CHAP. XX. V. 1-3. 'All the prophecies, re'corded from the eighth chapter to this, prob'ably belong to the sixth year of Jehoiachin's 'captivity.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . a.- Note , 8:1.) -Many conjectures have been formed about these elders, and the subject of their inquiry: but it suffices for us to know, that they were addicted to idolatry, and either that their inquiry was a mere pretence, or they vainly attempted to serve God and idols also. Therefore the Lord sware by himself, that he would not be inquired of by them. ( Marg . Ref . be.- Note , 14:1-5.)-You shall not receive 'such an answer as you expect, but such as your hypocrisy deserves. (31. 14:3,4.)' Lowth . |521
4 Wilt thou *judge tnem, son of man, wilt thou judge them ? & cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:
idols of Egypt: "I am the Lord your God.
8 But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me; they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.
5 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GoD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the LORD your God; 6 In the day that I m lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt, into a land that heathen, among whom they were , bin I had espied for them, flowing with whose sight I made myself known unto milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands:
7 Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the
f 22:2. 23:36,45. Is. 5:3. 1 Cor.4.34. 11:2-7. Ps. 103:7. 6:2,3.
* Or, plead for them . 14:14,20. Jer. 7:16. 11:14. 14:11-14. 15:1.
g 16:2,3. Matt. 23:29-37. Luke 11:47-51. 13:33-S5. Acts 7:51,52.
h Ex. 6:6,7. 12:46. Deut. 4: 37. 7:6. 14:2. Ps. 33:12. Is. 41:8,9. 43:10. 44:1,2. Jer. 33: 24. Mark 13:20.
i 6,15,23. 47:14. Gen. 14:22. Deut. 32:40. Rev. 10:5.
† Or, sware , and so 6,&c. Ex. 6:8,9.
k 35:11. Ex. 3:8. 4:31. Deut
Ex. 3:6,16. 20:2,3.
m 5,15,23,42.
D Gen. 15:13,14. Ex. 3:8,17. 14:15:
o Deut. 8:7-9. 11:11,12. 32:8. p Ex. 13:5. 33:3. Lev. 20:24. Num. 13:27. 14:8. Deut. 6:3. 11:9. 26:9,15, 27:3. 31:20. 32: 13,14. Josh. 5:6. Jer. 11:5. 32:22.
q 15. Ps. 48:2. Dan. 8.9. 11: 16,41. Zech. 7:14.
r 8. 18:6,15,31. Is. 2:20,21. 31:7. $ 6:9. 14:6. 2 Chr. 15:8.
1 23:3,8. Lev. 17:7. 18:3. Deut. 29:16-18. Josh. 24:14.
V. 4. Some think, that the prophet attempted to plead with God in behalf of these elders; ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . f.) but perhaps he was thus excited and required, to act as their judge, to bring them to a trial, and, having proved their guilt, to denounce sentence in the name of God against them. In order to do this, he must set in order before them "the abominations of their fathers," of which their own conduct was an exact copy. ( Marg . Ref . g.-Notes, 16: 18:2-4. 23: Jer. 31:29,30. Acts 7:51-53.)
V. 5, 6. The Lord's choice of Israel, to be his people, was the source of all their privileges: in consequence of this, he made himself known to them by his word and works, when they had generally forgotten him; which he did in order that they might become his worshippers and servants. He "lifted up his hand" to them, as it was customary in solemn oaths, engaging himself to be their God, to effect their deliverance out of Egypt, and to bring them into Canaan; which he had, so to speak, searched out for them, as the most fertile and excellent land on earth; a type of heaven, that chosen inheritance of God's chosen people. (Marg. Ref . h. o-q.-Notes, Num. 13:23,24. 14:7-9. Deut . 7:6-8. 11:12. Is . 41:8,9. Jer . 2:2, 3,7. 3:19. 31:3-5.)
