CHAP. XXXIII.
The prophet is instructed in the duties of his office, as the watch man of Israel, 1-9; commanded to state the rule by which God dealt with them, and the equity of his conduct, 10-20; in
formed of the destruction of Jerusalem; and ordered to expose
The vain hopes and crimes of those who remained in the land,
212, and shewn the hypocrisy and covetousness of those,
who came to hear the word of God from him, 30-33.
GAIN the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, * When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman;
3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, dhe blow the trumpet, and warn the people;
4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, 'his blood shall be upon his own head.
5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be
a 17,30. 3:11,27.
Heb. A land when I bring a sword upon her.
b 6:3. 11:8. 14:17,21. 21:9-16. Lev. 26:25. Jer. 12.12. 15:2, 3. 25:31. 47:6,7, Zech. 13:7. c 2 Sam. 13:24-27. 2 Kings 9: 17-20. Is. 21:6-9. 56:9,10. 62:6. Jer. 51:12. Hos. 9:8. d 8,9. Neh. 4:18,20. Is. 58:1.
upon him: & but he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.
6 But if the watchman see the sword come, hand blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, the is taken away in his iniquity; but i his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man , thou shalt surely die; " if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
9 Nevertheless, Pif thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not
g Ex. 9:19-21. 2 Kings 6:10. | 4:1,2. Acts 2:37---41. Heb. 11:7.
Jer. 4:5. 6:1. 51:27. Hos. 8: 1. Joel 2:1. Am. 3:6. 1 Cor. j 3:18-20. 34:10. Gen. 9:5. 42: 14:8.
Heb. he that hearing heareth .
e 2 Chr. 25:16. Prov. 29.1. Jer. 6:17. 42:20-22. Zech. 1:2- 4. Jam. 1:22.
f 5,9. 18:13. Lev. 20:9,11,&c. 2 Sam. 1:16. 1 Kings 2:37. Acts 18:6. 20:26.
22. 2 Sam. 4:11.
3:17-21. Cant. 3:3. 5:7. Is. 62:6. Jer. 6:27. 31:6. Mic. 7: 4. Eph. 4:11. Heb. 13:17. 1 2:7,8. 1 Kings 22:14,16-28. Jer. 1:17. 23-23. 26:2. Acts 5:20. 20:20,26,27. 1 Cor. 11: 23 15:3. Col. 1:28,29.1 Thes.
m 14. 18:4,10-13,18,20. Gen. 2:17. 3:4. Prov. 11:21. Ec. 8:13. Is. 3:11.
n 13:9,10. Jer. 8:11,12. 14:13 -16.
06. Acts 20:26,27. p 3:19,21. Acts 13:40. 18:5,6. 28:23-28. Gal. 5:19-21. 6. 7,8. Eph. 5:3-6. Phil. 3:18 19. 1 Thes. 4:3-8. 5:14.
q Prov. 29:1. Luke 12:47. Acts 13:46. Heb. 2:3. 12:25.
consider, what numbers, who once "caused terror in the land of the living," are now gone down to the grave. Those "who made the earth to tremble," and whose renown and pow-sue, through scenes of horror, and seas of
er extended to the most distant regions, are now confined within the narrow limits of the tomb. They, whose counsels and eloquence swayed the determinations of princes and nations, and had as extensive effects on human affairs as the sword of the mighty, now lie silent in the dust! They, whose wisdom, learning, beauty, wit, or politeness, were celebrated by numerous admirers, are now decayed and mingled with their original earth! whilst the unnoticed multitudes, who go down obscurely to the grave, by thousands every hour, are vast beyond conception. All this is the punishment of sin, and the execution of the sentence, "Dust ye are, and to dust shall ye return."
V. 17-32.
It is inconceivable how large a proportion of the human race has been prematurely hurried into the grave, by the diabolical trade of
in the extreme.-Alas! what are men doing! How are they blinded and deceived by Satan! What are those objects, which they thus purblood, and multiplied impieties and iniquities? "Surely man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquieteth himself in vain;" whether he pursue riches, renown, power, or pleasure.
