CHAP. V. V. 1. This chapter contains a PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. detached prophecy, which, probably, was deIt frequently happens, that those who suffer livered about the same time as that in the prefor their sins, are more careful to avoid out- ceding chapters. 'The subject of it is nearly ward inconveniences than to obtain forgive-'the same with that of the first chapter.
It is ness: and instead of being ashamed of their 'a general reproof of the Jews for their wickcrimes, are more solicitous to avoid the re-'edness: but it exceeds that chapter in force, proach which arises from unavoidable misfortune, than the infamy which results from voluntary and open wickedness. But such conduct tends to indelible disgrace and increasing misery.
The Lord will not contend for ever with his church: and though it seem cut down as a tree, it will shoot forth again, and its branches shall be "beautiful and glorious:" yet all its excellency is derived from "the Branch of the LORD," "the Only-begotten of the Father," who is "full of grace and truth," and is the perfection of "beauty and glory:" and the fruits of his incarnation and mediation are inexpressibly excellent and desirable, in the judgment gment of all those, who have begun to experience deliverance from wrath, and from the power of Satan.
These are the citizens of Zion, whose names are registered in however, Christ is meant, whether the prophthe book of life; and every one of them par-et be supposed to speak in his own name to
takes of the Spirit of Christ, and is daily renewed into his holy image; they wash away all their guilt and pollution, in the Fountain which he has opened: every affliction serves as a furnace to purify them from their dross; and the efficacious influence of the Holy Ghost, (with which they are baptized as with fire,) gradually extirpates their Justs, invigorates their spiritual affections, and renders them holy as he is holy. In proportion as the Lord
'in severity, in variety, and elegance; and it 'adds a more express declaration of vengeance by the Babylonian invasion.' Bp. Lowth . It begins with a parable formed into a sacred song, which the prophet proposed to sing to his "Well-beloved." JEHOVAH is the Owner of the vineyard: but the Father reveals himself by his only-begotten Son, who is the Well-beloved both of the Father, and of every believer. The original word for "iny Beloved" occurs more frequently in Solomon's song, than in all other parts of the Bible, at least in this meaning and connexion. ( Cant . 1:13,14, 16. 2:3,8-10,16,17. 4:16. 5:2,4,9,10, 6:1-3. 7: 12-14. 8:14. Heb.) -Some render the first clause, "Now will I sing to my Beloved a song of loves touching his vineyard." No doubt,
the Messiah; or the Father by the prophet thus to address his well-beloved Son. He had "a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:" or "in a horn, the son of oil," as it is in the original. 'A high and fruitful hill.' Bp . Lowth . The situation of Canaan, being very high, is represented by a horn, which is higher than any other part of the animal: and the son of oil , is a Hebraism denoting fertility; oil-olive being one of the most valued productions of the
choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also *ınade a wine-press therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.
3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.
4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?
5 And now, go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: "I will take away
f 1:8 Mic. 4:8.
*Hab. hewed.
Mark 12:9-12. Luke 20:15,16. Rom. 2:5. 3:4.
promised land. But the peculiar religious privileges of the Israelites may be intended under this emblem, as well as the situation and fertility of Canaan.
V. 2. (Notes, Ps . 80:8-16. Matt . 21:33-46. John 15:1-8.) The care of the Lord over Israel is here described, by expressions taken from the enclosing and cultivation of a vineyard. When he separated that nation from the heathen, made a national covenant with them, gave them laws and ordinances, and took them under his own special protection and government, "he fenced" his vineyard: the destruction of the Canaanites, and their idolatrous worship, was as "the gathering out of the stones," which would have injured the vines.
His care, in forming this church of the descendants of faithful Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; in refor reforming the nation under Moses, Aaron, and Joshua, before their entrance into the promised land, was represented by his planting the vineyard with the choicest vine, or the vine of Sorek. ( Note , Jer. 2:20, 21.) The temple, with its altar and worship, is intended by "the tower," in which the husbandman might safely lodge, to watch, and be ready to tend, the vineyard.
