CHAP. XXXII .
с 4:4. 29:6. Lev. 6:13. Ez. 22: 18-22. Zech. 2:5. Mal. 4:1. a 9:6,7. 40:1-5. 2 Sam. 23:3. 2 Chr. 31:20,21. Ps. 45:6,7. 72:1,2. 99:4. Jer. 23:5,6. 33:15. Zech. 9:9. Heb. 1:8,9. Rev. 19:11.
b 28:6. Rev. 17:14.
c 7:14.8:10-14.9:6. Ps. 146:3 -5. Mic. 5:4,5. Zech. 13:7. 1 Tim. 3:16.
d 18,19. 4:5,6. 25:4. 26:20,21. 28: 17. Ps. 32:7. 143:9. Matt. 7: 24-27.
which were formed of silver or gold. ( Marg . Ref. x, y.- Notes , 2:19-21.30:22.)
V. 8,9. The power and army of the Assyrian conqueror fell, neither by the sword of the powerful Egyptian, nor that of the despised Jew, but by a mighty angel. ( Marg . Ref . z.Notes, 2 Kings 19:35--37.) Sennacherib fled from that invisible sword, which had destroyed his choicest troops, and made haste to Nineveh his strong hold, or rock; whither divine vengeance pursued him: his princes also, who escaped, were frighted away, because of that ensign which the Lord displayed over Zion. The fire on his altar, consuming the atoning sacrifices, was the protection of his people, and as a furnace to purify them; but it menaced the destruction of all their enemies. ( Notes , 4:3,4. 30:29-32. 33:10-14. Zech . 2:15. Mal . 3:1-4. 4:1.)
3 And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim; and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.
4 The heart also of the trash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak #plainly.
5 The vile person shall be no more
e 35:6,7. 41:18. 43:20. John 7: h 29:24. Neh. 8:8-12, Matt. 37. Rev. 22:1. 11:25. 16:17. Acts 6:7.26:9- 11. Gal. 1:23.
* Heb. heavy.
† Heb. hasty.
i Ex. 4:11,12. Cant. 7:9. Luke 21:14,15. Acts 2:4-12. 4:13. Or, elegantly.
f Ps. 31:2,3. 63:1. marg. g 29:18,24. 30:26. 35:5,6. 54:13. 60:1,2. Jer. 31:34. Matt. 13: 11. Mark 7:37. 8:22-25. Acts 26:18. 2 Cor. 4:6. 1 John 2: k 5:20. Ps. 15:4. Mal. 3:18. 20,21.
some think, that it was delivered about the time of Sennacherib's invasion. Ahaz and his
princes had ruled very wickedly, but a king was about to mount the throne, who would "reign in righteousness," employ upright magistrates, and protect the people, both from internal oppression by his equitable administration, and from external invaders by by his faith and prayers.
But this interpretation falls immensely short of the un unprecedented lented and most evangelical language employed by the prophet; which cannot possibly be explained in its obvious meaning of any other than Emmanuel, "God manifested in the flesh," without enervating the ternis used, in a degree which would, in no other case, be admitted. Christ, our righteous King, and those of his true disciples who exercise authority under him, in church or state, are evidently evidently intended.
He alone is the "Man," who shelters sinners from the wrath of God, the temptations of Satan, and the rage of the world; having sustained the storm himself. The consolations and graces of his Spirit are "as rivers of water in this dry land:" and as the over-hanging rock affords the most complete and refreshing shade from the noon-day sun, to the traveller wearied in the sultry desert; so his power, truth, and love, yield the believer the most complete protection and refreshment in this weary land, through which he is travelling to heaven. ( Marg . Ref .
Notes , 16-20. 7:14. 8:5-8. 9:6,7. 25:3-5.35:6,7. Ps . 72:1-3. 146:3-6. Jer. 17: 5-8.) 'The shadow of a great projecting 'rock is the most refreshing that is possible in 'a hot country; not only as most perfectly ex'cluding the rays of the sun, but also having in itself a natural coolness, which it reflects and 'communicates to every thing about it.' Bp. Lowth .
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Those possessions, connexions, or dependences, which prevent inen from seeking help and happiness from God, will expose them to indignation and woe, as well as disappointment and vexation. Our proneness, to expect assistance or comfort from creatures, shews that we are not duly sensible of their vanity and insufficiency, and of the all-sufficiency of God; and that we do not fully and constantly believe, that he will fulfil both his promises and threatenings.
But he will assuredly arise against "the house of evil-doers," and against "the help of those that work iniquity:" and they will all fall together before his out-stretched arm.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah will appear for the defence of his church, and he will not be abased for the noise of those numbers, who encourage each other against him: but no emblems can fully express his terrible majesty, and his tender mercy, in caring for his people. ( Note , Rev. 5:5--7.) Let sinners then take warning by the doom, and not follow the steps, of those who have perished in their sins: let us give him our whole heart and renounce all our idols, and he will abundantly compensate all our losses.
But terror and destruction pursue and will overtake all the ungodly; and those dispensations and perfec-ing it. Even the inconsiderate and imprudent
tions of God, which ensure the sanctification of believers, will consume all unbelievers as in a furnace of fire. ( Note , Heb . 12:26-29.)
NOTES.
CHAP. XXXII. V. 1, 2. This chapter seems to be a detached prophecy, delivered at the close of the reign of Ahaz, and referring to the
V. 3, 4. Hezekiah's care to have his people duly instructed would render those, who had any spiritual discernment, clear-sighted: whereas before, they were enveloped in uncertainty, through the prevalence of ignorance and error. The deliverance from the Assyrians would render the people more attentive to instruction, and their minds more capable of receiv
would apply their hearts to understand divine knowledge: and they, who before could scarcely lisp a broken sentence on these subjects, would learn to speak of them fluently and pertinently. But, the superior knowledge, and spiritual gifts and graces of Christ's kingdom are chiefly intended; and not without reference to his miracles and those of his apostles. 'God [113
prosperous reign of pious Hezekiah: though || 'shall plentifully afford men the light of his VOL. IV.
called liberal, nor the churl said to be 10 Many days and years shall ye be bountiful.
6 For "the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry; and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
7 The Pinstruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with 'lying words, even when* the needy speaketh right.
8 But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall het stand.
[Practical Observations.]
9 Rise up, tye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; u give ear unto my speech.
11 Sam. 25:3-3. Prov. 23:6 -3.
m 1 Sam. 24:13. 25:10,11. Matt. 12:34-36. 15:19. Jam. 3:5,6. n Ps. 58:1,2. Hos. 7:6,7. Mic. 2:1,2. Acts 5:3,4. 8:21,22. Jam. 1:14,15.
Job 22:5-9.24:2-16. Prov. 11:24-26. Am. 2:6,7. 8:6. Mic. 3:1-3. Matt. 23:14.
Jam. 1:27.
p 1:23. 5:23. Jer. 5:26-28. Mic. 2:11. 7:3. Matt. 26:14-16,59,
60.
q Ps. 10:7-10.64:4-6.32:2-5. Jer. 18:18. Mic. 7:2. Matt.
'truth, and give them grace to make a good 'use of the instructions he vouchsafes unto 'them. Those that are weak in faith shall 'come to more perfect degrees of knowledge.
y for the
troubled, ye careless women: vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come.
11 Tremble, ye women that are at ease, be troubled, ye careless ones: a strip you, and make you bare, band gird sackcloth upon your loins.
12 They shall lament for the teats for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine
13 Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers, || yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city:
14 Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the "forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;
15 Until the Spirit be poured upon us Heb. Days above a year. 3:17-26.24:7-12. Jer. 25:
10,11. Hos. 3:4.
y 7:23. 16:10. Jer. 8:13. Hos. 2:12. Joel 1:7,12. Hab. 3:17. Zeph. 1:13.
z 2:19,21. 22:4,5. 33:14. Luke 23:27-30. Jam. 5:5.
a 20:4. 47:1-3. Deut. 28:48. Hos. 2:3. Mic. 1:8-11.
b 3:24. 15:3. Jer. 4:3. 6:26. 49:3. c Lam. 2:11. 4:3,4.
Heb. fields of desire. Deut. 8:7,8. 11:11,12. Ez. 20:6,15. d 6:11. 7:23. 34:13. Ps. 107:34.
Hos. 9:6.
|| Or, burning upon. Jer. 39:8 Rev. 18:7,8.
e 22:2,12,13. f 5:9. 24:1-3,10,12. 25:2. 27:10. 2 Kings 25:9. Luke 21:20,24.
Or, clifts and watch-towers. g 13:19-22. 34:11-17. Rev. 18:2.3.
h 11:2,3. 44:3. 45:8. 59:19-21. 63:11. Prov. 1:23. Ez. 39:29. Joel 2:28,29. Zech. 12:10. Luke 24:49. John 7:39. Acts 2:17,18,33. 2 Cor. 3:8. Tit. 3:5,6.
The most rude and illiterate, such as could 1 Kings 21:8-14.)-Thus, instead of relieving
'not speak so as to be understood, shall dis- 'course, clearly and intelligibly, of God and of their duty.... That this promise chiefly relates 'to the times of gospel will appear by com- such churls authority,
'paring it with 29:18.35:5. If it be objected 'that other prophecies foretel the blinding of 'the Jews under the gospel; we may answer 'with St. Paul, that "the children of the prom- 'ise are accounted" for the true seed of Israel. '... The text may be fitly expounded of the 'conversion of barbarous nations, and their 'giving praises to God in their several lan- guages. Lowth . ( Notes , 29:17-19. 30:26. 35: 5-7.)
Sam
sires; and to cover it with hypocrisy, or to excuse it by principles subversive of the divine law, and destructive of piety. Perhaps perjury is meant by "error against the LORD." ( Note , the poor, he will devise ways still further to distress them, either to enrich himself by oppression, or for the pleasure of domineering. employ instruments, and listen to counsellors, like themselves; and the magistrates delegated by them crush the poor by false pretences, even when they have evident reason and equity on their side. ( Notes , 1:21–24. Job 22: 5-14. 24:2-12. Jer . 5:26-29. Ez . 22:12.
Am . 2:6-8. 8:4—10. Mic . 2:1–3,8—10. 6:10—15. 7: 1-4.) Probably this applied to Ahaz and his princes, as what follows did to Hezekiah and his judges. For Hezekiah being of a liberal and equitable disposition, and influenced by the grace of God, devised liberal things for the relief of the poor, and this tended to his own establishment. ( Notes , Job 29:12-17.31 : 13 23. Ps . 112:5,6.)-But the character of Christ, and of true Christians, and the use which he teaches them to make of authority or wealth, as opposed to the conduct of avaricious oppressors, best illustrate the passage.
V. 5. There shall be so right a discerning 'of all things, that virtues shall not pass for 'vices, nor vices be mistaken for virtues; but 'men shall be esteemed as they are.' Bp . Hall . ( Note , 5:20.)-"The fool shall no longer be called honorable." Bp. Lowth. "Nabal shall no more be called Nadib." Such a man as Nabal shall no more be called a prince, or a man of nobility and liberality. ( Note , 6-8.) Under wicked monarchs, base men are often preferred, and panegyrized by hireling flatterers; but under wise and pious princes they are disgrac-'expression.' Bp . Lowth . (1 Sam . 24:13. 25:25.
The vile person will speak villany . (6) "The 'fool will still utter folly." A sort of proverbial
Note , 1 Sam . 25:7-17.)
ed and exposed. This was no doubt the case, in some degree, under good Hezekiah: but the subjects of Christ are taught to form the most accurate estimate of characters and actions, without regard to outward rank or distinction; low that they also refer to the Babylonish cap
V. 9-14. These verses are commonly interpreted of the troubles which came upon Judah by the Assyrian invasion; yet some do al( Marg . Ref . Note , Ps . 15:4.) and the time will tivity, though out of the order of time; and income ere long, when this rule will be far more deed it is plain, that they speak of far more engenerally adhered to, than hitherto it has been. tire and durable desolations, than Sennacherib V. 6-8. A man of a base and selfish temper occasioned. But if we suppose that Hezekiwill speak such things, as tend to deceive and ah's reign was predicted, as typical of the corrupt others: his thoughts will be employed kingdom of Christ; we must naturally conto contrive the iniquity which his heart de-clude, that the consequences of the Jews neg from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.
16 Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever.
Ps.
i 29:17. $5:2,7.54:1-3.55:11- 19. 66:12. Ps. 72:2,3. 85:8. 119: 13. 60:1,&c. 61:3-5. Hos. 1: 165. Rom. 14:17. Phil . 4 :6 10,11. Rom. 11:18-26. -9. Jam. 3:17,18. m 2:3,4. 9:7. 11:6-9,13. 112:6-9. Prov. 14:26. Ez. 37:21,22,25. 39:29. Mic. 4:3,4. 2 Cor. 1:12. Heb. 6:11. 2 Pet. 1:10,11. 1 John 3:18-24. 4:17.
k 35:8. 42:4.56:6-8.60:21. Ps. 94:14,15. Hos. 3:5. 1 Cor. 6: 9-11. Tit. 2:11,12. 1 Pet. 2:9-12. 4:1-4.
1 26:3.48:18.54:13,14. 55:12.57:
lecting to profit by it were also typical of those, which followed from that nation's rejection of the Redeemer. Thus the transition from the preceding part of the chapter is easy; and we consider these verses as predicting all the troubles of Judah terminating in the Babylonish captivity, and typifying all the miseries of that nation from the days of Christ, till the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, and their consequent dispersion. It seems, that the women of Jerusalem, in those days, were peculiarly vain, luxurious, dissipated, and wanton; and regardless of true religion. ( Notes , 3:16-26. Jer . 44:15-25.) The prophet there- day of Pentecost, or at the calling of the gen
atry, and adhering to the worship of JEHOVAH, may be intended by the fruitful field being accounted for a forest: i. e. the best state of religion, in preceding times, was comparatively inconsiderable. But this seems by no means answerable to the energy of the language. ( Note , 29:17-19.) No previous desolations of Jerusalem or Judah continued until a remarkable "pouring out of the Spirit from on high:" but the present dispersion of the Jews, and "Jerusalein's being trodden down by the Gentiles," shall continue till a far more abundant "pouring out of the Spirit," than even on the
fore especially addressed them, and assured them that many days, and even years, of trouble awaited them: for the provision for their mirth and indulgence would cease; various afflictions would deprive them of their ornaments, and constrain them to gird themselves with the meanest attire; and it would be their wisdom, previously, to gird themselves as penitents with sackcloth, in preparation for the storm, or if possible to avert it. ( Note , Deut . 28:43-57.) For they, with the other inhabitants of the city, would have to lament the loss of the milk, corn, and cattle, as well as wine: the whole land would be over-run with thorns and briers; nay, the places devoted to festivity in Jerusalem, now rather a joyous than a holy city, ( Note , 22:2,3.) would be thus desolated: yea, the palaces, forts, and towers, being forsaken of their multitude, would for ages become dens for wild beasts, the pleasant abode for wild asses, and a pasture for flocks. ( Notes , 5:5,6. 6:11,12. 7:17-25. 24:1-12.)-The word rendered "they shall lament," is masculine; and probably refers among other things to the weeping of the infants, when their moth-ness, as well as in that which is comparatively ers, pinched by famine, and bowed down with a fruitful field: and the people of God, trusting distress, could no longer give them suck.- in his mercy and employed in working right
tiles, shall be vouchsafed. Then, indeed, "the wilderness shall become a fruitful field;" and the state of the church hitherto shall be accounted as a forest, in comparison of the glorious times which shall follow. ( Note , Rom . 11:11-15.) This interpretation is adopted, because no events, which have hitherto occurred, exclusively answer to the full import of the terms employed; and it perfectly accords with many other prophecies of the same times. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 44:3-5. Ez . 36:25—27. 37:1-22.39:21-29.48:35. Joel 2:28-32. 3:18 -21. Zech . 12:9-14. ) "Pouring out of God's 'Spirit" doth likewise signify the plentiful effu'sion of his grace: ( Joel 2:28. Zech . 12:10.) and 'if we take the phrase in this sense, the proph'ecy will belong to that restoration of the Jews, 'which we are to expect in the latter ages of 'the world.' Lowth . A fruitful field .] "The wilderness be Carmel."
'Ophel,' (the word translated forts ) 'was a part 'of mount Zion, rising higher than the rest, at 'the eastern extremity, near to the temple, a little to the south of it. ( Mic . 4:8. Heb.)-It was 'naturally strong by its situation, and had a 'wall of its own, by which it was separated 'from the rest of Zion.' Bp . Lowth.
Many days and years . (10) "Years upon years shall ye be disquieted, O ye careless ones." Bp. Lowth.
V. 15. The connexion, between the preceding part of this prophecy and that which nere follows, is very obscure, on any other interpretation, except that above given. The Spirit might in some measure be poured out, exciting the Jews to repentance and prayer, before their restoration from captivity: by the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the revival of religion there, the wilderness became a fruitful field; and their permanent renouncing of idol
V. 16-20. In those glorious and happy times, religion and righteousness will become permanent both among Jews and Gentiles; in that part of the earth which is yet a wilder
eousness, will enjoy much inward peace and outward tranquillity: and have the full assur- ance and confidence of faith, and hope, and joy, in a high degree, and continually. They shall also dwell in quiet habitations; while the storm of divine vengeance shall destroy their enemies, though numerous as the trees of a forest; (even as the angel smote the army of Sennacherib;) and that city, which has long been the seat of Antichrist, shall be "utterly abased," as Nineveh and Babylon have been. ( Notes , 1,2. 25:2-5,10-12.30:29-33.) Then the labor of ministers, and the endeavors of Christians to do good, shall be happy and suc- cessful; as that of those, who cultivate a well watered soil, and sow their seed upon it in confidence of an abundant increase. ( Notes , 30:23-26. Ec . 11:1—6. 1 Cor . 9:7-12.)- This 'exactly answers the manner of planting rice: 'for they sow it upon the water: and before
'sowing, while the earth is covered with water, || grace, and consolation; keeping close under 'they cause the ground to be trodden by oxen, his shadow, and drinking drinking from his fulness, as 'horses, and asses, who go mid-leg deep; and we journey forward through this weary land. 'this is the way of preparing the ground for And, as we trace his steps through through the desert, 'sowing.' Sir John Chardin, in Bp . Lowth.- let us remember how he suffered himself, that It is remarkable that several of the same we might have pardon, peace, security, and
words are used in these verses, to describe the well-grounded confidence and holy tranquillity of the righteous, which in the former part of the chapter expressed the presumption, gaiety, and carnal security of the wicked. Effect , &c. (17) Or, " Service of righteousness." (Note, Rom . 6:16-19.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-8.
The character, laws, and administration of Christ, our righteous and merciful King, and the blessed effects of them on the state of the world, and upon the conduct and happiness of all his subjects, shew what kings and princes ought to be; and how they should aím, and earnestly exert themselves, to promote the honor of God and the happiness of mankind, by their use of their authority and influence. ( Notes , 2 Sam . 23:3,4. Р. О.1-7. Notes, Ps . 45:2-5. Р. О. 1-9.
Note , Heb . 7:1-3.) This, if generally attended to, would conduce to a more general and clear discernment of the principles of religion; good instructions would be more regarded; the careless and profligate would be led "to apply their hearts unto wisdom;" the works and word of God would be more generally and plainly discoursed on; characters, and actions, would be ascertained with greater precision; and vice and folly be disgraced, instead of being flattered and caressed.
But alas! too commonly, base, foolish, and licentious men push themselves into authority, urged on by restless ambition, and unrestrained by conscientious scruples: nay the expectation or possession of such dangerous pre-eminence too often corrupts those who were otherwise more respectable. ( P. O. Judg . 9:1-21. Note, 2 Sam . 15:1-6. Р. О. 1-12.)When bad men obtain power, they speak according to the deceit, selfishness, and villany of their hearts; and their wickedness is connected with hypocrisy, impiety, or infidelity, as it best suits their purposes.
Nor will they ever want counsellors and agents in iniquity or oppression: and thus the poor laborer, the orphan, or the widow, is grievously injured and defrauded, perhaps under color of law, though in defiance of truth and justice. ( Notes , Ps . 94:1-7,20,21.) In the mean time, they prepare ruin for themselves; for "He that is higher than the highest of them regardeth it," and will call them to a strict account.--But wise and disinterested liberal men, who love their poor brethren, for the Lord's sake and after his example; who employ their thoughts in devising, and according to their ability, in executing, plans of liberality, shall be "established for ever;" "and by liberal things shall they stand." Such are the genuine disciples and subjects of the Lord Jesus, "who reigns in righteousness;" and all they, who use authority as his deputies, will rule in judgment.-But he alone can be our "Hiding-place from the wind, and Covert from the tempest;" he alone can "give him that is athirst of the Fountain of the water of life freely;" he alone can afford us protection and refreshment amidst the unavoidable evils of life, and in the approaching hour of death.
To him let the trembling sinner flee for refuge "from the wrath to come:" to him let the tempted or persecuted believer have recourse in every trial: from him let us all seek wisdom, strength,
strong consolation. Let us also be thankful for our abundant means of knowledge and wisdom, and that he has opened our eyes to behold his glory: and let us still wait on him to enlarge and clear up our views; and to open our ears more and more fully to instruction, that our foolish hearts may understand knowledge, and our stammering tongues may be loosed to speak plainly to his praise.
We ought also to judge of ourselves and others by the rule of his word, to avoid flattery as well as slander, and not "to call evil good, and good evil." We should seek to have our hearts divested of all selfishness, that our words may be pure, affectionate, sincere, and pious; that we may avoid injustice and oppression, hypocrisy, heresy, and infidelity, with 'all hardness 'of heart, and contempt of God's word and 'commandment:' and that we may shew whose subjects we are, by liberally communicating to the necessities of our brethren, and doing all the good we possibly can, while we continue in this mournful world.
V. 9-20.
Alas, how many careless ones are there, even among professed Christians, who support excessive self-indulgence by shameful niggardliness! who spend more on their own vanity and luxury in a day, than many large families have to subsist on through the week or month; and who do not contribute to their relief, in any manner of proportion to their other lavish expenses!
We should seize on every opportunity of calling loudly on such thoughtless persons, who are "at ease in Zion," to attend to the word of God: we should declare unto them his "whole counsel," without respect of rank or sex: we ought, without ceremony, to shew them that misery is before them; except their laughter be turned into godly sorrow, and their carnal joy into humiliation of soul before God, and works meet for repentance.
Soon will all their pleasures vanish, and leave them to regret the loss: not only "many days and years will they be troubled," but to all eternity: not only will all "the houses of joy" through the most populous and joyous cities, be desolated; but "the earth and all its works shall be burnt up." Nay, none can know what may come upon them even in this life; nor how soon all their pleasures may be turned into anguish of spirit.
But they are yet in the land of mercy: and when "the Spirit from on high is poured out" on any soul, or company of people, a glorious change takes place, and "the barren wilderness becomes a fruitful field." Let us then carefully note the effects of this blessed influence, in the judgment and righteousness produced by it: let us trust in the righteousness of the Redeemer, and copy his example: thus alone can we possess peace in our souls, and permanent assurance; and thus we shall either conciliate our enemies, or God will protect us, and destroy them.
And let us pray for the pouring out of this blessed Spirit upon our children and families, upon all the ministers of Christ, and their congregations and neighborhoods, upon our whole land, the whole visible church, and the whole earth: for until that be vouchsafed, wars and massacres, tyranny and oppression, rebellions, insurrections, and bloody revolutions profligacy and licentiousness, licentiousness, profaneness or hypocrisy, and other lamented evils will pre.