MESSIAH Part OneSample

From Handel’s Messiah -

9. Air and Chorus

O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain.

O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid;

say unto the cities of Judah, behold your God! Isaiah 40: 9

Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60: 1

10. Accompagnato

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people;

but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Isaiah 60: 2-3

Devotion: It shall be revealed to Zion and Jerusalem; notice shall be given of it to the remnant that is left in Zion and Jerusalem, the poor of the land, who were vine-dressers and husband-men; it shall be told them that their brethren shall return to them. Isaiah 40: 9

When the Jews returned out of captivity they had light and gladness, and joy and honor; they then were made to know the Lord and to rejoice in his great goodness; and upon both accounts their light came.

When the Redeemer came to Zion he brought light with him, he himself came to be a light. The Lord shall arise upon thee (v. 2), the glory of the Lord (v. 1) shall be seen upon thee. God is the father and fountain of lights, and it is in his light that we shall see light. Isaiah 60: 1-3

Text from the 1706 Bible Commentary by Matthew Henry, public domain.