51. Fourth: “Thy heart... shall be enlarged.” Plainly, this phrase suggests true greatness,
security and freedom. These things are the result of the comfort of the Spirit and the joy
of heart experienced when God does for us in excess of our expectations and desires.
Such is God’s way of doing, as Isaiah here teaches. And similarly Paul says ( Ephesians
3:20) that God always does “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” And
thus did God deal with this his little flock. He permitted the small band to be persecuted
and decreased until apparently it was destitute of life and influence. But almost before
one might face about, Christianity had spread throughout the world and surpassed in
strength and influence all its enemies. This is amazing in our eyes.
“The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; and
they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim
the praises of Jehovah.”
52. Having mentioned the nations coming from the “abundance of the sea,” west of
Jerusalem, Isaiah now refers to the nations that are to come from the east. Midian, Ephah,
Sheba, the countries where men travel with camels, lie east of Jerusalem. We read (
Genesis 25:2-4) that Abraham had six sons by his third wife, Keturah: Zimran, Jokshan,
Medam, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. The fourth son, Midian, begat Ephah and Epher.
There we have two, Midian and Ephah, of whom Isaiah here speaks. Also we read there
that the second son, Jokshan, begat Sheba and Dedan. Again, we read
(Genesis 10:1, 6-7) that Noah begat Shem, Ham and Japheth; that Ham begat Cush and
his brethren, and Cush begat Raamah; and that Raamah begat Sheba and Dedan. These
last two names are the same as those of Abraham’s sons. Now, it is doubtful, and must
ever be, whether Isaiah here refers to the Sheba who sprang from Abraham, or to Ham’s
descendant. That, however, is of little importance. It comes to pass on earth that nation
routs nation, and one occupies the other’s territory, as private property in cities changes
hands, is bought and sold, or passes from one landlord to another. As said before, the
countries east of Jerusalem are variously named; not designated by the general name
“gentiles” as are the Mediterranean countries. They are called Chedar, Nabajoth, Midian,
Ephah, Ishmael, Ammon, Edom, Moab, Sheba, according to their primary lords. Moses
says ( Genesis 25:2-6) that Abraham separated from Isaac the sons of his wife Keturah
and sent them toward the east. Hence undoubtedly they occupied many of the countries
mentioned, Midian, Ephah and Sheba becoming the most important.
53. In the Latin and Greek geographies these people are called Arabs. They divide all
Arabia into three parts: Arabia Deserta, Arabia Petrea and Arabia Felix; or, desert Arabia,
stony Arabia and fertile Arabia. Desert Arabia lies between Egypt and Judea, east of the
sea. It was through this section Moses led the children of Israel. In the Hebrew it alone is
called Arabia, for the word means “desert.” Stony Arabia lies east of and touching the
Jordan. It includes a large territory. But Isaiah does not here refer to either of these
countries. Fertile and greater Arabia, far distant from Judea and beyond desert and stony
Arabia, is called in the Hebrew “Sheba.” Whether it derives its name from the son of
Abraham or from the son of Ham is immaterial. Ephah is a portion of fertile Arabia.
From this Arabia, or from Sheba, came the Turk Mohammed. His sepulcher is there in