CHAP. III. ple: * let all the earth keep silence before The prophet prays that God would revive his work, and have him.
example, influence, and authority diffused the worship of angels, saints, and images throughout the Christian church, which has continued in many places to this day; and probably will continue, till that city shall be destroyed, and "swept with the besom of destruction," as ancient Babylon has been.
V. 20. Opposed to these false and imaginary objects of worship, JEHOVAH was here set before the nations, as dwelling in his sanctuary among his people; that is, in Christ, in his church, and amidst his worshippers, in heaven and earth. The true God has his throne in 'heaven, as the place of his peculiar residence, (Jon. 2:7.) from whence he will answer the 'prayers of his servants, though the temple of Jerusalem should be destroyed.' Lowth .
He is the sovereign Lord of all, to whom all worship, honor, and obedience are due: "let all the earth keep silence before him," not daring to eppose his truth, or provoke his wrath; but submitting quietly to his rebuke, humbly adoring his perfections, accepting of his salvation, and obeying his will, without objecting, murmuring, or disputing. It alludes to such 'a silence, as is kept in courts of justice, when 'a judge pronounces the sentence. Lowth . ( Marg . and Marg . Ref. Notes, Job 29:7-11. Ps . 46:10. 76:8,9. Is . 6:1-4. Zech . 2:10-13.) Keep silence, &c.] Ευλαβείσθω προ πρόσωπό αυτό.
'Stand in awe before his presence.' Sept.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V.1-8.
mercy on his people, 1, 2. He commemorates the displays made of JEHOVAH'S glory in his ancient works for Israel, as encouraging hope of future deliverance, 3-15. He shews how deeply he was affected by the prospect of the approaching judgments; but resolves to rejoice in God when all other comforts failed, 16-19.
ise, and on Christ through whom it is given: thus he obtains righteousness and strength, wisdom and grace; he walks and works, as well as lives, by faith; perseveres unto the end, and is exalted to glory, whilst proud Pharisees and hypocrites are debased unto hell.-But in what varied ways does human depravity break forth!
A vain exorbitant ambition disposes-men to despise the most eligible situations, and to rove from home in quest of happiness: success only enlarges their desires, and renders them insatiable and boundless; and the wretched slaves of these vain cravings and expectations would be as far from felicity as ever, could they obtain the whole earth for their possession.
Thus they multiply crimes, enemies, and dangers: they fall under the woe denounced against those, who "increase that which is not theirs;" and their short-lived encumbrance defiles their souls, and excites others to rise up, vex, and make a booty of them, in their turn; and to avenge on them the blood which they have shed.
V. 9-20.
In vain do men expect, by "an evil covetous
ness," to advance their families, and secure them from the power of evil: they only treas- ure up guilt and shame for them; ( Notes , Prov. 20:21. 28:15-17.) and every part of their treasures, amassed by fraud or violence, will cry out for vengeance on them.
For were a man thus to build a city, or erect a kingdom, for his posterity, he would leave them a curse instead of a blessing: and he in acquiring, and they in attempting to preserve it, would "labor in the fire and weary themselves for very van- ity." For the Lord will assuredly glorify him- self, before all the inhabitants of the earth, in executing judgment upon the murderers and plunderers of mankind; under whatever spe- cious guise they make their appearance.-Nor can sensual pleasures do more for men's happi- ness, than avarice or ambition: whilst they transgress by wine, and tempt others to that degrading vice, and glory in making their neighbors drunken also, that they may cheat or deride them; they forget, that God has de- nounced a woe upon them, and that the cup of his wrath is about to be put into their hands, which will turn all their mirth into howling, and all their glory into contempt.
Indeed, all who seduce others into any kind of carnal or spiritual wickedness, to gratify their own vile passions or interests, will meet with the se- verest condemnation from the Lord. Nor can idols, superstitions, or teachers of lies, of whatever description, profit any man, or ren- der him profitable to others. Woe be to all who inculcate or countenance such human in- ventions, or diabolical delusions! nay, to those, who are deluded to give that glory to a dumb idol, or to any creature, which our jealous God claims wholly to himself!
