to “come to the waters,” and the penniless to come, and “buy wine and milk
without money and without price.” When He had commanded men to listen diligently unto
Him, to eat that which was good, and to let their soul delight itself in fatness, you might be
quite sure that He would not so speak without very soon mentioning Christ. For if, in His
gospel, there are waters for the thirsty, those waters do not exist apart from Christ. Is not
the gospel that which proceeds out of His lips? No, more, is not Christ Himself the Water of
life? He still says, “If any man thirsts, let him come unto Me, and drink.” It is true that
wine and milk are provided; but out of what cluster comes that wine, and where shall the
unadulterated milk of the Word be found but in Him? Christ not only supplies the
necessities of His people, but He gives them abundant and superabundant joy in the
luxuries of His grace. You do not really preach the gospel if you leave Christ out; if He is
omitted, it is not the gospel. You may invite men to listen to your message, but you are only
inviting them to gaze upon an empty table unless Christ is the very center and substance of
all that you set before them. Hence, it is not at all a wonder that, after the glorious gospel
invitations, expostulations, and exhortations of the first three verses of this chapter, we
should come, in the fourth verse, to these words: “‘Behold, I have given HIM.’ I have
talked to you about waters, and about wine and milk, and about bread, and about fatness;
but, ‘behold, I have given HIM,’ for He is all these—water, wine, milk, bread, fatness. I
have spoken to you about ‘an everlasting covenant, eventhe sure mercies of David;’ but I
mean HIM, for He is the great Surety of the covenant, and I have given Him for a covenant
of the people.” Beloved, we cannot do without a personal Christ. The preacher must preach
Him, and we must trust in Him, evenin Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God, the one
and only Savior of sinners. The first word in our text, “Behold,” reminds us that this is a

theme for wonder; it is a matter that calls for attention and admiration: “Behold, I have
given Him.” Is not this something that is worth admiring? Is not this the great marvel of
time—yes, and the miracle of eternity—that God should so love the world as to give His
only-begotten Son? I can understand His giving light to a dark world; I can comprehend
His giving life, that men might live; but that He should give His beloved Son to be light and
life to a dark and dead race—that He should give Him to become incarnate, and to take
upon Himself the form of a servant—that He should give Him to be despised and rejected
of men, and, at last, should give Him up to die—oh, behold! Behold! Behold! This is a sight
to gaze upon forever, and we do not wonder that the apostle wrote, “Which things the
angels desire to look into.” A part of the wonder concerning Christ consists in the fact that
His Father has given Him to the people: “I have given Him for a witness to the people, a
leader and commander to the people.” Not to you, O kings and princes—not to you, a few
aristocrats picked here and there; but, “I have given Him for a witness to the people.” “I
have exalted one chosen out of the people.” He is the people’s Christ, the people’s Leader,
the people’s Friend, the people’s King. And the wonder increases when you recollect that
the word translated “people” might be just as accurately rendered “nations.” No doubt, the
Lord’s intention here is to
2 Christ’s Triple Character Sermon #2787
2 Tell someone today how much you love Jesus Christ. Volume 48
refer to the Gentiles: “Behold, I have given Him for a witness to the Gentiles, a leader and
commander to the Gentiles”—not to the chosen people, Israel, alone; but evento us,
“sinners of the Gentiles,” who were outside the favored family of the Jews. The Gentiles
seemedto have been passed by, and left to perish; but, now, behold this wonder: “more are
the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife.” Christ has been given as
“a light to lighten the Gentiles,” as well as “the glory of His people Israel;” and now to us,
in these far-off isles of the sea, where our forefathers worshipped gods that were no gods,
evento us is Jehovah-Jesus preached; and He has come, from the courts of God, to be to us
a witness, a leader and a commander. All glory be to His blessedname! Well does the text
say, “Behold,” concerning the Giver, the Gift, and the persons who receive the Gift. Take
care that you pass not by, without thought and admiration, that which the Holy Spirit
commends to your notice by the use of the word, “Behold.” I want you, dear friends, to
look upon Christ’s triple character as it is described in our text; and, first, we may see Him
here in three characters or relationships, in which we shall next see three excellences,
demanding from us three duties, and ensuring three benefits. I. First, then, let us, with
believing eyes, SEE OUR LORD IN THREE CHARACTERS OR RELATIONSHIPS.