Lifted up , up, &c. (5) 1 sware that I would be
9 But a I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the
them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt. [Practical Observations.]
10 Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.
11 And I gave them my statutes, and #shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.
self to be Israel's God, and to confer every blessing on them; and whilst he was working many and stupendous miracles in their behalf: he reasonably commanded them to cast away all their abominable idols, which they looked up to and worshipped; and especially those of the Egyptians their oppressors, who could not defend their devotees against the power of JE- HOVAH the God of Israel.
But even there, the Israelites rebelled against him, and clave to their idols: insomuch, that he saw reason to say, that he would "pour out his fury on them in the land of Egypt;" that is, he justly might have destroyed them with the Egyptians, and certainly would, if he had dealt with them ac- cording to their deserts.
But having called "Israel his son, and his first-born," and having undertaken his deliverance, the Egyptians would have imputed it to his want of power if he had not effected it; they would have con- cluded that he was not the "one true and liv- ing God," and have been hardened in idolatry and blasphemy. Therefore, for the glory of his own name, and to make his perfections known among the Egyptians and the sur- rounding nations, he spared Israel, and deliv- ered him with his mighty hand hand and out-stretch- ed arm.
The honor of his truth and mercy was also concerned, and required that he should perform his promises made to their fa-
'their God, which manner of oath was observ-thers. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 13,14,21,22. 16:6
'ed from all antiquity, where they used to lift 'up their hands towards the heaven, acknowl'edging God to be the Author of truth, and the 'Defender thereof, and also the Judge of the 'heart; wishing that he should take vengeance, 'if they concealed any thing which they knew 'to be truth.' ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . i-m.Notes, Gen. 14:22-24, v. 22. Deut . 32:40-42, ข . 40. Rev. 10:5-7, v. 5.)
-8.23:3,5-10, ν . 8. 36:22-24,32. Ex . 20:2-5. Lev . 18:2—4. Deut . 32:6,7. Is . 9:6,7, v . 7. Jer . 14: 7-9, v . 7. Eph . 1:3-8.)
V. 10, 11. Marg . and Marg . Ref . c, d.-Gave. (11) 'A favor not afforded to other nations. ( Deut . 4:8. Ps . 147:20.) Such a treasure as 'David prizes above "thousands of gold and 'silver." Ps . 119:72.' Lowth .
If a man , &c.] ( Marg . Ref . e.- Note , Lev . 18
V. 7-9. When the Lord had engaged him-5.) The moral law shewed Israel the extent of
12 Moreover also I gave them my that it should not be polluted before the sabbaths, to be a sign between me and heathen, in whose sight I brought them them, that they might know that I am the out. Lord that sanctify them.
13-But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; mand my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.
14 But I wrought for my name's sake,
f Gen. 2:3. Ex. 16:29. 20:811. 35:2. Lev. 23:3,24,32,39. 25:4. Deut. 5:12-15. Neh. 9:14. Mark 2:27,28. Col. 2:16. g 20. Ex. 21:13-17.
37:28. Ex. 19:5,6. Lev. 20: 8. 21:8,15,23. John 17:17-19. 1 Thes. 5:23. Jude 1.
i 8. Ex. 16:28. 32:8. Num. 14: 22. Deut. 9:12-24. 31:27. 1 Sam. 8:8. Neh. 9:16-18. Ps. 78:40,41. 95:8-11. 106:13
33. Is. 63:10.
k 16,24. Lev. 26:15,43. 2 Sam.
12:9. Prov. 1:25. 13:13. Am.
2:4. 1 Thes. 4:8. Heb. 10: 28,29. 111.
m 21. Ex. 16:27,28. 31-36. Is. 56:6. n 8,21. Ex. 32:10.
Num. 15: Num. 14:
11,12, 16:20,21,45. Deut. 9:8. Ps. 106:23.