He dwells in his holy temple: may we, may all the inhabit- ants of the earth, fall down before him; wel- come his salvation, and worship worship him th Christ Jesus, and by the influences of his Spirit! Thus we shall shun these vices and de- lusions; seek durable honors, riches, and pleas- ures; and employ all our powers to glorify our
When we have presented our prayers before God, we should expect and wait for an answer; using every means of information, and watching the course of Providence: that we may learn his will, and how to answer those who cavil, and object; or who revile our confidence in him, and our belief of his word. Ministers also must wait upon God, earnestly and continually, to know how to answer their opposers; as well as watch for opportunities of usefulness.
It behoves them to render their important message as plain and energetic as possible; that it may be level to the capacity of the most unlearned, and may excite the attention of the most heedless. For all men are deeply concerned in the truths of God's word: all his predictions, promises, and threatenings shall in the appointed season be accomplished; every part shall then declare its own truth and divinity; and they, who "wait for the LORD," will not complain of having waited in vain.
We should rest on and plead his promises; and though the performance of them tarry, we should "hope unto the end;" and we shall thus experience the truth and preciousness of them. But pride objects to this method of seeking happiness, and to the whole system of reveal ed religion: the ambitious, the self-wise, and the self-sufficient are not, and cannot be, upright in heart in their religious inquiries and professions; and by rejecting and despising the "righteousness of God by faith," they evince their insincerity.
The humble broken-hearted sinner alone believes this report; he submits to God; he fears, hopes, waits, prays, and uses every means of obtaining an interest in this free salvation. He rests his soul on the prom- || God and Savior.
through
and
* PRAYER of Habakkuk the proph- * His glory covered the heavens, 'and the et, * upon Shigionoth.
2 O LORD, I have heard thy + speech, was afraid: O LORD revive thy work in the midst of the years; in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.
3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah.
a Ps. 86: 90: titles.
Or, according to variable songs, or tunes, called in Hebrew, Shigionoth . Ps. 7: title. b 16. 1:5-10. Ex. 9:20,21. 2 Chr. 34:27,28. Job 4:12-21. Ps. 119:120. Is. 66:2. Jer. 36: 21-24. Dan. 8:17. Heb. 11: 7. 12:21. Rev. 15:4.
↑ Heb. report, or, hearing. Is. 53:1. Rom. 10:16,17.
c Ezra 9:8. Ps. 85:6. 90:1317. 138:7,8. Is. 51:9-11. 63: 15-19. 64:1-4. Hos. 6:2,3. Phil. 1:6.
Or, preserve alive.
d Jer. 25:11,12.52:31-34. Dan.
9:2.
e Ex. 32:10-12. Num. 14:10- 23, 16:46,47. 2 Sam. 24:10-17. Ps. 6:1,2. 38.1. 78:38. Jer. 10: 24. 29:10. Lam. 3:32. Zech. 1:12.
f Judg. 5:4,5. Ps. 68:7,8. Is.
64.3.
g Gen. 36:11. Jer. 49:7. Am. 1:12. Ob. 9.
Or, the south. h.Gen. 21:21.
Num. 10:12. Deut. 33:2. 1 Sam. 25:1.
i Ps. 3:2,4. 4:4, 9:16,20.
NOTES.
CHAP. III. V. 1. "A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, with an Ode." Sept. - 'Shigionoth 'may denote a musical instrument of great 'compass, with which the Jews accompanied 'this piece of poetry.' Bp . Newcombe . ( Marg .) The word prayer seems to be taken generally for an act of devotion to God. (Note, 1 Sam . 2:1.)
V. 2. The prophet had hearkened attentively to the revelation, which the Lord had made to him of his future dealings with Israel: and, though heavy judgments had been denounced on their oppressors, and intimations of future deliverances had been given; yet there was no reason to hope, that the threatened judgments on Israel might be averted or retarded.