First, He is a witness for the Father; secondly, He is a leader for His saved people; and,
thirdly, He is a commander for those who, as yet, are not saved, of whom the next verse
says, “You shall call a nation that You know not, and nations that knew not You shall run
unto You.” Well, then, first, our blessedLord, to whom be all honor and reverence, is a

witness for the Father— a witness concerning the Father. We should never have known
what God was like if it had not been that “the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of
the Father, He has declared Him.” God was pleased to reveal Himself, to some extent, in
types and emblems under the old law; yet very little of Him was known in that way. The
request of Thomas, “Lord, show us the Father,” would be the request of men still if Christ
had not made Him known to us. He came to show us the Father, for He that has seenChrist
has seenthe Father. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus. Would you know
what God thinks? Then, read what Jesus thinks. Would you know how God feels? Behold
how Jesus feels. Would you know, in fact, as much of the character of God as can possibly
be revealed to men? You need not look upon the green fields and swelling floods, in the
hope of seeing God in His works; but study the character of Christ, for there you have the
fullness of the Godhead so manifested that it can be understood, as far as it is possible, by
the finite mind. It is God in human flesh—Emmanuel, God with us—whom you must study
if you would know God. And, oh! If, indeed, I do see God in Christ, then, what a blessed
God He is to me! For who would not love Jesus? Even those who have denied His Deity
have been fascinated by the beauty of His character. Surely, everyone, who has everread
the Gospels of the four evangelists, must have been enraptured with their biographies of
the Christ of God. What a matchless character was His! Just and good, honest and tender,
full of mental power and energy, yet all the while like a holy child—was there ever
anything as unique as the life of Christ? Nor is Christ merely the witness concerning
God’s character, but He is also a witness concerning God’s bearings toward us. How does
God feel with regard to His rebellious creatures? Will He destroy them in His anger, or is
He ready to restore them to His favor if they repent? Has He gracious feelings toward
them? This is a question which might well subdue the whole world to a solemn hush until it
was answered. But Christ has come to answer it; His very coming answers it. The angels
thought so, for they came with Him, and they sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men.” Their song clearly meant that, now, God delights in
mercy; He has opened His stores of love to the unthankful and the undeserving. Since Jesus
Christ has come to die that sinners might live, and to live again that sinners might not die,
it becomes certain that God’s bearing towards man is not that of wrath and indignation—
of stern severity, which refuses to accept the penitent; but that all is mercy, all is grace, and
that Christ is the witness that it is so. True, His death, as the Substitute for His people,
revealed the justice of God; but it also showed us how evenjustice could no longer refuse
that mercy should have sway since all its demands had been satisfied by the great sacrifice
of Christ. So Christ is the witness to us of how the Father feels towards the sons of men.
Sermon #2787 Christ’s Triple Character 3
Volume 48 Tell someone today how much you love Jesus Christ. 3
And He also came to be a witness of another matter, namely, that God has set up a
kingdom among the sons of men. That was a faithful and true witness of Christ when He

said, “My kingdom is not of this world”—witnessing a good confession before Pontius
Pilate, and, while claiming that He was a King, revealing the true character of His reign.
There is a spiritual kingdom set up in the world, and it comprises those who are born-again
to a spiritual life, enlisted under spiritual laws, to serve God, who is a Spirit, and who must
be servedin spirit and in truth. Christ came to tell us all this; do we know anything about
it? He has told us how to enter that kingdom; have we entered it? “You must be born-
again,” He said to Nicodemus; for, “except a man be born-again, He cannot see the
kingdom of God;” “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into
the kingdom of God.” There is no way of entrance into the kingdom of divine grace except
by regeneration; and Jesus Christ is the witness of that great truth. Having many things to
say to you, I cannot fully describe the office of Christ as a witness for the Father; that
would be a sufficient theme for a whole discourse, and for many discourses. But I may
briefly say that whatever Christ has taught concerning any truth which has to do with our
salvation, is His witness upon that point; and if we want to know the truth about anything,
we must go to Christ to learn it. If we want to know how we may be reconciled to God, and
effectually saved, we must sit at the feet of Jesus Christ, and receive His testimony, for He
is the witness for the Father in all that affects our relationship to Him. The second office
of Christ, mentioned in the text, is that of a leader to His own people. The word “Leader”
might be rendered, “the foremost;” and, truly, beloved brethren and sisters, Christ is the
foremost of all His people—the standard-bearer among ten thousand, and the altogether
lovely. Christ is in the forefront of the whole army of the faithful; He leads the van. There
is none like He among the sons of men, and none to be compared with Him. We delight to
accord to Him His rightful pre-eminence in all things. In the Church of God, Jesus Christ
is the leader, because His life is the perfect example of practical holiness. First, He is God’s
witness revealing to us the truth; then, next, He is our example, working out the practical
part of that revelation in His own life. He, who would be saved, then, must follow the lead
of Christ. He who is saveddoes, by the help of the Divine Spirit, follow that lead. Wherever
you see His footprint, there, put down your foot. Wherever He bids you go, there go.
