CHAP. XXXVI.
The insults and blasphemies of the heathen over Israel's desolations rebuked, with threatenings against them, 1-7. Promises of abundant and permanent blessings to the mountains of Israel, 8-15. God had cast out Israel for their sins; and he promises to restore them, not for their deservings, but for the honor of his own name, 16-24, Promises of abundant spiritual blessings, and of great temporal prosperity, accompanied by the deepest self-abasement and prayers of those who received them, 25-38.
they were about to be rebuilded and replenish- Notes , 2-5. 36:5.)- Boasted . (13) "Magnified.” ed; the flourishing cities of Edom, on the con- Marg .- Note , Jer . 48:41,42. trary, would speedily be destroyed, and never V. 14. When I shall restore other nations, return to their former condition. 'Dr. Pri- 'conquered by the king of Babylon, to their 'deaux ... informs us, that the Nabatheans hav- 'former prosperity, thou shalt still lie waste
'ing driven the Edomites out of their ancient 'habitations, in the time of the Babylonish cap- 'tivity; they settled themselves in the southern 'part of Judea, where they were afterwards 'conquered by Hyrcanus, and obliged to em- brace the Jewish religion, and so became at length incorporated with that nation.' Lowth . V. 10.
The Edomites expected to get pos- session of the countries, both of Israel and Judah, as living in the neighborhood, or as allies for some time of the Chaldeans: and perhaps they were encouraged by some vague tradition concerning that land having been premised to the posterity of Abraham and Isaac; and concerning Esau, the elder brother, having been supplanted by Jacob. This ex- pectation seems to have excited their ardor in seeking the ruin of the Jews, and in rejoicing over it.
But the Lord, the Proprietor of the land, had dwelt there in his temple, and by his ark and visible glory: he had given abundant proofs of his omnipotence, in putting the de- scendants of Jacob in possession of it and maintaining themin it: and though he had now for their sins given them into the hands of the Chaldeans; yet he reserved that holy land for their posterity, and the Edomites would not be able to deprive them of it. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . -Notes , 26:2. 36:3-5. 48:30-35, v.35. Jer . 49:1.) V. 11. ( Marg . Ref . q.- Notes , 6. Ob . 15,16.
Matt. 7:1,2.) I will make my people see, that 'I have not quite cast them off, by my avenging 'their quarrel upon thee.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . r.) V. 12, 13. The Edomites not only coveted the fertile inheritance of Israel, and entertained a family and national antipathy against them: but they also hated and despised them because of their relation to JEHOVAH.
When they, therefore, saw the land desolated, and the peo- ple destroyed or carried captive, they reviled "the mountains of Israel," and thus blasphem- ed God, as if he had been unable to keep pos- po session; and they boasted and gloried, as if the God of Israel had been overcome, as well as the nation of Israel. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.- ||
'and desolate. The Edomites never recovered 'their country, after the Nabatheans had ex'pelled them." Lowth . Perhaps the land of Israel is meant.---When the whole land of Israel should rejoice, as being replenished, the land of Edom would be rendered desolate. ( Notes , Is . 14:7,8.65:13-15. Ob . 17-21.)
V. 15. Marg . Ref . Notes , Num . 24:18,19. Jer . 49:7-22. Lam . 4:21,22. Ob . 1-9. - Idumea . ] Or Edom , as it is in the Hebrew.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS
It is of fatal consequence for parents to teach their children resentiment or enmity against others; and still more so to instil into them prejudices against the cause and people of God: for these seeds will spring up and yield most pernicious fruit, after they have gone down to the grave. The wrath of God is loudly proclaimed against those, who have perpetual hatred to his people; and who take advantage of their calamities to insult over them and oppress them.
They, who do not " hate blood," may readily be induced to shed it in ambitious wars and cruel persecutions, or by suitable temptations: and then "blood will pursue them," or even a more dreadful punishment.The Lord himself will punish the crimes of ungodly professors of his holy religion, and chastise his offending children: but he will let his enemies know that he dwells in his church, notwithstanding all her sins and sufferings: and when they think to gratify their malice, envy, or avarice, by oppressing and spoiling his worshippers, he will cease to afflict his of fending worshippers, and make his power and vengeance known among their oppressors.
