CHAP. II. V. 1. This chapter and the two following form one distinct prophecy, or message from God to the Jews, which probably was delivered about the close of Uzziah's reign.
5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
6 Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people, the house of Jacob, because they be replenished * from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they † please themselves in the children of strangers.
7 Their land also is full of silver and
m 3. 50:10,11. 60:1,19. Ps. 89:15. Luke 1:79. John 12:35,36. Rom. 13.12-14. Eph. 5:8. 1 Thes. 5:5,6. 1 John 1:7. Rev. 21:23,24.
n Deut. 31:16,17. 2 Chr. 15:2. 24:20. Lam. 5:20. Rom. 11:1, 2,20.
* Or, more than the east. Num. 23 :7.
• 8:19. 47:12,13. Ex. 22:18.
Lev. 19:31. 20:6. Deut. 18:10 -14. 1 Chr. 10:13.
p Ex. 34:16. Num. 25:1,2. Deut. 21:11-13. 1 Kings 11: 1,2. Ps. 106:35. Jer. 10:2.
Or, abound with, &c.
q Deut. 17:17. 1 Kings 10:2127. 2 Chr. 9:20-25. Jer. 5:27, 28. Jam. 5:1-3. Rev. 18:3,11 -17.
V. 2-5. (Notes, Mic. 4:1-5.) "The last days," or, "the latter days," signify the times of the Messiah, by the common consent of expositors, without excepting even those of the Jews: and generally the later period of those times. ( Marg . Ref. c.-Notes, Jer. 48:47. 1 Tim . 4:1-5. 2 Pet . 3:1-4.) -As Solomon's temple, the centre of Israel's worship, was placed upon a mountain, to which the people resorted with their sacrifices from distant places; so the church of Christ, and its instituted worship, are represented as a temple built upon a mountain. ( Notes , Ez. 40:2.
Dan . 2:34,35,44,45.) The establishment of his religion, by the abrogation of the Mosaic dispensation, and on the ruins of idolatry; and the advancement of his kingdom above all the kingdoms of the earth, are here predicted, under the emblem "of the mountain of the LORD's house being established on the top of the mountains, and exalted above the hills." The calling of the Gentiles, the success of the gospel in the apostles' days, and especially that far more extensive propagation of it which is yet to come, are predicted under the image of "all nations flowing to this mountain of the Lord's house," as all rivers flow into the ocean.
The earnestness of each new convert to bring others with him, to the knowledge of Christ, and to a life of holiness, is expressed, by the people inviting one another to "go up to the house" of God, to be instructed in his ways. ( Notes , 66:19-23. Jer. 31:6,7.
Zech . 8:20-23.) When apostles and evangelists, of the Jewish nation, went forth to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, " a law went forth out of Zion, and the word of God from Jerusalem:" for Christ is a Prince as well as a Savior, and his word contains precepts to be obeyed, as well as truths to be believed. ( Note , 1 Thes . 4:1-5.) By the establishment of the gospel, the Lord becomes Judge among the nations, who willingly submit to his authority, and make him the arbiter of their differences: and by his rebukes and convictions, the instructions that he gives, and the grace which he bestows, he promotes peace as well as purity.
If all men were consistent Christians, there could be no war: as far as Christianity has prevailed on earth, wars have been conducted with far greater humanity, than before: as far as it prevails in our hearts it disposes us to peace and love: and we may assuredly expect, ere long, such a general promulgation of the gospel, as will literally fulfil the terms of this prophecy, in the universal prevalence of peace and industry; and then war shall never more be either a science , or an occupation . ( Notes , 9:6,7, v. 7. 11:6-9. Ps . 72:3-7. Luke 2:8-14, υ. 14.
gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:
8 Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:
9 And "the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.
10 Enter "into the rock, and hide
30:16. 31:1. Deut. 17:16. 1 14:3. Rev. 9:20. Kings 4:26. 10:26. Ps. 20:7. Hos. 14:3.
57:5. 2 Chr. 27:2. 28:2-4,23 -25.33:3-7. Jer. 2:28. 11:13. Ez. 16:23-25. Hos. 12:11. Acts 17:16.
t 37:19. 44:15-20. Deut. 4:28. Ps. 115:4-8. Hos. 8:6. 13:2.
u 5:15. Ps. 49:2. Jer. 5:4,5, Rom. 3:23. Rev. 6:15-17.
x 57:9. Col. 2:18,23. y 27:11. Josh. 24:19. Jer. 18: 23. Mark 3:29.
z 19-21. 10:3. 42:22. Judg. 6:1, 2. Job 30:5,6. Hos. 10:8. Luke 23:30. Rev. 6:15,16.
Rev. 20:4--6.) There needs no other proof, that the grand accomplishment of this prophecy is reserved for some future period, than the consideration, that nothing in any measure answerable to such forcible expressions, has yet occurred on earth.
