CHAP. XLIV.
God, expostulates with the Jews in Egypt, for
by his proper all that they had heard, spertar and witnessed, 1-10. He denounces their destruction, 11their idols, and ascribe their miseries to the neglect of them,
14. The Jews impiously avow their purpose of cleaving to
15-19. The prophet shews the falsehood of their plea; and, in the name of God, predicts their utter ruin, 20-28; and, for a sign, that also of the king of Egypt, 29, 30.
HE word that came to Jeremiah
Title
there, than the prophet was instructed to inform them, that Nebuchadnezzar would pursue them, m, and place his pavilion, or display his magnificence, near the p palace of Pharaoh, so that he would not be able to protect them. -This prediction was attended by a sign, of which some of the Jews were made witnesses, that it might be the more noticed. ( Notes , 13:1-11. 16:2—9. 18:1—10. 19:) It was also predicted, that Nebuchadnezzar would destroy great numbers of the Egyptians, and take many prisoners; ( Note , 15:2-4.) that he would
tionable actions to the worst motives. But they express most enmity against faithful ministers, whom they treat as deceivers, and charge with malevolence, and with being encmies to mankind. When thus bent on disobedience, they employ their ability, influence, or authority, in carrying others along with them in their rebellious courses: and the prospect of success, or carnal security, easily leads them into the most powerful temptations. But vengeance pursues the obstinate rebel: while no banishment or distance from external advantapresence, and the comfort of communion with him. When he employs ambitious men to scourge guilty nations, they have easy and speedy success in their destructive expeditions: but he will especially punish those who deceive and ensnare his people, or tempt them to rebellion against him: and the idols and idolaters shall be involved in one common destruction.
add Egypt to his dominions, and possess him-ges, can exclude the people of God from his
self of the spoil of it, with the utmost speed; and with as much ease, as a shepherd puts on his garment. This shews the prodigious ease 'with which all the power and riches of a king'dom are carried away, when God appoints 'the revolution.' Rollin . ( Note , Ex . 29:17-20.) -Then he would return to his own land in peace, none daring to resist him: and he would burn their temples and idols, to which the Egyptians were attached beyond other nations, and which tempted the Jews also to idolatry. ( Notes , 44:29,30. 46:26. 2 Sam . 5:21. Is . 19:1. 46:1,2. Ez . 29:1-13.30:-32:) Especially that he would break the images of Bethshemesh, ( the house of the sun , marg .) in the land of Egypt; ( Note , Is . 19:18.) for there was a city of that name in the land of Judah. ( Josh . 15:10. Notes , 1 Sam . 6:)
Brick - kiln . (9) 'Bricks were the chief mate'rials used in the most stately buildings: (Gen. 11:3.) so there was constant occasion for such a brick-kiln near Pharaoh's palace. 'Yet this might be a great way from the pal'ace itself; the courts of great kings being al'most equal to a city for extent, in ancient 'times.' Lowth. The word rendered "brickkiln," may perhaps mean the clay , of which the bricks were made.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Pride is the great root of infidelity, and proud men scorn subjection to any superior; they prefer their own wisdom to the revealed word of God; they resent warning, counsel, and reproof; they set up their own will in opposition to the divine authority, and justify themselves in the most flagrant enormities. When men of this character have resolved not to be ruled by the scriptures, they deny the divine original of them, notwithstanding the manifold demonstrations with which they are authenticated; they give credit to any absurdity, which
NOTES.
CHAP. XLIV. V. 1. The Jews were now dispersed in different cities, probably according to the appointment of Pharaoh: and there they worshipped idols without restraint. Jeremiah was therefore commissioned to deliver a message from God to them; which he seems to have done at Pathros, to a multitude there assembled; (15) but it would soon be circulated among those who lived in the other cities, which were not very distant.
Noph .] 'Commonly called Memphis; ... near 'this place stands one of the pyramids, which is 'yet remaining.' Lowth . These were all fa'mous and strong cities in Egypt, where the Jews that were fled dwelt for their safety: but the prophet declareth that there is no hold 'so strong, that can preserve them from God's 'vengeance.' ( Marg . Ref . )
V. 2, 3. Note , 42:18. - Whom, &c. (3) The God of Israel had given so many proofs of his wisdom and power, his justice, truth, and mercy, in his dealings with that nation, during a long succession of ages; and of his awful vengeance in the recent tremendous judgments, which the Jews had witnessed; that nothing, but wilfully closing their eyes, could prevent them from knowing him to be "the one living and true God." But they could assign no good reason for worshipping idols: they did not know that they had any existence: and they could not but know, that the images which they made of them, were nothing else than
seems to countenance infidelity; they impute lifeless wood, metal, or stone. ( Notes , 10:3the basest conduct to the most blameless and 15. Deut . 32:17. Is . 43:8-13.44:6-8.46:5-11. excellent characters; and the most uneхсер- 48:2-5.1 Cor . 8:4-6.)
them, saying, Oh, do not 1 this abominable || have committed in the land of Judah, and thing that I hate.