He was therefore alarmed at the prospect of the approaching captivity; and prayed that God would revive his work among them, in the midst of those years of adversity, and make known his glorious perfections and his favor for his people, by preserving them, and purifying them, in this furnace of affliction, that they might be prepared for deliverance from it: and that even in the midst of his wrath against them, he would remember mercy also, give them some mitigation of their calamities, and revive true religion among them. -This seems primarily to refer to the years of the Babylonish captivity, though it may be applied to the years, which were to intervene before the coming of the Messiah; to those of the antichristian oppressors of the church; or to any other season, when the church is under divine rebukes or grievous afflictions. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . - Notes , 16. 1:5-10. Ezra 9:8. Ps . 90:13-17. 119:120. Is . 63:15-19.64: Dan . 7:28. Hos . 6:1-3.)
V. 3-5. The prophet (to encourage his hope of effectual help from God in behalf of the people,) set himself to celebrate the praises of his former interpositions in their behalf. ( Notes , Ps. 77:5-12. 143:5. Is . 51:1--3.) As Israel's "Holy One," the Object of their their worship, and their righteous Ruler and Protector, he had come from Teman, or mount Seir; and from Paran, to deliver Ísrael from Egypt, and to meet them on mount Sinai. He had sent Moses froin that quarter, and his visible glory came from thence. Then the firmament was
earth was full of his praise.
4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.
5 Before him went the pestilence, Pandburning coals went forth at his feet.
6 He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow; this ways are everlasting.
k Ex. 19:16-20. 20:18. 24:15 | p Ps. 18:7-13. -17. Deut. 5:24. Ps. 68:17. 114:3-7.
11s. 6:3. 2 Cor. 3:7-11. Rev. 5:13,14.
m Ex. 13:21. 14:20. Neh. 9:12. Ps. 104:2. Is. 60:19,20. Matt. 17:2, 1 Tim. 6:16. Rev. 21: 23. 22:5.
|| Or, bright beams out of his side.
n Job 26:14. Prov. 18:10.
o Ex. 12:29,30. Num. 14:12 16: 46-49. Ps. 78:50,51. Nah. 1:2.
Or, burning diseases. Deut.
32:24.
q Ex. 15:17. 23:31. Num. 34: Deut. 32:8. Acts 17:26.
r Josh. 10:42. 11:18-23. Neh. 9:22-24. Ps. 135:8-12.
s 10. Gen. 49:26. Deut. 33:15. Judg. 5:5. Ps. 68:16. 114:4-7. Is. 64:1-3. Nah. 1:5. Zech. 14 : 4,5.
t Ps. 90:2. 103:17. Is. 51:6,8. Matt. 24:35. Luke 1:50. Heb. 13:8.
illuminated by the displays of his Majesty; he was adored by all the angels of heaven, and the praise of his wonders rang through all the earth. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . f-1.- Notes , Ex . 19:16-20. 20:18-20. 24:15-18. Deut . 33:2. Judg . 5:4,5.
Ps . 104:2.) The brightness of his glory was conspicuous and resplendent as the light: "he had horns coming out of his hand," an emblem of the power, which he exerted to defend Israel and scatter their enemies; or, as it may be rendered, "bright beams came forth from his side." ( Marg .)- 'The verb, whence 'the word here used is derived, signifies to ' shine , Ex . 34:28,29,35. and a pencil, or cone, of rays, issuing from a point, diverges in the 'shape of a horn.... In the place, whence the 'light proceeded, he gloriously concealed his 'presence.
Capellus understands the verse, of 'the lightning on mount Sinai: but I rather re'fer it to the brightness, which occasionally issued from the Shechinah.... The Israelites 'were consumed by a fire, which went out 'from JEHOVAH.... The burnt-offering was con'sumed by a fire which came out from before 'him.' Bp . Newcombe. (Notes, Ex . 34:29-35. Lev . 9:24. 10:1,2.) -All this, however, was rather the hiding , than the discovery , of his almighty power; or, the hiding place of his power, under which Israel was safely sheltered. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . m, n.- Notes , Job 26:14.