Soon must he be torn from all his possessions and gratifications, to join the multitude of the dead; and to "receive the things done in the bod body, whether they be good or evil:" and it will be a wretched consolation to those who perish in their sins, that vast multitudes have gone, and are going, the same broad road to destruction; since as they were mutual tempters here, so they will be mutual tormentors hereafter. ( Note and P. O.
Luke 16:27-31.) As "the hour cometh when all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of Christ, and shall come forth, they that have done good to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation;" we, who have
war. As if destruction were the most honor-known something of "the terror of the Lord,"
able and pleasing employment, which "the strong among the mighty" of the earth, could devise for themselves and their numerous retainers! The subject is in every view gloomy and horrid: but if we recollect, that when the body goes down to the dust, the soul enters into an unchangeable state of happiness or misery; that all who die "uncircumcised in heart," unconverted and unbelieving, go down into the midst of hell, to bear for ever their shame and punishment; and that immense multitudes die in the very heat of their most malignant and diabolical passions, or in the midst of forbidden gratifications, with their unrepented iniquities upon their souls, and unmortified lusts domineering in their hearts; many of them also answerable for the crimes and destruction of their fellow sinners; the view becomes tremendous
would fain persuade men, to hearken to the voice of the great and terrible Judge, now that he speaks to them as a compassionate and merciful Savior; and to "seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." Then, "being pardoned, justified, and sanctified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God," they need not fear death and the grave. For Jesus has engaged to receive the departing spirits of his people to his glorious presence: their bodies will feel no pain in the silent tomb: and he will at length raise them also, incorruptible and glorious, that they may be for ever with him. Let us then comfort one another in this mournful and dying world with these words; and let us "be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, as know ing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
turn from his way, he shall die in his iniqui- || ty; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
[Practical Observations.]
10 T Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?
11 Say unto them, " As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
CHAP. XXXIII. V. 2–9. The prophet had before been thus shewn the important responsibility of his prophetical office: but after the most awful part of his predictions were accomplished, he was again reminded of it, and ordered to declare it to the people; that they might be taught to approve his faithfulness, and that he might be warned to persevere in it. ( Note , 3:17-19.)-They were called "the children of his people," as if God would disown them because of their wickedness. The instruction is the same as before; but the illustrations are more full and explicit.
The Lord himself had "sent the sword upon the land;" and the recent transactions in Judah, where very great numbers had been taken away in their sins, notwithstanding all the warnings given them, were suited to render these topics more affecting. -The repetition of this and similar warnings, after Jerusalem was taken and destroyed, shewed, that they did not refer merely to the circumstances of those times, but were applicable to individuals in every place, especial ecially to such as are favored
with the oracles of God. He sheweth that 'the people ought to have continually gov- 'ernors and teachers, who may have a care 'over them, and to warn them ever of the dan- 'gers which are at hand.... The wicked shall 'not escape punishment, though the watchinan 'be negligent: but if the watchman blow the 'trumpet, and then he will not obey, he shall 'deserve double punishment.' ( Marg . and Marg. Ref.-- Notes , 18:3,4,10-13. Is . 56:9-12. Acts 318:1-6, ν. 6. 20:25-28. Heb . 13:17.) V. 10.
'if, according to the prophecies, God 'have determined to reckon with us for our 'sins, and to bring judgment upon us, to 'what purpose shall our conversion be? and 'how shall we live though we do amend?" Bp . Hall. Thus the wicked when they hear God's 'judgments for their sins, despair of his mer- 'cies, and murmur.'-The impenitent Jews seem to have charged inconsistency and con- tradiction upon the prophet's messages: for whilst he warned them to repent, and assured the penitent of forgiveness; he also predicted
12 Therefore, thou son of man, 2 say unto the children of thy people, a The righteousness of the righteous shall not de liver him in the day of his transgression: bas for the wickedness of the wicked, he shali not fall thereby, in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.
13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, dhe shall die for it.
14 Again, when I say unto the wicked,
z 2. a 18. 3:20,21. 18:24-26. b-19. 18:21,27-32. 1 Kings 8: 48-50. 2 Chr. 7:14. Matt. 21:28-31.