The stated ministry of the priests and Levites, the occasional ministry of the prophets, and all the means of grace, are denoted, by the wine-press, or vat , into which the juice of the grapes, when pressed out, might run. But, after all this preparation, the vineyard, instead of producing abundance of good grapes, as might have been expected, yielded only wild grapes, or poisonous berries, offensive to the smell and nauseous to the taste, yet with some resemblance of grapes: that is, hypocrisy and impiety, instead of righteousness and true holiness. ( Notes , Deut . 32:32,33. 2 Kings 4:39-41.)
V. 3, 4. Perhaps the Jews murinured at the judgments denounced against them: but the Lord here offered to make them judges in the controversy between him and his vineyard; as a judge, before he passes sentence, asks the criminal, what he can urge in his own behalf why he should not be condemned. ( Notes , 2 Sam . 12:1-7. Ps . 51:4.) With the manifold advantages, and encouragements to holiness, which they enjoyed, and the promises of effectual assistance contained in their scriptures,
the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be + trodden down:
6 And I will lay it waste: Pit shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: 9 I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.
7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah this pleasant plant: and she looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
[Practical Observations.]
Heb. for a treading 10:6.
25:10. 28:3,18.
1:15. Dan. 8:13. Luke 21:24. Rev. 11:2.
ο 9,10. 6:11,12. 24:1-3,12. 32: 13,14. Lev. 26:33-35. Deut. 29:23. 2 Chr. 36:19-21. Jer. 25:11. 45:4. Luke 21:24. p: 7:23-25. Hos. 3:4. q 30:23. Deut. 28:23,24. Am. 4:7. Zech. 14:16,17. Heb. 6:6 -8. Rev. 11:6.
r Ps. 80:8-11,15. Jer. 12:10. Heb. plant of his pleasures.
they ought to have been a "peculiar people zealous of good works:" nor could they mention any thing, that ought to have been done for them, which God had not done, or was not ready to do, whenever they earnestly asked him to do it. So that they could assign no reason for their vickedness, but the desperate depravity of their own hearts.-'From this, 'among many other texts of scripture, we may 'conclude, that those may have sufficient means 'of grace afforded them, who nevertheless are 'not actually or effectually converted.' Lowth. -This is clear and satisfactory; but the suffi cient grace , insisted on by numbers, which yet by their own statement proves insufficient , is not very intelligible. Sufficient means leave no insurmountable obstacle, were the heart properly disposed; but sufficien sufficient grace properly disposes it. Neither of these, however, can be to a sinner a matter of debt, but wholly of grace .
- "What was there more to be done to my vineyard?" This seems the literal translation: not that God had done all that was in his power, and so was disappointed when he failed of success; but that he had done all that was proper, or could reasonably have been expected. (Notes, 2 Chr. 36:14-16. Ps . 81:11 -15. Jer . 6:27-30. 36:1-3, v. 3. Matt. 23: 37-39.)
V. 5, 6. The Lord next passed sentence on the vineyard, and informed the people what he meant to do with it. He would withdraw his protection; give up the land, city, and temple, to be ravaged by their enemies; deprive the Jews of the means of grace, and leave numbers of them to mingle with the heathen: he would thus let his vineyard be overgrown with thorns and briers: nay, he would "command the clouds to rain no rain upon them;" he would awfully withhold the sanctifying influences of his Spirit.
This was, in part and for a time, fulfilled during the Babylonish captivity; but far more exactly in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans; their exclusion from the church; their long-continued dispersion, even to this day, without priest or prophet; and either without means of grace, or without heavenly influences to render them effectual. ( Marg . Ref . Note , Hos . 3:4,5.) V. 7. This verse gives the application of the parable ( Notes , 2 Sam . 12:7. Ez . 13:10-16,
ST Woe unto them that join house to || and house, that lay field to field, till there be and no place, that they may may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
9 + In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.
10 Yea, ten acres of vineyara shall yield a one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.
11 Woe unto them that brise up early in the morning, that they may may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge:
u Jer. 22:13-17. Mic. 2:2. Hab. 2:9-12. Matt. 23:14.
Luke 12:16-24.
x1 Kings 21:16,20.
* Heb. ye.
y Ez. 11:15. 33:24.
Or, This is in mine ears, saith, &c. 22:14. Am. 3:7.
