CHAP. VI
The eagerness of Zion's enemies prophetically described, 1-5. Because of her sins and impenitency, God will prosper them, 6-9. The prophet pathetically declares the sins and miseries of the people, 10-15. Having in vain warned them to repent, he denounces the judgments of God; calls the people to mourning; and predicts their incorrigible obduracy, 16-30.
a YE children of Benjamin, gather yourselves es to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Beth-haccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.
2 I have likened the daughter of Zion to a * comely and delicate woman .
3 The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; they shall feed every one in his place.
4 * Prepare ye war against her: arise, and let us go up 1 at noon. Woe unto us!
them, and thus fill their houses with abundance, through deceit; they wax rich and great, and live in luxury and splendor on the spoils of the poor. It is also to be lamented, that even rulers, out of interest and policy, often leave such men unmolested, and do not judge the cause of the orphan, the widow, the destitute, the oppressed.
But, whilst these things ripen guilty nations for vengeance, and ruin the souls of men; nothing is in reality so horrible and lamentable, as the ambition, avarice, ignorance, unfaithfulness, and wickedness of numbers, who are the nominal priests and prophets of the Lord. (Note, Is . 56:912.( Too many, who profess to teach religion, prophesy falsely; others enjoy affluence, dignity, and authority by their means; and most of the people love to be thus soothed into a false and fatal security. But what will they do in the approaching day of judgment, and final retribution?
"Oh, that men were wise, that they understood these things, that they would consider their latter end!"
NOTES..
CHAP. VI. V. 1. This chapter proceeds with the subject of the foregoing, ng, and predicts the increasing wickedness of the Jews till the captivity; as well as the desolations which then the lot Benjamin, and inhabited by that took place. Part of Jerusalem was situated in tribe: (Note, Deut. 33:12. Josh. 15:63.) and the Benjainites are here warned to prepare with concert and earnestness to leave the city city, that they might seek refuge in some other place. -In the beginning of the Chaldean invasion, the people no doubt flocked to Jerusalem as a place of safety; (25) but this prophetical warning intimated, that it would soon be so straitened by the siege, that its old inhabitants
for the day goeth away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out.
5 Arise, and let us go by night, and m let us destroy her palaces.
6 For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: Pthis is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her.
7 As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: $violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.
8 Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, "lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited.
m 9:21. 17:27.52:13. 2 Chr. 36:13:10-12.
19. Ps. 48:3. Is. 32:14. Hos. 3 20:8. Ps. 55:9-11. Ez. 22 8:14. Am. 2:5. 3:10,11. Zech. 11:1.
3-12. 24:7. Mic. 2:1,2,8-10 3:1-3,9-12. 7:2,3.
t See on 4:14.-7.3-7. 17:23 31:19. 32:33.35:13-15. Deut. 32:29. Ps. 2:10. 50:17. 94:12. Zeph. 3:7.
u Ez. 23:18. Hos. 9:12. Zech. 11 : 8,9.
Heb. de loosed, or, disjointed x See on 2:15.-7:20,34. 9:11. Lev. 26:34.
V. 2, 3. The prophet here compares Jerusalem to a beautiful woman, accustomed to a delicate and self-indulgent life, who would be soon exposed defenceless to brutal violence: or, as some render it, to "a luxuriant pasture," which allures the shepherds to bring their flocks to eat it up. Thus the Chaldean invaders were induced by the riches and prosperity of Jerusalem, to encamp in companies against her: and, meeting eeting with feeble resistance, they they soon devoured her and shared the spoil. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . )
I have likened , &c. (2) "The habitation, even the delightful one, I have doomed to destruction." Blayney. The verb דמה signifies to de stroy , as well as to liken ; but not to doom to de struction ; yet the predicting of any event is sometimes expressed in this manner. ( Note , 1: 9,10.) On this rendering, JEHOVAH himself is the Speaker.
and
V. 4-8. The Lord here commissions the Chaldeans to prepare war against Jerusalem: and immediately they are represented, as all in earnest and in motion, exciting each other to despatch, lamenting that the least time is lost, and beginning or continuing their march even during the night, as in haste to destroy her palaces. The Lord purposed that they which was to be visited oppression should execute his judgments on that city, impiety: and they were as effectually induced to besiege it, as if he had headed their troops, and given the word of command. The wicked lives of the inhabitants sprang from their corrupt principles and depraved affections, as naturally and plentifully, as waters from the fountain. ( Marg . Ref . r.-Notes, Prov. 4:23. Matt . 15:15-20.) The cries of those, who suffered violence and oppression, were continual
would be glad to leave it. ( Note , Matt . 24:15-ly heard in the city: and the Lord meditated
18.)-The signals, here mentioned, mentioned, were those at that time in use.-Beth-haccerem was about three miles from Jerusalem, in the road to Tekoa. Meg. Ref. Neh. 3:14.)- North .] Notes , 1:13 4. 4:15- 18.
to repay the wickedness of the oppressors with grief and wounds. Yet still instruction was given, and mercy proposed; which would leave the obstinate transgressors more inexcusable, but would give encouragement to the few who
9 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, They || together; for I will stretch out my hand shall throughly glean the remnant of Is- upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the rael as a vine: turn back thine hand as a LORD. grape-gatherer into the baskets.
[Practical Observations.]
10 To whom shall I speak, and * give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no d delight in it.
11 Therefore I am full of the fury the Lord; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.
12 And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives
y 16:16. 49:9. 52:28-30. Ob.d Ps. 1:2. 40:8. 119:16,24,35,70, 5,6. Rev. 14:13.
77,174. Rom. 7:22.
e 20:9. Job 32:18,19. Ez. 314. Mic. 3:8. Acts 4:20. 17: 16. 18:5.
f 9:21. 18:21. Rev. 16:1.
g Ez. 9.6. Luke 17.34.
h 8:10. Deut. 28:30-33,3943. Is. 65:21,22. Lam. 5:3,11. Zeph. 1:13.
might repent: and the people were warned to profit by their corrections and rebukes, as well as by their peculiar advantages, otherwise the special favor of God for them as a nation would be discontinued, as well as their land left utterly desolate. ( Notes , Hos . 9:9-14.)-This 'threatening God fulfilled afterward, when he 'suffered the city and nation to be utterly ru'ined and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar: but it 'still received a further completion, in that final 'desolation brought upon them by the Romans.' Lowth. Prepare , &c. (4) Or, "Sanctify." ( Note , Is . 13:2-5.)- Hew ye down trees , &c. (6) Notes , Deut . 20:19,20.
V. 9. The Chaldeans would not only carry away captive the principal people of the land; but they would return again and again, to gather the poor remains, till all were gone: as the gleanings of the vine are gathered; when the gatherer, having put some of the grapes into his basket, turns back his hand to collect those which yet remain, and to convey them to the same place. (Marg. Ref . Notes , 49:911, ν . 9. 52:24-29. Is . 17:4-8, v. 6. 24:13-15, ν. 13.)
V. 10-12. ( Notes , 5:3-6. Is . 28:9-13.) The prophet had, without success, addressed both the poor and the rich: and to whom should he now testify, or give warning? (Note, 1 Thes . 4: 6-8, v. 6.) Pride, prejudice, and the love of idols and iniquities, so closed their ears, that the word of God could find no entrance: they could not hearken, because they hated God and his service; and their inability aggravated their guilt. Notes , 4:3,4. Is . 6:9,10. John 5:39-44, v. 44. 12:37-41. Acts 7:51-53.) They counted his precepts, warnings, and reproofs to be a reproach to them: they were affronted at the
13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them, every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
14 They have healed also * the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, "Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they
were not at all ashamed, neither could they Pblush: 9 therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them, they shall be cast down, saith the
LORD.
i 1 Chr. 21:16.
[Practical Observations.] Is. 5:25. 9:12, 17. Is. 1:6. 30:26.
17,21. 10:4. L.am. 2:4,5,8. 3.3. k 8:10. 22:17. Is. 56:9-12.57: 17. Ez. 22:12, 33:31. Mic. 2: 1,2. 3:2,3,5,11. Zeph. 3:3,4. Luke 16:14. 1 Tim. 3:3.
Pet. 2:3,14,15.
1 2:8,26. 5:31. 23:11,14,15, 26:7, 8.32:32. Is. 28:7. Lam. 4:13. F.z. 22.25-28. Zeph. 3:4. m 8:11.
Heb. bruise, er, breach. 14:
Lam.
n 4:10. 5:12. 23:17. 23:3. 2:14. Ez. 13:22. Mic. 2:11. 2 Pet. 2:1,18,19.
ο 3:3. 8:12. Is. 3:9.
p Ez. 2:4. 16:24,25. 24:7. Zeph. 3:5. Phil. 3:19.
9 23:12. Is. 10:4. Fz. 14:9,10. Mic. 3:6. Matt. 15:14.
r See on 5:9,29. Ex. 32 34. Ez. 7:6-9. Hos. 9:7. Mic. 7:4.
them more encouragement. ( Notes , Luke 11: 45. 2 Tim . 4:1-5.)-The prophet, perceiving them set against his testimony, seems to have been tempted to decline his work: but he was in inwardly constrained to speak, being full of the furious indignation of the Lord against their sins, and not able to withhold himself from declaring it. ( Note , 20:7-9.) He would therefore pour his warnings out before the first persons that he met with; though they should be the children playing in the streets, or the young men assembled for their pleasure and diversion: as he clearly foresaw desolating judgments coming upon all the inhabitants of the land, without distinction of age or sex.
Assembly . )11( 'סור signifies properly a pri'vate consultation, or cabal.' Blayney .- Aged , and full of days .] Those advanced in life, and those who were arrived at its latest period.
V. 13-15. The words, rendered "given to covetousness," are peculiarly emphatical.Both the priests and the propliets dealt falsely for filthy lucre's sake. ( Marg . Ref . k.- Notes , 5:26-31. 8:10-12.
Is . 56:9—12. Міс . 3:8-12.) They ought to have probed the consciences of the people, and faithfully shewn them their real state and character, with solemn warnings, reproofs, and expostulations; and, taking the opportunity of public calamities or perils, have attempted to lead them to true repentance and conversion: but, instead of treating them in this faithful and skilful manner, which would have put them to some pain, yet might have effected a radical cure; being themselves slaves to avarice and other corrupt passions, they only directed them to superficial observances, and then confidently assured them of peace and prosperity.
Thus the wound was sure to break out more fatally in a little time. ( Notes , 4:10. 5:30,31. 14:13-16. 23:13-17. 28:2 -4. Is . 1:5,6. Ez . 13:10-23. Міс 3:5-7.) This seems especially to be the abomination, of which the prophet next speaks; and which, having committed, they were not ashamed of:
prophets for describing their characters, ex-skinned over without being cured, and was
posing the ingratitude and rebellion of their conduct, and shewing what punishment they deserved and were exposed to: they could not endure those teachers, who were always reproaching them with their sins; but preferred such as had a better opinion of them, and gave
Stand ye || this people, and the fathers and the sons for the old together shall fall upon them; the neighbor and walk
16 Thus saith the LORD, in the ways, and see, and ask paths, where is the good way, therein, and "ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
17 Also I set watchmen over you, say ing , Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. 18 Therefore a hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among
them.
16:29. John 5:39,46,47. Acts 17:11. Rom. 4:1-6,12. Heb. 6:12. 11:2, &c. 12:1.
t 7:23. Is. 2:5.30:21. John 12: 35. 13:17.
u Is. 28:12. Matt. 11:28,29. 2:25. 18:12. 22:21. 44:16. Matt. 21:28-32.
y 25:4. Is. 56:10. Ez. 3:17- 21.33:2-9. Hab. 2:1. 20:27-31. Heb. 13:17.
Acts
z Is. 58:1. Hos. 8:1. Am. 3:6-8. a See on 4:10. - 31:10. Deut. 29:24-28. Ps. 50:4-6. Is. 5: 3. Mic. 6:5.
c 4:4. 17:10. Prov. 1:24-31. 15:26. Is. 59:7. 66:18. Hos. 10:13. Acts 8:22.
d See on 10. 8:9.-1 Sam. 15:23, 26. Hos. 4:6, John 3:19- 21. 12:48.
e Ps. 40:6.50:8-13,16,17, 66.3. Ez. 20.39. Am. 5:21,22. Mic. 6:6,7.
f1 Kings 10:1,2,10. Is. 60:6. Ez. 27:22.
g Is. 43:23,24.
h See on 7:21-23.
i 13:16. Is. 8:14. Ez. 3:20. Rom. 9:33. 1 Pet. 2:8.
nay, when the event shewed them to be lying prophets, they could not be put to the blush, but faced it out with the utmost effrontery; and still carried on the same infamous business for filthy lucre's sake. The Lord had therefore determined, that the covetous priests and lying || prophets should be especially marked for destruction, among those that would fall by the sword. ( Marg . Ref . o-q. -8:10-12.)
and his friend shall perish.
22 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.
23 They
shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.
24 We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: q anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
25 Gonot forth into the field, nor walk by the way: for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.
26 O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes; * make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.
Mic. 4:9,10. 1 Thes. 5:3. r 4:5.8:14. 14:18. Judg. 5:6,7. s 20.3,4. marg. 10. 49:29. 2 Chr. 15:5. Job 18:11. Ps. 31: 13. Luke 19:43.
t 14. 4:11. 8:19,21,22. 9:1. 14:17. Is. 22:4. Lam. 2:11. 3:48. 4:3, 6,10.
u 4:8. 25:33,34. Is. 32:11. Ez. 27:30,31. Mic. 1:8-10.
x 9:1,10,17-22. 13:17. Is. 22 12. Lam. 1:2,16. Ez. 7:1618. Zech. 12:10. Luke 7:12 Jam. 4:9.5:1.
y 4:20. 12:12. 15:8. Is. 30:13.
VAH: for which he would bring evil upon them. This would be the natural consequence of their rebellious thoughts and devices, and of their contemptuous rejection of his law and authority, and his messages by the prophets. (Note, 31:10-14, v . 10.) And how could they expect, that their hypocritical burning of costly incense and perfumes, and their multiplied sacrifices, could be acceptable to him; when the spirit, in which they offered them, was an additional provocation? ( Notes , 7:21-23. Is . 1: 10-15. 43:22-25.)
V. 21. The Lord, provoked by the sins of the Jews, was determined so to order his providential dispensations, as to occasion their judicial infatuation. Thus they would, through their own perverseness, stumble and fall, by choosing those measures which directly tended to their ruin. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 13:15-17, v. 16. Is . 8:11-15. Ez . 14:1-11. Rom . 9:30– 33. 11:7-10. 2 Thes . 2:8-12. 1 Pet . 2:7,8.)
V. 16, 17. The Lord here reminds the people of the directions, which he had always given them by his prophets, in order that they might know and walk in his ways. They were called on to attend to instruction, and to inquire for the old way, which had been prescribed by Moses and the ancient prophets, and which was marked with the footsteps of the patriarchs, and their pious ancestors in more prosperous days. Thus, by diligent inquiry they would find the good way of repentance, faith, and holy obedience, and, walking in it, they would "find rest to their souls." ( Notes , Cant. 1:7,8.
Is . 28:12,13. Matt . 11:28-30.) But they resolved, and avowed their determination, not to walk in those ways. And when the Lord had set his prophets, as watchmen, to sound the alarm of approaching judgments, they determined not to take warning! ( Notes , 25:3-7.43:1-3. 44:15-18. Ez . 3:17-21.33:2 -9. Matt. 11:16-24) -Old paths . )16( נתבות עולס on the report of the Chaldean invasion: and,
Note, Is . 64:5.
V. 18-20. The heathen nations, as well as "the congregation" of Israel, are here called upon to hear and understand the wickedness, which was found among the people of JEHO
V. 22, 23. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 1:13,14. 5:15— 18. 50:41,42. Is . 47:6.) - Roareth , &c. (23) 'Hos'tile invasions are fitly compared to great inun'dations, that carry all before them, and lay a 'country waste. Is . 17:12. Dan . 9:26. Lowth. ( Note , Is . 5:26-30.)
V. 24-26. The people seem to be here prophetically represented, as in conversation
being filled with anguish and dismay, they exhort one another to keep close within the walls of Jerusalem; as all other places were exposed to the ravages of the enemy, and full of terror and destruction. And while thus employed,
the prophet is sent to warn them and the whole nation, (called, "the daughter of my people,") to shew every token of the deepest sorrow and distress, as they would suddenly be plundered, with immense slaughter, by the victorious as sailants. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 4:5-13.9:17-19. Jon. 3:5-9. Mic . 1:10-16. Zech . 12:9-14, v . 10.) V. 27-30.
The Lord had raised up the prophet, made him courageous and firm in his duty, and secured him as a fortress against every enemy: ( Note , 1:17-19.) not in order to preserve the city from ruin; but to prove and discover the temper of the people, to shew their incorrigible wickedness, and to illustrate the divine justice in punishing them: thus he was appointed to investigate their whole conduct, and to bring in his report concerning them.
For they were most grievous rebels and apostates, who slandered the ways and prophets of God to excuse themselves, and employed themselves as tale-bearers. (Note, Lev . 19:16.) They seemed to be gold or silver: but indeed they were base metal, without any mixture of precious ore; and they continually corrupted one another more and more. ( Note , Is . 1:4.) The prophets, whom the Lord used as instruments to assay, refine, and purify them, were not only worn out by useless labor, but put to death for attempting it; as if the refiner's bellows were thrown into the fire, and his lead consumed to no purpose: nay, all the judgments and mercies of God were in vain; for wickedness was not separated from among them. (Notes, 9:7.
Prov. 17:3. 25:4,5. Is . 1:21 -27 . Ez . 22:18-22. Zech . 13:8,9. Mal . 3:1-4, v. 3. 1 Pet . 1:6,7.) Indeed the whole mass was proved proved to be refuse metal; and not silver, as it had once appeared to be: and men would treat them with contempt, because God no longer regarded them as his people. Their impu'dence resembles brass, and their obstinacy 'may be compared to iron. Before the use of 'quicksilver was known, they made use of lead 'for the refining their metals.' Lowth .
Corrupters. (28) Or, "Adulterating;" as men adulterate silver or gold, with base metals Reprobate . (30) Note, 2 Cor . 13:5,6.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-9.
( Notes , Luke 16:1-8, v. 8. 1 Cor . 9:24-27.)-The Lord uses wicked men as the executioners of his vengeance; and he girds, directs, and prospers them, though they know him not: but it is far more desirable, in the humblest station, to promote the good of our brethren; and it will meet with a far different recompense.-The wickedness of men's lives springs from the corrupt nature of their hearts: this fountain may, in part and for a time, be stopped; yet it will "cast forth its waters;" and unless it be cleansed and changed, we can do nothing spiritually good. ( Note , 17:9,10.)--All the secret, as well as the open iniquity in the world is continually "before the eyes of the LORD;" and be will repay oppressors with more terrible miseries, than they can inflict on their poor brethren.--To be separated from God and his favor, is the greatest evil which can befal a rational creature: yet numbers hear the words of the Judge himself declaring, that he will at last say to all the wicked, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels;" and yet they continue careless and unconcerned!
Nay, they even seem to "say to the Almighty, Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of thy ways!"-So long as men continue uninstructed amidst opportunities of instruction, and unsanctified amidst the best means of sanctification, and under repeated salutary chastisements, there is reason to fear, that the Lord will depart from them in final indignation: and he will surely withdraw the light of his gospel from those, who generally despise and abuse it; and this is a more grievous judgment, than any temporal calamity.--When he shall arise to take vengeance, no sinner, of any age, rank, or sex, can possibly escape; but they shall every one be collected, as grapes are gathered to be cast into the wine-press.
V. 10--15.
The most obvious and undeniable truths are, alas! properly noticed by very few. Most men stop their ears against all salutary warnings and instructions; and their pride and lusts ren
der them
and obeying the gospel of Christ. They count the faithful preaching of God's word "a reproach" and affront to them; and either neglect alı religious instruction, or "turn away their ears from the truth to hearken to fables." This often so discourages the zealous minister, that he has little heart to speak any of God, holy indignation a
Ungodly prosperity, when the Lord is provoked to withdraw his protection, renders men the richer prey to the rapac rapacious, and affords them no security against their their depredations: and the more admired, in indulged, or deli-more: yet a sense of duty, zeal for the honor cate they are, the more dreadful dreadful will will they find nation against sin, and a it to endure hardship. -Thos -Those who are intent hope of rescuing a few at least from perdition.
on worldly gain, or glory and dominion, (though by inflicting miseries on others,) are assiduous, and indefatigable; they lose no time, deny themselves even ordinary refreshments, and consider hindrances as grievous calamities: how shameful then is it, that we should be so attached to our own ease and indulgence, when the glory of God, the welfare of our neighbors, and the salvation of our own souls, demand our vigorous and patient activity!
constrain him to proceed, and to declare the wrath of God against the impenitent workers of iniquity: and, being weary of holding in, he may sometimes introduce the important subject in such places and companies, as may appear unseasonable and improper. improper. But every man is concerned in it: very few are duly sensible of its importance, and of their own danger: and those scenes of amusement and pleasure, which engross the time, the thoughts, and
Jeremiah is sent to the temple, to call the Jews to repentance, that they might not be removed, 1-3; to reprove their presumptuous confidence in the temple, while living in gross wickedness, 4-11; and to predict that Jerusalem would be desolated, like Shiloh; and the people carried captive, as Israel had been, 12-15. God directs the prophet not to pray for He shews idolatries, and the judgments about
thecome them their acts with disaints short fices of the disobedient; and exposes the perverse conduct of the nation, from their departure out of Egypt, 21-28. A call to mourning for the prevailing abominations, and a denunciation of desolating judgments, 29-34.
affections of the young and gay, are proofs what need they have of being "warned to flee from the wrath to come." But that "covetous- ness," to which elder persons are addicted, is a more dangerous obstruction to the care of the soul, than the diversions of children, or even the dissipated pleasures of youth.
If we judge of this vice by the word of God, we shall find immense multitudes, in every rank of life, given up to it: and too often we shall have to lament, that even the ministers of religion are by it induced to deal unfaithfully and falsely, in the most sacred concerns and transactions, which involve the most awful responsibility.
Many are so taken up with forming connex- ions, and seeking preferment, that they neglect the study of the scriptures, and the discharge of their duty; they adopt smooth, fashionable, soothing systems of divinity: like unskilful sur- geons, they heal every wound slightly; either because through negligence or pride they know no better; or because they do not choose to avow sentiments unfavorable to their inter- ests, or to utter things grating to the ears of their generous patrons.
Thus, they speak "Peace, peace, when there is no peace:" but what a dreadful account will be at last requir- ed of them!-Whilst sinners are ashamed of the abominations, which they have committed, their case is hopeful: but when they are inca-ing contempt and misery.
pable of blushing, and can "glory in their shame," they ripen apace for destruction.
V. 16-30.
If we would learn the safe and happy path, amidst the discordant opinions that prevail on every side; let us look well to our steps, put ourselves in the way of instruction, ask wisdom of God, and reduce what we know to practice: especially let us diligently inquire for the old paths, in which patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, and other honored servants of God, lhave walked, and which they have pointed out to others. ( Notes , Heb . 11: 12:1.) Following their steps we cannot fail of finding "rest to our souls." But many know nothing of these ways, and take no pains to inquire after them:
Lord should accept the most costly oblations or services, which are offered in impenitence, or in proud contempt of the sacrifice and intercession of our great High Priest. To such men, even this "tried Foundation" becomes “a Rock of offence:" every doctrine, and ordinance, and providential dispensation, concurs in blinding and hardening them to their perdition: and thus unbelievers will perish together, being unable to help one another.
They despise indeed the distant report, both of temporal judgments and of eternal punishment; but their near approach will soon cause their courage to fail, and then anguish will seize upon them: for the sword of the most cruel enemy is as nothing, in comparison of the final wrath of almighty God. ( Note , Ps . 90:11.) In short, sinners must lament and mourn, either here in penitent sorrow and self-abasement; or hereafter with doleful, unavailing, and eternal "wailing and gnashing of teeth." If the bold and faithful ministers of God are not instrumental to the conversion of those whom they address; they will be found unanswerable witnesses against them, and men will be judged and condemned according to their word.
And when warnings, corrections, rebukes, and every means of grace, leave men unrenewed; they will be left as rejected of God to everlastNOTES.