CHAP. LXVI.
God regards a broken heart, more than he did the temple itself; and he abhors hypocritical and unbelieving sacrifices. 1-4. The confusion and ruin of the persecuting Jews, 5, 6. The
he further made himself and his ways known unto us. ( Notes , 42:13-17, v . 16. Eph . 2:4-10.
Tit . 3:3-7.) Often he meets with some thought- less trifler, or remorseless profligate, or preju- diced opposer, and, as it were, says to him, "Behold ine, here I am," come to me; "Look unto me, and be saved;" and a speedy change takes place; Saul is found among the Christians and apostles, and a spiritual wo worshipper ap- pears in the church of God: whilst others, brought up under the gospel, to whom the Lord daily "stretches forth his hands," prof- fering salvation to them, grow more and more rebellious, and follow their own perverse in- clinations and evil courses, in defiance of him. ( Note , Matt . 19:29,30.)-Too often likewise, he has cause to say of his professed worshippers, that they "are a people, who provoke him con- tinually to his face; and that they manifest the same ungrateful spirit, and rebellious aliena-rapid enlargement and great prosperity of the church, 7-14.
The vengeance of God on the wicked, as connected with the still more extensive success of the gospel, and as witnessed by all his worshippers, 15-24.
mies shall endure the extremest miseries, in the regions of despair, where are "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth." ( Notes , Matt . 8:10,12. 22:11-14.) That the declarations of God's word to this effect will be exactly accomplished, we may be assured, by the long continued contempt and miseries of the Jews: for the Lord has indeed left their name to be "a curse unto his chosen," having cut them off, and called his people by another name; as he declared that he would. But when they shall be restored to their privileges, the truth of God will be rendered still more conspicuous: that all the earth may "bless themselves in him," render him worship, and swear unto him in truth and righteousness. Then the long continued troubles of the church shall cease, and her prosperity will commence. But what a change will this be, when the earth shall be filled with spiritual religion, and exact right
tion from him, and the same perverse disposi-eousness! It may well be called "new heavens
tion to prefer their own inventions to his ordinances, truths, and precepts, as the nation of Israel did.
Where the power of godliness is decayed, men become proud of the worthless form: and plausible hypocrites are of all men most prone to look on the ignorant, the erroneous, the careless, the immoral, or profane, with disdain and loathing: nay, they contemn the humble and penitent, and say of those, in whom God delights, "Stand by thyself, I am holier than thou!" When knowledge, gifts, reputation, or religious performances, foster this hateful propensity, they become most injurious to the possessor: and, however he may admire himself, or be admired by others, he is as odious and displeasing unto God, as "a smoke in the nose;" and nothing more kindles or feeds the fire of his indignation, than such a disposition and conduct.
Let us then watch and pray against pride and self-preference: remembering that every sin, and the most secret thoughts of men's hearts are written before God, and will assuredly be brought to light, and recompensed upon every impenitent sinner: and when nations or churches have filled up their measure of iniquity, they will be punished with temporal judgments for their own sins, and for those of their fathers which they have imitated.
Among the various reasons, which induce the Lord to spare ungodly men, one is, that "a blessing is in them." Some one, or more, or many, perhaps very many, shall descend from them, to form a part of his chosen flock; and therefore he bears with then from year to year, that he may "bring forth a seed out of them to inherit his holy mountain." All things indeed are for the sake of his chosen people: the kingdom of providence is administered, and the frame of nature is preserved, for the display of the glory of God in his church of redeemed sinners. ( Notes , 1 Cor . 3:18-23, υυ . 21-23. 2 Cor . 4:13 --18, υ. 15.)
and a new earth:" for as we can scarcely frame an idea of so glorious a scene; so the inhabitants of the world, in that blessed period, will not be able to form an idea of the wretched and confused state of the earth, during the long continued and general prevalence of vice and impiety. We shall not live to share this joy aud gladness: but we may mix our lamentations over the scenes which we now witness, with rejoicings in the prospect of happier times: and, if we be indeed believers, we shall in heaven share the joy of them when they actually arrive.
Our troubles also will soon be terminated by death, and our God will rejoice over us to do us good for ever. ( Notes , 61:10, 11. Jer . 32:39-41. Zeph . 3:14-17.) Even the natural evils of the world would be inconceivably diminished, if all men were true and consistent Christians: and their lives would be prolonged, and rendered more comfortable in every respect. Yet if prepared for heaven, and if we have finished our work on earth; we need not complain of dying too young: for all the ends of life will be answered, as much as if we had lived to be a hundred years old.
But the sinner must be miserable, whether he live to be old and to "treasure up wrath," or be cut off young, and cast into destruction: and all his planting, building, and laboring must be left to others; whilst he is driven away in his wickedness.
On the other hand, the believer may rejoice even in his temporal labors, that some, perhaps many, will be benefited by then, when he is removed to a better inheritance; where he shall long enjoy the gracious recompense of all his services, yea, even for ever and ever: and be may also hope that his children will be favored after him, as "the seed of the blessed of the LORD," and pray with much encouragement, for them and his more remote posterity.
Though our prayers are not now always answered immediately, yet they will be in due time: and the more instant and fervent we are in this respect, the fuller evidence we shall possess that the Lord regards the desires of our hearts, and sometimes grants them, before we can express them in words, or whilst we are yet speaking: so that we are employed in praise, when we meant to be pouring out our prayers.
But let us especially pray to be changed, from wolves and lions, into lambs and doves, and to be made harmless, gentle, and useful: then we may be assured, that "God ed with joy, and abound in his praise, his ene- || will bruise Satan under our feet shortly," and
V. 11-25.
In every age and nation, the Lord consigns to destruction those, who forsake his service to follow their own lusts and devices; and especially such as persist in doing evil in contempt of the call of his Gospel.-Sometimes he makes an evident discrimination on earth, between his servants and his enemies: but this will be uniformly visible hereafter; and whilst his servants will be satisfied with his love, fill
HUS saith the LORD, The heaven an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own is my throne, and the earth is my ways, and their soul delighteth in their footstool:b where is the house that ye build abominations. unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord; but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
3 He that killeth an ox, is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a * lamb, as if he & cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, has if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed
a 1 Kings 8:27. 1 Chr. 28:2. 2 Chr. 6:18. Ps. 11:4.99.9.132: 7. Matt. 5:34,35, 23:21,22. Acts 17:24.
b 2 Sam. 7:57. Jer. 7:4-11. Mal. 1:11. Matt. 24:2. John 4:20,21. Acts 7:48-50.
C 40:26. Gen. 1:1, &c. Col. 1:17. Heb. 1:2,3.
d 57:15. 2 Kings 22:19,20. 2 Chr. 34:27,28. Ps. 34:18. 51: 17. 138:6. Jer. 31:19,20. Ez. 9:4-6. Matt. 5:3,4. Luke 18.
13,14.
e 5. Ezra 9:4. 10:3. Ps. 119: 120,161. Prov. 23:14. Hab. 3:16. Acts 9:6. 16:29:30. Phil. 2:12.
f 1:11-15. Prov. 15:8. 21:27. Am. 5:21,22.
Or, kid .
g Deut. 23:18.
h 17. 65:3,4. Deut. 14:8.
Heb. maketh a memorial of . Lev. 2:2.
4 I also will choose their + delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because m when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.
5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; P Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD
i 65:12. Judg. 5:8. 10:14.
k 1 Kings 22:19-23. Ps. 81:12. Prov. 1:31,32, Matt. 24:24. 2 Thes. 2:10-12.
† Or, devices.
I Prov. 10:24.
m 50:2, 65:12. Prov. 1:24. Jer. 7:13. Matt. 22:2-7.
n 65:3. 2 Kings 21:2,6.
ο 2. Prov. 13:13. Jer. 36:16, 23-25.
p Ps. 38:20. Cant. 1:6. Matt. 5:10-12. 10:22. Luke 6:22,23. John 9:34. 15:18-20. 16:2. Acts 26:9,10. 1 Thes. 2:15,16, 1 John 3:13.
q Acts 2:33-47. 2 Thes. 1:610. Tit. 2:13. Heb. 9:28. 1
Pet. 4:12-14.
r 34:8. 59:18.65:57. Joel 3: 7-16. Am. 1:2,&c.
that we shall be admitted to his holy habitation, where none shall hurt or destroy, but all shall be love and enjoyment, for ever and ever.
NOTES.
CHAP. LXVI. V. 1, 2. ( Notes , 63:15-19. 64:9-12.) The Jews at all times, and especially in our Savior's days, were extremely attached to the temple, and its splendid external worship, which was one cause of their opposition to his spiritual kingdom and ordinances. ( Notes , Matt . 26:57-62, 26:57-62, υυ. 61,62. 27:39-44, v.
40. Acts 6:9-14, υυ . 13,14.) Just before the birth of Christ they had, by king Herod's assistance, almo almost entirely reb rebuilt the temple with great magnificence, having been forty-six years employed about it. ( Notes , Hag . 2:6-9. John 2:18-22.) To this period the prophecy seems especially to relate: and the Lord addresses them, as engaged in this work, or glorying in it; and reminds them, that heaven was his throne of glory, and the earth his footstool; and that he wanted no house, or resting place, of their building. ( Notes , 1 Kings 8:27.
Acts 7:44 -50.) The typical intention and temporary use of the temple were nearly accomplished; the labor and confidence of the Jews were vain; and the whole of that dispensation waxed old, and was ready to vanish away. ( Notes , Acts 6:9-14.
Heb . 8:7-13.) The heavens and the earth, which he made, had long continued and would still remain; but the temple and its worship " had been " for a while, and would soon be no more: for henceforth his temple on earth, to which he would have peculiar regard, would be the heart of the poor contrite penitent, who revered, and obeyed, and trembled at his word; whereas those who adhered to the temple and its worship, were proud blind Pharisees and hypocrites, or others, who despised both his authority and his gospel. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 57:15,16. 2 Kings 22:15-20, v. 19. Ps . 51:17.
Matt . 5:3,4.)
teaches them, that this institution was about to be superseded, nay, to become a mark of ob- stinate rebellion to those who adhered to it.- Some interpreters suppose, that he reproves the wickedness of those, who brought their sacrifices to the temple, whilst they were living in the practice of murder, or the grossest crimes; "He that slayeth an ox, killeth a man, &c." Bp . Lowth . ( Notes , 1:16-20.
Jer . 7: 8—11 . ) But it is not to be imagined, that any Jews, during or after the days of Christ, actually of- aanvallews, fered a dog, o or swine's blood, in sacrifice, sacrifice, or that the priests blessed or worshipped idols. These two chapters manifestly relate to the 'calling of the Gentiles, Gentiles, the establishment of 'the Christian dispensation, and the reprobation of the apostate Jews, and their destruction ex- 'ecuted by the Romans.' Bp . Lowth .
The passage indeed does not merely imply, that their hypocrisy rendered their sacrifices abom- inable to God, though they were his own in- stitutions: but the evident meaning is, that the coming and sacrifice of Christ would virtually abrogate the ceremonial law, and render all its observances nugatory; and that the Jews, who persisted in them, not as indifferent things, but in contempt of Christ and his priesthood, sacrifice, and intercession, would be guilty of as gross an affront to God, as if they had com- mitted murder, or the most atrocious profana- tion, or idolatry.
For in so doing, they would choose their own proud and rebellious ways, delight in their own abominations, and shew their contempt of JEHOVAH'S authority, and enmity to his holiness; even as much as their fathers did, when they were mad upon their idols. ( Notes , 50:1-3. 65:3-7,11,12, v. 12.) He would therefore choose their delusions, as the means of bringing his judgments upon them: ( Notes , 1 Kings 22:19-23.
Ez . 14:6-11. 2 Thes . 2:8-12.) and as they rejected and cru- cified Christ, avowedly for fear of the Romans; he would bring their fears upon them, and the Romans should execute his vengeance on them, in consequence of their unbelief and disobe-
V. 3, 4. The Jews might have urged, that though God did not want the temple for his habitation; yet it was both honorable and necessary, as the place appointed for the offering dience. ( Notes , 65:11-15. John 11:49-53. Heb. of sacrifices: but the Lord by his prophet here || 10:26-31.)
that rendereth recompense to his enemies. || with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
[Practical Observations.]
7 Before s she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man-child.
8 Whothath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or "shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed she brought forth her children.
V. 5, 6. The Jewish converts to Christianity seem to be here addressed. They trembled at the word of God, and reverenced his authority: but, by embracing the gospel, they were exposed to the extreme hatred of their countrymen, who excommunicated and persecuted them for the Lord's sake, and out of a pretended or mistaken furious zeal for his glory: ( Notes , Matt . 5:10-12. 10:16-18. Luke 6:21-23.
John 9:19-23,35-38. 9-23,35-38. 16:1-3.) but he assured them, that he would appear to their joy, and for the confusion of their persecutors; which was awfully accomplished in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem; and when the Christians left the devoted city and neighborhood, retired to Pella, and were preserved in peace and comfort. (Note, Matt . 24:15-18.) The Jews indeed trusted in the external sanctity of the city and temple: yet within their walls, and even in the courts of the temple, the Lord would execute vengeance on them, as his enemies; and their outcries and lamentations, would declare that he was rendering a recompense unto them, even for the abuse of those institutions, on which they ignorantly and presumptuously depended for safety.The prophet seems to hear the noise of the 'ruin of the city and temple sounding in his 'ears. ...
The voice from the temple was veri'fied in that voice, which Josephus tells us 'was heard in the temple, a little before the 'final destruction of it, saying, Let us depart hence.' Lowth.
Your brethren , &c. (5) Some explam this of the hatred borne to the Jews by the Gentiles, and their cruel oppressions of them: but unbelieving Jews cannot be said, to revere, or "tremble at the word of God;" ( Note , 1,2.) and the context seems not to admit of this interpretation.
V. 7-9. When the temple should be destroyed, Jerusalem desolated, the instituted worship not only abrogated, but rendered impracticable, and the ancient people of God cast off; it might be apprehended, that he would no longer have a church, or at least that the number of his worshippers would be very small. In answer to this rising thought of his people, JEHOVAH by the prophet here assures them,
12 For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, 'ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.
13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and "ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
14 And when ye see this , your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
that the church should at that time be exceedingly increased, by the addition of the converted Gentiles to the remnant of believing Jews. The ancient church and nation of Israel were not produced in less than four hundred and thirty years, from the calling of Abraham to the promulgation of the law by Moses: but the holy nation, holy nation, now to be subject to the government of God, should be rapidly formed.
Zion, repre represented as a pregnant woman, would be delivered of a son, even before her travailing pains came upon her: ( Note , Ex . 1:19.) nay, her children would increase so rapidly, that a nation would seem to be born at once: and they would so speedily arrive at maturity, that it would be, as if the earth produced and ripened the harvest in one day.
These events would indeed be unprecedented, and such as never before had been heard of; but they would certainly take place: the almighty God would bring the affairs of his church to so critical a situation, that this deliverance and increase must be afforded her, or she must perish: ( Note , 2 Kings 19:3.) and could any think that he, who espoused Zion, and was the Father of all her children, would fail of giving her effectual assistance in this extremity? ( Notes , 53:9,10. 54:1-5. Gal . 4:21 -31.
Rev. 12:1-6.) -'We may understand the 'former part of this sentence, of the speedy 'propagation of the gospel through the world; 'and the latter part of it of the sudden conver'sion of the Jews, and their union with the 'gentiles into one church, when "God will re'move the iniquity of the land in one day." ' Zech . 3:9. Comp. Mic . 5:3. 'These two events, 'though distant in time, yet will agree very 'much in the swiftness of their progress.' Lowth . ( Notes , Mic . 5:3,4. Zech . 3:9,10.)
V. 10-14. The Lord here calls on all, who love his church, and sympathize with her in her sorrows, to rejoice at the approach of her great prosperity. ( Notes , Ps . 102:13-22. 137: 1-6. Rev. 11:3-18.) The consolations, which would be prepared for all her children, in the promises and ordinances of the gospel, must be sought by earnest faith and prayer, as the infant desires the nutrimental milk, and draws it out from the mother's breast. ( Note , 1 Pet.
15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For by fire, and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many.
17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens, behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
18 For I know their works, and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, a to Tubal, and
2:1-3, v. 2.) Thus all true believers would be satisfied and sanctified by her spiritual provisions, as well as enriched and delighted by the abundance, or the splendor, of her glory. For in due time the Lord would bestow on her peace and prosperity, in large measure, and
Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
20 And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD, Out of all nations, fupon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.
21 And I will also take of them for priests, and for Levites, saith the Lord.
22 For as the new heavens, and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.
23 And it shall come to pass, 1 that ‡ from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, to worship before me,
b 24:15,16, 42:4. 43:6. 49:1,12. 51:5. Ps. 72:10. Zeph. 2:11. с 29:24. 55:5, 65:1. Mal. 1:
11. Matt. 8:11,12. Rom. 15: 21.
d 43:6. 49:12,&e. 54:3. 60:3-14. e Rom. 121,2. 15:16. Phil. 2:
17. 1 Pet. 2:5.
f 60:9.
+ Or, coaches.
g 11:9. 56:7. 65:11,25.
h 61:6. Ex. 19:6. Jer. 33:18
22. 1 Pet. 2:5,9. Rev. 1:6.
shall all flesh come saith the Lord.
5:10. 20.6.
i 65:17. Heb. 12:27,28. 2 Pet. 3:13. Rev. 21:1.
k Matt. 28:20. John 10:27-29. 1 Pet. 1:4,5.
11:13,14. 2 Kings 4:23. Ez. 46:1,6. Col. 2:16,17.
Heb. from new moon to his new moon, and from sabbath to his sabbath.
m Ps. 65:2.86:9. Zech. 8:2023.14:16,17. Mal. 1:11. John 4:23. Rev. 15:4.
anity, and that of all antichristian opposers of the Gospel, in the latter days. God himself would come, with fiery indignation, and the instruments of his vengeance, to "plead with all flesh," and make terrible slaughter among them. ( Notes , 34: 63:1-6.) The persons in
with durable increase; and the most honora-tended were guilty of many idolatries and su
ble and renowned of the nations would continue to flow into her, like the perpetual stream, or flowing branches of some large river. ( Note , 48:17-19.) Nor would this be any diminution to the privileges of Zion's former children, but an increase of them: as they would be nourished and attended to, with still greater care and tenderness; being peculiarly loved and cherished by the Gentile converts. ( Notes , Acts 11:27-30.
Rom . 15:22-29.) Nay, the Lord himself would comfort them, not only with the prudent affection of a Father, but with tender blandishments and compassions resembling those of a fond inother. ( Note , 60: 4-7.) The prosperity of the church would add to their consolations, and cause their souls to thrive more abundantly; whilst the power of God would thus be manifested in favor of his servants, and his indignation in the punishment of his adversaries.
The sacred writer gradually, and almost insensibly, passes from the primitive times, to those more glorious events, to which he so frequently recurs; in which the conversiou and restoration of Israel is a prominent part; but it does not appear to be in this place exclusively , or even primarily foretold. (Notes, Rom . 11:11-15. Rev. 19:1 -6.)
perstitions, the description of which seems to be taken from the abominations, to which some of the Jews were addicted in the prophet's days.
They sanctified themselves for the idolatrous sacrifices, which they offered in gardens, or groves, behind some one sacred tree in the midst, (or to Achad , an idol so called, and supposed to mean the sun:) and then they feasted on unclean animals, as if in contempt and defiance of God. ( Note , 3,4.) These their works, and wicked thoughts, the Lord knew of long before, and would certainly punish: and he would shew all nations his glory in the destruction of his enemies, and by the promulgation of his Gospel. ( Notes , Ps . 149:7 -9. Ez . 38: 39: Joel 3:9-17.
Rev. 14:14-20. 16:11—16. 19:11—21.)—“We must not be too 'positive, in assigning the particular place, time, 'or manner, how these prophecies shall be ful'filled; because the events are secret, whose 'causes lie hid as yet in the depths of provi'dence. And the very great obscurity of the 'prophecies, which are supposed to relate to 'these matters, is to me a convincing argu'ment, that they are not yet fulfilled.' Lowth .
V. 19-23. ( Notes , 11:11-16. 24:13—16. 60: 1-22.61:4—6. 65:17—19.) When the standard of the gospel was first set up, the Jews who had been converted to Christ, and so "escaped" the general ruin of the nation, (δι σωζομενοι, the saved ,) were sent as preachers to the Gentiles: and in like manner, it is it is probable that God
V. 15-18. This seems a general prophetical declaration of the Lord's vengeance, on all the enemies of his church, through successive generations: especially the destruction of the unbelieving Jews, in the first ages of Christi-will select some, who have been rescued from
the corruptions of antichristianity, to preach to the nations, far and near, where his fame and glory have never yet been heard and seen; even to isles as remote from us and as little known to us, as this our island was to the inhabitants of the East in the days of Isaiah. The persons thus converted are immediately considered as brethren: and they would be brought, by every method of conveyance then in use in those countries, to Jerusalem, as a sacred oblation to the Lord.
This This signifies the abundance of instruments and means, afforded for the conversion of sinners, and the admission of the converts into the church; and for their encouragement, edification, and devotedness to God, until they are brought to heaven. ( Note , Rom . 15:14-17.) - Ministers were soon raised up from among the Gentiles, in the apostles' days, who ministered before God in holy things, (as the priests and Levites had been used to do,) according to the nature of their dispensation: and ministers will doubtless be hereafter raised up among the inhabitants of those nations, which are now sunk in the deepest ignorance and barbarity.
For as God intended his new creation to endure before him for ever; so should the seed and name of the church under the Christian dispensation. They too would have their solemnities, sabbaths, sacraments, and ordinances, in which they would meet before the Lord: and all flesh, Lor all nations, would thus come to worship before him. Whereas before, there were ap'pointed seasons to sacrifice; in this there shall 'be one continued sabbath. The restoration of Israel is here implied: but this event cannot be considered as the exclusive meaning.
None of Israel could be taken as priests and Levites, who were not of Aaron's family, or of the tribe of Levi: the priests and Levites, therefore, must be ministers of religion from among the Gentiles, or the converted Jews, who were not of that family or tribe; which cannot be the case among the Jews, if the ceremonial law were to be revived, at the restoration of Israel. ( Notes , Rom . 15:14-17. Phil . 2:14-18, v. 17.)-Το Tarshish , &c. (19) Marg . Ref . z, a, b .- Notes , Gen. 10 : 15-30.
V. 24. The inhabitants of the holy city, and all who had come thither, are here represented as going out, to look upon the dead bodies of those, whom the Lord had slain for opposing -his cause; which are represented as being either eaten by worms, or burnt in the fire. ( Notes , Ez . 39:11-16.) But “their worm would never die, nor their fire be quenched:" for whatever external events may be alluded to or predicted, "the worm" and "the fire" represent the place and nature of the punishment of sinners in another world.
The fire, which is kindled by the wrath of God, shall not be quenched or cease to torment for ever: the worm of keen self-reflection, and the anguish of an accusing conscience, will endure for ever: because the existence and consciousness of the condemned will be everlasting. ( Notes , Matt . 5:21,22,29,30.
Mark 9:43-50.) - Some interpret the carcasses cast out of Jerusalem, to signify the ungodly who are excluded from the church, and remain under the wrath of God, and the power of their own wicked propensities and evil habits; and who, being thus abhorred on earth, will be miserable and abominable for
ever in hell. 'Our Savior expressed the 'place of torment, under the image of Gehen- image 'na; and the punishment of the wicked, by the 'worm which there prey there preyed on the carcasses,
'and the fire which consumed the wretched 'victims. Marking, however, in the strongest manner, the difference between Gehenna , and 'the invisible place of torment; namely, that in 'the former the suffering is transient; suffering is transient; the worm 'itself, that preys on the body, dies; and the 'fire, which totally consumes it, is soon extin- 'guished: whereas in the figurative Gekenna, 'the instruments of punishment shall be ever- 'lasting, and the suffering without end; for there "the worm dieth not, and the fire is not 'quenched."" Bp . Lowth.
Thus ends this most extraordinary prophecy; to which nothing similar is extant in the world. In the other prophecies, God speaks by the prophet, or the prophet says, "Thus saith the LORD." But from the beginning of the fortieth chapter to the end of this book, JEHOVAH, or MESSIAH, speaks in a continued discourse, in a few instances indeed noticing and directing the prophet, but still proceeding to speak as immediately from himself.
In the prophecies of Daniel, and in the Revelation of Join, as well as the other prophetical writings; there are certain dates, or a regular order, which help us to understand to what period of time each prediction belongs: but in Isaiah, especially in the latter part of the book, the transition from the days of the prophet, to those after the captivity, or rather, those of the Messiah; and thence to the glorious times which we yet expect, and to the consummation of all things, is often sudden and unexpected.
And as suddenly the prophecy reverts to the coming of Christ, and events connected with it. This increases the expositor's difficulty; and should increase his caution and diffidence, as to the interpretation given of many parts.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-6.
No externals, however splendid or costly, can please God, without a humble and upright heart. He wants not, and is not profited by, any of our services: and when we become proud of them, or trust in them; he abhors our attendance even on his own appointments. As he dwells in Christ, our Temple; so, for his sake, "he hath respect to every one that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at his word:" for such persons value his salvation, and learn to love him and keep his commandments.
But whatever men substitute in the place of the priesthood, atonement, and intercession of Christ, will be found most hateful to God: and he will as deeply resent this affront to his wisdom, grace, and truth, as any immorality or profaneness whatever. alas! how many in this most important concern, "choose their own ways, and are delighted with their own abominations!" But we should be afraid of every deviation from scriptural truth, lest God should give us over to our own delusions.
Those who so fear the reproach or opposition of men, as to refuse the call and reject the salvation of God, will have their fears brought upon them in everlasting shame and contempt.-Seeing, that many have thought they did God service, when they
Yet
were "hating and casting out" his children; || made for the tending and nourishing up of the
we should take care that our confidence and conscientiousness be scriptural. It will not avail a man to have said, "Let God be glorified," when in proud self-confidence and obstinate rage, he persecuted his people, and refused to ask counsel of his word and Spirit. But those who "tremble at the word of God," need not be alarmed even at the hatred of their professed brethren, or staggered by their "great swelling words of vanity;" as if they alone were the only true church, and all who differed from them were heretics and schismatics.
Such boasts and censures are alike unwarranted: God will appear to the joy of the humble believer, and to the confu⚫sion of hypocrites and persecutors of every description; their destruction will come upon them in those very places, from those very persons, or by those very means, in which they presumptuously confided for safety; and they shall be accounted the enemies of God with a peculiar emphasis, and be punished with marked severity.
V.7-14.
When the Lord lessens the numbers of his visible church, by cutting off hypocrites and persecutors; we need not fear, but he will supply their places by more valuable persons. He can add converts in multitudes, as though "a nation were born in a day." In the general course of Providence, we must expect to labor, wait, and pray for a considerable time, before we see the success of our work: and ministers must even "travail in birth," by their anxious desires and fervent wrestlings, before children are brought forth unto God. ( Note , Gal . 4:17-20.) They must also wait, as the husbandman for the precious fruits of the earth; and at last be thankful even for a few seals to their ministry. But when the Lord is
weakest of Zion's ch children, who shall "suck the breasts of her consolatio consolations, be carried on her sides, or dandled on her knees:" yea, the Lord himself will comfort them through all their tribulations, in such tender love as no human affection can possibly equal, or imagination conceive. ( Note , 49:14-16.) But nothing tends more to the true Christian's comfort, than the peace and prosperity of the church. When the honorable of the church resort to her; believers, as her dutiful sons, rejoice heartily, and flourish like herbs in well watered gardens.
V. 15-24.
Whenever the Lord powerfully appears for his church; he displays his indignation against his adversaries. Thus the increase of believers, in the primitive times, was attended by tremendous judgments on the Jews: thus the future success of the gospel will be introduced by similar judgments on all opposers: and thus the final salvation of the righteous will be connected with vengeance on all the workers of iniquity.
Then by the fire and sword of his indignation will he plead with all flesh, and the slain of the "LORD shall be many:" sinners of every description shall be consumed together; for "he knoweth their works and their thoughts;" and he will "gather all nations and tongues to see his glory." ( Notes , Matt . 25:31 -46.) In the mean time, he has set his gospel as a sign unto us; and even in these distant isles he sends us his message of love, by those whom "Jesus hath delivered from the wrath to come." ( Notes , 2 Cor . 5:18—21. 1 Thes . 1:9, 10.) We have heard his name and the report of his salvation: may he open our eyes to see his glory, that we may forward the promulgation of his gospel, and the declaration of that glory, to the nations which have never yet
pleased to interpose in an extraordinary man-seen or heard it. May the Lord send forth
ner, the work will be done easily, speedily, and beyond expectation. The success, which would richly have repaid the labors of many years, shall crown one sermon; and believers shall grow as rapidly in grace, as converts are made to the Lord. Thus in the days of the apostles, "as soon as Zion travailed she brought forth her children;" "a nation" seemed to be "born in a day:" and the Lord is still able so to influence the hearts of men, that whole kingdoms shall at once, without labor or difficulty, welcome, profess, and adorn the gospel.
The time of this deliverance of Zion approaches; and "he who bringeth to the birth, will give strength to bring forth." Let us then say, in admiring faith, "Who hath heard or seen such things!" and not fail to shew our sympathy with the church in her sorrows, by pleading continually for her joyful deliverance. Then shall we assuredly rejoice in her joy, and partake of her consolations.
And even now, if we diligently attend on the ordinances of God, and desire and seek for "the sincere milk of the word that we may grow thereby," we shall "suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations;" especially if we carefully avoid whatever may prevent our "furtherance and joy of faith." Let us then renounce the vain pleasures of the asures o world and of sin, that we may experience these pure and satisfying joys; and we shall soon be delighted with all the splendor and glory of the church triumphant.
In other possessions, as the numbers of proprietors increase, the value to each is diminished; but the privileges and felicity of all Christians is enhanced, by every accession of converts to Christ. There is also abundant provision
multitudes of able, faithful ministers into all lands, who, by every means and in every way, may gather in his elect from the four quarters of the globe; that all its inhabitants may become members of his church on earth, and inherit his holy mountain, "to the praise of the glory of his grace:" that even from among the benighted Indians and Africans, Chinese, and the inhabitants of Japan, South America, and the islands in the Pacific Ocean, priests and Levites may be raised up to minister before him; and thus to diffuse his salvation further and wider, till "the earth be filled with the knowledge of his glory, as the waters cover the sea." The Lord will surely maintain and prosper his cause.
The heavens and earth which now exist, are indeed "reserved unto fire, to the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men:" but his new heaven and earth shall endure for ever; and so shall the name and seed of his believing people. Let us then hearken to his voice, attend on his ordinances, hallow his sabbaths, and keep his word.
For all his enemies, whether they experience or escape his temporal judgments, shall perish: and we shall see all the ungodly "go away into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not."-lf then "thy right hand," or foot, foot, or eve, "offend thee, cut it off," or "pluck it out;" for it is better to "enter into life, with one eye, or hand, or foot; than having two, to be cast into hell-fire, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched," and "they shall be an abhorring to all flesh."
THE BOOK
OF THE
PROPHET JEREMIAH.
JEREMIAH (whose name signifies "The exaltation of JEHOVAH,") entered upon the prophetical office about seventy years after the death of Isaiah; during which time the reigns of Manasseh and Amon had intervened, ( Notes , 2 Kings 21: 2 Chr . 33:) and the first years of Josiah. The nation of the Jews was at that time almost wholly given up to idolatry and wickedness.
A short revival indeed took place under Josiah: but the people were, in general, hypocrites in the professed reformation; so that they speedily relapsed into idolatry, and soon became ripe for divine judgments.-Jeremiah prophesied for above forty years preceding the Babylonish captivity, and for some time afterwards; and this book consists chiefly of abstracts from the several messages with which he was sent by God to the people: these are remarkable for being replete with plain and faithful reproofs, tender and affectionate expostulations, and awful denunciations of impending judgments.
They are occasionally interspersed with narratives of the hard usage, with which the prophet met, and with historical records of national affairs. No exact order is observed in the arrangement of the different prophecies; and the labors of learned men, in classing them, according to the time when delivered, are not altogether satisfactory: but many of them are dated.-Jeremiah was a man of very tender spirit, and he endured many sorrows; but he seems to have been most affected by the miseries of his people, which he both predicted, and witnessed.
Having seen the utter desolation of Jerusalem and Judah, he was carried into Egypt by the remnant of the Jews, who rebelliously fled thither: and there he continued to prophesy; till they were at length so enraged by his reproofs, that they stoned him to death, as it is credibly attested by several ancient writers.
A large proportion of Jeremiah's predictions were accomplished during his life-time, or soon after his death: all those, for instance, which related to the desolations of Jerusalem and Judah, and the adjacent countries, by the Chaldeans; and the return of the Jews from Babylon at the end of seventy years. These, in the way of argument and evidence, were most conclusive to his contemporaries, and the immediately succeeding generations; especially, as the want of historical records renders us unable, in many cases, to explain the prophecies, except from the sacred narrative.
But several of this prophet's predictions relate to more remote ages, and some have not yet been fulfilled.-When proud Babylon was at the height of her pr prosperity, he foretold, not only that the Medes and Persians should prevail against her, but also that she should sink and rise no more; (51:63,04.) which has received a most remarkable accomplishment.
He predicted also the abolition of the ritual law, and the union of Israel and Judah in one faith; and the conversion of all nations; ( Notes , 3:16–19. 31:31-34.) the dispersion of the Jews, and their preservation as a distinct people in their dispersions, which has been fulfilled to this day; ( Notes , 30:10,11. 46:27,28.) the calling of the gentiles; ( Notes , 4:1,2. 16:19-21.) the destruction of idolatry; ( Note , 10:11.) and the person and kingdom of Christ, with the introduction of a new dispensation, and exceedingly great and permanent prosperity to the cause of religion; with clear declarations concerning the conversion of the Jews to Christ, and their restoration to their own land. (Notes, 23:33:)— The comment will shew, that this statement is well founded: yet nothing could appea could appear more iniprobable, when Jeremiah wrote, than many of the events which he predicted; and it is undeniable that his prophecics have been most wonderfully accomplished.
It appears, that Jeremiah's reputation as a prophet, was very high among the Jews, in the time of our Savior: for when the people were divided in opinion who Jesus was; some supposed him to be Elijah, and others Jeremiah.-His prophecies are repeatedly quoted in the New Testament, as "the oracles of God;" and thus receive the most unreserved sanction of the apostles and evangelists. (Compare 31:15. Matt . 2:17,18.-6:16. Matt. 11:29.-9:23,24. 1 Cor . 1:29 31.-31:31-34.
Heb . 8:8-13. 10:15-17.) These last references are peculiarly peculiarly important; for in the one of them, God himself is mentioned as speaking the words referred to; and in the other it is said, "Whereof the Holy Ghost is a witness to us." This is decisive, as to the judgment of the inspired apostles, respecting the book on which we now enter; and is peculiarly suited to put us upon our guard against those professed friends of the scriptures, who speak of these books, as venerable, authentic, or genuine remains of antiquity, of great value and high authority; but hesitate to vindicate them as divinely inspired.
A great part of this book is supposed to be poetry: and though Jeremiah is thought inferior to Isaiah in sublimity; (which may perhaps be owing to the different circumstances in which they lived, and the different subjects on which they treated;) yet it must be allowed, that he is admirably pathetical, his descriptions of approaching judgments are peculiarly vivid; and his eloquence is very vigorous and impressive, when inveighing against the shameless audacity of the people in rebellion against God.
It is generally allowed, that the last chapter was added after Jeremiah's death; perhaps by Ezra. It is not known who arranged his prophecies in their present order, or by what means it has occurred, that the arrangement appears so irregular
and perplexed.
VOL. IV.
THE a words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, b of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:
2 To whom the word of the LORD came, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.
3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, & unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captiveh in the fifth month.
NOTES.
Zech.