ο 9,22. 36:22,23. Eph. 1:6,12.
their duty to God and man; and proved their need of mercy and grace, as well as served for the rule of their conduct: the ceremonial law shadowed forth Christ, their Righteousness and Sanctification. Those who properly attended to these judgments and statutes of the Lord, in a humble, believing, and conscientious obedience, would live in them, according to the covenant of grace: and a national observance of these laws and statutes would have ensured Israel's prosperity in Canaan. Yet the manner in which St. Paul quotes this expression ( Rom . 10:5. Gal . 3:12.) implies, that it was intended to shew the Jews, that rightcousness could not be obtained by the works of the law: and this well suited the argument in this place; as it served to mark the contrari
15 Yet also PI lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them , flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;
16 Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.
17 Nevertheless t mine eye spared them from destroying them, "neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.
p 23. Num. 14:28-30. 26:64, 65. Deut. 1:34,35. Ps. 95:11. 106:26. Heb. 3:11,18. 4:3. 96. г 13,24.
$ 8. 14:3,4. 23:8. Ex. 32:1-8.
Num. 15:39. 25:2. Am. 5:25, 26. Acts 7:39-43.
t 8:18. 9:10. 1 Sam. 24:10 Neh. 9:19. Ps. 78:37,38.
u 7:2. 11:13. Jer. 4:27. 5:18 Neh. 1:8,9.
Gentiles; and conduced to bring them more acquainted with God, his perfections, truth and holy will: so that they were appointed means of sanctification to their souls. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Gen. 2:2,3. Ex . 16:28—30. 31:13— 17. Lev . 25:1,7. Deut . 5:12–15. Is . 56:1,2. 58: 13,14. Mark 2:27,28. Col. 2:16,17. Heb . 4:3—11, v . 9.)
V. 13, 14. The people in the wilderness were continually rebelling against God: they seemed to think his service a mean and irksome employment. They preferred the worship of the golden calf, and the idols of Egypt and Moab, to his statutes, which were too spiritual to suit their carnal hearts. They also greatly profaned his sabbaths: neglecting the duties of those holy days, and employing them in world
ety between the holy law, the rule of obedi- ly avocations, or in secret idolatry and wick
ence, and Israel's rebellious conduct. So that evidently they had no claim either to temporal advantages, or eternal life, by the law to which they trusted: as those blessings could only be claimed by such as had done according to the commandments, and not by those who had vi- olated them all. ( Notes , Matt . 19:16-22, v . 17. Luke 10:25-29. Rom . 2:12-16, v. 13.10 ข . 13. 10:5-11.
edness. So that regard to his own glory alone prevented him from utterly extirpating them in the wilderness. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , fotes , Ex . 16:22-30. 32:1-6,11-14. Num. 14:11-19. 16:1-4,22,45-50. Ps . 78:17-41. 106:19--33.)
V. 15. The Lord sware in his wrath, that none of that generation, which had despised the promised land and attempted to return into Egypt, should enter into his rest; but that they should all wander and die in the wilderness, except Caleb and Joshua. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , Num . 14:20-33. Deut . 1:32-36. Ps . 95:8-11. Heb . 3:7-13. 4:1,2.) V. 16. Marg. Ref . - Notes , 13-15.- Heart .] hankering after the idolatries
Gal. 3:10-14.)- 'If we understand the fore'mentioned condition in its rigorous sense, as 'implying an exact and unsinning obedience, 'and as the word life contains the promise of 'eternal life under it; as it was impossible to 'be performed; so no person could lay claim to 'eternal life, by virtue of any promise therein 'contained. From whence St. Paul infers the 'necessity of seeking to Christ, and laying hold 'of the promises of his gospel, for the obtaining justification and eternal life. Gal . 3:20,21." Lowth . The promises in the Old Testament, of pardon, acceptance, and sanctification, and, in a word, of spiritual blessings, belong to the gospel, as much as those in the New Testa- be fulfilled to them; whilst his wrath was
ment. (2 Cor . 1:20. Heb . 6:17,18. 8:10—12. 11: 13.)