He hears and remembers the multiplied blasphemies, boastings, and menaces of profane infidels and persecutors; and he will produce them to their confusion in the day of wrath. And those who continue to "rejoice in iniquity," in ungodly prosperity, or in the calamities of the righteous, shall weep and gnasn their the inglesar despair, ir, when the joy of the whole church shall be for ever perfected.
LSO, thou son of man, prophesy unto a the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, bhear the word of the LORD:
2 Thus saith the Lord GoD; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession:
3 Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord Gon; * Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, hand ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people:
4 Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GoD; Thus saith the Lord God to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, 1 to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became ma prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;
5 Therefore thus saith the Lord GoD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen,
a 6:2,3. 33:28, 34:14. 37:22.
b 4,8. 20:47. 37:4. Jer. 22:29. c 5. 25:3. 26:2.
d Deut. 32:13. Ps. 78:69. Is. 58:14. Hab. 3:19.
e 35:10. Jer. 49:1.
* Heb. Because for because. 13:10. Lev. 26:43.
f Jer. 39: 41:52: Lam. 1:-5:
g Ps. 35:25. 56:1. Prov. 1:12. Jer. 51:34. Lam. 2:2,5,16.
h Deut. 28:37. 1 Kings 9:7,8. Ps. 44:13,14. Jer. 18:16. 24:9. 33:24. Lam. 2:15. Dan. 9:16.
it Or, made to come upon the lip of the tongue.
i Job 30:1-10. Ps. 35:15,16. 69:12. Matt. 27:39-44. 1 Cor. 4:13.
k 1,6. Deut. 11:11.
Or, bottoms , or, dales . 133-35. 6:14. 2 Chr. 36:1721. Is. 6:11. 24:1-12.
m 34:22. Ps. 79:4. Is. 64:10,11. n 38:19. Is. 66:15,16. Zech. 1: 15.
o S. Jer. 25:9,15-29. Zeph. 2:8-10.
NOTES.
CHAP. XXXVI. V. 1. The whole land of Israel was at this time uninhabited; but the Lord had a peculiar favor to it; and the prophet was ordered to address himself to " the moun tains of Israel," as the most conspicuous parts of the land. This might be meant as a reproof to such as refused to hear his word: but it was a great encouragement to those who regarded it, and assured them that God had mercy in reserve for them. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, 2-8.)
V. 2. 'The Idumeans made their boasts (5. '35:10.) that they should soon become masters 'of the mountainous parts of Judea, where the 'ancient fortresses were placed, which com'manded all the rest of the country. To the 'same sense, we are to understand the expres'sion of "riding on the high places of the 'earth;" ( Deut . 32:13.) that is, taking possession 'of the fortresses or passes which command the 'rest of the country.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref .)
V. 3. The vain talkers among the heathen derided the pretensions of Israel, concerning a divine and exclusive right to the land of Canaan; as well as the language of the sacred writers, in calling it "the glory of all lands," and "the Lord's holy mountain." Whereas it now lay desolate, uncultivated, profaned, and seized upon by idolaters. Nor did JEHOVAH interfere to make good his claim, in behalf of his people: and they therefore thought, that it
and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession' with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.
6 Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GoD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because "ye have borne the shame of the heathen:
7 Therefore thus saith the Lord GoD; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame.
8 But ye, O mountains of Israel, zye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come.
9 For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:
10 And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:
11 And I will multiply upon you man,
p 25:8-14.35: Ps. 137:7. Is. 34: 63:1-6. Jer. 49:7-22. Am. 1:11,12. Ob. 1,&c. Mal. 1:2 -4.
q 35:10-12. Ps. 83:4-12. Jer. 49 :1.
r 35:15. Prov. 17:5, 24:17,18. Ob. 12. Mic. 7:8.
s 25:12,15. Am. 1:11. t 4,5.
u 15. 34:29. Ps. 74:10,18,23. 123:3,4.
x 20:5,15. Deut. 32:40. Rev. 10:5,6.
