to save themselves, as these dry bones were: nor could any created power restore them to God and holiness. But the true minister has some experience of "the exceeding greatness of that mighty power, which wrought in Christ, when he was raised from the dead," and which has wrought and still works in every believer: and he knows it to be sufficient to soften the hardest, and to cleanse the most polluted heart. When he therefore considers the case of proud infidels and Pharisees, or of abandoned profligates and blasphemers; the Lord as it were asks him, Can these dry bones live?
Can such be made his saints and servants? And his answer is, "LORD thou knowest." If he please to work, the dry bones will live: nor can we make a single exception to this rule, without limiting the power of our God. But though the work be wholly his: yet he commands us to use means: and if he ordered us to preach to the dry bones in a charnel-house, it would be our wisdom and duty to obey; and pride and unbelief alone could start objections.
If sinners then were as devoid of life and sense as the dry bones, we ought to preach to them, and to call on them to "hear the word of the LORD," and to set before them his truths, invitations, and promises; warning, exhorting, beseeching, and persuading them to come to Christ for salvation; and to hope that God would powerfully work, whilst we were using the appointed means.
But the incapacity of sinners, though equally entire, is of another kind: they are rational creatures, whose understandings, consciences, affections, and imaginations may be addressed, and who are capable of fears, hopes, and desires.
Surely then we should be ready at the Lord's command to go to the highways and hedges, in order to invite and even " compel men to come in," as far as arguments and persuasions can do it; to beseech rebels to be reconciled to God, and to command them to repent and believe the gospel; accompanying all our endeavors with earnest prayers, that the Spirit of God may come and breathe on dead sinners, that they may live.
Under this kind of preaching various effects will be produced: many will be made to tremble, and to inquire what they "must do to be saved?" And a great commotion will sometimes be excited among those, who have been careless and secure: there will be a gathering of the people to hear the word, and to confer about matters of religion: numbers will be induced to attend on the means of grace; and even those, who eventually are converted, often do many things outwardly before they are actuated by a vital inward principle. We should inCHAP. XXXVIII. V. 2, 3.
'The prophecy, deed be careful not to rest in any thing short 'contained in this and the following chapter, of true conversion; and we should warn the 'concerning Israel's victory over Gog and Mapeople not to settle in forms, notions, or exter- 'gog, without question relates to the latter
nal reforniation: yet this this "shaking among the dry bones" may encourage us to proceed, preaching earnestly, praying fervently, and waiting patiently: and we may hope in due time to see a large company of spiritual soldiers, warring under the banner of Christ, against sin, the world, and the devil, raised up
Nothing has so hindered the success of the gospel hitherto, as the divisions among professed Christians: and it requires the same power of God to unite discordant persons and parties, so that they may "be one in his hand," as is requisite to raise his church from the most discouraging situation.
They who desire the prosperity, should labor and pray for the peace of Jerusalem: and in this sense especially, "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God." We have all one King and Shepherd, and are all one nation and family; nay, one body, as united to Christ our Head: how unnatural for us then to be as two or several armies, fighting against and weakening each other!
Let us then study and "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace:" let us with one accord seek for divine grace, to keep us from any more defiling ourselves with our idols, detestable things, or any transgressions: let us pray that the Lord would in like manner cleanse his church; that he may be known among the nations, as the Sanctifier of Israel: let us thank him, that he has set his tabernacle among us, by his gospel and appointed ordinances; and beg of him to continue it in the midst of us for evermore; and that he would also place it again among his ancient people Israel, and vouchsafe it to all other nations of the earth: that this everlasting covenant of peace may be with them, as well as with us; that we may altogether be the obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David; and that the Lord may be our God, and we his people for evermore.