'They still had a hankering 'they had learned in Egypt; to which they 'added new idols which they had seen in the 'countries, through which they travelled, viz. 'the idols of the Midianites, Amorites, &c. Num . 15:39. 25:2. Deut . 29:16,17. Lowth .
V.17. The Lord spared the rising generation, that his promises to their fathers might
poured out on those who were grown up His purposes respecting the nation were simiV. 12. The Lord, as a peculiar and distin- lar in the time of Ezekiel: he was determined guishing favor, gave Israel his sabbaths; which to destroy multitudes by his awful judgments, included the holy rest of the weekly sabbaths, and to drive them all out of the land of Canaand also those of the solemnities and sabbati- an: but he meant to preserve a remnant, whose cal years.
These were "signs" of their special children should again inherit the land; and to relation to him, as his people: for at those stat-them he would fulfil his promises, especially ed times they met him with their worship, and that of the Messiah, who would be raised up he engaged to meet them with his blessings. among them. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 9:3,4. Num . They likewise marked and kept up the dis- 25:1-8. 26:1,2. Deut . 4:3,4. Jer. 4:19-27, υ. tinction and separation between them and the|| 27. 31:2-5.)
Num. 14:32,33. 32:13-15. Deut. 4:3-6. Ps. 78:6-8. y Zech. 1.2-4. Luke 11:47, 48. Acts 7:51. 1 Pet. 1:18. z 7. Jer. 2:7. 3.0.
a Ex. 20:2,3. Deut. 5:6,7. 7: 4-6. Ps. 81:9,10. Jer. 3:22, 23.
b 11:20. 36:27. 37:24. Deut. 4: 1. 5:1,32,33. 6:1,2. 11:1. 12:1, &c. 32. Neh. 9:13,14. Ps. 19:7-11. 105:45. Tit. 2:11
14.
с 12. 44:24. Ex. 20:11. 31:13. -17. Neh. 13:15-22. 19. 59: 13. Jer. 17:22,24,27.
d. Num. 21-5. 25:1-8. Deut. 9:23,24. 31:27. Ps. 106:2933. Acts 13:18.
e 11,13.
f 8,13. 21:31. 2 Chr. 34:21,25. Rev. 16:1.
g 7:8. 13:15. Lam. 4.11. Dan. 11:36.
V. 18. ( Notes , Deut . 4:-12: 26:-32:) The commands and exhortations here referred to occupy all these chapters; and indeed almost the whole of Deuteronomy; in which Moses, at the mouth of God, most pathetically addressed that generation of Israel, just before his death, which under Joshua was put in possession of Canaan. 'Whereby the Holy Ghost 'confuteth them, that say they will follow the 'religion and example of their fathers, and not 'measure their doings by God's word, whether 'they be approvable thereby or no.'
V. 19, 20. Marg . Ref . Notes , 12-14. 18:14 -17.
V. 21, 22. Even that generation of Israel, which grew up in the wilderness, and lived in the midst of miracles both of judgment and mercy, was frequently rebellious against the Lord, as it appears by the history of their conduct, and by the reproofs given them by Moses.
It is, however, evident that they were much improved by the instructions and judgments of God; and that the generation that entered Canaan, was the best which there ever was of that favored nation: and indeed the language concerning them, in this passage, is by no means so emphatical as that used concerning their fathers. (13) Yet God might justly have destroyed them all, as he did numbers in the matter of Baal-peor; and he certainly would, had not a regard to his own glory among the surrounding nations, and to the honor of his own truth and grace, influenced him still to spare and bless them. ( Marg .
Ref . -Notes , 7-9. Num . 21:4-9. 32:6-15, υυ . 14, 15. Josh . 22:21—34. 24:15-32.)
V. 23, 24. The predictions of the dispersion of the Israelites, which were delivered by Moses just before his death, are evidently here referred to. They had a partial accomplishment in the Babylonish captivity; but they are far more exactly fulfilling at day. ( Marg .
22 Nevertheless h I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.
23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries:
24 Because mthey had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.
25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;
26 And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.
Ref . Notes , 16,17. Lev. 26:31-39. Deut . 4: 25-28. 28:64-67.32:26,27.)
V. 25, 26. 'God, in a just judgment for their 'disobedience to his own laws, gave them up 'to a reprobate mind, and suffered them to 'walk after the idolatrous and impious customs of the heathen round about them. And 'whereas, by obeying the laws and ordinances 'which he had given them, they might have 'lived happily; (11) they became slaves to the 'vile and cruel practices of the heathen idola'tries: so as to offer up their very children in 'sacrifice to idols. (26)...
I suffered them to 'pollute themselves (so the form Hiphil is else'where used in the sense of permission.)... in 'those very gifts, which by the law they were 'to dedicate to my service.... Their sin brought 'its own punishment along with it, destroying 'the hopes of families and bringing them to 'utter desolation.' Lowth . The first-born by the law, were consecrated to God, but the Israelites devoted them to Baal or Molech. ( Marg .
Ref . p, q.)--'Because they would not 'obey my laws, I gave them up to themselves 'that they should obey their own fancies.'-It is astonishing to find many very learned and able men maintaining, that the "statutes which were not good," meant the law of Moses, or some part of it; it; when the prophet evidently spoke of a much later time than the givin the law; when the context clearly explains the meaning; and when "the statutes tha were not good,' good," are expressly contrasted with the good laws of God.
The giving of the law at mount Sinai could not be intended to punish sins committed by Israel more than forty years afterwards: and both the moral, the ceremonial, and the judicial law, were good for their several pu purposes, and salutary to the people for the time being, as far as they used them properly: ( Marg . Ref . o.- Notes , 10--12. Deut . John 1:17. 2 Cor . But God ju
27 Therefore, son of man, speak thers? and commit ye whoredom after
unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GoD; "Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have * committed a trespass against
me.
28 For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savor, and poured out there their drink-offerings.
29 Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? * And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.
their abominations?
31 For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: dand shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you.
32 And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
33 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, h surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched-out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:
34 And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched-out arm,
30 Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GoD: Are ye polluted after the manner of your fa-and with fury poured out.
dicially left the people to be blinded by Satan, to prefer the ruinous practices of idolaters to his wise and salutary ordinances; as he is said to " send a strong delusion to believe a lie," to those who "obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness." ( Notes , 14:9--11. 2 Thes . 2: 8-12.) Thus he gave them up for their previous rebellion, to ripen for that destruction which he intended to bring upon them; that they might learn to know God by bis judgments, seeing they had despised his mercies. ( Marg . Ref . r.)
V. 27. Yet , &c.] Besides all the provocations of Israel in Egypt and the wilderness, the prophet was to charge on the nation the superstitions, idolatries, and iniquities, which they had committed in the land of Canaan.
dispara
and, as it were, blasphemed him; as if he had been less deserving of their worship than the basest idol. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref .)
people were settled
V. 28. As soon as the peopl in Canaan, where they should have applied themselves to obey the commandments of God, they began to look out for high hills, or sh shady groves, on which to offer their sacrifices, sacrifices, as more solemn or more retired: and there they presented their oblations, instead of bringing them to the court of the tabernacle; as if they had intended a provocation, rather than an acceptable service. This may be understood, either of the high places, where they worshipped God in a prohibited manner; or of those, where they were guilty of idolatry. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 16:15--22. Judg. 2:6--13. Ps . 78:56--60. 106:35--38. Is . 57:7,8. Jer . 2: 21-24.)
