CHAP. II. V. 1-3. The prophet had before reproved both the priests and the people: ( Notes , 1:9-14.) but this message was immediately directed to the priests, as a command
"If there be a willing mind, it will be accept-ment from the Lord: and if they did not care
ed," though the service be defective: but if any man be a deceiver, and wilfully puts the Lord off with the refuse, and expects him to accept "a corrupt thing," while his best has been devoted to Satan and his lusts; let that man know, that he is under a curse, and that the wrath of the great King "abideth on him."Alas! how greatly do avarice and selfishness prevail among professing Christians! Few, even of those who are called "the ministers of Christ," will do any thing in his service, out of pure love to him, to their work, and to the souls of men. Inquiry is almost universally made about the value of the living, or the cure,
fully and seriously attend to it, to glorify him, by repentance and a conduct more consistent with their profession, he would send his curse on them, and even curse their temporal possessions and all their peculiar advantages; that is, he would render them distressing, ensnaring, and ruinous. Nay, he had in a measure done this already. But he purposed to corrupt their seed-corn that it should yield no crop; he would not prosper any of their labors: or, he would render their posterity and the priestly family contemptible, and bring it to decay Yea, he would render them vile; as if the dung which was taken from the entrails of the sac
4 Andye shall know that I have sent law: u ye have corrupted the covenant of this commandment unto you, * that my cov- Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. enant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid efore my name.
6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: • he walked with me in peace and equity, P and did turn many away from iniquity.
7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
i 1 Kings 22:25. Is. 26:11. Jer. 28:9. Ez. 33:33. 38:23. Luke 10:11.
k Is. 1:24-28. 27:9. Ez. 20:38 -41. 44:9-16. Matt. 8:12. John 15-2.
1 Num. 3:45. 8:15. 16:9,10. 18: 8-24. 25:12,13. Ps. 106.30,31. m Ex. 32:26-29. Deut. 33:8 -11.
n Ps. 37:30. Ez. 44:23,24. Hos. 4:6. Matt. 22:16. Mark 12:14. Luke 20:21. 2 Tim. 2:15,16. Tit. 1:7-9. Rev. 14:5.
o Gen. 5:21-24.6:9. 17:1. Luke 1:6.
p Jer. 23:22. Dan. 12:3. Luke 1:16,17. Acts 26:18, 1 Thes.
1:9,10. Jam. 5:19,20.
q Lev. 10.11. Deut. 17:8-11. 21:5. 24:8. 2 Chr. 17:8,9. 30: 22. Ezra 7:10. Neh. 8:2-8. Jer. 15:19. 18:18. Hag. 2:11- 13. 2 Tim. 2:24,25.
3:1. Is. 42:19. 44:26. Hag. 1: 13. John 13:20. 20:21. 2 Cor. 5:20. Gal. 4:14. 1 Thes. 4:8. s Ps. 18:21. 119:102. Is. 30:11. 59:13. Jer. 17:5,13. Ez. 44: 10. Dan. 9:5,6. Heb. 3:12. t 9. 1 Sam. 2:17,24. Is. 9:16. Jer. 18:15. 23:11-15. Matt. 15:2-5. Rom. 2:19-24. 14: 21.
* Or, fall in the law.
rifices, should be spread over their faces, and they covered over and taken away to the dunghill along with it, as refuse and loathsome. 'The maw was ... the priests', ( Deut . 18:3.) but 'such priests deserved only the dung which it 'contained.' Bp . Newcombe . ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.-Notes, 3:7-12, v . 9. 1 Sam . 2:27-30. 1 Kings 14:7-11, v. 10. Ps . 69:22-28, v . 22. 109: 6-20, υυ . 9-14. Hos . 4:7-11. Hag . 1:5-11.2: 15-19. Rev. 16:8,9.)
9 Therefore have I also * made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.
10 Have we not a all one father? bhath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, aby profaning the covenant of our fathers?
11 Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD, which he + loved, g and hath married the daughter of a strange god.
u 5,10. Lev. 21:15. Neh. 13:17,15. 44:2. John 8:41. Acts 17:25,26.
29.
x 3. 1 Sam. 2:30. Prov. 10:7. Dan. 12:2,3. Mic. 3.6,7.
y 1 Kings 22:28. Jer. 28:15,16. 29:20-22,31,32. Ez. 13:12- 16,21. Mark 7:13,14. Luke 20: 45-57.
z 8. Matt. 5:21,22,27,28,33-37, 43,44. 19:17,18. 23:16--24. Mark 7:8-13. Luke 10:29. 11:42. Rom. 7:7-10.
† Or, lifted up the face against. Heb. accepted faces. Deut. 1: 17. marg. Gal. 2:6.
a 1:6. Josh. 24:3 Is. 51:2. 63: 16. 64:8. Ez. 33:24. Matt. 3:9. Luke 1:73. 3:8. John 8: 39,53,56, Acts 7:2. Rom. 4:1. 9:10. Heb. 12:9.
b Job 31:15. Ps. 100:3. Is. 43:1,
c 11,14,15. Jer. 9:4,5. Mic. 7: 2-6. Matt, 10:21. 22:16. Acts 7:26. 1 Cor. 6:6-8. Eph. 4: 25. 1 Thes. 4:6.
d 8,11. Ex. 34:10-16. Josh. 23:12-16. Ezra 9:11-14. 10: 2,3. Neh. 13:29.
e Lev. 18:24-30. Jer. 7:10. Ez. 18:13. 22:11. Rev. 21:8. f Ex. 19:5,6. Lev. 20:26. Deut. 7:3-6. 14:2. 33:26-29. Ps. 106:28,34-39. Jer. 2:3,7,8,21,
22.