Though the way may be rough, and treading it may cost you much self-denial, there you
must go; for the God, who gave you Christ to save you, gave Him to you, not merely to
enlighten your intellect as a witness, but to affect your life as a leader and example. Have
we accepted Him in both capacities? I know some who seemwilling to take Christ for their
leader, but not as a witness to the truth. That will not do. “What God has joined together,
let no man put asunder.” I know others, who are willing to follow Christ doctrinally, but
not practically. They would accept Him as a witness, but not as a leader. That, also, will not
do. A half-Christ is no Christ at all. You must have Christ as a whole, and take Him in all
the characters and relationships in which God gives Him to you, or you cannot have Him at
all. The third character our Lord bears, according to our text, is that of commander.
There may be many meanings given to that title, but it seems to me that it must relate
mainly to those of His people who are not yet saved. To them, He is a commander; to them

He issues laws as a law-giver, for such is also the sense of the term. What are the laws
which He has given? They are all in this blessedBook; but these are some of them: “Repent
you, and believe the gospel.” “Come unto Me.” “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of
Me.” “Go you,” He says to His servants,” into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature.” “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be
damned.” This message is to be delivered to men, not as a request to them to do it if they
will, but as a command from Christ which, if they obey, He has said that they shall be
saved; but if they disobey it, He has declared that they shall be damned. I am afraid that
sometimes, we pitch the gospel note in much too low a key; I like to reach the higher key,
for I believe it to be the right one. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we say to
you, O sons and daughters of men, that you are to believe in Him, to trust Him, to rely
upon His atoning death, and so to take Him to be your Savior. If you will not do so, you will
justly be condemned; but if you will do as He commands you, you shall be saved. The
moment you have believed in Him, and
yielded to His divine authority, you are, in fact, saved; but this royal proclamation must
not be despised or neglected, for “how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?”
But I think there is more, in this title of Christ, than the mere fact of His making the law,
and bidding us publish it abroad in His name. He is also a commander because He has
power to enforce His proclamations. He calls a nation that knew Him not, and then they
learn to know Him. He invites them, and then they run unto Him. There is never a sinner,
who comes to Christ, till Christ calls him, and makes him come. We are bound to preach
the gospel to every creature; but sinners unanimously reject the command till Christ
effectually calls them by His grace; but when He calls them, then they come to Him. Oh, it
is delightful to think that if the preacher’s voice is powerless, His Master’s voice is not! If
He will but speak, and say to the careless soul, “Turn from your wicked way, and begin to
think,” you shall see the careless one become thoughtful, and repent of his sin, and trust his
Savior. If He shall find some Zacchaeus, and say to him, “Today I must abide at your
house,” He will abide at that house. If, tonight, Christ must necessarily go through
Newington Butts—as it was written, “He must needs go through Samaria”—He will find
some woman, who little thought that she would evermeet with Him, and she shall
afterwards say, as did that other woman, “Come see a man, which told me all things that I
everdid: is not this the Christ?” If there were no divine power over the will of man, no man
would everbe saved. If, the gospel being preached, it were left to men to accept it or reject
it, and there were no exercise of divine power to lead them to receive it, we might preach
our tongues out, we might weep our eyes out, we might pray till our knees refused any
longer to bear us up, but never a soul would come to Christ. But He is set forth, first, as a
witness to the truth; next, as an example, setting that truth before us in His life; and then,

further, clothed with divine authority and girt about with almighty power, making the
truth to be effectual so that men come unto Him, and live. Witness, leader, commander—
you see the range and compass of our great Master’s work. God grant us grace to accept
Him in all three relationships! II. Now, secondly, I am to speak briefly upon THE THREE
EXCELLENCES OF CHRIST IN CONNECTION WITH THESE THREE OFFICES.