V. 29. The Lord frequently called the people to an account by his prophets, for these provocations: he inquired of them, "what the high place was," to which they went up, that they should so prefer it to his temple: he exposed the very word to odium, that it might
c 26. Deut. 18:10-12. Ps. 106: 19:21. Lam. 3:37. 37-39. Jer. 7:31. 19:5.
d 3. 14:3,4. 1 Sam. 28:5,6. 2 Kings 3:13,14. Job 27:8,10. Ps. 66:18. Prov. 1:27,28. 28: 9. Is. 1:15. Jer. 14:12. Zech. 7:13. Matt. 25:11,12. Jam. 4: 1-3.
e 11:5. 38:10. Ps. 139:2. Prov.
f 1 Sam. 8:5. Jer. 44:17,29. Rom. 12:2.
g Deut. 4.28. 28:36,64. 29:17. Is. 37:19. Dan. 5:4. Rev. 9:20. h 8:18. Jer. 21:5, 42:18. 44:6. Lam. 2:4. Dan. 9:11,12.
i 38. 34:16. Is. 27:9-13. Am. 9:9,10.
sound as offensive in the ears of his worshippers, as a brothel does in those of a virtuous woman: yet so attached were they to these high places, throughout all their generations; that they still retained the name Bamah , or the high place, as the favorite appellation for the places where they sacrificed.--"The words 'may be expounded of some noted high place, 'which the Jews frequented to perform their 'idolatrous worship: and then the sense will 'be to this purpose; What is this high place, 'or Bamah , which you frequent? Who bade 'you call it so? I named my altar Mizbeach;' (the Hebrew word for altar ; ) 'but this place had its name from the heathen idolatry, and it still retains it.' Louth . ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.
V. 30-32
V. 30--32. The Jews ought not to conclude, that they were about to suffer only for their fathers' sins; for they were polluted with the same idolatries and iniquities. es. Nay, the elders who sat before the prophet (by whom the Lord would not be inquired of,) were projecting entirely to cast off his worship, and to conform to the idolatries of the people among whom they lived; that they might obtain their favor, share their prosperity, and escape from present affliction and reproach.
But the Lord solemnly assured them, that he would not prosper them in this impious attempt: their apostacy would expose them to far severer punishment, than those people would suffer that had been educated in idolatry: they would not be considered as aliens; but as traitors and deserters, who had joined the enemy, and must expect no quarter or favor. ( Marg . Ref .-- Notes , 1--3. 16:15-22, υυ . 20,21.
Jer. 2:33--37. 19:5. 44:15--19.)--'God tells them, that he will pre'vent this purpose of theirs from taking effect: 'and we find, that from... the Babylonish cap'tivity, they have been very cautious of com'mitting idolatry, and scrupulous of making 'the least approaches to it.' Lowth .
35 And I will bring you into the wil-||Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: derness of the people, and there will I there will I accept them, and there will I plead with you face to face. 36 Like
as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GoD. 37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:
138:22. Jer. 2:9,35, 25:31. Hos. s 25,26. Judg. 10:14. 2 Kings
4:1. Mic. 6:1,2.
m 13,21. Ex. 32:7,&c. Num. 11: 14: 16: 25: Ps. 106:15,&c. 1 Cor. 10:5-10.
n 34:17. Lev. 27:32. Jer. 33: 13. Matt. 25:32,33.
16:59,60. Lev. 26:25. Ps. 89: 30-32. Am. 3:2,
* Or, a delivering.
p 11:21. 34:17,20-22. Num. 14:28-30. Am. 9.9,10, Zech. 13:8,9. Mal. 3:3. 4:1-3. Matt. 3:9,10,12, 25:32,33. Rom. 9: 27-29.
q 13:9. Num. 14:30. Ps. 95:11.
3:13. Ps. 81:12. Hos. Am. 4:4,5. Rom. 1:24-28.2 Thes. 2:11.
1 23:37-39. Prov. 21:27. Is. 1: 13-15. 66:3. Jer. 7:9-11. Zeph. 1:4,5. Matt. 6:24. Rev. 3 : 15,16.
u 17:23. Ps. 2:6. 68:15,16. Is. 2:2,3. 66:20. Jer. 31:12. Joel 3:17,18. Ob. 16. Mic. 4:1,2. Heb. 12:20-22. Rev. 21:10. x 37:22-28. Is. 56:7. 60:7. 66: 23. Zech. 8:20-23. Mal. 1: 11.3.4. Rom. 11:1. Heb. 13: 15. 1 Pet. 2:5.
require your offerings, and the first-fruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.
41 1 will accept you, with your + sweet savor, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the coun tries wherein ye have been scattered; a and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.
42 And bye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it te your fathers.
43 And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; fand ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.
44 And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GoD.
V. 33-38. The Lord further declared, that he would assert his authority over his apostate people, by the powerfu powerful and terrible vengeance, which he would inflict upon them. He would separate them from the inhabitants of those countries, to which they had been driven, and with whom they attempted to unite themselves: and he would bring them into a sit-answer to the prediction: but there was a
destroyed, by their manifold desolations, and the terrible havoc made among them. (Note, Is . 27:7-11.) These events are accommodated to the history of Israel's being brought out of Egypt and purified purified in in the the wilderness, wilde before they entered Canaan; entered Canaan; though we do not find any thing in history, which seems literally to uation, like that of their fathers in the wilder- great resemblance in these two distant dispenness. There he would plead his cause with sations. Many, however, with great probabilthem, and make them to pass under the rod, as ity suppose, that the dealings of God with Isthe shepherd does the flock, when he distin-rael and Judah, in future ages, both of judgguishes between the sheep and the goats, or
ment and mercy, are foretold.
marks out some of them for slaughter: and he V. 39. 'An ironical permission, full of in
would bring them into "the bond of the covenant," or deal with them according to it; en forcing the bond, and exacting the penalty, as to the obstinate rebels; and again ratifying it with the penitent and obedient, and shewing them mercy according to it. Thus he would destroy from among them the rebels; as he had done from among their fathers, previously to their entrance into Canaan; whom, having brought out of Egypt, he would not suffer to enter into the promised rest. ( Marg . Ref . Lev. 26:25,26, v . 25. Num . 14:27-34. Jer. 2:8,9.
'dignation and rebuke; sharply upbraiding 'them for despising those many warnings God 'had given them; and implying that he was 'now resolved to forsake them, and give them up to "strong delusions," as a just judgment 'for their abuse of the means of grace, so long 'offered to them, and still rejected by them." Lowth . In abhorrence and disdain of their wickedness, he bade them follow their beloved idols, and take the consequence, both at the present and in future. Let them do it at their peril, seeing they would not hearken to him:
Hos. 2:14-17. Am. 3:1-3.)-The passage but let them no more profane and affront his seems to refer to the whole of the Lord's deal-name, by joining him with their dunghill ings with Israel, from the time when this gods, and offering sacrifices both to him and prophecy was delivered, to the establishment of a small remnant of them in their own land after the captivity; from among whom the idolaters, and idolatry itself, were completely
them. ( Marg . Ref . Notes, 23:39. Jer. 7:811.)
V. 40-44. 'In the Christian church, called God's holy mountain, in allusion to the temple
'at Jerusalem.... The prophet here expresses 'the Christian worship by those religious ob'lations, which were proper to his own time: as 'the other prophets frequently describe the 'Christian church, by representations taken 'from the Jewish temple and service. ( Is . 19: 19. 56:7. 60:7. 66:23.) Lowth . -God purposed to raise up to himself a large company of spiritual worshippers, when he had destroyed the rebels from among his people. He would restore Israel to their own land, and they would worship hip him on mount Zion, the eminent and honorable place which he had chosen.