y 25:-35: Jer. 25:9,15-29. 47:
-51: Am. 1: Zeph. 2:
z 34:26-29. Ps. 67:6. 85:12. Is. 4:2. 27:6. 30:23. Hos. 2:21 -23. Am. 9:12-15.
a 12:25. Phil. 4:5. Heb. 10:37. Jam. 5:8,9.
b Ps. 46:11. Rom. 8:31.
c Hos. 2:21-23. Joel 3:18. Hag. 2:19. Zech. 8:12. Mal. 3:10,11.
d 37. Is. 27:6. 49:17-23. Jer. 30:19. 31:27,28. 33:12. Zech. 8:3-6.
e 33. Is. 51:3. 52:9. 58:12. 61: 4. Jer. 31:10-14. Am. 9:14.
might more properly be called an infamous than a glorious land. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref. Notes , Deut . 28:37.1 Kings 9:7-9. Jer . 18:13— 17, v . 16. 50:7,8. Lam . 4:13-16.)
V. 4-7. "In the fire of his jealousy" for the honor of his name, which had been thus insulted by his enemies, JEHOVAH had spoken against them, and determined to put them to shame and to take vengeance on them; especially on the Edomites, who considered the land of Israel as already their own possession; and who rejoiced exceedingly over the sufferings of the Jews, both from covetousness, and the malice and enmity of their despiteful hearts: and they gladly aided the Chaldeans to cast them out, that the land might be a prey unto them. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 34-36. 35:10-14. Ps. 137:7-9. Lam . 4:21, 22.)
Surely , &c. (5) This seems equivalent to the more general form, by which the Lord sware by himself: and accordingly in the seventh verse it is joined with, "I have lifted up my hand, &c." ( Marg . Ref . u, x.)
V. 8. Marg . Ref .- At hand , &c.] The predicted seventy years of the captivity were wearing away; and the time would soon arrive for the Jews to re-possess and cultivate their own land, and to eat the fruits of it. If 'we suppose the words to relate to the general 'restoration of the nation; the longest distance 'of time, that the things of this world can ex
and beast; and they shall increase and bring || them, for the blood that they had shed
fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and & will do better unto you than at your beginnings: hand ye shall know that I am the LORD.
12 Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt k no more henceforth bereave them of men.
13 Thus saith the Lord GoD; Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;
14 Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GoD.
15 Neither will I m cause men to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more; neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more; neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD.
[Practical Observations.]
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
17 Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land," they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me • as the uncleanness of
a removed woman.
18 Wherefore PI poured my fury upon
f Jer. 30:18.31:38-40. Ob. 19 -21. Mic. 7:14,15.
g 35. Is. 30:26. Jer. 23:5-8. Joel 3:18-21. Am. 9:15. Hag. 2:6-9. Zech. 8:11- 15. Heb. 8:8-13. 11:40. h 35:9. 37:6,13. Hos. 2:20. 1 John 5:20.
i Jer. 32:15,44. Ob. 17-21. k 13. Num. 13:32. Jer. 15:7. 137:25-28. Is. 60:21. Am. 9: 15.
* Or, cause to fall.
m 6. 34:29. Is. 54:4. 60:14. Mic. 7:8-10. Zeph. 3:19,20. n Lev. 18:24-28. Num. 35:33, 34. Ps. 106:37,38. Is. 24:5. Jer. 2:7. 3:1,2,9. 16:18. Mic. 2:10.
o Lev. 15:19, &c. Is. 64:6,
p 7:8. 14:19. 21:31. 2 Chr. 34: 21,26. Is. 42:25. Jer. 7:20. 44: 6. Lam, 2:4. 4:11. Nah. 1:6. Rev. 14:10. 16:1,&c.
'tend to, is but as a noment in respect of eter'nity.' Lowth. (Notes, 2 Pet . 3 : 8,9. )
V. 9-12. Marg . Ref . Notes , 13-15,37. Jer. 30:19-22. 31:27,28. Am . 9:11,12. Zech . 8:3-8. -All the house, &c. (10) The mercy, here promised, would be shewn to Israel, in the most comprehensive sense, and not to Judah exclusively. (Note, Jer. 31:3--5, v . 5.) -- Will do better, &c. (11) The outward state of the Jews was never so prosperous after the captivity, as it had been before that catastrophe: we inust therefore understand this of their preservation from idolatry, and their adherence to the worship of God; God; and especially of the coming of the promised Savior. These predictions refer also to a future return of the Jews to their own land, when converted to Christ: and then indeed the Lord "will do better" unto them and their land, than at their beginnings.