5 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.
6 Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day.
7 Therefore now thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, Wherefore commit ye this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, t to leave you none to remain; 8 In that ye provoke me unto wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense unto other gods in the land of Egypt, whither ye be gone to dwell, * that ye might cut yourselves off, and that ye might be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth?
9 Have ye forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives, and your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives, which they
1:16:18. Ez. 8:10. 1 Pet. 4:3. s Deut. 32:25. 1 Sam. 15:3. 22: Rev. 17:4,5.
m See on 7:24. 2 Chr. 36:16. Is. 48:4,18.
Ps. 81:11-13.
Zech. 7:11,12.
n 17-21. See on 19:13.
ο 4:4. 7:20. 21:5,12. 36:7. 42:18. Lev. 26:28. Is. 51:17,20. Ez. 5:13. 6:12. 8:18. 20:33. 24:8, 13. Dan. 9:12. Nah. 1:2.
p See on 2,3. Is. 6:11.
9 7:19. 42:20. marg. Num. 16:38. Prov. 1:18. 5:22. 8:36. 15:32. Ez. 33:11. Hab. 2:10. r 8,11. 9:21. 51:22. Josh. 6:21. Judg. 21:11.
19. Lam. 2:11.
Heb. the midst of Judah. 112,14,27,28.
u See on 25:6,7.-Deut. 32:16, 17. 2 Kings 17:15-17. 1 Cor. 10:21,22.
x See on 7.-Ez. 18:31,32. y 18:16. 24:9. 26:6. 29:18. 42: 18. 1 Kings 9:7,8. 2 Chr. 7: 20. Is. 65:15. Lam. 2:15,16. z Josh. 22:17-20. Ezra 9:715. Dan. 9:5-8.
† Heb. wickednesses, or punishments, &-c.
a 15-19. 7:17,18.
the streets of Jerusalem?
10 They are not + humbled even unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your fathers.
11 Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, d I will set my face against you for evil, and to cut
off all Judah.
12 And I will take the remnant of Ju dah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be consumed, and fall in the land of Egypt: they shall even be consumed by the sword and by the famine: they shall die, from the least even unto the greatest, by the sword and by the famine: and they shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach.
13 For I will punish them that dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:
14 So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there; jfor none shall return but such as shall escape.
[Practical Observations.]
b 8:12. Ex. 9:17. 10:3. 1 Kings 21:29. 2 Chr. 12:6-12. 32:26. 33:12,19. 34:27. Dan. 5:2022. Jam. 4:6-10. 1 Pet. 5:6. Heb. contrite. 2 Kings 22: 19. Ps. 34:18. 51:17. Is. 57: 15. 66:2. Ez. 9:4.
с 10:7. 36:24. Ex. 9:30. Prov. 8:13. 16:6. 28:14. Matt. 27: 54. Luke 23:40. Rom. 11:20. Rev. 15:4.
d 21:10. Lev. 17:10. 20:5,6.
26:17. Ps. 34:16. Ez. 14:8. 15:7. Am. 9:4.
e See on 42:15-18,22.
f See on 8.-29:22. Is. 65:15. g 27,28. See on 11:22. 21:9. 24: 10. 42:18.
h 27. See on 42:17. Matt. 23: 33. Rom. 2:3. Heb. 2:3. i 22:26,27. 42:22.
Heb. lift up their soul
j 28. Is. 4:2. 10:20. Rom. 9: 27. 11:5,6,
V.4. ( Marg . Ref . k. Neh . 9:26-30. Zech. 'forced. Therefore the Lord sheweth, that he 1:5,6.) The latter clause may be rendered, 'will set his face against them; that is, pur
"I pray you, do not this abominable thing, that which I hate." The language is peculiarly pathetic, as well as emphatical. ( Marg . Ref . 1.-Note, 2 Cor. 5:18-21, v. 20.)
V. 5, 6. ( Marg . Ref . Notes, 2 Chr . 36:1416. Zech . 7:8-14.) 'He setteth before their 'eyes God's judgments ats against Judah and Je'rusalem for their idolatry; that they hey might be'ware by their example, and not with the like 'wickedness provoke the Lord.'
Ref.Notes ,
V. 7-9. ( Marg . Market Marg . Ref . Notes , 5, 6. 7:17-20. Josh . 22:17,18. Prov 8:35,36.) 'We 'ought to to keep ke in memory God's plagues, from 'the beginning: that considering them we 'might live in his fear: and know that if he 'spared not... kings, princes, and rulers, and 'also whole countries and nations, for their sins; 'we vile worms cannot look to escape punish'ment for ours.'- Wives . (9) Or, " women .” ( Notes , 15--19.)
V. 10--13. Marg . and Marg. Ref . Notes, 6:13-15. 36:20-25. Deut . 29:4. 2 Kings 22:15 -20. Is . 64:6-8. Ez . 9:3,4. Dan . 9:13.-- Set their faces. (12) Note , 43:13--17, v. 16. They 'have fully set their minds, and are gone thither 'on purpose. Whereby he excepteth the in'nocent, as Jeremiah and Baruch, that were
'posely destroy them.' ( Notes , 42:18. 43:4-7.) V. 14. 'Scaliger observes, out of Eusebius, 'that Artaxerxes Ochus, making an expedition 'into Egypt, removed a considerable colony co of Jews out of that country, and carried them 'away as far as the Caspian sea, and there set'tled them. These, he thinks, were the re'mainder of those Jews, that went down into Egypt at this time.' Lowth . As, however. Ochus's conquest of Egypt occurred much more than two hundred years from the time of the Jews going into Egypt, this opinion is not very probable: nor do we read any thing more of this remnant, or of the fulfilment of this prediction.
None shall , &c.] The Jews, when they went into Egypt, supposed, that they might more easily return into their land, than their brethren at Babylon could: and they had a desire of returning, provided they could hope to be secured from the Chaldeans. But the lord declared, that not one of them should return thither, "but such as should escape:" which may mean such as should escape the contagion of idolatry; or a very mean and small remnant, escaping with immense difficulty from the general ruin. ( Note , 28 'None shall
15 Then all the men, which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying,
16 As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.
17 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the * queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings | unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, P in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.
18 But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings unto her, we have wanted all things , and have been consumed by the sword, and by the famine.
19 And when we burned incense to
k 5:1-5. Gen. 19:4. Prov. ---8. 11:21. Is. 1:5. Matt. 7:13. 2o Neh. 9:34. Ps. 106:6. Ez. Pet. 2:1,2.
16:15-17. 8:6,12. 18:18. 38:4. Ex. 5:2. Job 15:25-27. 21: 14,15. Ps. 2:3. 73:8,9. Is. 3:9. Dan. 3:15. Luke 19:14,27.
m 25. Num. 30:2. Deut. 23:23. Judg. 11:36. Mark 6:26.
Or, frame of heaven.- See on 7:18. marg.
20:8. Dan. 9:5,6,8. 1 Pet. 1: 18.
Job 21:14,15. Ps. 73:9-15. Mal, 3:13-15.
19:13. 32:29-32. 2 Kings s See on 15. 7:18. 22:17. Neh. 9:34. Dan. 9:6
the queen of heaven, and poured out drink-offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drinkofferings unto her, without our + men?
20 Then Jeremiah said unto all the people, to the men, and to the women, and to all the people which had given him that answer, saying,
21 The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah," and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the Lord remember them, and came it not into his mind?
22 So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.
t Gen. 3:6,11,12,16,17. Deut. 7:3,4. 1 Kings 21:25. 2 Chr. 21:6. Prov. 11:21. Mark 6: 19-27.
Or, husbands. 15.
u 9,17. 11:13. Ez. 16:24.
v 14:10. 1 Sam. 15:3. 1 Kings 17:18. Ps. 79:8. Is. 64:9. Ez. 21:23,24. Hos. 7:2. Am. 8: 7. Rev. 16:19. 18:5.
x 15:6. Gen. 6:3,5-7. Ps. 95:
10,11. Is. 1:24. 7:13. 43:24. Ez. 5:13. Am. 2:13. Mal. 2: 17. Rom. 2:4,5. 9:22. 2 Pet. 3:7-9.
y See on 2,6,12.-18:16. 24:9. 25:11,18. 26:6. 29:19. 1 Kings 9:7,8. Lam. 2:15,16. Dan. 9:12.
z See on 8,18,21.-32:31-33.2 Chr. 36:16. Lam. 1:8.
return into the land of Judah, but such as 'shall speedily withdraw themselves out of 'Egypt, and make an escape from this wicked 'Johanan.' Bp . Hall .--Perhaps a few of those, who went into Egypt by compulsion, or had previously fled thither, being preserved from idolatry, were afterwards restored, with their posterity, as "a remnant according to the election of grace," to their own land, when the Jews returned from Babylon; but not one of those, who went into Egypt with Johanan, willingly and in rebellion against God. ( Note , 10--13, ν . 12.)
V. 15--18. The women had, it seems, been more active in idolatry than the men: yet the men were enraged at the prophet's rebuke, and were determined to justify what their wives had done. After many evasions and excuses for their disobedience, they at length spake out; in the most impious manner declaring, that they would not regard the word, which the prophet had spoken to them in the name of God. (Notes, 6:16,17. 43:1-3. Ex . 5:2. 2 Chr . 28:22,23.
Mal . 3:13-18, νν . 13-15.) Either they meant to treat Jeremiah as a false prophet; or they were avowed in infidelity and impiety, they thought the service of JEHOVAH unprofitable and ruinous, and were determined to have no more to do with it.--They had vowed to burn incense to idols, and they would do that which had gone out of their mouth. (Marg. Ref . m.) This worship, they averred, had been of great antiquity and authority; for their fathers and their kings and princes had sanctioned it, not only in the cities of Judah, but in Jerusalem itself: nay, when this wor
ship was observed, they had prospered i in every respect; but since it had been put down, all their miseries had come upon them.--Nothing could be more irrational than this pretence: for the prophets, who had reprobated their idolatry, had also expressly predicted their calamities; and those who bad favored it, had promised them peace and prosperity. Indeed the Lord had long borne with them, till at length their measure of iniquity was filled; and then he executed vengeance upon them, because they cleaved in heart to their idols, even when they had it not in their power to worship them. ( Notes , 20--23. Ec . 8:11-13. 9:1--3. Rom. 2:4 --6)-- Queen , &c. (17) Marg . and Marg . Ref . -Note , 7:17,18.
V. 19. This is supposed to have been the answer of the women, who took the prophet's rebuke to themselves, and were offended at him for it; (15) and they pleaded, that they had not performed their worship, without the knowledge and concurrence of their husbands: yet, as the masculine participle is used, it seems the men joined in it.--'The vows of women 'were not binding, without the consent of 'their fathers and husbands: but if the father, 'or husband knew of the vow, and did not sig'nify his dissent at the time, his consent was 'presumed. ( Num . 30:1--16.) Since they 'were thus authorized by those who had a le'gal right to control them; they should not 'submit to any other restraint upon their incli'nations.' Blayney. This teacheth us how 'great danger it is, for the husbands to permit 'their wives any thing, whereof they be not as'sured by God's word; for thereby they take
fore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day.
24 Moreover Jeremiah said unto all the people, and to all the women, Hear the word of the LORD, ball Judah that are in the land of Egypt:
25 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, saying, We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings unto her: ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows.
26 Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt; Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the Lord, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, & The LORD God liveth.
27 Behold, I will watch over them for
a 16. 42:15. 1 Kings 22:19. Is. 1:10. 28:14. Ez. 2:7. Am. 7: 16. Matt. 11:15.
b 15,26. 43:7. Ez. 20:32,33. c See on 15-19-1s. 28:15. Jude 13.
d Matt. 14:9. Acts 23:12-15. e 46:18. Gen. 22:16. Num.
14:21-23,28. Deut. 32:40- 42. Ps. 89:34. Is. 62:8. Am. 6:8. 8:7. Heb. 3:18. 6:13,18.
f Ps. 50:16. Ez. 20:39.
g 4:2. 5:2.7:9. Is.48:1,2. Zeph. 1 : 4,5.
h 1:10. See on 21:10. 31:28.
'occasion to justify their doings: and their hus'bands shall give an account thereof before 'God.'
V. 20-23. Marg. Ref. Could, &c. (22)
evil, and not for good; and all the men of Judah, that are in the land of Egypt, shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.
28 Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land o. Egypt into the land of Judah; and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose word shall stand, * mine, or theirs.