с 3:20. 18:24. Luke 18:9-14. Heb. 10:38. Pet. 2:20-22. 1 John 2:19.
d 18:4,24.
'us, and there is no sincerity in these proposals: 'our ruin is decreed, and no repentance of ours 'can prevent it.'-But in reality the prediction implied, that God foresaw the people in general would be obstinately impenitent; though some individuals would repent and be pardoned. ( Note , Jer . 18:7-10.) It also shewed indeed, that the ruin of the city and nation was determined; but it did not relate to the final state of individuals, who would still be dealt with according to the rules before mentioned, and here again rep repeated. ( Marg . Ref.)
V. 11. "Have I any pleas wicked should die? saith the Lord GoD; and not that he should return from his ways, and live?" (Note, 18:23.) This had been proposed in the form of a question: but God here confirms it as an immutable truth, by a solemn oath, that he had none; but was inuch more pleased, that sinners should repent and live. (Note, Heb . 6:16-20, υυ . 16-18.)-The verse may be rendered, "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I am not delighted with the death of a sinner; but I am delighted , if the wicked turn from his way and lives." ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 18:28-32.)
any pleasure at all that the
V. 12, 13.
The same truths are here again stated, which have before been considered, but with some variation of expression: ( Notes , 3: 20,21, 18:21,22,24-27.) especially it is here added, that if the righteous inan "trust to his own righteousness," and to the promises of life made to the righteous, and "commit iniquity; all his righteousness" will not profit him Men, who think themselves righteous, and are so accounted by others, but who are not truly humble and spiritual, will, in one way or other, "trust to their own righteousness." Some will so confide in their own supposed good works, as to neglect or despise the salvation of the gospel: and yet, while they trust to their own righteousness to justify them, the iniquities which they commit will most certainly condemn them.
Others think, that as they are clear in their views, bold in their profession of the gospel, zealous for its doctrines, and do much to promote them; it would be un belief to doubt of their being true Christians, though they indulge some darling in sins in secret, advantages, or in one transgressions." ( Note , 24:19-24, v. 23.) way or other "set their affection on" earthly 'Now," said they, 'If this be the case, how objects, and are "carnally minded." Thus 'should we live? And of what use are your ex- they count themselves righteous persons, fahortations and promises?
You only tantalize || vorites of heaven, and interested in the prom
• Thou shalt surely die; fif he turn from his sin, and do * that which is lawful and right;
15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, i walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.
17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but, as for them, their way is not equal.
18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.
20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, PI will judge you every one after his ways.
[ Practical Observations.]
21 And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month , in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.
ises of life: and yet they commit iniquity, and practically fall into the detestable aphorism, "Let us sin on, that grace may abound."-Others, having for a time made a plausible profession of religion, conclude themselves certainly converted; and then venture into sin upon the supposition that God will not damn them for it; and quiet their consciences by abusing the doctrine of final perseverance, and the examples of some believers, of whom it is recorded in scripture, that they fell into the same sins, and yet repented and were saved.It is doubtless possible for a true believer to be caught in any of these nets: the only question is, whether he will or will not eventually be delivered, though by sharp rebukes and corrections, and thus return to God with weeping and supplication. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , Luke 22:32-34, ν. 32. Heb . 10:35-39.1 Pet . 1:2 -5.)
V. 14-16. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 18:5-9,21 -23,26,27. Mic . 7:18-20. Rom . 2:7-11. 2 Cor . 5:9-12.) The clause "give again that he had robbed," is here added.--"The sin is not for'given, unless what is taken away be restored.' Augustin , quoted by Lowth .--'He condemneth all them of hypocrisy, who pretend to forsake 'wickedness, and yet declare not themselves 'such by their fruits; that is, in obeying God's 'commandments, and by a godly life.' ( Marg .
22 Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning: and my mouth was opened and I was no more dumb.
23 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
24 Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: " but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance.
25 Wherefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Gon; a Ye eat with the blood, and blift up your eyes towards your idols, and shed blood; and shall ye possess the land?
26 Ye dstand upon your sword, ye e work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbor's wife; & and shall ye possess the land?