Prov . 18:10, 11.) Pestilences and fire marched before him, and attended his steps, when he passed through Egypt, to destroy the first-born and desolate the land; when he appeared to the people from the top of Sinai; when he destroyed the rebels from among them; and when he marched before them to subdue the Amalekites, Amorites, Midianites, and other enemies. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref . o, p.- Notes , Ex . 12:29,30.
Num . 16:35,45-50. 25:4,5. 2 Sam . 22:7-16.)-'This is a sudden burst of poetry, in the true spirit 'of the ode; the concealed connexion being, 'that God who had formerly displayed such 'power in delivering the Israelites from Egyp'tian slavery, slavery, might succor their posterity in a like wonderful manner; and the enthusiasm of the poet leading eading him to neglect all obvious 'ways of entering on his subject.' Bp . Lowth . 'The grandest circumstances are selected: the 'diction is as splendid as the subject.' Bp . Newcombe.
V. 6. The God of Israel stood and measur
7 I saw the tents of * Cushan tin affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.
8 Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses, and thy chariots of salvation?
9 Thy a bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. d Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.
Ex. 15:14-16. Num. 22:3,4. Josh. 2:10. 9:24.
* Or, Ethiopia . Gen. 10:6,7. † Or, under affliction , or, vanrty.
Gen. 25:1-4. Num. 31:2,&c. Ps. 83:5-10.
y Ex. 14:21,22. Josh. 3:16,17. Ps. 114:3,5. Is. 50:2. Nah. 1:4. Mark 4:39. Rev. 16:12.
z Deut. 33:26. Ps. 18:10, 45:4. 68:4,17. 104:3. Is. 19:1. Rev. 6:2. 19:11,14.
ed out Canaan, and allotted it for the inheritance of their tribes; as he had divided the whole earth among the nations. He dispersed the power of Egypt, which would have hindered İsrael's departure to the promised inheritance; he destroyed the confederated nations of Canaan, that would have prevented them from taking possession of it. ( Marg . Ref . q, r.- Notes , Ex . 23:31. Num . 34: Deut . 32:8. Neh . 9:21,22, v. 22.
Acts 17:26-29, v. 26.) The whole creation seemed to be thrown into convulsions, at the presence of Israel's God: Sinai and Horeb shook and quaked; and the most formidable and powerful opposers, which were as the mountains and hills, that have kept their places from the creation, were driven away as chaff, or made to bow down in subjection to his people. ( Marg . Ref . s.- Notes , Judg . 5:4,5. Ps . 68: 7,8,15,16. 104:32. 114:3-8. Is . 64:1-3. Nah . 1: 2-6.) 'The mountains and hills are spoken 'of as emblems of eternity, because time seems 'to make no change or alteration in them. ( Gen. 49:26.
Deut . 33:15.)- His ways , &c.] pays , &c.] His pur'poses are decreed from all eternity, and will 'infallibly be executed in their appointed time. Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . t.-Notes, Ps . 103:15-18. Is . 64:5. Heb . 13:7,8.)
3.15
V. 7. The prophet, in his vision, saw the Ethiopians, Arabians, Midianites, Moabites, Ammonites, and others who inhabited the adjacent regions, in consternation and distress, whilst they heard of the wonders wrought by JEHOVAH in delivering Israel, witnessed the convulsions of nature around them, and learned how the Amalekites, and Sihon and Og, had been destroyed by Israel; and when they found themselves attacked by the same terrible enemies. Several of these tribes dwelt in tents, or within curtains. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , Ex . 15:14-16. Num . 31:1-10. Josh. 2:8 -11. 9:24.)
31. 15:1-21. Deut . 33:26. Josh . 3: 4: Ps . 68:4. 104:3. Is . 19:1.)
V. 9, 10. The question asked in a very bold and poetical manner, in the eighth verse, is answered in the ninth; that God displayed his power to deliver his people, according to 'his faithful word.' Bp . Newcombe . ( Marg . Ref . ) The Lord appeared as a mighty warrior to fight for Israel, and made his bow (here put for all the weapons of war,) quite naked, as openly prepared for the assault.
This accorded to his oath and word of promise, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in behalf of their descendants "the naan. tribes of Israel, to give them the land of Ca Therefore, the Lord "did cleave," or divide, "the rivers of the earth," ( marg .) to open them a passage to their promised inheritance: and the mountains, as if conscious of JEHOVAH'S presence with his people, trembled and quaked. quaked. ( Marg . ( Marg . Ref . Ref . a-e. See on Note , 8. Notes , Ex . 19:16-20. Ps . 68:7,8.77:14-20.114: 3-8.
Heb . 6:13-20.) The overflowing waters of the Red Sea, Sea Sea, or of Jordan, Jordan, removed to make way for them; and being piled up as walls or mountains, they seemed to celebrate the praises of their Creator's power, and to lift up their hands in admiration and adoration of him. A most emphatic, sublinge, and bold poetical figure! ( Marg . Ref . f, g.- Notes , Ps . 65:12,13. 93:3,4. 96:11-13.
Is . 55:12,13.)-Some understand the last clause in the ninth verse, of the rivers of waters miraculously flowing from the rock, when smitten by the rod of Moses, and following the camp of Israel, during their wanderings in the wilderness. ( Notes , Ex . 17:5,6. Num . 20:10—13. Ps . 78:13-16. 1 Cor . 10:1-5, v . 4.)
V. 11. The sacred poet and prophet, in the midst of his rapturous praises, cannot be supposed to have attended to exactness of method. (Note, 12,13.) He therefore suddenly passed from the power of God displayed in dividing the sea and Jordan, to that shewn, when the sun and moon were stayed in their course, whilst Joshua was fighting with the Canaanites. They stood still in their tabernacle, the firmament of heaven. They stopped, and again moved; they shone, and then set; as best coincided with the Lord's plan when he fought for Israel: for his arrows and "the lightning of
V. 8. The Lord was not displeased with the rivers or the sea, when he turned the waters of the Nile into blood, or when he divided those of the Red Sea, and of Jordan: but he came, as in haste to deliver Israel, attended by his holy angels, with his "horses and chariots of salvation:" and when love to his people caused him thus to alter the course of nature, for their deliverance and prosperity. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref . Notes, Ex. 7:15-21. 14:21-his spear," his manifested power, truth, and
anointed; thou woundedst the head out of ple, he will invade them with his troops.
the house of the wicked, by* discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.
14 Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: * their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.
15 Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters.
16 When "I heard, * my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the peo
p Ex. 12:29,30. Josh. 10:11,24, 11:40. Zech. 9:14.
42. 11:8,12. Ps. 18:37-45. s Ex. 1:10-16,22. Ps. 10:8. 64: 68:21. 74:13,14.
Heb. making naked.
q Ex. 11:4-7. 12:12,13,29,30. 14:17,18. Ps. 78:50,51. 83:911.
г Ex. 14:5-9. 15:9,10. Ps. 83: 2-8. 118:10-12. Acts 4:27, 28.
↑ Heb. were tempestuous. Dan.
2-7.
t 8. Ps. 77:19.
Or, mud.
2.1:5-11.
x Ps. 119:120. Jer. 23:9. Ez. 3:14. Dan. 8:27, 10:8.
y Ps. 91:15. 94:12,13. Is. 26:20, 21. Jer. 15:10,11.45:3-5. Ez. 9:46. 2 Thes. 1:6-9.
love to his people, shone so bright as to eclipse their feeble beams. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref. Notes, Josh. 10:11-14. 2 Sam . 22:7-16, υυ . 14, 15. Ps . 144:5-8, υυ . 5,6.)