V. 13-15. The Canaanites had been ex
upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:
19 And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: & according to their way, and according to their doings, I judged them.
20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the Lord, and are gone forth out of his land.
21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen whither they went.
22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God, I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen whither ye went.
23 And I will sanctify my great name which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes
24 For I will take you from among q 16:36-38. 23:37.
r 5:12. 22:15. Lev. 26:38. Deut. 28:64. Am. 9:9.
s 7:3,8. 18:30, 22:31. Rom. 2: 6. Rev. 20:12-15.
t Is. 52:5. Rom. 2:24.
u Ex. 32:11-13. Num. 14:15, 16. Josh. 7:9. 2 Kings 18:30, 35. 19:10-12. Jer. 33:24. Dan. 3:15.
x 20:9,14,22. Deut. 32:26,27. Is. 37:35. 48:9.
y 32. Deut. 7:7,8. 9:5-7. Ps. 106:8. 115:1,2.
I z 20:41. 38:23. Num. 20:12,13. Is. 5:16. 1 Pet. 3:15.
a 39:28. Ex. 15:4-16. Ps. 102: 13-16 126:1-3. Dan. 2:47. 3:28,29, 4:2,3,34-37. 6:26,27. b 28:22.
themselves! But the Lord declared, that he would replenish the land, and not suffer it any more to be desolated, as it had been during the Babylonish captivity; and that he would not any more give the heathen occasion thus to reproach it. Though the whole land of Israel was not desolated after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, as it had been after that by the Chaldeans; yet the slaughter made among the Jews was far greater, and they were entirely driven out of the land, and have continued in a state of exile from it for above seventeen hundred years.
It seems therefore unavoidable, but that we must refer the full completion of these prophecies to some future event: when the land shall again become fruitful, and be inhabited by the nation of Israel to the end of time. ( Marg . rg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 37:25--28. Num . 13:32. 14:7--9. Am . 9:13--15.) V. 17-19. Marg . Ref .-- Notes , Lev . 18:2430. Num. 35:31-34. Ps . 106:35-38. Jer. 3:6
tirpated by Israel; and Israel had been destroy--11.- As the uncleanness , &c. (17) 'As such a
ed or driven out by the Assyrians and Chaldeans, and by sword, famine, and pestilence: the heathen therefore, who probably were pleased to find a seeming contrariety between the Jewish scriptures and these facts, represented the good land as unwholesome, unfruitful, and destructive of its inhabitants; and yet they were ready to take possession of it for
'person was under a legal pollution, and for'bidden to come within the courts of the tem'ple, or attend upon God's worship there: so the defilements the Jews had contracted by 'their idolatries, and other heinous sins, ren'dered them unqualified to be my people, or to 'offer up any religious service to me. Lowth. ( Marg . Ref . o. Is . 64:6-8, v, 6.)
the heathen, and gather you out of all your flesh, and I will give you an heart of countries, and will bring you into your own flesh. land.
25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of
d Lev. 14:5-7. Num. 8:7. 19: f Is. 2:18-20. 17:7,8. Jer. 3:22, 13-20. Ps. 51:7. Is. 52:15. 23. Hos. 14:3,8. Zech. 13:2. Tit. 3:5,6. Heb. 9:13,14,19. g Deut. 30:6. Ps. 51:10. Jer. 10:22. 1 John 5:6. 32:39. John 3:3-5. 2 Cor. 3:18. 5:17. Gal. 6:15. Eph. 2:10. Rev. 21:5. Matt. Mark 4:16,17. 2
e 17,29. 37:23. Ps. 51:2. Prov. 30:12. Is. 4:4. Zech. 13:1. Acts 22:16. 1 Cor. 6:11. 2 Cor. 7:1. Eph. 5:26,27. Tit. 2:14. 1 John 1:7. Rev. 1:5. 7:14.
h 11:19,20. Zech. 7:12. 13:5,20,21. Cor. 3:3.
