CHAP. XV.
his integrity, and renews his complaints, 15-18. God recals
him to his work, and promises to support and deliver him in the due discharge of it, 19-21.
HEN said the LORD unto me, a Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet a my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.
2 And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the Lord; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
3 And I will appoint over them four * kinds, saith the Lord: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.
a 7:16. 11:14. 14:11. Ez. 14: f 14:12. 24:9,10. 43:11. 14-21.
b Ex. 32:11-14. Num. 14:13
20. 1 Sam. 7:9. 12:23. Ps.99:6.
c 18:20. Gen. 19:27. Ps. 106: 23. Zech. 3:3. Heb. 9:24.
d Judg. 5:9. Prov. 14:35.
e See on 7:15. - 23:39. 52:3. 2 Kings 17:20.
18. Ez. 5:2, 12.
9:12. Am. 5:19.
Rev. 6:3-3
Is. 24:
14:21. Dan.
Zech. 11:9.
g Lev. 26:16.22,25. Deut. 22:
26. 1 Kings 21:23,24. 9:35-37. Is. 13:6. Rev. 6:8. 19:17,18. * Heb. families.
2 Kings
56:9,10.
NOTES.
CHAP. XV. V. 1. The prophet still continued importunately to pray for his people; but the Lord had determined not to grant his requests in this particular: yet, in order to reconcile his mind to this refusal, he declared that even Moses and Samuel must plead in vain in the present case. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Επ . 32:11-14. Num. 14:13-19. 1 Sam. 7:9. Ps . 99:6-8.
Ez . 14:13-21.) They had separately, and repeatedly, prevailed with him to pardon his offending people, when they lived on earth; and were most eminent among his servants: but if both of them could unite to intercede for Israel at this time, the mind , or favorable regard, of God could not be towards them; their crimes were so enormous, and their habits of rebellion so inveterate.
He had therefore given orders for them to be cast out of the land; for he could no longer endure them in his sight. ( Note , 14:19-22.) -This passage fully proves that departed saints do not intercede for us; for it evidently implies, that Moses and Samuel did not then stand before the Lord, in behalf of Israel, or of any in Israel.
V. 2-4. The same law which condemns the malefactor determines his punishment. So the condemned Jews were appointed to differents kinds of misery, by the righteous judgment of God: and this decision was notified to them that they might see to what straits their sins had reduced them. ( Note , 2 Sam . 24:1214.) Pestilence, called here "death," as it kills without any visible cause; ( Notes , 14:1012. Ez . 14:13-21. Rev. 6:8.) and the sword and famine would destroy the most of them;
4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
5 For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?
6 Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.
7 And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.
Heb. give them for a re
moving
h See on 9:16.-24:9. 29:18. 34: 17. Lev. 26:33. Deut. 28:25, 64. Lam. 1:8. Ez. 23:46.
i 2 Kings 21:11-13. 23:26,27. 24:3,4.
k 16:5, 21:7. Job 19:21. Ps. 69:20. Is. 51:19. Lam. 1:12 -16. 2:15.16. Nah. 3:7.
Heb. to ask of thy peace. Ex. 18 7. Judg. 18:15. 1 Sam. 10:4. 17-22. 25.5. margins. 1 See on 1:16. 2:13,17,19.
and a few would be reserved for captivity. Whilst the sword of the eitemy would cut off very great numbers, their dead bodies would be left unburied to be devoured by dogs, and by birds and beasts of prey; and the survivors would be subjected to fierce and eruel oppressors. (Notes, Deut . 28:25,26.) More tremendous words, as to this world world, can scarcely be conceived. ( Notes , Ez . 5:1-12. Am . 5:18-20. 9:1-4.) Their remnant would be removed into the most distant regions; because of their willing concurrence, and impenitent continuance, in the idolatries and iniquities of Manasseh, notwithstanding all the methods afterwards used to reclaim them. ( Notes , 2 Kings 21:1-18.23:26,27. 24:3,4.) 'The word' (rendered "to be removed,") 'signifieth to run to and fro, for fear and unquietness of conscience, 'as did Cain.'
The dogs to tear. (3) "The dogs to drag about." Blayney. I will cause them to be removed. (4) I will give them for a removing." Marg.
V. 5. 'Every body that sees the calamities 'brought upon thee, will own them to be just. 'See 22:8,9. Who will be so much concerned 'for thee, as to step a little out of his way to 'inquire after thee? ... Rather they that pass by will insult over thy calamities.' Lowth. ( Notes , 40:2,3. Deut . 29:21-25. Lam . 4: 13-16 .)
V. 6. Marg . Ref . - I am , &c.] The Lord had often threatened to execute judgment on the people; but he had spared them on repentance, and in answer to the prayers of his servants: thus he was said to repent of the evil, which he said he would do unto them. ( Notes , 4:28,29. 18:7-10. Gen. 6:6,7.) But, as they continually relapsed into idolatry, his patience was, as it were, worn out, and he was "weary of repenting:" that is, it was highly proper for him to take vengeance on them. Note, Is . 43:22-25.)
V. 7. The nation in general was become as
8 Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men ta spoiler at noon-day: I have caused him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.
9 She that hath born seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; * her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: yand the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.
chaff: and therefore the Lord would drive them by his judgments from the gates of their cities all over the land; as the fan drives away the chaff. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, 4:11-13. 51: 2. Is . 30:27,28. 41:15,16.)
V. 8, 9. The immense slaughter made by the victorious enemy, and by other judgments, would leave great numbers of widows, who would have none but God to take care of them; thus they would be increased "to Him:" for the future is spoken of, as if it were already arrived. The Lord was about to bring upon Jerusalem, (the mother-city, or metropolis of Judah, Is . 50:1.) a young man, a spoiler at noon-day, who would plunder openly by force, and not secretly by fraud, or, against the mother and the young men her children. ( Marg .) Nebuchadnezzar was the spoiler intended: he was a young man when he took Jerusalem; ( Note , 25:1.) and he suddenly fell on the city, and filled it with terrors and miseries. Then the populous city was made desolate: the mothers who had brought up many children, were broken hearted with grief, at hearing that they were all slain: Jerusalem's
nor lent money, in an usurious manner, which practices especially rendered men odious: ( Notes , Ex . 22:25-27. Neh . 5:1-13.) he gave no umbrage and did no injury in secular concerns, which are common grounds of contention: and yet he was more generally hated and cursed, than any fraudulent debtor or oppressing creditor. His trials were doubtless great: yet there was much infirmity in these passionate complaints. ( Notes , 15-18. 11:18-23.)'I am an object of the common hatred: every 'body takes occasion to quarrel with me; be'cause I speak such truths as they do not care 'to hear. Lowth . - 'He sheweth what is the 'condition of God's ministers; to wit, to have 'all the world against them, though they give 'none occasion.'
V. 11. In order to calm the ruffled spirit of his servant, the Lord graciously engaged that it should be "well with his remnant:" either with him, for the remnant of his days; or with the remnant of the people, who attended to his word and joined in his prayers, or "I will give thee a happy deliverance." Lowth . He should be supported and comforted under all troubles,
honor and prosperity terminated unexpected-and all should terminate happily: and the ene
ly, as if the sun should set before the time: (Note, Am . 8:4-10, v. 9.) and the remnant of her inhabitants were given up to be slain or enslaved by the conqueror at his pleasure.
Terrors upon the city . (8) "I have caused to 'fall upon her suddenly an enemy and terrors;" | '... a terrible enemy. Blayney . This seems the proper translation.- Born seven. (9) Note, 1 Sam . 2:4-8, v . 5.
V. 10. The prophet had rendered himself very obnoxious by his most awful predictions, which is by no means wonderful: and he could not prevail for a mitigation of the sentence denounced against his people: nay, he was sent with still severer denunciations of vengeance. This he knew would expose him to their more violent resentment; and therefore he lamented that his mother ever bare him, to be a man of strife and contention to the whole land . For he was doomed to spend his life in contending against the sins of the people, and the delusions of the false prophets; and to be treated as a contentious, malevolent, and mischievous person for so doing. He had neither borrowed
my would treat him with kindness, whilst his opposers were overwhelmed with calamities. ( Notes , 39:11-14. 40:2-6.)
V. 12-14. The Jews endeavored to fortify Jerusalem, and to form alliances against the Chaldeans: and they hardened their hearts, as if they could outbrave or withstand the indignation of the LORD. But could ordinary iron, though hard and strong in itself, break that which was of a much stronger kind, and well tempered? 'Such as the people called Calybes , living near the Euxine sea, prepared. Lowth . No more could they prevail against their northern invaders, or those divine judgments, which they were sent to inflict. All their treasures would certainly be given to these spoilers, without any possibility of prevailing with them by price to depart from them; or, without any price received by the Lord for his worshippers, as sold into slavery; ( Note , Ps . 44:9-16, ν . 12.) and they would be carried away into the land of their enemies, for the sins committed in every part of the country ( Note , 17:3,4.)"The opposition, which the Jews make against
15 TO LORD, k thou knowest: I remem- || me as a liar, and as waters that + fail?
ber me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; m take me not away in thy long-suffering: "know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for * I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone, because of thy hand: s for thou hast filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto
k 12:3. 17:16. Job 10:7. Ps. 7:3-5. 17:3. John 21:15-17. 2 Cor. 5.11.
1 11:18-20. Neh. 5:19. 6:14. 13:22,31. Ps. 106:4. 109:2629.119:84,132-134. Luke 18: 7.2 Tim. 4:14. Rev. 6:10. 18:20.
m Ps. 39:13. Is. 38:3.
n 10. 11:21. 20:8. Ps. 69.7-9. Matt. 5:10-12. 10:22. Luke 6:22,23. 21:17. Rom. 8:35. 1 Pet. 4:14-16.
o Ez. 3-1-3. Rev. 10:9,10. p Job 23:12. Ps. 19:10. 119:72, 97,101-103,111..
Heb. thy name is called upon me. 14:9. marg.
q Ps. 1:1. 26:4,5. 2 Cor. 6:17. r 13:17. Lain. 3:28. Ez. 3:24, 25. Dan. 7:28.
s 1:10. 6:11. See on 20:8,9. t 14:19. Ps. 6:3. 13:1-3. Lam. 3:1-18.
u 30:12,15. Job 34:6. Mic. 1:9.
'thee, shall easily be vanquished and disap'pointed: because "I am with thee, &c." Lowth . (Note, 19-21.) The twelfth verse may be thus applied to the prophet's case: but the interpretation, which Blayney endeavors to establish, as if the whole passage was a menace against the prophet personally for his impatience, appears to me completely unnatural; and the last clause, "which shall burn upon you," ( plur .) sufficiently proves that the people were intended, and not the prophet. ( Marg . Ref . Note , 20:1-6.)
V. 15-18. The prophet still found his mind greatly discomposed, so that he opened his case before God, with a considerable degree of impatience, and some peevish expressions. He was sensible that the Lord knew his integrity, his circumstances, and his enemies: he en
treated him to remember and visit him with
mercy, and to revenge his cause; and not to take him away, while he exercised his longsuffering towards his persecutors, seeing that he was hated and reproached for his sake.'Suffer not mine enemies to take away my life 'while thou forbearest to vindicate and defend 'me.
Verbs active, in the Hebrew language, The prophet had "found the word" of God as 'do often signify only permission.' Lowth. a valued treasure; he had meditated en it, and had well digested, both the ancient books of the scripture, and the revelations immediately made to him; and he had found much comfort and joy in in them. ( Notes , Job 23:8—12. Ps . 119: 103. Ez . 2:7,8. 3:1-3. Matt . 13:44. Rev. 10:811, γυ . 9,10.) He had been known as the prophet of God, and had cheerfully received and delivered his messages; in hopes that the people would have been brought to repentance.
He had withdrawn himself from all intercourse with the profane, scornful, and jovial; and had not frequented their revels, nor shared in their mirth, but had lived in retirement: ( Note , Lam . 3:26-30.) and the awful predictions, with which he had been charged, the impenitence and opposition of the people, and the trials allotted him, had marred all his joy, and filled him with terror, sorrow, and melancholy; be
19 Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be bas my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
20 And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brazen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: 'for I am with thee to save thee, and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
21 And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of
the terrible.
1:10. 2:5.
d. See on 1:18,19.- 6:27. Ez. 3: 9. Acts 4:8-13,29-31.5:2932.
e 20:11,12.Ps. 124:1-3, 129: 1,2. Rom. 8:31-39.
f 20:11. Ps. 46:7,11. Is. 7:14. 8:9,10. 41:10. Acts 18:9, 10. 2 Tim. 4:16,17,22.
g Gen. 48:16. Гя. 27:2. 37:40. Is. 49:24,25. 54:17. Matt. 6:13. Rom. 16:20, 2 Cor. 1:10. h Is. 25:3-5. 29:5,20.
cause of the Lord's indignation with his people, and their indignation at him. But on what account was his pain thus made perpetual? Why was he oppressed with grief, which would admit of no remedy?
The Lord had promised to deliver him; ( Note , 1:17-19.) and would he act after the manner of deceitful men? ( Notes , Ps. 31:22. 73:12-14, 77:5-12.) or as waters, which fail in drought when they are most wanted? - "Wilt thou be altogether unto me as the lying of waters, that are not sure?" Blay ney. (Note, Job 6:15-23.) -For thy sake , &c. (15) Herein the prophet was a type of Christ, and his sufferings. Ps . 69:7.' Lowth . Of the mockers , &c. (17) The same word is rendered "those that make inerry" 30:19. 31:4.
And the passage may mean, that the prophet's joy, in his prophetical mission, was soon turned into sorrow: so that he was led to give place to melancholy, and court solitude. Because of thy hand .] 'The impulse of the prophetic 'Spirit.' Blayney. (Notes, 2 Kings 3:15. Ez . 1; 1-3, v. 3. 3:4-11,22-27.) V. 19-21. The prophet pro was out of temper, and heartless about his ministry; and in a frame of mind, which may best be understood by those, who have been tried a little in the same way. But the Lord called him to repent of his impatience, and to return to his work.
In this case he would again employ and honor him; he would bring him out of his difficulties, and cause him to stand with acceptance before him. And, if he learned to distinguish between "the precious and the vile," especially in respect of the characters of the people; that he might address them severally, for reproof, conviction, instruction, or consolation; ( Notes , Ez . 22.26. 44:7-9,23,24.) then the Lord would use him as his mouth, to declare his will, and would certainly take care of him in all respects.
But he must go on steadily in his prophetical office, using every means to bring the people to return to him, as their prophet, and to obey the word of the Lord spoken by him: and in case they would not, to leave the matter with God; but not to go down at all upon their ground, not to vary from his instructions, not to accommodate
himself in the least to their wishes, nor to give the least countenance or encouragement to them in their sins, either by his doctrine or example. If he attended to these things he might be assured that the Lord would perform the promises before made to him, and deliver him from the most powerful and malicious of his enemies. ( Note , 1:17-19.)
If thou take forth, &c. (19) To "separate the 'precious from the vile," means to teach sound 'doctrine, distinguishing rightly between what 'is good and what is otherwise; which is the 'characteristic of a true minister of God.' Blay
ney.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-9.
The holy God so abhors all sin, and his honor is so engaged to punish it; that it is absolutely impossible his "heart can be towards" obstinate and impenitent transgressors: and if the prayers, even of his most eminent servants, for the wicked, are not answered by their conversion; they cannot avail for their deliverance from deserved misery: nor can any thing rescue guilty nations from divine judgments, except
because "our reward is great in heaven." ( Notes , Matt . 5:10-12. 1 Pet . 4:12-16.) Yet in such circumstances, unbelief and impatience are often excited, and ruffle our tempers, cloud our judgments, and suggest highly improper thoughts and words.
But our gracious Lord will tenderly bear with the infirmities of his upright servants, and give them proper encouragement: and assuredly "it will be well" in life and death, with all the remnant of true believers; whilst all their obstinate opponents will be consumed by the fire which the Lord has kindled in his anger; and the stoutest and proudest of them will be utterly unable to withstand him, or "the weapons of his indignation." We should acquiesce in the judgments of God on his enemies, and rejoice in his knowledge of us and of all our trials; and we should beseech him to remember and visit our souls with his salvation, and to preserve us from our persecutors.
When we are conscious that we are rebuked for his sake, we may plead that as a reason why he should interpose in our behalf; but we should pray for the conversion of our persecutors, and not to
as it conduces to their reformation. Whilst be avenged of them.-Happy are they, who
we remain on earth, we ought to persevere in prayer for our unconverted relations and connexions: but "the spirits of just men made perfect" would not, if they might, ht, say a word in behalf of any, for whom the heavenly Advocate does not intercede; and his intercession suffices for "all that come to God through him." -Dreadful will be the case of all those, whom the Lord finally rejects and abhors. The variety of temporal calamities which he inflicts
seek and find the words of the Lord; who can relish and feed on them in their hearts, by faith, prayer, and meditation; and who can truly say, that they are "the joy and rejoicing" of their souls: such are justly called by the name of the Lord, and they will will have pleasant employment for their retired hours. Indeed, we all ought to avoid the assembly of the mockers, and the sensual and dissipated pleasures of the ungodly; and court retirement for
on guilty nations; the wars, famines, and pesti-searching the scriptures, for meditation, and
lences which waste them; the imprisonment and slavery, loss of children and other near relatives; the terror, anguish, and pain, to which numbers are exposed, are no more than an earnest of the wrath to come, which awaits all impenitent workers of iniquity.-Bad examples, and abused influence, authority, and talents, often produce fatal effects after men are dead: this may be the case even with those who live to repent, and so escape the most dreadful personal consequences of their crimes; which shews us how important it is to begin early to serve the Lord.
These things, however, are no more than occasions to men's sins, which originate from the evil of their own hearts; and therefore they justly deserve punishment: yet we should greatly dread being the guilty, or even the innocent, occasions of it.--We ought, while here, to compassionate and bemoan those who suffer for their sins, and interest ourselves in their concerns: but the wicked will perish unpitied and unlamented, when God shall stretch forth his hand against them to destroy them; because their obstinate impenitence has wearied out his pa
tience.
V. 10-21.
The ministers of God are constrained to "declare his whole counsel," though the proud and powerful be exasperated: and, however upright, prudent, blameless, and benevolent their conduct may be; however they avoid being entangled with the affairs of this life, and "abstain from all appearance of evil;" so long as they contend against sin and error, they will be deemed "pestilent fellows," "troublers of the city," and men of strife and contention. But, as prophets and apostles, and even Christ himself, were thus hated, reviled, and execrated by the ungodly: instead of complaining that we are exposed to such treatment, we should rejoice and be "exceedingly glad," that we are conformed to such honorable patterns, and
prayer: ( Note , Ps . 1:1-3.) yet, while suitably affected with the calamities of the church and of the world, and mourning for our own sins and sorrows; we should not indulge melancholy or moroseness, or exclude ourselves wholly from society; lest we grow fretful, impatient, and unfit for our duty. Even in complaining to God, we are prone to give place to unholy tempers, and to use distrustful and irreverent expressions: as if our griefs were unnecessary, intolerable, or incurable; or as if he disappointed our expectations, grounded on his faithful word.
Thus we dishonor him and disquiet ourselves; and he might justly leave us to the effects of our sin and folly: but he bears with us, and checks the progress of our evil tempers. We cannot, however, expect the comfort or credit of his favor and service, except in the exercise of faith, submission, and diligence in our work: and to stand accepted with him is an abundant recompense for all, which we can do or suffer for his sake.
They, who are employed as his mouth, must learn to distinguish the precious from the vile, in doctrines, practice, experience, and characters; that they may be "workmen, who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (Note, 2 Tim . 2:14-18, v . 15.) They must endeavor to reduce their hearers to the scriptural standard of faith and holiness: but they must by no means lower the requirements of scripture; accommodate their message to the humors, sentiments, fashions, or characters of men; or teach them to seek safety and happiness in any other way, than that laid down in the gospel.
When they strictly adhere to this plan, they may be sure that the Lord will protect, uphold, comfort, and prosper them; and they will assuredly prevail against every terrible and wicked opposer: but those who are men-pleasers cannot be the servants of Jesus Christ, but will at length be put to shame and perish. ( Notes , Gal . 1:6-10.1 Thes . 2:1-8,v.4.