[ Practical Observations.]
17 Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines, the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19 The LORD God is my Strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet , and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
z 1:6. Deut. 28:49-52. 2 Kings 24:1,2. Jer. 25:9-11.
Or, cut them in pieces.
a Deut. 28:15-18,30-41. Jer. 14:2-8. Joel 1:10-13,16- 18. Am. 4:6-10. Hag. 2:16,
17.
|| Heb. lie. b Deut. 12:18. 1 Sam. 2:1. Ps. 33:1. 46:1-5. 85:6.97:12. 104: 34. 118:15. 149:2. Is. 41:16. 61:10. Zech. 10:7. Luke 1: 46,47. Rom. 5:2,3. Phil. 4:4.
Jam. 1:2,9,10. 1 Pet. 1:8. 4: 12,13.
c Ex. 15:2. Ps. 25:5. 27:1.-118: 14. Is. 12:2. Mic. 7:7. Luke 2:30.
d Ps. 18:1. 27:1. 46:1. Is. 12:2. 45-24. Zech. 10:12. 2 Cor. 12: 9,50. Eph. 3:16. Phil. 4:13. Col. 1:11.
e 2 Sam. 22:34. Ps. 18:33. f Deut. 32:13. 33:29. Is. 53:14. 11 Heb. Neginoth. Ps. 4: 6: 54: 55: 67: 76: titles.
he employed for the deliverance of his people, effectually smote through the heads of the cities and villages of Egypt. They came out furiously as a whirlwind to scatter Israel, re
V. 12, 13. The Lord, at that time, and fre-joicing to afflict and oppress them, either by
quently in after ages, marched through the land of Canaan in indignation, to crush and scatter its heathen inhabitants, and to deliver his people from their oppressions. Thus he rescued them by the judges; and at length by "David his anointed," all whose victories were typical of Christ and his salvation. ( Marg . Ref . 1-n.-Notes, Neh . 9:21-30. Ps . 44:1-3. Is . 63:7-14.
Acts 13:16-20.) At those times he "wounded the head," or the chief persons, in the families of these wicked enemies of Israel: he subverted their power and prosperity, as a building which is razed to the foundation; or he wounded them mortally as when the head is cloven down to the neck.-Some, however, interpret these verses of preceding events. The ardor of the prophet having led 'him to begin in the midst of his subject, (3) he 'here returns to what passed in Egypt before 'the dividing of the Red Sea: the mention of 'which astonishing miracle he repeats. (15) ...
"Out of the house," or, so that there should be no house: the prophet... refers to the de'struction of the first-born; ... this is figuratively 'called the utter overthrow of the Egyptian 'houses.' Bp . Newcombe . Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and others, who were especially appointed by God to their distinct services, may be included among his "anointed." ( Marg . Ref . o.)-As the Egyptians had craftily attempted to crush the enslaved Israelites, by destroying their male children; so God crushed Egypt by destroying
the first-born.
V. 14, 15. When Pharaoh had consented to Israel's departure, hearing afterwards that they were entangled in the country, he craftily attempted to come on them unawares, when unarmed or unable to resist or flee, that he might glut his revenge in their destruction: but he fell a victim, with all his forces, to his own malicious and insidious policy. olicy. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . p.- Notes , Ex . 11:5,6. 12:29,30. 14:17,18,26-30. 15:9-11. Ps . 78:50,51. 136:10
open violence, or by secret machinations: but JEHOVAH marched before his poor and oppressed people through the Red Sea, as with his horses and chariots of war; and having guarded them through the heap of mighty waters, he overwhelmed and destroyed their pursuers, by the reflux of the sea into its former channel. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . -See on Notes , 8:12,13. Notes , Ex . 1:9-17. 14:5-9.) 'The Egyptians rapidly followed the Israelites; and 'in imagination devoured a defenceless peo'ple.' Bp . Newcombe. Nothing similar to this occurred after Israel had entered Canaan: though some expositors understand the passage, of their triumphs over the Canaanites. ( Notes , Josh . 10:1-5,24,25. 11:1-3. 12:)
V. 16. This refers to what the prophet had heard of the Chaldean invasion, which had thrown him into the greatest agitation. ( Note , 2.) His body trembled and was convulsed; his voice faltered; his bones were in pain and weakness, as if decayed through disease: and he trembled in the inmost recesses of his heart; anxiously inquiring, what refuge he could flee to, or what means he could use, to be safe and at rest in the approaching day of trouble, when the king of Babylon would come up, and invade, or cut in pieces , the people with his troops.
'I shall rest secure under the divine protection, 'when the Chaldeans shall come to invade Ju'dea.' Lowth .-Some expositors expositors suppose, that the calamities and deliverances which the prophet foresaw, were those of the Christian church, as well as those of the Jews: indeed these were indisputably a type or shadow of the other. ( Marg . and rg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 1719. Jer . 23:9-12, v . 9. Dan . 7:28. 8:27. 10:4-9, v . 8.)
V. 17-19. The prophet foresaw that the Chaldeans would utterly tterly desolate the land, and render the vineyards, olive-yards, orchards, fields, and pastures entirely unproductive; that every outward comfort would fail, and that the -22.) The Lord, by those instruments which || extremity of distress and hardship must be en dured. And perhaps he also understood, that || when he "rode on his horses and chariots of the ordinances of God's house, and all other salvation,") was great and worthy to be praismeans of grace and of divine consolation, ed: yet was it eclipsed by the harmonious dis
would be suspended. Yet, by meditation, prayer, and praise, composing his mind, he was enabled to exercise faith and hope in God; and he had those views of his power, truth, love to his people, and all-sufficiency for their happiness, in life and death, and for ever; that he was determined to rejoice in him and his salvation, in all possible circumstances. "The LORD God," his Strength, his Support, Protector, and Comforter, was able to make up all losses, to supply all wants, and to rejoice his heart under all afflictions. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . a-d.- Notes , 16. Gen. 49:18.
Ex . 15:2.1 Sam . 2:1. 2 Sam . 22:2-4. 23:5. Ps . 27:1-3. 46: 1-7. 84:11,12. Is . 12:2,3. 61:10,11. Міс . 7:5-7. Zech . 9:9,10. Luke 1:46-55, υυ . 46,47. 10:1720, v . 20. Rom . 5:1-11. 8:34—39. Phil . 4:4.
Jam . 1:2-4. 1 Pet . 1:6-9. 4:12--16.) He would make his feet as those of the hi hind, or hart; that he might walk safely on the brink of the most tremendous precipices, or climb on high places out of the reach of his pursuers; or, that he might live in the enjoyment of his exalted privileges, and the hope of a most glorious inheritance, notwithstanding all difficulties, privations, sufferings, and temptations. (Marg. Ref . e, f.-- Notes , Deut . 32:13. 33:29. 2 Sam. 22:34,35, v. 34.
Is . 58:13,14, v . 14.)--This song of praise, and believing prayer, he dedicated to the chief singer at the temple, to be set to music on some stringed instruments, which he had chosen or provided for that purpose. ( Marg . and Ref . )
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-16.
Whatever causes us to fear or grieve should remind us to be instant in prayer; whether it be a message from God's word, or a dispensation of his providence; whether it respect ourselves, or the church, or those with whom we stand connected. ( Note , Phil. 4:5-7.) If we fear or grieve, that the work of God in our hearts, families, or congregations, declines; we should pray the more earnestly, that the Lord would revive it "in the midst of the years" of our pilgrimage; that he would subdue our iniquities, increase our faith and love, convert sinners, and cause believers to be zealous, diligent, and fruitful.