NOTES.
question rela 'ages of the world, when the whole house of 'Israel shall return into their own land. (39:25, 26.)... "Gog, the land of Magog;" or "of the land of Magog." Magog." Magog was the son of Ja'pheth, ( Gen. Gen. 10:2.) 10:2 from whence the Scythi'ans are ge generally supposed to be derived. The Mogul Tartars, a people of the Scythian
4 And I will turn thee back, and put into the land that is brought back from the hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee sword, and is gathered out of many peoforth, and all thine army, h horses and horse-ple, against the mountains of Israel, which men, all of them clothed with all sorts of have been always waste: but it is brought armor, even a great company with buck- forth out of the nations, and they shall lers and shields, all of them handling
swords:
n 27:14. Gen. 10:3. 1 Chr. 1: 6. Dan. 11:40.
o 2 Chr. 25:8. Ps. 2:1-4. Is. 8: 9,10. 37:22. Jer. 46:3-5,14- 16. 51:12. Joel 3:9-12. Zech. 14:2,3.
p 16. Gen. 49:1. Num. 24:14. Deut. 4:30. Jer. 48:47, 49:39. Hos. 3:3-5. Hab. 2:3.
q Ex. 20:5. Is. 24:22. 29:6. Jer. 32:5. Lam. 4:22.
dwell safely all of them.
9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
10 Thus saith the Lord GoD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt + think an evil thought:
11 And thou shalt say, "I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; a I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell + safely, all
r 12. 36:24,&c. 37:21, &c. 39:27 -29. Is. 11:11, &c. Jer. 30:3, 18. 32:37. Am. 9:14,15.
$ 34:13. 36:1-8.
t 11. 28:26. 34:25-28. Jer. 23: 6. 33:16.
u 13:11. Is. 21:1,2. 25:4.28.2. Dan. 11:40.
x 16. Jer. 4:13. Joel 2:2.
y Ps. 83:3,4. 139:2. Prov. 19:21. Is. 10:7. Mark 7:21. John 13:2.
Acts 5:3,9. 8:22. 1 Cor. 4:5. † Or, conceive a mischievous purpose. Ps. 36:4. Prov. 6 14,18. 12:2. Mic. 2:1.
z Ex. 15:9. Ps. 10:9. Prov. 1: 11-16. Is. 37:24,25. Rom. 3 15.
a Judg. 18:7,27. Jer. 49:31,32. Zech. 2:4,5,
Or, confidently. 8. Prov. 3: 29,30.
'race, are still called so by the Arabian writ-tainly be induced to make this formidable in
'ers. By Gog and Magog may most probably 'here be meant the Turks; who were originally 'natives of Tartary, called Turcheston by the 'Eastern writers. ... The land of Canaan bath 'been, for several years, in the possession of 'the Turks.... The people called here by the 'name of Gog, and their allies, will attempt to 'recover it again out of the hand of the Jews, 'its rightful owners. This may, probably oc'casion the war and victory here spoken of.
vasion of the land of Israel: and then God will defeat it, as he did that of Sennacherib, by putting his hook in their jaws, &c. ( Marg . Ref .- Notes , 29:2-5. 2 Kings 19:27,28. Dan . 11:40-45.)
V. 5. Marg . and Marg . Ref.-- Note , 30:4,5. V. 6. 'Gomer was Japheth's son, and To'garmah the son of Gomer; these are thought 'to be they that inhabit Asia Minor.... The 'Persians from the east, the Ethiopians from 'the south, the Moors from the west, and the 'Phrygians from the north, shall join with them 'in this onset.' Bp . Hall .
'The LXX interpreters take the word Rosh , 'commonly translated chief , for a proper name: 'so they render the sentence thus: "The prince 'of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal." Rosh , taken 'as a proper name, signifies those inhabitants 'of Scythia, from whence the Russians derive 'their name and original.' Lowth . It is not indeed agreed what people or transactions are here predicted: but it seems evident, that the prophecy is not yet accomplished. Nothing Notes , 16,17. Is . 8:9,10. Jer. 46:3,4. Joel 3:9
occurred in the wars waged by the Syro-gre
V. 7. ( Marg . Ref . ) This is an ironical exhortation to Gog, to make all possible preparation, and to use every precaution to defend himself and his army, and to ensure victory: and it intimates, that God will thus gain the greater honor by his defeat. (Marg. Ref.