29 And this shall be a sign unto you, saith the LORD, that I will punish you in this place, that ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:
30 Thus saith the Lord; Behold, ° I will give Pharaoh-hophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life, Pas I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.
i See on 12,18.
k 14. Is. 10:19,22. 27:12,13. 1 16,17,25,26,29. Num. 14:28, 29,41. Ps. 33:11. Is. 14:24- 27. 28:16-18. 46:10,11. Lam. 3:37,38. Zech. 1:6. Matt. 24: 35 .
* Heb. from me or them.
m 30. 1 Sam. 2:34. Matt. 24: 15,16,32-34. Mark 13:14-16. Luke 21:20,21,29-33. n Prov. 19:21. Is. 40:8.
ο 43:9-13.46:13-26. Ez. 29 30. 31:18. 32:
p 34:21, 39:5-7. 52:8-11.2 Kings 25:4-7.
V. 28. The word, rendered "that escape," is translated in the Septuagint by the same word which St. Luke uses, when speaking of the success of the gospel: "The Lord added to the
Notes , 15:6. 2 Chr . 36:16. As men, when urg-church daily such as should be saved ," or the
ed by repeated provocations, are no longer able to repress their anger, but it bursts forth most violently on the objects of their resentment: so the Lord could no longer endure the provocations of his people; but his honor required him to take vengeance on them, and then the effects of his indignation became most dreadful, as the Jews well knew.
V.24, 25. Marg . Ref-Ve, &c. (25) The
saved ones. (Note, 14.)- Shall know.) 'Since 'they are so peremptory in abiding by their 'own vows and resolutions, they shall see 'whose words shall stand good, or take effect, 'mine or theirs.' Lowth . The people rejected the Lord's word of warning, of precept, and of promise; but his word of threatening stood out against them, and would certainly be executed. They established their own word, by would not find those words take place, with which they promised themselves and each other impunity and prosperity in ungodliness. The event would in this respect shew whose words would stand, the Lord's or theirs. ( Notes , Num . 14:27-34. Zech . 1:5,6. Matt . 24: 32-35, v . 35.)
language of this verse is rendered very re-performing their rebellious purposes; but they
markable, by the interchange of the masculine and feminine verbs and pronouns; which implies, that the men, as well as women were criminal; the men by allowing the vow of the women, and these by making and performing it. ( Notes , 15-19.) 'They insist upon their un'lawful vow, as an obligation in conscience, 'which could not be dispensed with; just as 'Herod did on his unlawful oath. ( Matt . 14:9.)' Lowth . ( Notes , Matt . 14:8-11. Р. О. 6—12. )
V. 26. ( Marg . Ref . ) 'I have made a solemn 'vow in opposition to that wicked one of yours. (25) ... I will consume them by a sudden and 'general destruction; or will deliver them 'up to impenitence and apostacy.' Lowth . (Note, 34:17.)- My name, &c.] The Jews, amidst their idolatries, professed themselves the people of JEHOVAH, and would sometimes swear by his name: but he solemnly assured them, that he would so destroy them, that none of them should remain in the land of
V. 29, 30. ( Notes , 43:8-13.) Pharaoh-hophra, (called Apries by the Greek historians,) after long prosperity, which elated him with the most excessive pride and arrogance, was dethroned in an insurrection headed by Amasis, who succeeded him: and, having concealed himself for a few years, he collected some forces, marched against Amasis, and gave him battle, in which being vanquished and taken prisoner, he was strangled in his own palace. Thus he was "given into the hands of his enemies and of those who sought his life," as Zedekiah had been. ( Note , Ez . 29:2-5.) In the time, which intervened between Pharaoh
Egypt, to dishonor his name by this hypocrit-hophra's being dethroned and his death, Nebical use of it. This must be understood of uchadnezzar invaded Egypt; and, having made
that rebellious company: for multitudes of Jews in after ages settled in Egypt, and openly professed and exercised their religion there. ( Note , Is . 19:18.)
V. 27. Notes , 1:9,10. 21:8-10. 31:27,28.
immense destruction of the inhabitants, and taken a prodigious booty, he came to terms with Amasis, confirmed him in the kingdom as his deputy, and returned to Babylon; whither he is supposed to have taken those Jews,
who survived the sword, or who were not slain by the enraged conqueror. These events are computed to have occurred between the fourteenth and the nineteenth years of the captivity. ( Notes , 46:13-26. Ez . 29:-32:)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-14.
crimes: yet their connivance will not excuse those, who were thus emboldened to commit impiety and vice. ( Notes and P. O. 1 Sam . 2:27-36. Note , 1 Tim . 3:4,5.)-Men ought not to expect, that God will grant even their lawful desires, when they refuse obedience to his commands: and all projects which are contrary to his word, must end in wretched disap
We ought frequently to recollect the mise-pointment, however politic and plausible they
ries, of which we have heard, or which we have witnessed: seriously reflecting, that all suffering is the offspring of sin, and the effect of the divine wrath; and that frequently, it is the judgment of God on the sufferers, "because of the wickedness, which they have committed to provoke him to anger." For sin is "that abominable thing which he hateths" and every wilful transgression implies alienation of heart from him, as well as rebellion against him. All our sorrows indeed originate from this source: yet the most awful miseries, to which men are exposed, are occasioned by their neglect of his great salvation. For, after all that he has done to open "a new and living Way," for sinners to return to him; ( Notes , Gen. 3:22-24. John 14:4-6. Heb . 10: 19-22.) the warnings, exhortations, and en
may appear. The tendency of human depravity is from bad to worse; and sinners left to themselves grow continually more bold and insolent in impiety. Reproofs exasperate those, whom they do not convince and humble. Multitudes shew by their actions, that they wili not hearken to the word of God; but will follow the devices and desires of their own evil hearts: and some dare to avow their purposes, and to "say to the Almighty, Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of thy ways!" ( Note , Job 21:7-16, vv . 14,15.) They, who are thus hardened and blinded by Satan, are seldom at a loss for arguments and excuses for their conduct: and whilst the longsuffering of God towards sinners, and his judgments upon hypocrites, can supply them with reasons for the most abominable wicked
treaties of his ministers generally prove un-ness; they can never be without some apology.
availing, and numbers remain unwilling to be reconciled unto God: they persist in rebellion; they will not incline their ears or their hearts, to return to his worship and service; and their obstinate impenitence and unbelief are evils "committed against their own souls;" their "blood is upon their own heads," and "they cut themselves off," and "make themselves a curse and a reproach." To mingle idolatry with divine worship, and to reject the mediation of Christ, or join other mediators with him, are evils far more provoking to God, and ruinous to men, than it is generally supposed. (Note, Col. 2:18,19.) Those who worship images, saints, and angels, and "present oblations to the queen of heaven," should recollect the consequences of similar practices of God's ancient people, previous to the Babylonish captivity.
And they, who neglect the person and mediation of the Son of God, should consider the punishment inflicted on the Jews, for rejecting and crucifying him; under which they still continue "a curse and a reproach among the nations:" because they "have not been humbled to this day," nor have "feared the LORD," to obey his command of "honoring the Son, even as they should honor the Father that sent him." (Note, John 5:20-23.) Indeed all men, till humbled before God for their sins, are constantly exposed to the awful danger of eing crushed by his power and justice.
V. 15-30.
If men remember the wickedness of former ages only to imitate it, they may expect even severer punishment than that which ancient rebels suffered: for neither rank nor sex will
protect the workers of iniquity. Such as neglect to use the authority intrusted with them, to restrain their own households from wickedness, will be punished as accomplices in their VOL. IV.
But such perverse inferences from providential dispensations are as absurd as unscriptural: and those who know the truth and will of God, can easily prove, that all our miseries spring from sin, all our comforts and hopes from God's mercy; and that all our wellgrounded persuasions of an interest in that mercy, are inseparably connected with repentance and the obedience of faith.
Indeed ingenious infidels and ungodly men may perplex the plainest subjects: and they have been so numerous in all ages and places hitherto, and have possessed so much of the wealth, power, and wisdom of the world; that they have been able plausibly to plead antiquity, authority, and general consent, in support of their pernicious doctrines and vile abominations.
Thus they encourage themselves and each other, to speak and act in direct defiance of the revealed will of God; to accomplish their iniquitous purposes; to vindicate what they have done; and to bear down the servants and worshippers of the Lord. But when we have borne testimony against them, and shewn the folly, wickedness, and fatal consequences of their conduct; we must leave the whole to him. He will assuredly plead his own cause, and the event will shew, whether the threatenings of the sacred scriptures, or their vain conjectures, will stand their ground.
Nay, the punishment of those, who have countenanced, encouraged, and abetted their rebellion and impiety, will be a sign unto them, that the Lord's word will stand against them for evil.
NOTES.