Heb. If not many houses desolate, &c.
z 6. 27:10. 2 Chr. 36:21. Am. 5:11. 6:11. Matt. 22:7. 23:38. a Lev. 27:16. Ez. 45:10,11. Joel 1.17.
b 22. 28 1. Prov. 23:29,30. Ec. 10:16,17. Hos. 7:5,6. Hab. 2:
15. Luke 21.34. Rom. 13:13. 1 Cor. 6:10. Gal. 5:21. 1 Thes. 5:6,7.
Or, pursue. 28:7,8. Prov. 20: 1. 23:32.
c 22:13. Gen. 31:27. Job 21:11 -14. Dan. 5:1-4,23. Am. 6: 4-6. Luke 16:19. Jude 12.
d 19. Job 34:27. Ps. 28:5.92:5, 6. Hos. 4:10,11.
e 1:7. 42:22-25. 2 Kings 17:6. 2 Chr 28:5-8.
f 1:3. 27:11. Jer. 8:7. Hos. 4:6. Matt. 23:16-27. Luke 19:44. John 3:19,20. Rom. 1:28. 2 Pet. 3:5
v. 16.) It related to the whole people of Israel, but especially to Judah, who had been peculiarly favored and delighted in as "a plant of pleasures;" ( marg .) but the Jews were so degenerated from the piety of their ancestors, that, instead of judgment and righteousness, the land was full of oppression, and the cries of the oppressed. ( Marg . Ref . Note, Jam. 5: 1-6.)-'The living members of the church are 'called "the branch of God's planting." 61:3. '... The Jews should have been such, and had 'sufficient means of grace to make them so.' Lowth .
their honorable men are famished, their multitude dried up with thirst.
14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:
16 But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and "God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.
17 Then Pshall the lambs feed after their manner, and a the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.
[Practical Observations.]
|| Heb. their glory are men of 1 Pet. 5:5.
5,9.
famine. Jer. 14:18. Lam. 4:4, n 12:4. 1 Chr. 29:11. Ps. 9:16. 21:13. 46:10. Ez. 28:22. 38:22, 23. Rom. 2:5. Rev. 19:1-5. Or, the holy God. Heb. the God the holy. 6:3.57:15. Rev. 3:7. 4:8. 15:3,4.
g Jer. 14:3. Am. 8:13. h 14.9.30.33. Ps. 49:14. Prov. 27:20. Ez. 32:18-30. Hab. 2: 5. Matt. 7:13. Rev. 20:13-15. i Num. 16:30 -34. Prov. 1:12. k 21:4. 1 Sam. 25:36-33.2 Sam. 13:28,29. Ps. 55:15. Dan. 5:3-6,30. Nah. 1:10. Luke 12:19,20. 16:20-23. 17:27. 21: 34. Acts 12:21-23.
1 2:9,11,17. 9:14-17. 24:2-4. Ps. 62:9. Jer. 5:4,5,9. Jam. 1: 9-11. Rev. 6:15,16.
m 10:12. 13:11. 37:23,29. Ex. 9: 17. Job 40:11,12. Dan. 4:37.
o 8:13. 29:23. Lev. 10:3. Ez. 36:23. 1 Pet. 1:16. 2:15.
p 7:21,22,25. 17:2. 32:14. 40:11. 65:10. Zeph. 2:6,14.
q 10:16. Deut. 32:15. Ps. 17: 10,14. 73:7. 119:70. Jer. 5:28. Am. 4:1-3.
r 1:7. Deut. 28:33. Neh. 9:37. Lam. 5:2. Hos. 8:7. Luke 21: 24.
dred omers . (Tables.) In vain are ye so in 'tent upon joining house to house, and field to 'field: your houses shall be left uninhabited, 'and your fields shall become desolate and 'barren: so that a vineyard of ten acres, shall 'produce but one bath (not eight gallons) of 'wine, and the husbandman shall reap but a 'tenth part of the seed which he has sown." Bp . Lowth . (Notes, Jer . 22:13–19. Luke 12: 15-21.)
V. 11-17. The next woe is denounced against the dissolute and intemperate, who were so intent upon their excesses, that they rose early to begin them, and continued till night, inflaming themselves and their passions with wine.
They likewise employed all kinds of music to render their festive pleasures more exquisite: but God and his works were not in all their thoughts; they only regarded second causes, in their prosperity; and they despised the predictions of wrath, as well as the promises of mercy, which JEHOVAH sent them by his prophets, as if he were unable to accomplish either the one or the other. ( Note , Am . 6:3-8.) The prophet therefore speaks of the approaching judgments, as if already come: the people were gone into captivity for their wilful ignorance and folly; the nobles, even the glory of the nation, ( marg .) were dying with hunger, the common people with thirst.
Hell, (the unseen state, including along with the grave, the place of torment to which the souls of wicked men must descend,) is introduced as a voracious monster, opening wide his insatiable jaws, and gorging his prey without measure; whilst all their glory, and multitude, and pomp, the nobles, and the plebeians, with the most jovial and sensual of them, would at once be swallowed up by it. Thus even the meanest would be brought still low
V.8-10. The prophet next declared, in plain language, that the vengeance of God was coming on the Jews for their various transgressions: but he so expressed himself, that he included with them all persons, of every age and nation, who should be guilty of the same crimes.
He first denounced a woe upon the avaricious and rapacious, who were intent by every means on increasing their estates; not regarding who was turned out destitute from his dwelling or patrimony, provided they could "add house to house, and field to field;" that they might be placed alone in the midst of the land, as sole proprietors, attended only by their vassals and dependents.
But the Lord had told the prophet in his ears , privately, that ere long, many houses would be left uninhabited, especially the most magnificent and elegant; and that their estates should be almost wholly unproductive, so that ten acres of vineyard should only produce a few gallons of wine, and their corn-fields yield one-tenth of the seed generally sown upon them: that is, the land would be desolated, and their estates would become of no value. ( Note , Lev . 27:16.) -A bath, in liquids, and an ephah in solids, were measures of equal size; and were the tenth part of a homer , which contained a hun-ler; and the mightiest abased and humbled, as
18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity light, and light for darkness; that put bitter
with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart-rope:
19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it : and "let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it !
20Woe unto * them that * call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for
s 28:15. Judg. 17:5,13. 2 Sam. 16:20-23. Ps. 10:11. 14:1. 36: 2.94:5-11. Jer. 5:31. 8:5-9. 23:10,14,24. 28:15.16. 44:1519. Ez. 13:10,11,22. Zeph. 1: 12. John 16:2. Acts 26:9.
t 66:5. Jer. 5:12,13. 17:15. Ez. 12:22,27. Am. 5:18,19. 2 Pet.
3:3,4.
u 30:11. Jer. 23:18,36. x Prov. 17:15. Mal. 2:17. 3:15. Matt. 6:23. 15:3-6.23:16-23. Luke 11:35. 16:15. 2 Tim. 3:1 5.2 Pet. 2:1,18,19.
* Heb. say concerning evil that it is good , &c.
to their condition and lofty looks; and God alone would be exalted and glorified, in the righteous judgments which he execut
ed by strange
he executed, and
be adored and magnified for that display of his holiness and justice. (Notes, 2:10-21.) Then the whole land would be either left to be occupied by the cattle alone; or be devourstrangers, who would seize upon the waste places, which lately the luxurious Jews inhabited. Some expositors suppose, that by "lambs" are meant the poor, inoffensive, and humble believers among them; who were rescued from oppression, and provided for, when their wealthy oppressors were utterly ruined. 'Good men ... shall want nothing that is neces'sary for their support. God is often repre'sented as a Shepherd, and his care of the 'righteous described by their feeding securely 'in rich pastures. 65:10. Ps . 23:1. Lowth.
V. 18, 19. The figurative expressions, used in describing those, on whom the next woe is denounced, are differently interpreted. "They draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart-rope:" that is, say some, they labor in effecting their wicked designs, as the cattle do, that draw loaded waggons by ropes or traces; while they only obtain vanity, and draw down vengeance upon themselves. Others suppose an allusion to the making of ropes, which are industriously spun out to a great length, and then made strong by twisting many threads together. Thus men proceed from one kind and degree of wickedness to another; lengthening out and multiplying their crimes; connecting one with another, causing one to spring out of another, and
for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;
23 Which a justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of
the righteous from him!
y Job 11:12. Prov. 3:7. 26:16. John 9:41. Rom. 1.22. 11:25. 12:16. 1 Cor. 3:18-20. † Heb. before their face. z 11. 28:1-3,7. Prov. 23:19,20. Hab. 2:15.
a Ex. 23.6-9. Prov. 17:15. 24:
24. 31:4,5.
b 123. Deut. 16:19. 2 Chr. 19: 7. Prov. 17.23. Mic. 3:11. 7:3. c 10:2. 1 Kings 21:13. Ps. 94: 21. Matt. 23:35. 27:24,25. Jam. 5 :6.
sophistical reasonings,
to con
Lowth .--The daring impiety of some Jews was supported by principles equally corrupt. They employed sophis found the distinctions between good and evil, truth and falsehood; and perverted language to give actions false names. Thus, avarice is often termed prudence, and licentious extravagance, liberality; and rebellion, impiety, and revenge, are considered as proofs of a noble spirit: whilst piety and conscientiousness are called enthusiasm, hypocrisy, preciseness, affectation, and spiritual pride.
Thus men often speak, as if it were of no consequence what doctrines they believed: or as if the conjectures of presumptuous reasoners were equally worthy of regard, with the authenticated and sure testimony of God: as if ignorance in divine things were or no bad consequence, and knowledge in them, of no value: or as if those theories, which contradict the scriptures, were the effect of peculiar illumination, and those principles which correspond with them, were darkness and ignorance: and as if sweetness were only to be found in the bitter ways of ungodliness, and nothing but bitterness could be found in obedience to God's commandments.
Those who commend wicked men, wicked works, antiscriptural principles, and a worldly life; and run down truth, holiness, and pious persons, in this manner, evidently act from the corrupt relish of a carnal mind, and from the state of their own hearts; and because they want an excuse for their conduct, and a quietus to their consciences. (Notes, Mal . 2:17. Matt . 6:22,23. Luke 16:14,15.) V. 21. Those who prefer their own reason
strengthening the whole by wicked confeder-ings to divine revelation, and their own de
acies and infidel principles, as if their object were to become as wicked as possible. In plain language, they are persons, who defy the predicted vengeance of God, and avow their resolution not to believe or regard it, till it be executed; and therefore if he, whom in contempt they call "the Holy One of Israel," mean to convince them, "let him make speed, and hasten his work, that they may see and know it."-'An evil inclination (says Kimchi 'on the place from the ancient Rabbins,) is at
vices to the admonitions and commands of God; who deein it prudent and politic to retain lucrative sins, and neglect self-denying duties; who despise or reject the mysteries of the gospel, and deride those who believe and preach them; or who are vain of their formal knowledge of them, but do not reduce them to practice; are evidently "wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight."-"They 'think themselves too wise to need any in'struction, and therefore despise the admoni Prov . 3:7,8. 26:13--16, v. 16. John 9:39-41. Rom . 12:14-16.)
'the beginning like a fine hair-string; but at 'tions of God's prophets.' Lowth . (Notes,
'the finishing like a thick cart-rope. By a long 'progression in iniquity, ... men arrive at length | 'at the highest degree of wickedness; bidding 'open defiance to God, and scoffing at his 'threatened judgments, as it is finely express- 'ed in the next verse.' Bp . Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . ---Note. 28:14,15.)
V. 20. That endeavor to confound both the 'names and the natures of virtue and vice, commend and applaud what is evil, and dis'parage and discountenance what is good!'
V. 22, 23. Some, even among the rulers and magistrates in Judah, shamefully prided themselves in being able to drink much strong liquor without being inebriated, and in mingling wine with those ingredients which increased its strength; but the wrath of God is here denounced against them. To defray the expenses of intemperance, as well as to gratify avarice, they took bribes to pervert justice, to
24 Therefore, as the fire devoureth || behold, they shall come with speed swiftly.
the stubble, and the flarne consumeth the chaff; so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have & cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath * stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcasses were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
26 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them, from the end of the earth: and,
* Heb. tongue of fire.
d 47:14. Ex. 15:7. Joel 2:5. Nah. 1:10. Mal. 4:1. 1 Cor. 3: 12,13.
e Matt. 3:12. Luke 3:17.
f 9:14-17. Job 18:16. Hos. 9: 16. Am. 2:9.
g 1 Sam. 15:23,26. 2 Kings 17: 14,15. Neh. 9:26. Ps. 50:17. Jer. 6:19. 8:9. Luke 7:30. John 12:48. Heb. 10:28,29.
