the number of the children] Because they thought that God could not have been true of his promise except he had preserved them, as Matthew 3:9. he declareth that though they were destroyed, yet the true Israelites, which are the sonnes of the promise, should be without number; which stand both of the Jews and Gentiles, Romans 9:26. Others thinke it may be understood of the multiplication of this people, in all their dispersions, untill the time of their conversion. and it shall come to passe] Romans 9:25-26. 1 Peter 2:10. in the place where it was said] Or, in stead of that. By the Gospel which they shall at last receive, they will obtaine a more firm covenant and conjunction with God, being made not onely his people and subjects, but his children by grace of adoption, and regeneration of spirit, and holy spirituall liberty: when Christ beginneth to preach where captivitie began, Isaiah 9:1, &c.