27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and k cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
[Practical Observations.]
28 And 'ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; m and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn,
i 37:14. 39:29. Prov. 1:23. Is. 44:3,4. 59:21. Joel 2.28,29. Zech. 12:10. Luke 11:13. Rom. 8:9,14-16. Gal. 5:5,22, 23. 2 Thes. 2:13. Tit. 3:3-
6. 1 Pet. 1:2,22. 1 John 3:24. k 37:24. Jer. 31:33. Phil. 2:12, 13. Tit 2:11-14. Heb. 13:21. 1 10. 28:25. 37:25. 39:23.
m 11:20. 37:23,27. Cant. 6:3.
Jer. 30:32. 31:33.32:38. Zech. 13:9. Matt. 22:32. 2 Cor. 6: 16-18.7:1. Heb. 8:10. 11:16. Rev. 21:3,7.
n 25. Jer. 33:8. Hos. 14:2,4,8. Joel 3:21. Mic. 7:19. Zech. 13:1. Matt. 1:21. Rom. 11:26. Tit. 2:14. John 1:7-9.
ο 8,9. 34:27-29, Ps. 105:6. Hos. 2:21-23. Matt. 6:33.
Christ. ( Marg . Ref . d, e.-- Notes , John 3:4,5. Eph . 5:22-27, vv . 26,27. Tit . 3:4-7, v . 5. Heb . 10:19-22, v. 22. 1 Pet . 3:21,22, v. 21.) When the latter is applied to the conscience, through faith, to cleanse it from dead works; the former is always applied to all the powers of the soul to purify them from the love and pollution of sin: and thus the sinner is "washed and sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." ( Notes , Ps . 51:1,2, v. 2. 1 Cor . 6:9-11, v . 11. Rev. 1:4-6.) Accordingly it is here promised, that the Lord would cleanse both the land, and the souls of the people, from the guilt and pol
V.20-24. The Jews, when scattered among the gentiles, appeared to them an abject and wretched company of people. They were noticed as the worshippers of JEHOVAH wherever they went: but they were looked upon as a viler and more worthless race, than any of the idolaters among whom they were driven: and having been carried captive out of their own land, and reduced to a miserable slavery by their enemies, JEHOVAH himself was despised and blasphemed, as if he had been unable to protect his worshippers, and as if there had been no profit in serving him. For many of the gentiles would ascribe their wickedness to the tendency of that religion, which they ab-lution of their wickedness and idols; from the
horred; and not to their having acted inconsistently with it: and they would regard their miseries, not as the punishment of their sins, but as proofs that their God was not able to protect them. Thus the name of JEHOVAΗ was profaned; and this reproach must have rested upon it, had he suffered his enemies finally to prevail against his people. He was therefore determined to shew mercy on them, from regard to the honor of his own name; though there was nothing in their characters to induce him to it. By their reformation he meant to wipe off the dishonor cast upon him by their wickedness: and by gathering them from among the nations, and restoring them to
filthiness before mentioned, (17) which had made them loathsome to him, and rendered a separation necessary. What next follows has before been explained; ( Marg . Ref . h. -Notes , 11:17-20, υυ . 19,20. 18:30-32. Ps . 51:10. Jer. 32:39-41.) but it is here added, that the Lord "would put his own Spirit within them." Having prepared their hearts by his grace, he would dwell in them by his Spirit: and thus holy affections and dispositions being produced, preserved, and continually invigorated by his blessed influence, they would walk in his statutes, and observe and keep his commandments. These blessings would be given them for this purpose, and the Lord would thus effi
their own land, he intended to glorify his pow-caciously cause them to do so. ( Marg . Ref . i,
er, truth, and goodness; and to shew himself superior to all the idols of the nations, in the sight of their devoted worshippers. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref . Notes , 32. 14:22,23. 20:7-9,13,14, 40-44.37:28. 39:23-29. Deut . 9:4-6. 32:26, 27. Ps . 115:1,2. Is . 48:9—11. Jer . 14:7–9. Lam . 4 : 13-16 . Dan . 8:16-19.)
