The Intercessor, vs. 1-4. Messiah is speaking here. Throughout the ages, he ever lives to make intercession. He asks that his Church may be one, that the heathen may be given him for his inheritance, and that Israel may be restored. It is the ery of the unresting Saviour. When Jesus pleads for thee, poor soul, thou canst not be desolate and forsaken. God loves, though all hate; God delights, though all abhor; God remains, though all forsake.

Intercessors, vs. 5-7. The Great High-Priest calls us to be priests. The unresting Lord calls on us not to rest. He says, “Watch with me.” He gives us rest from sin and sorrow, that we may not rest from prayer. We must take no rest and give God no rest. We are to become God’s “remembrancers,” y. 6, R.V.

The divine answer, y. 8-12. To the prophet’s mind the prayer is already answered as soon as spoken. Already the highway must be prepared for the return of the exiles. So to us, who have lain among the ashes, salvation comes apace. Make ready to trail thy Deliverer! Then learn to become the salt and benediction of others!