First, is Christ a witness? Then, He is a true witness. There are no falsehoods or mistakes in
the witness which Christ bears concerning His Father. He is intimately acquainted with the
Father, for He came forth from the Father; and, therefore, His testimony is wholly reliable.
That which He had seenand heard of the Father, eventhat He made known to us. There is
no possibility of the entrance of any error into the mind of Christ; all His utterances are
infallible truth, for the Spirit of God was upon Him, and in Him, without measure. It is a
trite saying, but a very comforting one, that, whenever Christ speaks a good word to a
sinner, He speaks according to the mind of His Father. Whenever He promises rest, and
peace, and pardon, to those that come unto Him, He promises all this in His Father’s name,
and on His Father’s behalf; so, if you have laid hold of Christ, you have not grasped a sham
or a counterfeit. It is all true; in fact, He is the truth, as well as the way and the life. He will
never deceive you, or mislead you—be you sure of that. We, His poor servants, make many
a blunder in speaking of Him; but eventhe Jewish officers had to confess, “Neverman
spoke like this Man.” He never makes a mistake in anything that He says; so, if He lets fall
any word that just suits your case, and if you have caught hold of it, and lived upon it, let
no one rob you of the consolation, for it is true. Jesus Christ is “the Amen, the faithful and
true witness.” When He was upon the earth, He used to often say, “Verily, verily, I say unto
you,” because He knew that He was speaking the truth, and you may be quite sure of it,
too. We have had many, who have called themselves God’s witnesses, but we have had to
question the truth of their testimony. Sometimes one of these witnesses has given the lie to
another; and when the witnesses disagree, who is to decide between them? But Jesus
Christ’s witness is never self-contradictory. It is true throughout; and he that will sit at His
feet, and drink in what Christ has spoken, has learned truth which he will never have to
unlearn, he has laid hold of the substance, and not of a shadow. Then, next, if our Lord is
a leader, He has, in that capacity, the quality of holiness. God has given Him to lead His
people, and you may safely follow wherever He leads you. Brethren and sisters, be you
quite sure of this—Christ will never lead you into any sin, and He will never conduct you
into any folly, or error, or mistake. In His highest moods, Christ is never fanatical; and in
His lowest, He is never unbelieving. He meets with sinners of all sorts, and evenwith
publicans and harlots, yet there is no one more pure
Sermon #2787 Christ’s Triple Character 5
Volume 48 Tell someone today how much you love Jesus Christ. 5
than He is at all times. He gets away alone, but it is not in order that He may act the part of
the cynic and misanthrope; but that, there, He may commune with His Father, and pray

for both saints and sinners. If you will follow Him in His silence or in His speech—if you
will follow Him in His honor or in His dishonor—if you will follow Him in private or in
public, in His thoughts or in His words, you will never go amiss. Perfect holiness is written
across the whole biography of the Son of man. So, what a mercy it is that if we have a
witness, it is all truth that He speaks; and if we have a leader, His leadership conducts us to
perfect holiness; and, therefore, we may gladly follow Him. Then, further, if He is a
commander, which is the third character mentioned in our text, you see in Him divine
power. It is no use having a commander-in-chief who issues proclamations, but who has
neither wit nor wisdom in the day of battle. It is no use having for a chieftain, one who
knows nothing of war, and who, in the hour of conflict, is driven away like chaff before the
wind. But, beloved, if Christ is a commander, there is no fear that we shall be defeated if we
obey His orders. The strongest battalions are the battalions of God. The greatest force in all
the world is the force of truth and righteousness. Menhave not usually thought so, for
fraud and theft, cruelty and bloodshed, have been the agents by which earthly monarchs
have sought to win their victories. But the Lord has kept His great guns in the rear, and He
will bring them to the front some day, and then it shall be seenthat the might is with the
right; for truth, and love, and grace, and holiness shall be proven to have in them an
omnipotence before which all the powers of darkness and of sin shall fall defeated or fly
confounded. It is a grand thing, in time of battle, to have a commander who knows how to
lead. When Oliver Cromwell came into the field, the Ironsides felt that his presence was
worth more to them than that of ten thousand ordinary soldiers, and every man became a
hero then. When Henry of Navarre rode down the French lines before the battle of Ivry,