Even when we suffer the fatherly correction of our God, we should hope and pray that "in wrath he would remember mercy," and that we may be supported under our trials, and derive benefit from them. We shall see no cause for despondency, either in our own case, or in that of the church, if we duly remember the ancient wonders of his love to his people. The displays of his power, truth, and mercy to Israel, and of righteous severity upon his enemies, were very resplendent, and his glory covered the heavens and the earth.
How then have they been filled with the brightness of his light, displayed in the great redemption of his Son! The Majesty that shone from mount Sinai, at the Red Sea, in the wilderness, at the river Jordan, and in Canaan, (whilst the mountains saw, and trembled, the deep adored, and the sun and moon stood still, as in amazement at their Creator's power, 830]
covery of the divine perfections which was made, when the Son of God suffered on the cross for the sins of his rebellious creatures. Then the sun was darkened, the rocks were cleft, the graves were opened, the veil ot the temple was rent; and all creatures seemed to share in the astonishment and consternation, except the hardened priests, scribes, and Pharisees!
How glorious also was that display, when the earth quaked, and angels descended to attend upon the resurrection of their crucified Lord! when he "ascended up on high, and led captivity captive, and received gifts for men, even for the rebellious;" when the Holy Spirit came down from heaven on the assembled apostles, to testify his glorious ascension and exaltation at the right hand of the Father! and when he came in holy majesty and power to avenge himself on his crucifiers, to destroy Jerusalem, and to erect his kingdom on the ruins of their abrogated abrogated dispensation; and again, to terminate the persecutions of his pagan enemies, by subverting ting the Roman em
pire! Great and glorious glorious have been the works of our God for his church: yet not only history, but prophecy, causes us to meditate terror, when we consider the intimations, that are given of various severe conflicts, which his people yet must sustain with many antichrists. V. 17-19.
In respect of the troubles which may befal us personally, however we may be impoverished, tempted, despised, persecuted, or afflicted, in life or death; we should seriously and frequently consider, how we "may rest in the day of trouble;" and our gracious God has fully provided a refuge for us, in Christ Jesus, and shewn it to us in his holy word.
And if our fears lead us to abound in prayer and meditation, and in praising God for his former mercies to us or to his church; if we are led to live wholly by faith in him, as the God of our salvation, and to "exercise ourselves to have a conscience void of offence, towards him and all men;" we shall find hope prevail.
And, as we must have cause for rejoicing in every tribulation or peril, we shall be generally enabled to rejoice: we shall find our hearts assured of support and comfort by the way, and of finishing our course happily; and then other things will less move us: and whatever may fail us, or be taken from us, or laid upon us, we ought to rejoice in our all-sufficient and eternal Portion.
As he is the Strength, as well as Salvation, of his people, he will fit us for our warfare and our trials; he will carry us above, out of the reach of our enemies, and he will bring us to "tread on our high places," in his holy habitation in heaven, and to join the songs of those chief singers, who are now celebrating the praises of God and the Lamb.
In hopes of this immortal crown, let us sit loose to earthly possessions and comforts, and let us cheerfully bear up under our crosses: for yet "a little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry;" and he will "take us to himself, that where he is, there we may be also."
THE
BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH.
It is probable, that Zephaniah delivered these prophecies towards the close of Josiah's reign, when religion was greatly declined in Judah, through the hypocrisy of those who had concurred in the reformation of that pious king. He was contemporary with Jeremiah, in the first years of that prophet; and sometimes uses the same language.
Heseverely reproved the Wickedness of the Jews, and predicted the Chaldean invasion and its fatal effects: he exhorted the people to repent and seek the Lord, as the only method of escaping ruin, personal and public: he foretold various judgments, that were coming on those nations, which inflicted or rejoiced over the miseries of the Jews: and he concluded with most animating predictions of evangelical times, and of great prosperity to the church. - These predictions entirely acco accord with many which have been considered: and it is certain that this prophecy formed a part of the sacred scriptures, in the days of Christ and his apostles, though no express quotation is made from it in the New Testament.