There would they find acceptance and present their oblations; ns; he would be honored in them among the heathen; and they would know and worship him alone, when he had gathered them from their dispersions into their own land: for they would remember their sins and abhor themselves for them, as true penitents; and they would acknowledge, that he had dealt with them in mercy, and for the glory of his name, and not according to their deservings. -This was fulfilled in part, by their restoration from captivity; but it seems to be a prediction of the establishment of the Christian church; and also, and indeed more expressly, of the future conversion of the Jews, and their restoration to their own land. ( Marg .
Ref. Notes, 5-9, v. 9. 16:60-63. 36:20-24, ν. 22,31 -36.)
V. 45-48. These verses are the beginning of another prophecy, and belong properly to the next chapter. The prophet was ordered to look southward, towards the land of Israel, especially Judah and Jerusalem: and, though he was about to prophesy against it, his word would drop, as the dew or rain: for he would speak with gravity and temper, as one who sought the conversion, and not the ruin of the people. ( Marg .
Ref. i.-Note, Deut. 32:2.) The land of Israel, and the city Jerusalem, had been as a cultivated vineyard; but it was now become a forest, filled with unfruitful trees, abounding with beasts of prey, and about to be cut down and burned. ( Marg . Ref . k.Notes, 15: Is . 5:1-7.) For the Lord was determined to consume the whole forest, both green and dry trees together, that is, persons of all ranks and characters: ( Notes , 21:2-5.
Luke 23:26-31, v . 31.) and all the inhabitants of the land, with all their allies, would be scorched or consumed by it; and thus it would be generally known, that the JEHOVAH himself had kindled the fire, and that it was in vain for man to attempt to quench it. ( Marg . Ref . 1-p. Matt . 3:7-10, v . 10. John 15:6-8, v . 6.)
V. 49. 'They make this an argument for 'disregarding what I say, that I use so many 'similitudes and metaphorical expressions, that 'they can't discover my meaning. (12:9.) Whereupon God commands him in the next
It is incumbent on ministers to charge men's sins upon their consciences, as well as to pray for them that they may be converted and saved: when this is done in a scriptural manner, they judge and pass sentence on the wicked; and God will ratify their decisions in heaven, and produce them at the last day; except the criminals judge and condemn themselves, and seek his mercy and salvation. ( Note , Matt . 16: 19.)-It is a dreadful case, when sinners provoke God to "swear in his wrath," that he will no more be inquired of by fby them; and when he gives them up to their lusts and idols; determines to receive no services from them; and says of the barren fig-trees, "Let no fruit grow on you henceforth for ever." Their condemnation then becomes irreversible, and nothing remains for them, but "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation." In ordinary circumstances, however, none can know this to be their case.
Persons of this awful character are always hardened, either in presumption or despair: and, whilst these alarming subjects should teach us to beware of hypocrisy, no upright inquirer need be discouraged by them; for all who seek salvation in the Lord's appointed way shall certainly find it. If he had waited till some of our fallen race had merited his favor, or appeared ineet objects of his complacency; nay, till any of us had been disposed to inquire after him and return to him; not one would have been saved.
His free love to rebels and enemies moved him to promise, and at length to give, the great Redeemer: he mercifully sent his word to us, as he did to Israel in Egypt: he made himself known to us, when we were "enemies in our mind by wicked works;" and, being thus "found of us when we sought him not," he taught us to seek his favor, and an interest in his covenanted mercies.
Thus he became our God and Portion, and we his worshippers and servants: his word and oath became the security of our souls, and the ground and warrant of our consolations, when we "fled for refuge to lay hold on this hope set before us:" and we then learned to expect liberty and victory, and an inheritance in that heavenly country, which he has searched out for his chosen people.
But in the day, when the Lord thus makes himselfknown to sinners, and "of his great love, wherewith he hath loved them even when dead in sins," ( Note , Eph . 2:4-10, v . 4.) calls them to life and salvation; he also commands them to cast away all their idols and iniquities, and to defile themselves no more with the abominations of the ungodly