the courage of every warrior rose as he fastened on his white-plumed helmet, and said to
them, “Yonder is the enemy: here is your king. God is on our side. Should you lose your
standards in the battle, rally round my plume; you will always find it on the path of victory
and honor.” Alas! His later history proved that this was an empty boast, for he became
cowardly to the faith, yet it availed to inspire his followers on that occasion. But our great
King, when He comes to the front, as soon He will—when He comes to the front by His
Spirit, as evennow He does—gives courage to the coward, and strength to the weak, and
makes each one among us, who treats Him, as He should be treated, with implicit
confidence, to feel that we shall conquer through His might. So, you see, we have three
grand excellences in our Lord Jesus Christ. As a witness, we have truth; as a leader, we
have holiness; and as a commander, we have power. Physical, mental, moral, spiritual
power—all this is in Christ, for He could truly say, “All power is given unto Me in heaven
and in earth;” and, therefore, is He a commander whose orders we may delight to obey, for
He will certainly lead us to victory. III. Very solemnly, though very briefly, I want to refer
to the third division of my subject, which is that THESE RELATIONSHIPS AND
EXCELLENCES DEMAND FROM US THREE DUTIES. Is Christ a true Witness?
Then, believe Him. Generally, in this house, I speak to persons, who believe in the Bible;
who believe, therefore, in the Deity of Christ; and who believe also in the truth of all that

Christ spoke. But, my dear hearers, some of you are very inconsistent, for, while you
believe all this, you do not believe in Jesus Himself. I mean, that you do not trust Him as
your Savior, which is the practical way of believing in Him. You may believe every word in
the Bible, and yet be lost; it is trusting Christ that alone will save you. Now, if all that is in
this Bible is true—and you say that it is, from the time when you were at your mother’s
knee, you believed it to be true—then, why do you believe it with the brain alone? Believe it
with the heart, “for with the heart man believes unto righteousness.” He who wishes to
cross a river, and who believes in the stability of the bridge that spans it, crosses by the
bridge. Do you believe in Christ’s ability to carry you over the river of death, and to take
you to heaven? Then, trust Him to do it. He, who believes in the genuineness of gold, will
take it if it is offered to him. You say that you believe in the truthfulness of Christ; then
trust Him as your Savior. The only way to have Christ, is to take Him as your own—to
accept Him. Some people seemto fancy that faith in Jesus is something very wonderful and
mysterious, and they try to go round thousands of miles to get at it; but the Scripture says,
“The Word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith
which we preach; that
if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that
God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” What does a man do, if he is
hungry, and there is bread set before him? Does he begin to analyze it, and see how many
grains of this and how many of that there are in it? He may do so if he pleases, but that will
not feed him. The greatest chemical analyst in the world is not one single inch ahead of the
poorest child in the matter of feeding. If he will live by bread, he must eat it, and the poor
beggar boy can do the same. He puts it into his mouth, lets it go down into his inmost being,
and so forms part of himself. Now, this is all you have to do in order to be saved. Dear
hearer, you are bothering yourself about feeling this and feeling that, and going about
trying to experience this wonderful sensation and the other. All this is folly or something
worse. Will you trust Christ, or not? God sets Him forth to bear witness to the truth; will
you believe Him who is the truth? That is, will you take Christ to be your Savior? His
Word says that the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all—the context shows that it is
His own people who are meant—and that He has borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows. Will you believe that it is so? Will you just take Christ as God gives Him? That is
all you have to do. God says, “I have given Him.” What is the proper sequel to that? “Lord,
I take Him. If you have given Him as witness, leader, commander, Lord, I take Him as
witness, leader, commander, and I am only too glad to have Him in all those capacities.
‘Lord, I believe; help You my unbelief!’” Next, the Lord Jesus is set forth as leader. What
is the duty arising out of that? If He is a leader, and holiness is the mark of His leadership,
then, let us imitate Him. Christ will not blot out your sins in the past unless you are willing

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