MESSIAH Part OneNäide

From Handel’s Messiah -

18. Air

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Behold, thy King cometh unto thee;

He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. Zechariah 9: 9-10

19. Recitative

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. Isaiah 35: 5-6

Devotion: The prophet breaks forth into a joyful representation of the coming of the MESSIAH, of whom the ancient Jews explained this prophecy. He took the character of their King, when he entered Jerusalem amidst the hosannas of the multitude. But his kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. It shall not be advanced by outward force or carnal weapons. His gospel shall be preached to the world. Zechariah 9: 9-10

Most of the earth is still a desert; neither means of grace, spiritual worshippers, nor fruits of holiness, are to be found in it. But the way of religion and godliness shall be laid open. The way of holiness is the way of God’s commandment; it is the good old way. And the way to heaven is a plain way. Those knowing but little, and unlearned, shall be kept from missing the road. It shall be a safe way; nothing can do them any real hurt. Isaiah 35: 5-6

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