cian kings against the Jews after the captivity, Syro-gre-17)
or in their conflicts with Antiochus Epiphanes, Epiphanes,
V. 8. 'This judgment shall be inflicted by
that answer to it: and it is foretold, that these 'generations: "in the latter years," or "days;"
God upon thee,... after a succession of many (16) that is, towards the end of the world: (Comp. Dan . 8:26.) particularly the expres'sion of "latter days" or years, is used to de'note the times of the general restoration of 'the Jewish nation. (Deut. 4:30. Jer. 30:24. ' Hos . 3:5.)' Louth . ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 11
17.36:3-15.)
events would be fulfilled "in the latter days." It is therefore probably supposed, that the ac- complishment will be posterior to the conver- sion of the Jews, and their restoration to their own land: and that the Turks, Tartars, or Scythians, from the northern parts of Asia, perhaps uniting with the inhabitants of some inore southern regions, will make war upon the Jews, and be cut off in the manner here predicted.-Gog and Magog are mentioned by St. John. ( Note , Rev. 20:7-10.) It is probable that the inhabitants of the same regions are intended; but different events are evidently predicted: for that assault of Gog and Magog will follow the millennium , and happen just be- | 28:1-4, v. 2. Dan . 11:40-43.
fore the general judgment; but this refers to the times which will introduce the millennium. -"Gog" seems to be the name of the prince, "Magog" of his land or people. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref. Notes, 32:26-28. Gen. 10:2- 5.)
V. 4. These formidable enemies will cer
Always waste.] 'Long in a state of desolation, namely, first by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Antiochus Epiphanes, and Romans; lastly, and at this time, by the Turks.' Desolations far more durable, than those of the Babylonish captivity, are evidently predicted.
V. 9. Marg . Ref . Notes . 16,17. Is . 25:3-5.
V. 10. The Lord foresees, from ages and generations, every thought, good or bad, that will ever come into the mind of any of his creatures, and every purpose of their hearts; and all these infinitely numerous apparent contingencies form a part of his immense and glorious plan! ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . y.)
of them dwelling without walls, and having || neither bars nor gates,
12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey, to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, dand upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
17 Thus saith the Lord GoD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years. that I would bring thee against them?
18 And it shall come to pass at the same time, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God,
13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the mer- that my fury shall come up in my face
chants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord God; & In that day when my people of Israel hdwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it ?
15 And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:
16 And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land: it shall be in the latter days; and I will bring thee against my land, "that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
* Heb. spoil the spoil, and toh 8,11. Zech. 2:5,8.
prey the prey. 29:19. marg.
Is. 10:6. Jer. 30:16.
b Is. 1:24,25. Am. 1:8. Zech. 13:7.
с 36:33-35, Jer. 32:43,44. 33: 12,13. Zech. 1:12,17.
d8. Zech. 10:8-10.
† Heb. navel. Judg. 9:37.
marg .
e 27:12,15,20,22,23,25.
f 19:3-6. 32:2. Jer. 50:17. 51: 38. Nah. 2:11-13. Zech. 11:3.
g Is. 4:2.
i 39:2. Dan. 11:40.
k 4. Joel 3:2. 7.eph. 3:8. Zech. 12:2-4. 14:2,3. Rev. 16:14,16. 20:8.
19.
m 8. Deut. 31:29. Is. 2:2. Dan. 2:28. 10:14. Hos. 3:5. Mic. 4:
1. 1 Tim. 4:1. 2 Tim. 3:1.
n 23. 36:23. 39:21. Ex. 14:4. 1 Sam. 17:45-47. 2 Kings 19: 19. Ps. 83:17,18. Dan. 3:24- 29. 4:32-37. 6:15-27. Mic. 7:15-17. Matt. 6:9,10.
V. 11, 12. The converted Jews and Israelites, will live in peace, and holy confidence in God, without attempting to molest others, or fear of being molested: they will therefore have neither walls, gates, nor bars; and this will tempt these depredators to invade them. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 34:23-31, v . 28. Judg . 18:7-10. Jer . 23:5,6.)
19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath, have I spoken, 'Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
20 So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.
21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GoD; "every man's sword shall be against his brother.
22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, " an over
Or, towers, or, stairs. Is. 30:
ο 10,11,16. Ps. 110:5,6. Is. 27:6:12,13. 1. 34:1-6. 63:1-6. 66:15,16. Dan. 11:40-45. Joel 3:9-14. Zech. 12:2-8. 14:1, &c.
Heb. by the hands of my.
p 36:5. Deut. 32:22. Ps. 18:7, 8. 89:46. Nah. 1:2. Heb. 12: 29.
q 39:25. Deut. 29:20. Is. 42:13. Joel 2:18. Zech. 1:14.
r Hag. 2:6,7,21,22. Heb. 12:26. Rev. 11:13. 16:20.
s Jer. 4:23-26. Hos. 4:3. Nah. 1:4-6. Zech. 14:4,5. Rev.
25. 2 Cor. 10:4.
t 14:17. Ps. 105:16.
u Judg. 7:22. 1 Sam. 14:20. 2 Chr. 20:23. Hag. 2:22.
x Is. 66:16. Jer. 25:31. Zech. 14:12-15.
y 13:11. Gen. 19:24. Ex. 9:22 -25. Josh. 10:11. Ps. 11:6. 18:12-14. 77:16-18. Is. 28: 17. 29:6. 30:30-33. Matt. 7: 27. Rev. 16:21.
thus it had come to pass. This signal victory 'over Gog and his associates, shall be a means 'of bringing infidels to give glory unto me. (36:23. Comp. 39:21.) ... The expressions here 'used, ... plainly imply, that there was to be a 'succession of many ages, between the pub'lishing those prophecies, and this event fore'told by them. Lowth . ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . -Notes , 10--15. Ps . 110:5,6. 149:7-9. Is . 27:1. 34:1--6.63:1-6. Dan . 11:40--45. Joel 3:9-17. Zech . 12:2-8. 14:1-3.
Rev. 11:15-18. 14:14-20. 19:11--21.)--Gog, according to this prophecy, will come against Israel, as settled in their own land: and the effect will be the conversion of the heathen: but Gog and Magog, as foretold by St. John, will "compass the camp of the saints," and the beloved city, which evidently mean the true church after the millennium: and "fire will come down from God out of heaven and devour them;" and immediately the day of judgment will follow. (Comp. Notes, Rom. 11:11--15. with Rev. 20:
V. 13. "Those merchants, as soon as they 'heard of this intended invasion, came into 'Gog's camp, as to a market, to buy both per'sons and goods, which should come into the 'conqueror's power. ... Their chief merchants '... are described as so many princes, Is . 23:8. 'and are called lions , because of the injustice 'and oppression they too commonly practised 'in their commerce.' Lowth. -'One enemy 'shall envy another, because every one shall 'think to have the spoil of the church.' ( Marg . Ref . - Notes, 26:2. 27:10-25. Rev. 18:9-19.) V. 14, 15. 'As soon as the news of their 'being settled in their own country comes to 'thy knowledge, thou wilt certainly make prep-7-15.) 'arations to invade them. Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . -Notes , 2--4,10--12.)
V. 16, 17. The exact accomplishment of these ancient prophecies will turn to a testimony to the nations that shall witness them: and they will_recollect, that thus it was written, and
V. 18-20. At the terror of the wrath of God and by his judgments on these invaders, all nature will be, as it were, thrown into convulsions at his presence, and concur in executing his vengeance on them. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.- Notes , 36:5. Jer. 4:19-27. Hos . 4:1-3
flowing rain, and great hail-stones, fire, and brimstone .
23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord.