that he should "divide the spoil with the strong" (verse 12), i. e. with the
Ansars, as Muhammad did in all his attacks on his enemies and the enemies of God. The
words "he hath poured out his soul unto death" may be metaphorical (verse 12),
but they may also be literal, for Muhammad did die and Jesus ascended to heaven without
dying. [But see §§ 93-951.]
C. The whole of the New Testament shows how this chapter was fulfilled in Christ.
See also Ps. xxii. The old Jewish commentators also understood it of the Messiah. Verses
5, 6, 7, 8, and a large part of verse 12 are evidently inapplicable to Muhammad1.
214. M. Isa. liv. 1: "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear." This
is a prophecy of the birth of Muhammad from the family of Ishmael, and predicts that more
will be brought to God as his followers than were converted by all the prophets who came
from Israel.
C. The words of comfort are addressed to Israel in captivity at Babylon, and
predict (verses 7-15) their return. St. Paul (Gal. iv. 27) explains their