V. 25-27. In allusion to the divers washings and sprinklings of the ritual law, the Lord promised "to sprinkle clean water, on his people, and to make them clean from all their filthiness and idols." ( Notes and P. O. Num . 19: Notes, Ps. 51:7. Is . 52:13-15, v. 15.) Clean water is the universal purifier of our persons, garments, houses, streets, and cities: and under both the Old Testament, and the Christian dispensation, it has been used as an emblem of the cleansing of our polluted souls from sin. But no water, however clean, or in what mode soever it be applied, can do more than take away "the filth of the flesh:" except as it is used for an outward sign of the inward and spiritual grace of the gospel. Water is especially the sacramental sign of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit; yet this is always connected with the atoning blood of
k.- Notes , 37:12-14, υ. 14. 39,23-29, ν . 29. Prov . 1:21–23. Is . 32:15. 44:3-5. 59:20,21. Jer . 31:33,34. Zech . 12:9-14, v . 10. 13:1,2. Tit . 2:11 -14. Heb . 8:8-13.)-But of whom was this spoken? Doubtless many of the Jews, who returned from Babylon, were thus renewed and sanctified: yet numbers of them continued strangers to these peculiar spiritual blessings, though preserved from outward idolatry. These promises indeed are pleaded by all true believers, in every age, and fulfilled to them: and this may be called the spiritual meaning .
But the context speaks so ex expressly and repeatedly of the house of Israel being restored to the land, which the Lord had given to their fathers, that, in the prophetical meaning , I apprehend, it greatly confirms the opinion, that after the Jews shall be converted to Christ, they shall also be restored to their own land.
Then these promises will be fulfilled to them in their fullest sense; and the subsequent part of the prophecy will be literally accomplished, in the sight of all the nations: and the Jews are no doubt preserved a distinct people, on purpose to make way for this great display of the Lord's power and truth, and thus to demon
and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.
30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.
31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
32 Not for your sakes do I this , saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.
* whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by.
35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.
36 Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places , and plant that that was desolate: b I the Lord have spoken it , and I will do it .
37 Thus saith the Lord GoD; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
33 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be build-waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and
ed.
38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts, so shall the
they shall know that I am the Lord.
34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, x 6:14. Deut. 29:23-28. 2 Chr.
strate to all the world the divine original of the holy scriptures. ( Note , Jer. 30:10,11.)
V. 28-30. Though Canaan is now become a "barren land, for the wickedness of those who dwelt therein:" yet the Lord can easily render it more fruitful than ever; and thus sí
36:21. Jer. 25:9-11.
y Ps. 58:11. 64:9. 126:2, Jer. 33:9. z 28:13. Gen. 2:8,9. 13:10. Is. 51:3. Joel 2:3.
a 17:24. 34:30. 37:28. 39:2729. Mic. 7:15-17.
b- 22:14. 24:14. 37:14. Num. 23:19. Matt. 24:35.
с 14:3. 20:3. Ps. 10:17. 102:17. Is. 55:6,7. Jer. 29:11-13.50:
4,5. Zech. 13:9. Matt. 7:7,8. Phil. 4:6, Jam. 4:2,3. d 10.
* Heb. flock of holy things. e Ex. 23:17. 34:23. Deut. 16: 16. 2 Chr. 7:8. 30:21-27.35: 7,&c. Zech. 8:19-23. Acts 2:5-11.
f 33-35. 34:31. Jer. 30:19. 31: 27,23. John 10:16. Rev. 7:4 -9.