27 Say thou thus unto them, Thus saith the Lord GoD; As I live, h surely they that are in the wastes shall fall by the sword, and him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured, and they that be in the forts, and in the caves, shall die
of the pestilence.
t 1:3. 3:22. 37:1. 40:1.
u 3:26,27. 24:26,27.
x 27. 5:3,4, Jer. 39:10. 40:710. 52:6.
y Is. 51:2. Acts 7:5.
z Mic. 3:11. Matt. 3:9. Luke 3:8. John 8:33,39. Rom. 4:12. 9:7. 1 Thes. 5:3.
a Gen. 9:4. Lev. 3:17. 7:26,27. 17:10-14. 19:26. Deut. 12:16. 1 Sam. 14:32-34. Acts 15:20, 21,29. 21:25.
b 18:6,12,15. Deut. 4:19. Ps. 24:4. Jer. 44:15-19.
3:3.
e 18:12. Lev. 18:26-30. 20:13 1 Kings 11:5-7. 1 Pet. 4:3. Rev. 21:8,27.
f 18:6,11,15. 22:9-11. Jer. 5: 8,9.
g Lev. 18:25,28. 20:22. Deut. 4:25,26. 29:18-23. Josh. 23:
15,16. 1 Sam. 2:30. Ps. 50. 16-20. 94:20,21.
h 24. 5:12-17. 6:11-14. Jer. 15:24. 42:22. 44:12.
Heb. to devour him .
i Judg. 6:2. 1 Sam. 13:6. 22:1 23:14. 24:3. Jer. 41:9.
Ref . h.--Notes, Lev . 6:2-7. Num . 5:7,8. Luke 3:10--14. 19:1-10, 8. 8.)
V. 17-20. Marg . Ref --Notes , 18:2--4,2532.
V. 21, 22.
According to the date here given, this escaped Jew did not come to the prophet, with the intelligence of Jerusalem's being smitten, till almost eighteen mombs after that event: and some learned men have supposed, that there is a mistake in the date, or that it ought to be calculated differently. ( Notes , 1:1 -3, v . 2. 2 Kings 25:1-5, v . 3.) No doubt the prophet had heard of that event long before eighteen months had elapsed: but perhaps he had not received that full and authentic account of it from an eye-witness, which he was taught to expect, before he delivered any further messages from God to his people. ( Note , 24:25-27.) For above three years he had been dumb, in this respect at least : (Note, 3:22-27.1 perhaps he had been able to converse with the Jews, concerning the predictions which he had formerly delivered to them; and perhaps he spake to them, or delivered in writing, the prophecies which he uttered concerning other nations: but he had received no further revelation from God respecting their affairs; in this sense he had been dumb.
But now his mouth was opened, and he prophesied to them as aforetime. ( Marg . Ref .)- The hand of , &c.
28 For I will lay the land * most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease, and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through.
29 Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate, because of all their abominations which they have committed.
30 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls, and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD.
k 6:14. 12:20. 15:8. 2 Chr. 36: | 0 6:11. 8:6-15 22:2-15,25
21. Is. 6:11. Jer. 9:11. 16:16.
25:11. 44:2,6,22. Mic. 7:13.
Zech. 7:13,14.
Heb. desolation and desolation.
17:24. 24:21. 30:6,7.
m 6:2,3,6. 36:4.
n 6:7. 7:27. 23:49. 25:11. Ex. 14:18. Ps. 9:16. 83:17,18.
31. 36:17,18, 2 Kings 17:9-18. 2 Chr. 30:14-17. Jer. 5:1- 9,25-31. Mic. 6:9-12. Zeph.
3:1-4.
(22) 'I felt a sensible impulse of the propheti'cal spirit. (1:3.)' Lowth .
V. 24-29. A small remnant continued in the land under Gedaliah, after the desolations of Jerusalem; ( Notes , 2 Kings 25:22-26. Jer . 40: 4-16.41:-43:) and, notwithstanding all their crimes and miseries, they flattered themselves that they were entitled to the inheritance of the whole land. The promise of it had been made to Abraham, when he had no children; yet his posterity had inherited it: ( Notes , Is . 51: 1-3. Matt . 3:7-10. John 8:30-36, v . 33.) but the remaining Jews were many; and they supposed themselves on that account more likely to keep possession of it.