Or, ought to love. g Gen. 6:1,2. Judg. 3:6. 1 Kings 11:1-8. Ezra 9:1,2,12. 10:2. Neh. 13:23-29. Hos. 6:7. 2 Cor. 6:14-18.
-13. Deut . 33:8-11. 2 Chr . 17:7-9.30:21,22. Ezra 7:6-10. Neh . 8:1–9,13. 9:3. Jer . 23:21,22. Ez . 44:23,24. Dan . 12:2,3. Hos . 4:6. Luke 1:6, 11-17.) They were not mere sacrificers, as their posterity had become: but they were sensible, that the priest ought ever to be ready to speak upon any part of sacred knowledge, and, as the messenger of God, to instruct the people from his word. (Marg. Ref . q.-Notes, Lev . 10:8-11. Deut . 17:8-13. Jer . 18:18.
Hag . 2:10-14.) Yet their posterity had departed from this good way; they had violated the law by their conduct, and perverted it by their explications; and thus they stumbled, prejudiced, and misled the people: they had abused, and broken the covenant made with their fathers; and therefore they were rendered base among the people, and exposed to contempt as a worthless, thless, mercenary set of men.
This was a divine judgment upon them for their sins; especially for being "partial in the law:" leaving out such parts, as did not suit their interest, convenience, or inclination; or interpreting it Marg . Ref . s -z.- Notes , 1-3. 1 Sam . 2:17,30 -36.3:12. Is.S Is . 9:13-17, υυ . 15,16. Matt . 5:21,22, 27-32. 15:3-6. 23:16-28. 1 Tim. 5:21,22. Jam . 3:17,18.)
V. 4-9. The Lord had made a covenant with the tribe of Levi, and the family of Aaron, about the priesthood; as well as one with the nation of Israel about the land of Canaan, and their other peculiar advantages: and afterwards he made one with David about the kingdom. And the Levites would know at length that God had sent these orders, that this covenant might be confirmed to them, by means of their repentance and reformation; or, ' "because my 'covenant was with Levi," for the breach of 'which you are accountable.' Lowth . The whole tribe of Levi and family of Aaron were here spoken of as a single person, with whom by private regards private regards and affections. as. ( Marg.and
"the covenant of life and peace" had been made; which would be enjoyed in the favor of God and the comfort of his service. This appointment was a gracious recompense of their piety and reverential fear of God: for when this trust was committed to them, many of them were well acquainted with the law given
Fear wherewith , &c. (5) 'Of which the holy 'writings give us two remarkable instances; 'the zeal of the Levites against the worship
by Moses, and ready to speak of it to the peo- 'pers of the golden calf, and that zealous act ple: their worship and conversation were sin- 'of Phinehas, mentioned Num . 25: The Lecere and faithful, and free from iniquity or hy- 'vites had forty-eight cities allotted them pocrisy: they "walked before God," as at peace 'among the several tribes, that the people might with him, and as following after equity and 'more easily consult them.' Lowth . ( Note , Num.
peace with men; and they were instrumental 35:2-8.) It is required of the priests of in converting numbers from their sins, to the 'God's sanctuary, that they should be men of worship and service of God. ( Marg . Ref . i-o. 'knowledge and heavenly wisdom; so as their -Notes, Ex . 32:26-29. Num. 16:8-11. 25:11 || 'breasts should keep, and their lips should exVOL. IV. [897
113
12 The LORD will cut off the man that thy companion, and the wife of thy cove
doeth this, the master and the scholar, * out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts.
13 And this have ye done again, mcovering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.
14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously; yet is she
h Lev. 18:29. 20:3. Num. 15: 30,31. 1 Sam. 2:31-34.
* Or , him that waketh, and him that answereth.
i 1 Chr. 25:8. Ezra 10:18,19. Neh. 13:28. Is. 9:14-16. 24: 1,2. Ez. 14:10. Hos. 4:4,5. Matt. 15:14. 2 Tim. 3:13. Rev. 19:20.
k Nam. 24:5. Zech. 12:7. 110. Gen. 4:3-5. 1 Sam. 3:14. 15:22,23. Is. 61:8. 66.3. Am. 5:22.
m Deut. 15:9. 1 Sam. 1:9,10. 2 Sam. 13:19,20. Ec. 4:1.
n Deut. 26:14. Neh. 8:9-12. Prov. 15:8. 21:27. Is. 1:1115. Jer. 6:20.
0 1:6,7. 3:8. Prov. 30:20. Is. 58: 3. Jer. 8:12.
p. 3:5. Gen. 31:50. Judg. 11: 10. 1 Sam. 12:5. Jer. 42:5. Mic. 1:2.
q 15. Prov. 5:18,19. Ес. 9:9. Is. 54:6.
'press to the people, the right understanding 'of divine things.' s. Bp. Hall.
V. 10-12. The prophet next addressed himself to both the priests and the people. They were all descended from Adain and Noah, as men; and from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as Israelites. They were formed by the Creator, of one nature, and of one nation; yet they dealt treacherously with each other: and this they did in many respects, so as to "profane that holiness," which God had put upon Israel, by separating and consecrating them to be a holy people to himself.
This holiness "the LORD loved;" yet they despised and profaned it, by their intercourse with idolaters in preference to their brethren. For even Judah, in Jerusalem, in the holy city, had committed an abomination, in marrying the daughters of idolaters, which were the children of an idol, and of Satan who was worshipped in the idol; so that they became as it were sons in law to the idol, and to Satan, in contempt of their consecration to JEHOVAH. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . a -g.- Notes , 13-16. Gen. 6:1,2. