CHAP. IV. V. 1, 2. These verses seem to be addressed to the ten tribes, and to continue the subject of the preceding chapter. (Note, 3:20 -25.) They had been introduced, saying, "Behold we come unto thee, for thou art the LORD our God:" and here they are reminded to return, wholly and in good earnest, to him and his service; and not to rest in a partial or superficial reformation: ( Notes , 3:6-11.
Hos . 7: 13-16.) and God assures them, that if they evidence their sincerity, by putting away all their abominable idolatries and iniquities, which they had wrought as in his sight, they shall be re-established in their ancient inheritance, and not remove from it any more, or wander about as they had done. (Note, Ez. 39:23-29.) This was a clear intimation to Judah also, by what means their removal might be prevented.Thus they would become serious and devout in their religious worship; and they would use the name of the living God, and not that of any idol, in their solenin oaths: they would use it in sincerity, and with reverence and consideration, on, and not in a trifling manner, or on
3 For thus saith the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, jand take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it , because of the evil of your doings.
5 Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, m Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, " Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.
6 Set up the standard toward Zion:
i Gen. 3:18. Hos. 10:12. Matt. 13:7,22. Mark 4:7,13,19. Luke 8:7,14. Gal. 6:7,3.
j 9:26. Deut. 10:16.30:6. Ez. 18.31. Rom. 2:28,29. Col. 2: 11.
k 21:5,12. 23:19. 36:7. Lev. 26: 28. Deut. 32:22. Is. 30:27,33. 51:17. Lam. 4:11. Ez. 5:13
15. 6:12. 8:18. 16:38. 20:33,47,
48. 21:17. 24:8,13. Am. 5:6. Nah. 1:2. Zeph. 2.2. Mark 9:43-50. 15:20. 9:12. 11:2, m 6:1.
Ez. 33:2-6. Hos. 8: 1. Am. 3:6,8.
n 8:14. 35:11. Josh. 10:20. ο 21. 50:2. 51:12,27. Is. 62:10.
retire, stay not: P for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.
7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place t to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste without an inhabitant.
8 For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the Lord is not turned back from us.
9 And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the Lord, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; a and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.
* Or, strengthen. P 1:13-15. 6:22. 21:7. 25:9. 950:22, 51:54.
Heb. breaking. Zeph. 1:10. г 5:6. 25:38. 49:19. 50:17,44. s 25:9. 27:8. Ez. 21:19-21.26: 7-10.30:10,11. Dan. 5:19. t 2:15. 9:11. 26:9. 33:10. 34:22. Is. 1:7, 5:9, 6:11.
u 6:26. Is. 15.3. 22.12. 32:11.
Joel 2:12,16. Am. 8:10. 48:20. Is. 13:6. 15:2,3. 21:12. 30:2.
Ετ.
y Is. 5:25. 9:12,17,21. 10:4. 12:1. z 39:4,5. 52:7. 1 Sam. 25:37,38. 2 Kings 25:4. Ps. 102:4. Is. 19:3,11,12,16. 21:3,4. 22:3-5. a 5:31. 6:13,14. 37:19. Is. 29:9, 10. Ez. 13:9-16. Acts 13:41.
frivolous occasions: and they would punctual-might love God and his holy ways. ( Notes , 9:
happi
ly observe their oaths, "in truth, judgment, and righteousness." ( Notes , 5:1,2. Is . 48:1,2.) Then the nations, seeing their holiness and prosperity, would be induced to seek ha ness from God, and to glory in him as their Portion and Salvation; and thus his name would be glorified, which had been dishonored by the crimes and calamities of his professed worshippers. This implies a prediction of the conjunction of the Israelites and the Gentiles in the Christian church.
The constant mention of swearing , as an act and a part of true religious worship, which in some cases is expressly commanded, constitutes a full proof, that those who understand certain passages in the New Testament, as indiscriminately prohibiting all oaths in every case, lie under a mistake: for God could never have commanded that, which is directly evil in its very nature, as all oaths by this interpretation are supposed to be. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Matt . 5:33 37. Jam. 5:12.)-The nations shall bless them selves in him . (2) Notes, Gen. 12:1-3, v . 3. 22: 16-18, v . 18. Ps . 72:17-19.
25,26. Gen. 17:9-12. Deut . 10:16. 30:1-10, v . 6. Acts 7:51-53. Rom . 2:25-29, υυ . 28,29. 4:9 -12. Col. 2:11,12.) Except this inward circumcision, and the consequent dedication of themselves to his service took place; no external privileges or reformation could prevent the execution of the predicted judgments on them: for the wrath of God, for their personal and national sins, would break forth, and burn like fire which could not be quenched.
This preparation of heart is indeed the gift of God, and is frequently promised in scripture: yet it is the sinner's duty to repent, to submit, to fear God, to believe his word, to turn to him, to love and to serve him: and therefore these things are frequently and expressly commanded. ( Notes , Ps . 51:10. Ez . 11:17-20. 18:30— 32. 36:25-27. Jam. 4:7-10, v . 8.)-The word rendered "fore-skins" is translated by the LXX "hardness of heart," which gives the proper meaning, though not the literal sense, of the passage.
Does not this verse strongly mark the distinction between the sacrament of regeneration and regeneration itself? And is it not in fact equivalent to a command to baptized persons, who are not born of God, to regenerate themselves?
V. 5-7. Even during Josiah's reformation, the prophet was commissioned to predict the invasion of the land by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place above thirty years after. The alarm is given, as by one upon the spot; the trumpet; and the people are called upon to assemble, and take refuge in their strong holds. The standard was to be erected in the way to Zion, that the people might without delay repair thither for safety; and yet this would be in vain, for destruction was at hand. Because Nebuchadnezzar, the conqueror and destroyer of the nations, in all that part of the earth, was risen up, as a fierce lion from the thicket, to go in quest of his prey; and had left Babylon, commissioned by God, to desolate the land and the cities of Judah. ( Marg . Ref . r-t.- Notes , 27:4-11. 49:19,20. 51:20-24. Ez . 21:19-22.)-North. (6) Notes , 1:13,14.25:8,9. Ez . 1:4.
V. 3, 4. The Jews are here addressed.
They were still continued in the land, and favored with the ordinances of God: their pious king, (assisted by the prophets and others,) was sedulousiy employed in extirpating idolatry, and in promoting religion and righteousness: but the people were generally hypocritical in their concurrence; their hearts continued proud, hard, stout, and carnal; producing spontane- it is ordered to be published by the blowing of ously vice and impiety, but incapable of receiving the good seed of divine instruction. (Note, 3:6-11.) It was therefore incumbent on them, and absolutely necessary, earnestly to use all means of preparing their hearts for the good seed of divine truth; together with diligence and self-denial, in mortifying their worldly lusts; that they might receive the good seed into a humble, teachable, contrite, and upright heart, by faith and in love; and so bring forth the fruits of it in a holy life. ( Notes , Hos . 10:12,13.
Matt . 13:3-8,18-23.) They were indeed disposed to confide and glory in circumcision, as a token of their relation to God. But this would not profit them, unless their hearts were circumcised, by the mortification of all depraved propensities, that they VOL. IV.
V. 8, 9. ( Marg . Ref . Note , 6:24-26.) 'Great 'calamities often deprive men of their wonted [257
10 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! 14 TO Jerusalem, Wash thine heart
surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, dYe shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.
11 At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem; A & dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse;
12 Even * a full wind from those places shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them.
13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: mhis horses are swifter than eagles. unto us! for we are spoiled.
[Practical Observations.]
from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
15 For a voice declareth from Dan and publisheth affliction from Ephraim.
moun
16 Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.
17 As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the
Woe LORD.
b. 1:6. 14:13. 32:17. Ez. 11:13.51:2. Is. 41:16. Matt. 3:12.
с 14:13,14. 1 Kings 22:20-23. Is. 63:17. Ez. 14:9,10. Rom. 1:24,26,28. 2 Thes. 2:9-12.
d 5:12. 6:14. 8:11. 23:17. Is. 30: 10.
e 18. Ex. 9:14.
g 23:19. 30.23,24.51:1. Is. 27:8. 64:6. Ez. 17:10. 19:12. Hos. 13:3,15,
h 8:19. 9.1,7. 14:17. Is. 22:4. Lam. 2:11. 3:48. 4:3,6,10.
Luke 3:17.
* Or, a fuller wind than those. † Heb. utter judgments. 1:16. Ez 5:8. 6:11-13. 7:8,9.
k Is. 13:5. 19:1. Nah. 1:3. Matt. 24:30. Rev. 1:7.
1 Is. 5:28. 66:15. Nah. 2:3,4. m Deut. 28:49. Lam. 4:19. Dan. 7:4. Hos. 8:1. Hab. 1:8. n See on 31. 10:19.
'courage, and that presence of mind which is 'necessary for the due management of their 'affairs: and sometimes a divine infatuation 'accompanies God's other judgments. (See Is . 19:11,12.) ... "The priests shall be astonished, 'and the prophets shall wonder," who have 'both agreed to make the people believe, that 'none of these calamities should come upon 'them. Lowth. (Notes, 38:14-16,20--23. 2 Kings 25:1-7,19--21. Is . 19:2,3,16,17. Ez . 12: 8--16.)
V. 10. In the prospect of these calamities, the prophet was astonished and afflicted, to see the people secure, and seduced into a vain expectation of peace and prosperity, by means of the false prophets. This the Lord permitted, and appointed in judgment , to punish their contempt of him; and the prophet lamented it, as the most awful of their calamities. For they expected peace, whilst the indignation of the Lord, as a sharp sword, "reached even to the soul," and inflicted a mortal wound. Thou hast suffered them to 'be greatly deceived by their false prophets.
"These pretenders to prophecy studied only to 'speak pleasing things to the people, and 'soothe them in their impenitency and carnal 'security; and thou hast in thy just judgment 'given them up to follow these delusions. 'Comp. 2 Thes . 2:11,12. Lowth . Then said I, 'Ah, Lord God, surely this people and Jerusalem will be ready to cast upon thee the im'putation of deceiving them; in that those who have pretended to prophesy unto them, have 'said, Ye shall have peace, whereas there is 'nothing but slaughter and devastation.' Bp . Hall.
Thou hast punished their stubborn'ness, by causing them to hearken unto lies, 'who would not believe thy truth.' ( Notes , 14: 13-16.1 Kings 22:19-23. Is . 63:15-19, v . 17. Ez . 14:9-11. 2 Thes . 2:8-12.)
18 Thy a way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy
o Is. 1:16-19.55:7. Ez. 18:31. Matt. 12:33. 15:19,20. 23:26,27. Luke 11:39. Jam. 4:8.
p 13:27. Ps. 66:18. 119:113. Prov. 1:22. Acts 8:22. Rom. 1:21. 1 Cor. 3:20.
q 6:1. 8:16. Judg. 18:29. 20:1. r Josh. 17:15. 20:7.
s 6:18. 31:10:50:2. Is. 34.1. t 17. 5:6. 16:16. 39-1.
u 5:15. Deut. 28:49-52. Is. 39 : 3.
x 2:15. Ez. 21:22.
y 6:2,3. 2 Kings 25:1-4. Is. 1: 8. Luke 19:43,44. 21:20-24. z 5:23. Is. 1:20-23, 30:9. Lam. 1:18. Ez. 2:3-7.
a See on 2:17,19.-5:19. 6:19. 26. 19. Job 20.5-16. Ps. 107:17. Prov. 1:31. 5:22. Is. 50.1.
whelming travellers with immense quantities of burning sands, as they passed through rough the deserts. ( Note , Is . 21:1.) It would blow from the hig
places in
high places, or waste and unsheltered es in the wilderness, towards Zion. It was not intended to correct and purify the people, as the gentle gale fans and cleanses the corn; but as a full wind to drive all away together: and it would come "unto me:" either to the Lord's sanctuary, who seems here to speak; and at his command; or to the habitation of the prophet by whom he spake: for God would speedily denounce sentence against Zion, as a condemned criminal. ( Note , 1:16.)-To execute this sentence Nebuchadnezzar and his armies would come swiftly and in immense multitudes, so that nothing could stop their progress; as clouds speedily formed darken the sky, and burst forth in a dreadful storm. Thus his chariots would be like a whirlwind to desolate the land. (Notes, Deut . 28: 49-57. Is . 30:27,28. Lam . 4:18,19. Nah . 2:3 --6.)
V. 14. Some attention had been paid by the Jews to external reformation: but the heart of Jerusalem, or of its inhabitants, was still polluted, and the seat of idolatry and wickedness: vain and corrupt imaginations, desires, and affections, not only obtained admission, but lodged within, as welcome guests. ( .Notes , Ps. 66:18,19. 119:113.
Acts 8:18-24, v. 22.) The people still harbored with pleasure the thoughts of returning to their idols and iniquities; and vainly imagined they should be and happy in their evil ways; and prosper by their presumptuous confidence in the Egyptians, or in their religious privileges. ( Marg . Ref . ) This had long been the case, and the prophet inquired, how long they intended that it should be so. ( Notes , Prov . 1:21-23.
Hos . 8:5,6.) For it was absolutely necessary that their hearts should be washed, through true repentance and faith, and by divine grace, from the love and pollution of sin; since no external ablutions and purifications could save their
V. 11-13. The approach of the invaders is here represented by striking similitudes. It would be as "a dry wind," increasing drought and famine, bringing suffocating heat, and occasioning fatal diseases; and sometimes over-city from desolation, or their souls from hell.
wickedness, because it is bitter, because
it reacheth unto thine heart.
19 My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at * my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of
war.
120Destruction a upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.
21 d How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?
22 For my people is foolish, & they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding:
v See on 10.
x 9:1,10. 13:17. 14:17,18. 23:9. 48:31,32. Ps. 119:53,136. Is. 15:5. 16:11. 22:4.4 Lam. 1:16. 2:11.3:48-51. Dan. 7:15,28. 8:27. Hab. 3:16. Luke 19: 41,42. Rom. 9:2,3. 10:1. Gal. 4:19.
* Heb. the walls of my heart. y Gen. 49:6. Judg. 5:21. Ps. 16.2.42.5,6. 103:1. 116:7. 146:1. z See on 5,21.-Am. 3:6. Zeph. 1:15,16.
a See on 6.-17:18. Lev. 26:18, 21,24,28. Ps. 42:7. Is. 13:6. Lam. 3:47. Ez. 7:25. 14:21.
Joel 1:15. Matt. 10:28. 2 Thes. 1:9.
b 10:19,20. Is. 33:20. 54:2. Lam. 2:6-9. Hab. 3:7.
с Ex. 33:5. Num. 16:21,45. Ps. 73:19. Is. 47:9.
d See on 14.
e See on 5,6,19.-6:1. 2 Chr. 35:25. 36:3,6,7,10,17.
f 5:4,21. 8:7-9. Deut. 32:6,28. Ps. 14:1-4. Is. 1:3.6:9,10. 27: 11.29:10-12 42:19,20. Hos. 4:1,6. Matt. 29:16-26. Rom. 1:22 3:11.
g Hos. 5:4. John 16:3. Rom. 1:28. 1 Cor. 1:20,21.
(Notes, Is . 1:16-20. Matt . 23:25-28. Luke 11:39,40. Jam . 4 : 7-10. )
V. 15-18. The prophet, in vision, beholds the invaders entering the northern border of the land. ( Judg . 18:29. 20:1. Notes , 8:14-16.) -Babylon was indeed rather towards the east than directly north from Judah: but the destruction entered the land, at the northern extremity of it.
The report of this would spread swiftly from Dan, through the nations which inhabited Ephraim: but the design of the invading army was especially against Jerusalem and Judah; they came from a far country to besiege the cities of Judah, and to watch around them, that no relief should be brought in, and no inhabitants escape out; as men are set to guard the field, and keep the cattle from getting out, or the robbers from breaking in. (Marg.
Ref. s.) Thus the sword of the enemy, or the vengeance of the Lord, would pierce their vitals to punish their atrocious rebellions. ( Note , 2:14-19, vv . 15,18.) - These things . (18) "Thy way, and thy doings have brought a curse upon thee." Blayney.
they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.dodoma azad
23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.
24 I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.
25 I beheld, and, lo, m there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled.
26 I beheld, and, lo, "the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down, at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger.
27 For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; Pyet will I not make a full end.
the earth mourn, and
m Hos. 4:3. Zeph. 1:2,3.
n 12:4. 14:2-6. Deut. 29:23- 28. Ps. 107:34. Is. 5:9,10. 7:
i 9:10. Gen. 1:2. Is. 24:19- 20-25. Mic. 3:12. 23. Rev. 20:11.
o See on 7-7:34. 12:11. 18:16. 2 Chr. 36:21. Is. 6:11,12. 24:1, 3-12. Ez. 6:14. 33:28.
p 5:10,18. 30:11. 46:28. Lev. 26:44. Is. 24:12,13. Ez. 11: 13. Am. 9:8,9. Rom. 9:2729.11:1-7.
q See on 23-26.-12:4. 23:10. Is. 24:4. 33:8,9. Hos. 4:3. Joel 1:10.
( Note , 5-7.)-Upon this complaint, the Lord himself speaks, to convince his servant of the propriety of his conduct in these awful judgments. He shews him that though the Jews were his professed people, they were foolish and ignorant, and knew him not, because they disliked his holy character and service: they were heedless and inattentive as children; yea, they were sottish, stupid, unteachable children, and seemed destitute of common sense.
They had indeed some ingenuity in impiety and iniquity; but were perfectly destitute of understanding as to every thing good. ( Note , 1 Cor . 14:20-25.)-In consequence of this declaration, the prophet is shewn again, and still more distinctly, in vision, the whole land reduced to confusion and emptiness, like the original chaos: ( Note , Gen. 1:2.) the heavens darkened, the mountains trembling, all the inhabitants, and even the fowls of the air, driven away.
This represents, in the style of very sublime poetry, the entire subversion of their civil and ecclesiastical government, the termination of all their prosperity, and the total desolation of the land, after the most violent convulsions; which is more plainly predicted in what fol
V. 19-27. The prophet, to express his full conviction of the certainty of these predicted judgments, and to shew that he had no pleas- lows. The assemblage is finely made, so as ure in delivering such terrible messages, here 'to delineate altogether a most striking and in
speaks of himself, as in great anguish at what in vision he saw and heard. His bowels were in great commotion and agony; his heart was pained and in a tumult through consternation; he could not hold his peace, but must speak of
'teresting picture of a ruined country; and to justify what has been before observed of the 'author's happy talent for pathetic description. "The earth is brought back as it were to its 'primitive state of chaos and confusion, the
what he foresaw coming on his people, if they 'cheerful light of the heavens is withdrawn, persisted in refusing to hearken to him. ( Notes , 'and succeeded by a dismal gloom; the moun Is . 16:8-11. 22:4. Lam , 2:11. Luke 19:41- 'tains tremble and the hills shake under dread44.) 'The whole scene was shewn him, as if 'ful apprehensions of the Almighty's displeaspresent before him.
He heard the trumpet 'ure; a frightful solitude reigns all around; not sound the alarm; it was reported to him that 'a vestige is to be seen of any of the human one city after another was destroyed; and the 'race; even the birds themselves have deserted whole land was desolated, as easily and speed-'the fields.' Blayney. ( Notes , Is . 13:9-15. ily as a few tents may be removed: he had Matt . 24:29-31.) Yet it is also intimated, that continually before his eyes the standard of this ruin of the nation would not be final. war, and the trumpet still sounded in his ears. ( Marg . Ref .- .
Notes , 30:10,11. 46:27,28.)
the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it , I have purposed it , and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.
29 The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; "they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: * every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.
self with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rendest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.
the
31 For bIhave heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child; voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, say Though thou clothest thy- ing , Woe is me now! 'for my soul is
30 And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do?
V. 28, 29. Notes , 23-27. Is . 5:26-30.50:1 -3.-I have purposed , &c. (28) Notes, 18:710. Ps . 110:4. Is . 14:24-27. 46:10,11.- Not a man, &c. (29) This was exactly fulfilled by the Chaldeans, and afterwards by the Romans. (Note, Is . 6:11,12.)
V. 30, 31. Jerusalem is here represented as a harlot: and it is inquired, what she would do when these judgments came upon her. Her gay clothing and costly ornaments, and her painting, (which for the present might cover the defects of the face, but afterwards would rend it, and make it deformed,) could be of no avail. ( Notes , 2 Kings 9:30–37, v . 30.
wearied because of murderers.
* Heb. eyes. 2 Kings 9:30. | c 6:2,23. Matt. 21:5. d Is. 1:15. Lam. 1:17.
marg .
may confidently hope, that they will be induced to "bless themselves, and glory" in our God and Savior. It should therefore be our constant aim, to prevail, if possible, with professed Christians, to "break up the fallow ground, and not to sow among thorns:" that, not content with empty forms and notions, they may seek for a humble, serious, and broken heart, in which the word of God may take root, and bring forth fruit to perfection. (Note, Luke 8: 4-15.) And we should begin with ourselves: for without serious self-examination, deep convictions of our guilt and depravity, fervent prayers, and constant endeavors to be influ
Is . 3:16,17.) That is, none of Jerusalem's out-enced in our conduct by the truths which we
ward privileges, or hypocritical professions, none of her contrivances and efforts would prevent her destruction: for even the nations, which had seduced her to idolatry, would despise her. ( Notes , 22:20-23. Lam . 1:1,2,1822. Ez . 23:11-27.) The city is therefore next represented under the image of a travailing woman, in her first labor, when her pains and fears may be supposed the greatest: for in this manner, and under the impression of these affecting images, the prophet must bewail the massacres and desolations, which were coming on the inhabitants of Jerusalem: or, Jerusalem would bewail her own complicated miseries. ( Marg . Ref . b-g.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-13.
receive; all the advantages of revelation, and all the labors of the minister, will to us be in vain.
Let us then recollect, that the true baptism, as well as the true "circumcision, is that of the heart:" and as the Lord commands us to "put off the body of the sins of the flesh," and to remove all the impediments of our corrupt nature, that we may fear, trust, and love him; let us turn these precepts into prayers, and entreat him to "create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us." For "except a man be born again, he cannot see," or "enter into, the kingdom of God;" and if men die unchanged, "his fury will come forth like fire and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of their doings."" In a case therefore of such urgent necessity, the less we can do of ourselves, the more need we have to cry incessantly to the Lord for help. ( Note , 31: 18 20.) He commonly warns before he strikes: but if his warnings are despised, they will soon be realized in judgments: and when he arises to execute vengeance, sinners will find it in vain to combine for mutual defence, or to flee any whither for refuge; and no "roaring lion," or "destroyer of the nations," is to be dreaded, in comparison parison with "him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell." Yet when he uses ambitious men, besides their intention, as his instruments of temporal punishment, the sufferers are made to howl and lament most dolefully.
When he contends, men are soon dispirited and infatuated; their resolution and capacity fail them, and their hearts sink and perish within them: but none are more stupified with astonishment and terror on such occasions, than ungodly priests and false teachers. The justice of God, in leaving sinners to be deceived, and to "expect peace when vengeance reacheth to the soul," is very awful. The faithful servants of God deprecate from the people this judgment, above all others; yet
The Lord will assuredly pardon and bless all those, however criminal, who "return to him with their whole hearts;" and shew that they are sincere penitents, "by putting away all their abominations," as in his sight who "requires truth in the inward parts:" parts:" but a formal or a partial reformation will be of no avail.-While Christians, so called, are notoriously addicted to in to injustice, fraud, lying, and oppression; while they trifle with the most solemn subscriptions, engagements, and oaths, which are administered without reverence, taken without consideration, and violated without hesitation; while these are multiplied on such frivolous occasions, and men shew a contempt of God and of justice, at the same time, by rash, as well as profane swearing; it it cannot be expected that Pagans or Mohammedans should be impressed in favor of Christianity, or expect much good from embracing it.
But whenever a contrary conduct shall distinguish the disciples of Jesus from all other men, in all parts of the world; one grand obstacle to the conversion of the nations will be removed, and well 260]
impressed
ness of all ranks and orders among them, 1-6; adultery, 7
-9; impious contempt of God's word, 10-14; idolatry, 15
19; blindness, presumption, and ingratitude, 20-25; injustice and oppression, 26-29; and the favor shewn to false prophets, 30, 31.
UN ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places there
a 2 Chr. 16:9. Dan. 12:4. Joel b Prov. 8:3. Cant. 3:2. Luke 2:9. Am. 8:12. Zech. 2:4, 14:21.
they often perceive that he sees good to inflict it. On this account they are treated as ma- levolent, censorious, and spiritually proud; for they cannot but remind their hearers of the distinction betwixt a faithful minister of the gospel, and a blind guide, or a teacher of lies in the garb of a priest: but the event will justi- fy their co conduct, and convince all the world of the reality and immense importance of this disregarded distinction. When light calami- ties are not effectual to fan and cleanse con- gregations, churches, or nations professing Christianity, God will give sentence upon them; a whirlwind and storm of vengeance will be commissioned to execute his word; and then it will be unavailing to say, "Woe unto us! for we are undone."
V. 14-31.
Exhortations and encouragements should be blended with warnings; that men may neither presume, nor be left without hope: but we must still insist upon it, that without "the heart be washed from wickedness," and vain thoughts and desires dislodged from it, there can be no salvation. ( Note , Is. 55:6,7.) We can also point out that Fountain, in which the most polluted may wash and be clean; and direct them to One, that is able and willing to assist them in this work: we can assure them, that all who are thus washed shall be saved: and we should distinguish between those, who "hate vain thoughts" and sinful imaginations, but are often harassed by them; and those who love, entertain, and lodge them in their hearts.
This has too long been the case with us all: but how long do sinners intend that it should be so with them? Would they be willing to die, when their hearts are thus occupied with evil imaginations and lustings; and remain to eternity the proud carnal enemies of God and holiness? If not, no time should be lost.
For his voice declares from afar, that misery is speedily approaching, especially against wicked professors of the gospel: and when this overtakes them, it will be evident, that their rebellious "ways and doings have procured these things unto themselves;" and that the fruit of wickedness is bitter and the end fatal.
Those who believe and preach the word of God, clearly foresee that destruction of sinners, of which others have little apprehension; and the prospect often pains them to the heart: yet because they cannot hold their peace, but must warn, exhort, and expostulate with sinners, and entreat them to "flee from the wrath to come," they are deemed troublers of the city: and are even accused of taking pleasure in denouncing damnation; whilst their aim and constant prayers are, that men may be wise and make haste to escape it; and while their benevolence, and compassion towards ever their revilers, in their temporal distresses, fully refute the injurious charge.
But often neither warnings nor judgments make due impression, even on men called Christians; they shew themselves foolish and rebellious, and prove that they know not the
Lord; yea, sottish children, without common sense in the concerns of their souls, though in other respectsingenious, and and reputed as as oracles. But what a wretched thing is it to be "wise to do evil," and treasure up wrath; but to have no understanding to do good! Whatever else we know not, may the Lord make us to be 'of 'good understanding in the way of godliness!" -How has sin marred God's fair creation, and almost reduced it again to a confused chaos!
They, whose treasure is on earth, may be soon bereaved of it, by revolutions in kingdoms or human affairs, affairs, or removed from it by death: and ere long the visible creation will pass away, and be no more seen. ( Notes , 2 Pet . 3:10-13. Rev. 20:11-15.) But the Lord will not make a full end of his people. As for his enemies: their light will soon be put out in utter darkness: and all those things, which have here appeared admirable or honorable in them, will terminate in contempt and misery, of which no images in nature can give us an adequate conception.
NOTES.