They, howev y, however, overlooked the contrariety of their character to that of Abraham: they forgat that they had forfeited the title -by their crimes; and that both former and later prophets had predicted these desolations of the land. Thus they presumptuously expected to prosper in sin, and to be enriched by the ruin of their brethren. ( Note , 26:2.) But the Lord sent them a message, which was widely different from their expectations.
In defiance of his law, and in conformity to the abominable superstitions of the nations, they ate with the blood, and pertinaciously worshipped idols; they committed murder and made their sword the arbiter of their disputes, violently defending themselves in injustice; they were guilty of adultery and every abomination: and was it fitting, that they should possess the land, from which their brethren had been driven for similar crimes?
On the contrary, the Lord solemnly sware by himself, that they should all be destroyed by one or other of his judgments, wherever they took refuge; and that the land should be utterly desolated, and be deprived of all that pomp and strength in which they gloried. This was fulfilled, after the murder of Gedaliah, when the survivors fled into Egypt, where they miserably perished; and in the total desolation of the whole land. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref. Notes, 5:1-4. 6:12-14.7:23,24. 14:13-21. Jer . 15:1-4.41:44:)
31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: $ for with their mouth they || shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song "of one that hath" a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
33 And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then y shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.
↑ Heb. according to the com- ing of the people. 8:1. 14:1. 20:1. Luke 10:39. Acts 10:33.
$ Or, my people sit before thee. r Jer. 6:16,17. 43:1-7. 44:16. Matt. 7:24-27. Luke 6:48,49. 8:21. 11:28. Jam. 1:22-24. s Ps. 78:36,57. Is. 29:13. Jam. 2:14-16. 1 John 3:17,18.
|| Heb. make loves, or jests.
Is. 28:13. Jer. 23:33-38. Luke 16:14.
t Matt. 6:24. 13:22, 19:22. Luke 12:15-21. Eph. 5.5. 1 Tim. 6:9,10.
Heb. a song of loves.
u Mark 4:16,17. 6:20. John 5: 35.
x 1 Sam. 3:19,20. Jer. 28:9. y 2:5. 2 Kings 5:8. Luke 10:11.
reation to animadvert on him, or to ridicule him. ( Notes , Is . 28:9-15,21,22.) But he would perhaps never have known it, had not the Lord seen it good, that he should reprove them in his name for so doing.
They invited each other to "come and hear the word of the LORD" from the prophet; and they came and sat before him with the same apparent seriousness, as the most pious people could do: they gave him a patient, ut, and apparently attentive hearing; yea, they professed "much love" to him and his doctrine: but their hearts were possessed by covetousness; their leading affections and desires went forth after riches; they loved their money more than either God or man, the prophet, his word, or their own souls: and therefore they would not part with one gainful sin, for all that he could say; but would rather cavil at it or ridicule it. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref.q -t.- Notes , 14:1-5. 20:1-3. Is . 2:3-5. 58:2-4. Matt . 19:16-22, νν . 16,22.) Indeed his voice and manner, his graceful elocution, cogent arguments, or apt illustrations, rendered him to them "as a very lovely song of one, that had a pleasant voice and could play well on an instrument;" in which the sound is commonly more attended to, than the meaning of the words sung: but they did not receive his words as a message from God, with a reverential and obedient faith; as it appeared from their subsequent conduct. ( Marg.and Marg .
Ref.u .)-But when the preceding prophecies, concerning the total desolations of the land, were accomplished, as they certainly would be; they would know, that he was not merely "a sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal;" but that a prophet of God had been among them, whose words would be verified in the ruin of all that despised or disobeyed them. ( Marg . Ref . x, y.-Note, Luke 10:1-12, υυ . 9 -12.) - "They come to hear thee for their en'tertainment, not for their edification, as many 'go to hear famed and eloquent preachers. St. 'Augustine tells us, that he himself was such 'an auditor of St.