The prophet closes his prediction, by exhorting his people to avail themselves of their advantages, and not to reject the gospel when preached to them: for these prophecies were intended to instruct future generations. -‘This prophecy will not re'ceive its utmost completion, till the destruc'tion of the four monarchies, ( Dan . 2:35.) and 'the fulness of the Jews and Gentiles are come into the church. ( Mic . 4:) Yet both these 'prophecies may be partly fulfilled in the sev'eral advances which Christ's kingdom makes 'in the world, who is described as "going forth 'conquering and to conquer." Rev. 6:2." Lowth . -"This seems to have been a maxim in 'interpreting prophecies, received among the Jews before Christ's time; that wherever they 'observed an imperfect completion of a proph'ecy in an historical event, which no way an'swered the lofty expressions and extensive 'promises, which the natural sense of the text 'imported, there they supposed the times of 'the Messiah to be ultimately intended, "in 'whom all the promises of God are yea, and 'amen." To prevent any misunderstanding, it 'may be proper likewise to take notice, that 'this mystical sense of the prophecies is now 'and then, but not so fitly, called a secondary ' sense : not as if it were less principally intend'ed by the prophets; but rather with respect to 'the time, because it is the last or ultimate 'completion of their predictions.' Ibid .
The times of the Messiah are the times, which intervene between his coming and the end of the world.--Whether the restoration of Israel to their own land, and of Jerusalem to its pristine glory, of being the capital city of the religious world, be intended, events will shew; but certainly something far beyond the crushing of the opposing powers is meant, by men's "learning war no more." ( Notes , Ez . 38: 39: Rev. 19:11--21. 20:1-6.) “The prophet ad'dresses himself to those Jews of later times, 'that should live, when the glad tidings of the 'gospel were published, and exhorts them to 'imake use of those means of grace, which God 'would so plentifully afford them; and not cou'tinue stubborn or refractory, as their forefa'thers had done.
Lowth.
Shall beat their swords , &c. (4) The prophet Joel has reversed the fig figurative language, in predicting the wars, by which the millennium will be introduced. ( Note , Joel 3:9-17, ν. 10.) V.6-9. The prophet was led, from the view
thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted din that day.
12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low;
13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up,
a 6:3-5. Job 31:23. 37:22-24. Ps. 90:11. Jer. 10:7,10. Luke 12:5. Rev. 15:3,4.
b 17. 5:15. 13:11. 24:21. Job 40: 10-12. Ps. 18:27. Jer. 50:31, 32. Mal. 4:1. Luke 18:14. 1 Pet. 5:5.
с 5:16. 12:4. Jer. 9:24. 1 Cor. 1: 29-31.2 Cor. 10:17.
d 4:1. 11:10,11. 12:1,4. 24:21. 25: 9. 26:1. 27:1,2,12,13. 28:5. 29: 18. 52:6. Jer. 30:7,8. Ez. 38: 14,19. 39:11,22. Hos. 2:16,18,
21. Joel 3:18. Am. 9:11. Ob.
8. Mic. 4:6. 5:10. 7:11,12. Zeph. 3:11,16. Zech. 9:16.
e 13:6,9. Jer. 46:10. Ez. 13:5. Am. 5:18. Mal. 4:5. 1 Cor. 5: 5. 1 Thes. 5:2.
f 23:9. Prov. 6:16,17. 16:5. Dan. 4:37. 5:20-24. Matt. 23: 12. Luke 14:11. Jam. 4:6. g 10:33,34. 14:8. 37:24. Ez. 31: 3-12. Am. 2:5. Zech. 11:1,2. h 30:25. 40:4. Ps. 68:16. 110:5, 6. 2 Cor. 10:5.
15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,
16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all *pleasant pictures.
17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.
18 And the idols the shall utterly abolish.
19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the #earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
20 In that day i 23:1. 1 Kings 10:22. 22:48,49.
Ps. 48:7. Rev. 18:17-19. * Heb. pictures of desire. Num. 33:52. Rev. 18:11,12. k See on 11.- 13:11. Jer. 48:29, 30. Ez. 28:2-7.
1 27:9. Ez. 36:25. 37:23. Hos. 14:8. Zeph. 1:3. Zech. 13:2. † Or, shall utterly pass away. m See on 10,21.-1 Sam. 13:6. 14:11. Jer. 16:16. Hos. 10.8. Mic. 7:17. Heb. 11:38. Rev.
fications thing
of the glorious times, which were at length to arrive, to reflect on the deplorable state of re- ligion among the Jews in his days. He fore- saw that the Lord was about to reject his peo- ple, and speaks to him of it as if already done: and he proceeds to assign the reasons of the divine conduct.
He observes, that they were replenished d from the east," with idols, or idol- aters, or necromancers; with vices, luxuries, heathenish fashions, and every thing which could minister to pride and sensual indulgence. (Note, 2 Chr. 9:13-21, v. 21.) They imitated the Philistines in divination and witchcraft: they took delight in the children of strangers, whom they employed and imitated; and with whom they contracted marriages: and perhaps they even educated their own children after the manner of the heathen nations.
Whilst the Lord prospered them in their temporal es- tate, their grand object was by every method to accumulate treasure; and they multiplied chariots and horses contrary to the law. ( Note , Deut . 17:16.)-This account of their prosperity accords very well with the reign of Uzziah; (2) Chr. 26:1-15.) but he did not sanction idolatry. It seems, however, that the land was also full of idols, which the people, in the lower and higher ranks, made and worshipped secretly.
In short their wickedness loudly called for di- vine judgments; and the prophet says, "There- fore thou wilt not forgive them," as it might more literally be rendered. ( Note , 27:7-11, v . 11.) 'Plenty of silver and gold could only arise 'from their commerce; particularly from that 'part of it which was carried on by the Red 'Sea. This circumstance seems to confine the 'prophecy within the limits above mentioned,' (the reigns of Uzziah and of Jotham,) 'while 'the port of Elath was in their possession: it 'was lost under Ahaz, and never recovered.' Bp . Lowth . (2 Kings 16:6.)
V. 10-18. The Jews were here solemnly
a man shall cast
6:15. 9:6.
+ Heb. dust.
n See on 10.-2 Thes. 1:9. o 30:32. Ps. 7:6. 18:6-15.76:7. -9.114:5-7. Mic. 1:3,4. Nah. 1:3-6. Hab. 3:3-14. Hag. 2:6,21,22. Heb. 12:26. 2 Pet. 3:10-13. Rev. 6:12-14.11: 13,19. 16:18. 20:11.
p 30:22. 31:7.46:1,2. Hos. 14:3. Phil. 3:7,8.
own glory and authority, by abasing them for their pride; and especially the most exalted and ambitious of them. For that day of his vengeance would peculiarly affect the haughty, and the eminent, who were advanced above others, as the stately cedars on the lofty summits of Lebanon, or as the oaks in the forests of Bashan, or as the mountains and hills above the lowly valleys.
And, whilst all their fortiwere levelled, and all those things which ministered to their pride pride and luxury were destroyed; their distinctions would vanish, and they would become sensible of their weakness, guilt, and misery: and by this the Lord would utterly destroy idolatry from among them.-But of what day does the prophet speak? It may be accommodated to any of those days, when God arises to execute vengeance on guilty nations.
The desolations of Judah by the Israelites and Syrians, in the reign of Ahaz, ( Notes , 2 Chr . 28:5-8.) and the ravages of Sennacherib, might form a prelude to the accomplishment of the prediction: but the taking of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, and the Babylonish captivity, seem especially intended, when idolatry was indeed entirely abolished among the Jews.
The final destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, and the rejection and dispersion of the Jewish nation, for their opposition to the gospel, might also be referred to: and our thoughts are naturally led forward to the destruction of all antichristian enemies, which will introduce the glorious period before predicted; ( Notes , Rev. 19:1121.) and to the final consummation of all things, and the solemnities of the day of judgment.'The prophets often take occasion to represent 'the terrors of the last day, from the particular 'judgments, which should befal some one na'tion....
Bochart doth probably guess that Tar'shish, in its primary signification, was a port 'in Spain, called afterwards Tartessus. But it '48, with 2 Chr . 20:36.) that there was a place 'of the same name near Ophir, famous for its 'gold, which Ophir the same learned person 'places in India.... Ships of Tarshish signify in scripture any trading or merchant ships: ac'cordingly here the Septuagint render the
warned to prepare for most tremendous judg-likewise appears, (by comparing 1 Kings 22:
ments. Let them then hide themselves in those caverns, which were found in the rocks; ( Notes , Judg . 6:2,3. Luke 23:26—31. Heb . 11:35 -38. Rev. 6:12-17.) as dismayed by the display of the majesty of God, who was coming to take vengeance on them, and to exalt his
B. C. 758. *his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, || fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his which they made teach one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for
* Heb. the idols of the silver, | q See on 10,19.-Ex. 33:22. Job &c. 46:6. 30.6. Cant. 2:14.
↑ Or , for him to , & c .
'words, "ships of the sea," as our old English 'translation does, Ps . 48:6.' Lowth . (Note, 1 Kings 10:22.)
V. 19-21. When God should arise "to shake terribly the land," and the affrighted inhabitants should seek to hide themselves in caves of the earth; they would throw away their idols, even those made of gold and silver, as a useless encumbrance; and leave them in any deserted corner "to the moles and bats," that they might flee for their lives, and escape the vengeance of the Lord. ( Notes , 30:22. 31:6,7. 46:1,2. Zeph . 1:18.)