V. 37. Though the Lord would do these things freely "for his own name's sake," and
lence the reproach before spoken of. ( Marg . not for any merit or excellency of the people, Ref . Notes , 13-15,36. 34:23-31. Ps . 107:33 as they were always disposed to imagine; -43. Is . 30:23-25. Jer. 30:22. 31:27,28.33:6- (Notes, 22-31,32.) yet he would have them to 11. Am. 9:13-15.) -Many understand these plead these promises with him, inquiring about verses of the great success of the gospel in the the time and manner of their accomplishment,
times.
it:
predisted mars. Ref . Notes , 32. 6:8-10. 16: and hernestly begging of him to perform t
60-63, v. 63. 20:40-44. Lev . 26:40-42. Ezra 9:6. Job 42:1-6, v. 6. Is . 6:5. 64:4. Jer . 31:1820.) If we consider this passage, as a prediction of the conversion of the Jews to Christ, and their restoration to their own land; the iniquities, which they shall especially remember with self-abhorrence, must mean their obstinate rejection of the Messiah, and their long continued opposition to his cause, and all their other sins as resulting from that unbelief. ( Note , Zech . 12:9-14, υ. 10.)
V. 32. 'The prophet repeats what he said 'ver. 22, on purpose to check the vain pre'sumption in the Jews, and confidence of their 'own intrinsic worth or merit; a fault they 'have been very prone to in all ages.' Lowth . -The extreme care of the inspired writers, in using all means of keeping alive a sense of guilt, and exciting a spirit of deep contrition, even when delivering the most free and enlarged promises of rich mercy, is a most instructive subject of meditation, especially to the ministers of the gospel. ( Marg . Ref . -See on Note , 22-24, v. 22.)
V. 33-35. Marg. Ref . See on Note , 2830.- Notes , 17,25-27. Is . 51:1-3, v . 3. Jer . 31: 10-14.
grace and supplication" upon them, that they might be excited thus to inquire of him to do it for them. ( Notes , Zech . 12:6-14.) Then Jerusalem and the cities of Judah would be replenished with multitudes of inhabitants, like those who thronged thither to the solemn feasts; rapidly increasing in number, as well as living harmoniously and inoffensively, like flocks of sheep. -This may signify the increasing number of worshipping congregations, all over the land, and in every part of the earth, in those happy days which were predicted. 'He will dispose their hearts to apply them'selves to him by prayer, and will answer the 'petitions they make to him for the fulfilling 'these his promises.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref. Notes , 14:1-5. 20:1-3. Ps . 10:17,18. Jer . 29:11 -14.)
V. 38. Some understand by "the holy flock," the sheep and lambs designed for sacrifice at the solemn feasts: but perhaps the assembled worshippers are meant. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . 34:31. Notes , Ps . 95:7. 100:3.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-15.
The most sacred truths, ordinances, and
V.36. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 3-5. 37:12–14. Ps . 126:1-3. Mic . 7:11-17. Zech . 8:9-15,20 works of God, and every person or thing which -23.) He declareth, that it ought not to be relates to him, are "taken up in the lips of" 'referred to the soil, or plentifulness of the || profane "talkers;" who divert themselves and VOL. IV.
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cach other, and gratify their pride and malice, || powers of our souls; and our being "cleansed by endeavoring to represent that as despica- from all filthiness," and from the love and
ble and infamous, which God has pronounced holy, honorable, and excellent. Such scoffers triumph and boast upon every apparent success, as if they had swallowed up the church, and she were become a derision and a prey to her enemies: and their alacrity and joy in their successful efforts against her are increased, when they can gratify their covetousness, as
power of every sin, and detached from idolatrous affections for every created object, proves our interest in "the blood of sprinkling,' and shews that our sins are forgiven. (Notes, Hos . 14:1-8.) When the Lord speaks, and says, "I will, be thou clean," the leprosy of our depraved nature is cleansed: he who first created our souls can new-create them to holi
well as pride and malignity, by these despite-ness, now that sin has marred their beauty
and ruined their health. He gives all his believing people "a new heart, and puts a new spirit within them:" the heart of stone is then changed for a heart of flesh, and becomes susceptible of every holy affection: then they are influenced in a proper manner by his word and Providence: and the blessed Spirit of God, dwelling in his new creatures, as a Teacher, Sanctifier, and Comforter, gently leads them to walk, with increasing liberty and delight, "in all his commandments and ordinances blameless." ( Note , Luke 1:6.)