Ambrose, before he was con'verted. ... 'I heard him diligently when he dis"coursed in the congregation; but not with 'that application of mind which I ought to "'have done: but I came rather out of curiosi'ty, to know whether his eloquence was an
V. 30-33. While the prophet was affectionately seeking the good of his people; they were continually talking of him, or against him, wherever they met together. (Marg. - Notes , Jer. 11:18-23. 15:10. 18:18. 20:10-13.) He'swerable to that opinion the world had of was their constant topic, and it was their rec- ''him. I was very attentive to his style, and
В. С. 587. ''charmed with the sweetness of his delivery; whether such men are more desirous of de''but had little value or concern for the sub-ceiving themselves, or Satan of deceiving 'jects he treated of. Lowth .
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-9.
How much wiser are men in their temporal, than in their spiritual and eternal concerns! They set watchmen to guard their houses from robbers or conflagrations; and sentinels to give warning of the approach of the enemy: and they best approve of those who are most quick-sighted and vigilant, who see the danger at a distance and give the most decisive alarm; and he, who should not give warning, would be deemed by man, as well as by God, accessary to the death of those who were slain through his neglect. But in the concerns of
them. But surely it proves a strong determination of mind to unbelief, when the Lord declares and confirms it with an oath, that "he hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that he should repent and live," that men will not believe him: but, instead of attending to his pressing exhortation to turn from their evil ways, and as if they were in love with death and damnation, will employ themselves in multiplying cavils and objectious, which only tend to charge God with injustice, and are constructive blasphemy. For he, who can do all other things, has declared that it is impossible for him to lie, to do injustice, or to deny himself. Let us then bless his holy
God and eternity, where the appointed watch-name, for the provisions of his grace and the
men are infinitely more concerned to be faithful, and to give the alarm in the plainest manner; they are sure to give offence to numbers, if they obey their Master's commands! When they cause the trumpet to give so certain a sound, that every sinner is made to feel himself to be the wicked man, who is "warned to flee from the wrath to come;" and when "the terror of the Lord" is so placed before men's eyes, that they tremble at the prospect of eternal damnation: great will be the indignation and opposition excited against them.
The most blind, drowsy, greedy, dumb watchman that can be found, is preferred by an immense majority, to one who is thus awful in his warnings, and close in his application to their consciences: they are ready to say to their teachers, "Speak smooth things, prophesy deceits, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us:" and any one of Ahab's lying prophets will be more acceptable, than Micaiah the prophet of the Lord, whom they hate, because he always prophesies evil concerning them ! ( Notes , 1 Kings 22:6-8. Is . 30:8-11.56:9-12.
P. 0.9-12 . ) - We cannot then "be men pleasers and the servants of Christ:" but the faithful watchman alone will deliver his own soul; those who perish from under his ministry, will have none to blame but themselves; and he will doubtless have many seals to his ministry, to be "his joy and crown in the day of Jesus Christ:" whilst the unfaithful watchman will be condemned as the murderer of all those, who perish in their sins, through his negligence, selfishness, cowardice, flatteries, and fies.
We who are ministers should frequently meditate on these subjects, and state them to our hearers: that they may know on what ground we stand, and on what principles we act; and perceive, that we must be plain and faithful, if we would either "save ourselves, or those that hear us."
V. 10-20.
When ungodly men are determined to continue in sin, they will be very ingenious in devising some shadow of a reason for their most unreasonable conduct: and they will endeavor to fasten a charge of inconsistency on those, who "declare the whole counsel of God:" they will pervert the most humiliating truths into a quietus to their consciences, and an excuse for their sloth and lusts; as if God were the Author of their sins, because he is "the Giver of every good and perfect gift!" Thus they rush out of presumption into a kind of desperation,
security of his word, which assure the true penitent of complete forgiveness and eternal life: and let us also study to profit by his warnings to the righteous, not to "trust to their righteousness and commit iniquity;" and then we shall see cause to bless his name for these also.
"Blessed is he that feareth always:" but those who so confide in the promises made to God's people, and so presume themselves to be of that number, as to be emboldened "to commit iniquity;" convert the very mercy and truth of God into "a savor of death," and an occasion of condemnation to their souls: whilst they, who so fear the threatenings of the law, denouncing the sinner's death and damnation, as to take warning from it to repent and turn from all their sins, change that most awful curse into "a savor of life" to their souls.