V. 22. The Jews were prone to place an idolatrous confidence in their heathen neighbors, with whom they made alliances. Thus they relied on the Egyptians, Syrians, and Assyrians, at different times: but they and all men are here called upon, to cease from depending on mortal man, who would not be able to help them when in extreme danger, and in whose professions of friendship and fidelity no confidence could be placed. ( Marg . Ref .-- Notes , 3:1-9. Ps . 62:8-10, v. 9. 146:3,4. Jer. 17:5-8.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-9.
The unwearied efforts of Satan and his servants to exalt idolatry, infidelity, heresy, and iniquity, and to depress truth and righteousness, may for a time succeed, and then infidels and profligates will triumph: but their joy must be short-lived; for the cause of God shall finally prevail; all the nations of the earth shall flow into the church of Christ, and become his worshippers and servants; and all which has hitherto been done, is only an earnest of what remains to be performed in due season.
But whilst we wait and pray for those glorious days, when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of Jesus; and all their inhabitants, being humbled and changed by his grace, shall live in equity, truth, and love; cultivate the arts of useful industry; "study to be quiet and to do their own business," and "learn war no more:" let us avail ourselves of the light afforded us, and come and walk in it.
Let us remember, that when true religion greatly flourishes, men bestow great diligence, and take much delight, in "going up to the house of the LORD," and in exciting others to accompany them: that they greatly desire, and confidently expect, that He should "teach them his ways," in order that they may walk in them; and that they gladly receive his law from mount Zion, as their rule of duty, welcome the authority as well as the salvation of the Redeemer, and submit to his rebukes, as well as desire his consolations.
And let us remember also, that the humble disciple of Christ is, in every age, a harmless and blameless, a benevolent and quiet person, who follows peace and holiness, forbearing and forgiving others, as "Christ hath forgiven him:" insomuch, that if all were of his temper, wars and violent contentions, public or private, must be annihilated. But, while we expect more glorious times to the church of God; we can
majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?
1463,4Jer. 17:56.1 t Job 7:15-21. Ps. 8:4. 144.3,
s Gen. 2:7. 7:22. Job 27:3.
not but behold with deep regret the present state of the world, and of the visible church. Alas! we need not wonder, that the Lord seems in many places to have forsaken nominal Christians; when we consider to what a degree many cities and countries professing Christianity are replenished with the idolatries, superstitions, vices, luxuries, and ostentatious magnificence of the Gentiles; copy their worst fashions, and form the most unnatural coalitions with the children of strangers.
Nay, if we only regard the condition of this his protest ant land: amidst the splendor and affluence to which we have arrived, have we not "been replenished from the east," with every species of vice and luxury? Do we not, as a nation, so delight "in the children of strangers," that none else can properly prepare our feasts, or our diversions, and administer to our pride or pleasure? pleasure?
And though our land is not "full of idols," in the literal sense, yet it is full of idolized riches and possessions: and men are in general so occupied about their gains or indulgences, that the Lord, and his truths, ordinances, and precepts, are forgotten, or despised. Whatever may be the event of these things as to the land, assuredly God will not forgive those, who persist in abasing themselves by their lusts, and refuse to humble themselves before him; but will inflict on them the most dreadful punishment denounced in his holy word.
V. 10-22.
Alas! what can wealth and splendor avail, when the Lord arises to take vengeance on guilty nations? His awful dispensations are especially levelled against those who are haughty and lofty, to bring them low; their pre-eminence and affluence mark them out as the most distinguished prey of the rapacious; and they would then gladly compound, to redeem their lives with their choicest treasures. ( Notes , Prov . 13:8. Jer . 41:4-8.) But the power and indignation of the Lord are chiefly to be dreaded: and in what secret cavern will men hide themselves from his all-seeing eye?
He marks out the proud, as the objects of his jealousy, and has determined, "that the lofty looks of men shall be humbled; that He alone may be exalted,” either in the submission, or the ruin, of every daring rival of his glory. ( Notes , Dan . 4:34-37. 5:18-24. Luke 14:7-11. 18:9-14.
Jam . 4:4-6.) And if temporal judgments are often so tremendous, what will be the case at the day of judgment, "when the heavens and the earth shall pass away, and no place be found for them?" Whither will the sinner then flee to hide himself, "for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty?" Then his idolized gold, silver, and costly furniture, will appear as worthless as the mire in the street; the account to be given, of the acquisition and use of them, will burden his heart; and his iniquity committed about them will exceedingly enhance his condemnation.
Happy are they who now flee from the wrath to come; who take shelter in Christ, the Rock of salvation; who are humbled before God in true repentance, and desire that God alone may be exalted in