ful persecutions. But in this manner they provoke the Lord to jealousy; he will return upon them the contempt and affliction, which they have caused to his people; and punish them for their impious and scornful words, as well as for their unjust and cruel behavior towards his servants. For, though the truth and cause of God may be borne down for a season, they cannot be kept down: the mountains of Israel, however wasted, profaned, or forsaken, will again be pecpled, cultivated, and rendered fruitful: yea, the Lord is with his people; "who then can be against them?" And the time is at hand, when he will purify and settle his church, and replenish her with numerous converts, and do better for her, than even in the beginnings of the gospel-dispensa- his need of them and their suitableness to his
tion. Then will he silence the calumnies, cavils, and objections of the ungodly: every part of the word of God will appear to all men to be verified by undeniable facts; and the whole history of mankind shall shew the truth of the scriptures, the excellency of our holy religion, and the happiness of the people of God.
V. 16-27.
When we consider the abominations, which have hitherto prevailed in the visible church, we shall not wonder, that the Lord has repeatedly put away one part or another of it, with
V. 28-38.
Our God is ever ready to fulfil his most precious promises to every one, who perceives
case, and who pleads them by prayer in the name of our glorious Advocate: and thus the most polluted and inveterate transgressor may become a humble, holy, and spiritual worshipper and servant of God; one meet to be numbered with his people, and to enjoy his favor as his all-sufficient and eternal Portion. And when the Lord thus "saves men from all their uncleannesses," he will supply all their wants, and cause every event to concur in doing them good.-A humble disposition of mind, leading a man frequently to remember his evil ways with loathing and self-abhorrence, and cordially to confess his unworthiness of the
abhorrence and indignation; but shall rather least mercy, even while he expects the richest admire his patience and mercy, in still main-blessings from the abounding grace of God, is taining his cause amidst such multiplied multiplied prov-an essential and inseparable concomitant of ocations: and when we compare his sustice the and betoncomitanto spirit" and holiness with our own guilt guilt and pollution, believers. Nor is there any more decisive
and recollect how we have defiled ourselves and all his good gifts, by "our evil ways and doings;" we shall often be amazed, that he has not ere this "poured out his fury upon us," and punished us according to our deservings. But "the glory glory of his own great name" always supplies him with motives for doing good to his people: and even when he cuts off hypocrites and apostates, and severely corrects his offending children, he will not have his honor profaned among his enemies, by letting them wholly trample down his worshippers: so that he will render his cause triumphant in the event. Not that he will connive at the sins of those who are "called by his name;" for this would still more embolden the blasphemies of ungodly men: but he will "save his people from all their sins:" and when he separates them from the company of those that perish, he will
proof that a man is yet in his sins, than a disposition to justify himself, himself, and to expect the divine favor as the reward of his own goodness. (Note, Luke 18:9-13.) The Lord will make it known to all the heirs of salvation, and that in proportion to their growth in grace, that " "boasting is for ever ex excluded," that shame and misery are all which such sinners can de serve ; and that they are saved "to the praise of the glory of his grace," and for the honor of his great name. This conviction prepares them for every duty on earth: and when they shall come to glory, it will induce them to cast their crowns before the throne, and to ascribe salvation to God and to the Lamb for evermore. In some of these promises, the Lord, as it were, passes by, and says to the sinner, "Wilt thou be made clean?" "Ask me, and Í 'will cleanse thee;' and so waits to be inquir
also "redeem them from all iniquity, and puri- ed of by them to do these things for them, and fy them unto himself a peculiar people zealous to do them more and more perfectly for be
of good works."-Indeed he finds us all "foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaves to divers lusts and pleasures," and polluted with those abominable things which he loathes and abhors: but when "the loving-kindness of God our Savior towards us is made manifest, he saves us by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he pours upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior." ( Notes , Matt . 1:21-23. Tit . 2:1114. 3:4-7.) These blessed influences, like purifying water, then bedew and cleanse all the
lievers: others of them invite us to pray for the increasing purity, prosperity, and spread of true religion. He waits to be inquired of by his people to fulfil these prophecies, and to fill the earth with his holy flock, and with the congregations of his saints. Let us then give ourselves unto prayer, and turn all these promises and predictions into petitions and supplications; and thus seek increasing holiness, fruitfulness, and comfort to our own souls, and expect more glorious times for the church of God.