The Importance of Studying Scripture: Thomas Boston’s Exposition of Isaiah 34:16

J. Neil Daniels

Introduction: Boston and Biblical Piety

Thomas Boston (1676–1732) was a Scottish minister and theologian whose pastoral and theological labors shaped the Reformed tradition in Scotland long after his death. Deeply rooted in Puritan piety and covenant theology, Boston emphasized the necessity of experiential knowledge of divine truth. Among his many expositions, his treatment of Isaiah 34:16, found in Volume 1, Chapter 3.3 of his Works, stands as a model of biblical fidelity and practical application. The verse reads: “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them” (Isa 34:16, LSB). Boston extracts from this passage two principal doctrines: first, that the Bible is the Book of the Lord; second, that this Book must be searched, studied, and submitted to with diligence.

The Bible as the Book of the Lord

Boston begins with a robust affirmation of the divine origin and authority of the Scriptures. The phrase “the book of the Lord” is not poetic hyperbole; it is theological precision. The Scriptures are the book of the Lord in at least three respects.

First, the subject of the Bible is God Himself. Boston writes that it is the book of the Lord “because the Lord is the subject-matter of that book.” In other words, Scripture is the means by which God reveals Himself—His character, His works, and His will. As Paul said to Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me” (2 Tim 1:13). The Scriptures reveal both the attributes of God and His redemptive purpose in Christ.

Second, Scripture is the book of the Lord because the Lord is its Author. “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim 3:16). Though human hands wrote it, divine inspiration directed every word. Boston is careful to distinguish the nature of inspiration: the Spirit not only moved the writers but also superintended the content, even down to the choice of words. As he observes, the apostles spoke and wrote not “in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit” (1 Cor 2:13).

Third, Scripture bears divine marks in its efficacy. It possesses power to convict, convert, sanctify, and comfort. “The law of Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul” (Ps 19:7). The unique moral purity, spiritual power, and theological coherence of the Bible distinguish it from all other writings. Boston appeals to its transforming effects on the conscience and its vindication through miracles and fulfilled prophecy. Ultimately, its divine character is inwardly attested to believers by the Holy Spirit, who opens their eyes to see the glory of God in Scripture.

The Necessity of Searching the Scriptures

Having established the divine authority of Scripture, Boston proceeds to his central exhortation: to search and study the Scriptures with diligence. The imperative of Isaiah 34:16 is not addressed only to prophets or kings but to all who would be wise unto salvation. From this command arise several necessary implications.

First, Scripture must be studied because man is lost and needs direction. “I have wandered about like a lost sheep; seek Your servant” (Ps 119:176). The world is a dark place, and men grope about blindly unless illumined by the Word. The apostle Peter affirms that the Word is as “a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Pet 1:19).

Second, Scripture must be studied because man is in danger of being led astray. False teachers abound. The heart is deceitful (Jer 17:9), the world is alluring, and Satan is subtle. Therefore, the soul must be grounded in divine truth, measuring all things by the Word (Isa 8:20).

Third, diligent study is necessary because spiritual truth is not superficially absorbed. The heart is slow to believe (Luke 24:25), the eyes are blind, and the understanding is darkened (Eph 4:18). Therefore, effort is required: “Give diligence to present yourself approved to God…rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).

Fourth, this exhortation presupposes the sufficiency of Scripture. It is the very Word of God, containing all things necessary for salvation and godly living (2 Pet 1:3). “The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps 19:7).

Fifth, it presupposes the promise of divine blessing. “He that seeks finds” (Matt 7:8). God does not command a search only to leave the seeker empty. “The entrance of Your words gives light” (Ps 119:130). There are treasures in this book for those who dig.

The Manner of Scriptural Study

Boston is careful to describe not only the necessity but the manner of study. Searching the Scriptures involves both the content and the attitude with which it is approached.

In terms of content, he identifies three levels:

1. The ability to read. One must be literate to benefit from the written Word. Boston laments that many call themselves Christians who cannot read God’s testament. Illiteracy, where voluntary, is spiritual negligence.

2. Familiarity with the text. It is not enough to skim; the reader must know the text—its narratives, laws, prophecies, and promises. Paul commended Timothy for having known the Scriptures from childhood (2 Tim 3:15).

3. Spiritual understanding. Beyond reading and memorization lies comprehension of the divine message. One must understand “the mind of the Spirit” (1 Cor 2:16) in the Scriptures. This requires comparing Scripture with Scripture, meditating, and seeking the Spirit’s illumination.

In terms of attitude, Boston outlines key spiritual postures:

1. Esteem. “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). If we do not value Scripture, we will not study it diligently.

2. Intentionality. Searching implies effort. We must read not as a ritual but as a pursuit of divine wisdom and communion with God.

3. Prayerfulness. “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things from Your law” (Ps 119:18). Without divine aid, the most learned scholar remains blind.

4. Perseverance. Some parts of Scripture are difficult (2 Pet 3:16). We must persist, trusting that God will reward the faithful seeker.

Practical Exhortations

Boston concludes his treatment with pointed pastoral applications.

First, we must highly prize the Bible. As the Thessalonians received it “not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God” (1 Thess 2:13), so must we. The Ephesians boasted of a statue of Diana said to have fallen from heaven (Acts 19:35). How much more ought we to prize the Bible, truly given from heaven?

Second, we must believe all of Scripture. We must believe its commands, that we may obey them; its promises, that we may find encouragement; and its warnings, that we may flee from wrath.

Third, we must submit to its authority. Scripture is not a resource book to consult when convenient but a rule to govern faith and life. We must submit our thoughts, feelings, and actions to its judgments.

Fourth, we must become intimately acquainted with its content. The man of God must be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:17). That means reading widely and deeply, storing the Word in the heart (Ps 119:11).

Fifth, we must teach it to others. The Word is not to be hoarded but shared. Parents must teach it to their children (Deu 6:6–7); ministers must preach it faithfully (2 Tim 4:2); all believers must “learn to speak a word to sustain the weary” (Isa 50:4).

Conclusion: Let Us Seek the Word of the Lord

In Isaiah 34:16, God calls His people to turn to His written Word. Boston rightly sees this as a timeless exhortation. The Word of God is the very breath of God, bearing the marks of its divine Author, sufficient to guide the soul from ruin to redemption. But it is not enough to possess the Book. It must be read, searched, prayed over, meditated upon, believed, and obeyed. In an age of biblical illiteracy and theological confusion, Boston’s call to seek the book of the Lord is as urgent now as it was then. Tolle lege!

Source

Boston, Thomas. The Complete Works of Thomas Boston. Edited by Joel R. Beeke and Randall J. Pederson. 12 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2022.