30:12. 2 Sam. 12:9,10. Luke 10:16. Acts 13:41. 1 Thes. 4:8. iDeut. 31:17. 32:19-22.
3. 5:22. 1 Thes. 2:16. k 14:26,27.
1 Ps. 18:7. 68:8. 77:18. 114:7. Jer. 4:24. Mic. 1:4. Nah. 1:5. Hab. 3:10. Rev. 20:11.
Or, as dung. 1 Kings 14:11. 16:4. 21:24. 2 Kings 9:37. Ps. 83:10. Jer. 8:2. 9:22. 15:3. 16: 4. Zeph. 1:17.
m 9:12,13,17,21. 10:4. Lev. 26: 14,&c. Ps. 78:38. Dan. 9:16. Hos. 14:4.
n 11:12. 18:3. Jer. 51:27. o 7:18. Zech. 10:8.
27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken.
28 Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like a whirlwind:
flint, and their wheels like
29 Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it .
30 And in that day they shall roar against them, like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.
q 30:16. Jer. 4:13. Lam. 4:19. Hab. 1:8.
r Joel 2:7,8.
s 11:5. 45:1,5. 1 Kings 2:5. Job 12:18,21. Marg . Ps. 18:32. 93: 1. Dan. 5:6. Eph. 6:13,14. t Deut. 32:25.
u Ps. 45:5. 120:4. Jer. 5:16. Ez. 21:9-11.
Judg. 5:22. Jer. 47:3. Mic. 4: 13. Nah. 2:3,4. 3:2.
Kings 13:3. 22:13-17. 2 Chr. p 39:3. Deut. 28:49. Ps. 72:8. у 31:4. Gen. 49:9. Num. 24:9.
36:16. Ps. 106:40. Lam. 2:1
Jer. 5:15.
clear the guilty, and to condemn the righteous; thus depriving him of the benefit of his righteousness, and treating him as a criminal. (Notes, 28:7,8. Ex . 23:6--9. Prov. 24:23-25. 31:4--7. Am . 2:6---8. Hab . 2:15--17.)
V. 24, 25. On account of all these enormous crimes, and because the people had despised, and contemptuously rejected, the law of God, and his messages by the prophets; he denounced most tremendous vengeance against them, which would consume them as "the tongue of fire" does the stubble and chaff; ( marg .) and waste them as the blossom withers and vanishes, when the root of the plant is become rottenness; alluding to the simile of "a pleasant plant:" ( Note , 7.) and their mangled dead bodies would be cast out and be as dung ( marg .) in the midst of the streets.
The first calamities by the Syrians and Israelites, in the reign of Ahaz, may be here intended, which were so terrible, that the hills trembled: and perhaps they were attended by earthquakes. (Notes, 7:1,2,4-6. 2 Chr . 28:5--8.) ''The mountains and the earth itself are often 'said to tremble at God's judgments; (See Jer . '4:24. Mic . 1:4. Hab . 3:10. Ps . 77:18. 114:7.) 'which expressions allude to the trembling of 'mount Sinai, when God came down upon it;
Jer. 4:7. 49:19. 50:17. Hos. 11: 10. Am. 3:8. Zech. 11:3.
The flame , &c. (24) "The tongue of fire." (marg.) 'The flame, because it is in the shape of a tongue, and so it is called metaphorically.
The disparted tongues, as it were, of fire, ( Acts 2:3.) which appeared at the descent of 'the Holy Spirit on the apostles, give the same 'idea; that is, of flames shooting diversely into 'pyramidal forms, or points like tongues.... The 'prophet has in this place given the metaphor its full force, in applying it to the action of 'fire, in eating up and devouring whatever 'comes in its way, like a ravenous animal, 'whose tongue is principally employed in tak'ing his food.' Bp. Lowth.
V. 26-30. This animated description seems to predict the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar, rather than that of Sennacherib.--When the Lord lifted up his ensign, or gave the signal, as by a hiss or whistling sound, the executioners of his vengeance would come, with inconceivable celerity, from the most distant countries: ( Note , 7:17-19.) being eager for the expedition, and being prospered by God himself, they would meet with nothing to retard them, and would lose no time through indolence or weariness. As the scoffers had 'challenged God to make speed and hasten his 'work of vengeance; so God now assures
( Ex . 19:18.)... and because these particular 'them, that with speed and swiftly it shall Judgments are an earnest of the general 'come.' Bp . Lowth . (Note, 18,19.) Being fuljudgment, when the whole frame of the world ly armed for the battle, their horses' hoofs,
'shall be dissolved.' Lowth . ( Notes , Ex . 19: 16--20. Hab . 3:3-10. Rev. 20:11-15.) The terrible attendants and effects, however, of these judgments, failed of bringing the people to repentance; and they were insufficient to appease the righteous indignation of God: insomuch, that he predicted still further and more dreadful vengeance, in that remarkable and often repeated clause, "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." ( Marg . Ref . Note , 9:13-17.)
(which were not then shod with iron, as in modern times,) should be wonderfully preserved, as if made of flint, and their chariots should run with the rapidity of a whirlwind; their rage and boldness would resemble those of lions, young or old, or lionesses, and they would meet with no effectual resistance, when they came to seize upon their prey. In short, they would be as terrible to the Jews, as the roaring of the sea to the shipwrecked mariner; who looking towards the land can see no way of escape, and who is surrounded with from popery, that the awful sentence may not despair and sorrow: for every beam of hope be awarded against us.
and comfort would be enveloped in utter darkness, as the heavens are sometimes wholly covered with black and gloomy clouds. ( Marg .
Ref . )
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-7.
Whilst they, who truly love our God and Savior, endeavor by every proper means to do good to men, they primarily seek his glory: and they discern and adore his justice in the dispensations, which disgrace and afflict those, with whom they are most intimately connected.--Such as are favored with the word and
ordinances of God, and the encouragements of his gospel, stand in a peculiar relation to him. 'The tendency of these advantages is to render them fruitful in good works: this the Lord requires of them, and nothing else will satisfy him: and when they bear the wild grapes of hypocrisy, impiety, and iniquity, instead of "the fruits of the Spirit," "in all goodness, righteousness, and truth," they are nigh unto destruction. Indeed the case is so plain, that if the fact were so stated in a parable, that self-love could be fully precluded, sinners must be induced to give judgment
V. 8-17.
grow rich with rapidity, and add one possesMen are commonly deemed happy, who sion to another, as if they would appropriate
the whole earth. But covetousness is idolatry: and it is generally attended by fraud and oppression of the poor, which God abhors; and whilst many envy the prosperous wretch, the Lord denounces an awful woe upon him. Providence may, perhaps, deprive him of his wealth, or render it a burden to him: God, however, will speedily require his soul, and then
whose will all his riches be? - Nor are the luxurious and intemperate less obnoxious to divine ( Notes and P. O. Luke 12:13
-21. 16:19-26.) How many are there who
inflame themselves with excessive indulgence, and gratify every sense, as if their only business on earth were to pamper the body, and there were no other use to be made of their time and substance! Men, engaged in such sensual courses, "regard not the works of the LORD, nor consider the operation of his hands:" the wonders of creation, providence, and redemption are alike unnoticed by them: nay, they observe not his terrible judgments, and expect not his threatened vengeance. The desolating judgments on kingdoms, which re
against themselves: and at the day of judg- prevalence of such impiety and vice brings
ment, when sentence shall be given on all the
workers of iniquity, the criminals will univer- duce all ranks to the most abject misery: and
sally perceive, that every attempt to justify
their conduct is entirely useless.
Those cuses, by which many now pacify their consciences, will then appear futile and desperate; as they charge the blame of man's wickedness on God, and vindicate all the crimes which can possibly be committed. (Notes, Rom . 2:4 -6.3:19,20.) But, as "all things pertaining to life and godliness" are proposed to us by the gospel, and we are commanded to ask what we will, that it may be given to us; the sinner's persevering wickedness will be found to arise from his enmity to God, aversion to his service, and contempt of spiritual blessings; and it will appear, that he would not consent to the mortification of his lusts by the special grace of God.
So that it may with propriety be inquired, 'What more could have been done 'for these men, that has not been done for 'them?' Indeed the Lord is not bound to afford his rebellious creatures any advantages: but if he graciously vouchsafe them, and men will "rebel against the light," or take encouragement to sin from the truths of the gospel; their guilt will be peculiarly aggravated, and they may expect to be doomed to everlasting unholiness and misery. ( Mark 11:14,21.
Note , Rev. 22:10-12.) Nations and churches also, who abuse their privileges, may expect to be deprived of them: the Lord will "take away the hedge" of his unfruitful vineyard, "and it shall be eaten up." "He will lay it waste, that it shall not be pruned or digged; there shall come up briers and thorns;" and he will even "command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it." Whatever delight he has taken in any company of Christians: if they, or their posterity, degenerate from that faith and purity, which once distinguished them, and become generally addicted to covetousness, oppression, or any other vice vices; we may shortly expect to hear woes denounced against them, judgments executed upon them.
Few, if any, of the descriptions of professed Christians in our land, are unconcerned in this observation: may we all be zealous and repent, and do "the first works" of the zealous reformers VOL. IV
of the honorable from their pompous feasts,
tongue express what multitudes both
and of the mean from their licentious revels, descend into hell, "which enlargeth herself, and openeth her mouth without measure," to swallow up the multitudes who continually become her prey. In that dreadful place there will not be so much as "a drop of water to cool the burning tongue" of those, who here "fared sumptuously every day." But, while the impious profligates are abased to the lowest misery and contempt, "the LORD of Hosts will be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy will be sanctified in righteousness." In every case he will also provide for the meek and humble, and feed both the bodies and souls of his people.
V. 18-30.
Wherever we turn our eyes, it is lamentable to observe what pains men bestow in pursuing the vanities of the world, and in gratifying their lusts, and in drawing down the judgments of God upon them: and what prodigious excesses of impiety and iniquity men gradually arrive at! Every sin needs some other to conceal it, to secure the success of it, or to defray its expense.
Youthful lusts lead to depredation, lying, perjury, perhaps to murder; ( Notes , Prov . 1:10-19.) corrup corrupt practices lead to infidel principles; and thus men sin away fear, shame, and remorse, till they set God at defiance by their blasphemies; and they can be convinced of the truth of his word, only by his hastening his threatened vengeance; and then too late they know it, and become sensible of their own madness and folly.
In the mean time, they continue to "call good good evil, and evil good, to put darkness for light, and light for darkness, and bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter:" it is evidently the tendency of their discourse and writings, to confound the most important distinctions, and to prejudice men's minds against the trut of the Lord: and their self-sufficiency, and the precepts, and ways arrogant and supercilious manner, in which they they behave to believers, mark them out, as exposed to the additional woe, denounced on
truths, precepts,
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those, "who are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight." Whilst many, in this respect, "glory in their shame;" others, of a- different description of rebels, can pride themselves in being "mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:" as if their ability, through habit or constitu-begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Fa
of God, revealed to all mankind.' Bp . Lowth The Lord appeared to the prophet, "sitting on a throne," as in a human form; for he ther "saw the glory of Christ, and spake of him." ( Notes , Ez . 1:26-28. 43:2-5. John 12:37-49.) "No man hath seen God at any time; the only tion, to waste the gifts of God, to inveigle ther, he hath declared him." ( Note , John 1:18.) others to drunkenness, and to take that oppor- -'It was the unanimous sense of the ancient
tunity of imposing on them and defrauding them, would plead an excuse for their excess! Woe be unto such men, and woe to that nation, in which they obtain authority; for it cannot be expected, that they should scruple to commit the most flagrant injustice, when their own lucre requires it.
But while men thus "cast away the law of the LORD, and despise his holy word;" they become fuel for the fire of his indignation, and destroy the very root of all their own prosperity: and after he has smitten them, and their carcasses are torn in the streets, or lodged in the grave, "his anger will not be turned away, but his hand will be stretched out still," to "destroy both body and soul in hell." -The earth itself will indeed tremble, and flee away, when he shall summon its inhabitants before his tremendous judgment-seat.
Even in this world, he will never be at a loss for instruments of his vengeance. At his signal, they will come from the ends of the earth with unabated force and speed: when he gives commission, all resistance is vain: and as we know not how soon all earthly comforts and confidences may fail us, and sorrow and despair may overwhelm us; let us diligently seek the well grounded assurance, "that when flesh and heart shall fail, God himself will be the Strength of our heart, and our Portion for ever."
NOTES.