But such penitents always "do works meet for repentance:" and while they trust only in God's mercy through Jesus Christ; they conscientiously make restitution, as far as they are able, for all the injustice and robbery which they have committed; they walk in the ordinances of God and his statutes of life, without returning to the practice of iniquity: they "do justice, love mercy, and walk huinbly with their God;" and they shall surely live, and not die. ( Note , Mic. 6:6-8, v. 8.) Instead, therefore, therefore, of of list listening to the suggestions of the devil, of wicked men, or of our own evil hearts, as if the Lord's "ways were not equal;" let us condemn our own ways before him as unrighteous, and seek that "repentance, which is unto salvation not to be repented of;" let us watch against all hypocrisy, and reject every temptation to apostacy, or to pride and self-confidence.
Thus "building up ourselves on our most holy faith, and praying in the Holy Ghost, let us keep ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Note, Jude 20,21.)
V. 21-33.
It is a peculiar mercy, in times of public calamity, for the Lord to open the mouths of his faithful ministers, and to "give them a door of utterance;" that they may teach the sufferers how to find comfort under their afflictions, and to derive benefit from them. But how inveterate are the selfishness and presumption of ungodly men! They can rejoice in the misery and death of multitudes, and even of their nearest relations, if they have any expectation of being enriched by them! They often claim an interest in the peculiar bless
which is often no more than a flimsy cover-ings engaged to true believers; while their CHAP. XXXIV .
ing of downright infidelity: and they pretend that it is of no use to repent, or pray, or use the means of grace, because it is decreed that some sinners (they cannot know who,) shall be left to themselves, and perish in hardened impenitency and unbelief. It is hard to say,
whole conduct as evidently proves them the enemies of God, as Abraham's faith and obedience proved him "the friend of God!" And they call this groundless presumption , strong faith : when the whole testimony of God declares them to be "the children of the devil,"
The shepherds of Israel are sharply rebuked and severely
threatened, 1-10. The Lord promises to be the Shepherd of his scattered flock, and to feed and tend them in his pastures and fold, 11-16; to punish the powerful oppressors among the
Jews, and to rescue the oppressed,
tions of Christ and his kingdom, 23-31.
ND the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
3 Ye deat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed; but ye feed not the flock.
4 The diseased have ye not strength
a Jer. 2:8. 3:15. 10:21. 12:10. John 10:1,2,12.
b8-10. 13:19. Jer. 23:1. Mic. 3:1-3,11,12. Zeph. 3:3,4. Zech. 11:17. Matt. 24:48- 51. Luke 12:42-46. 20:46,47. Rom. 16:18. 2 Pet. 2:3.
c 2 Sam. 5:2. Ps. 78:71,72. Is. 40:11. John 21:15-17. Acts
20:26,29. 1 Pet. 5:2-4.
d Is. 56:11,12. Zech. 11:5,16. e 19:3,6. 22:25-28. 33:25,26. 1 Kings 21:13-16. 2 Kings 21:16. Is. 1:10,15. Jer. 2:50. 22:17. Lam. 4:13. Mic. 3.1- 3. Zeph. 3:3.
f 16. Is. 56:10. Zech. 11:15,16. Matt. 9:36.
ened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled
them.
covetousness. Others have a taste for ingenuity, elocution, or graceful delivery: and finding out preachers who have talents of this kind: hearing them is their amusement, instead of a concert or an opera; especially at those leisure hours on the Lord's day when no other places of recreation are open.
Thus, even the gifts, as well as the faithfulness of ministers, become "a savor of death" to those, who hear and are delighted with their words, as "with the very lovely song of one, that hath a pleasant voice, or can play well on an instrument;" but who will not do them. ( Note , Jam . 1:22-25.) It often happens, however, that they, who come at first from such carnal motives, are afterwards brought to a better sense of things, and become doers as well as hearers of the word.
So that the minister may be encouraged to be faithful and instant in preaching the word; without anxiously inquiring what brought his auditory together: and then, whether men will hear or forbear, they will know by the event, that a servant of God has been among them; and he will be received at last by his Judge, with "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."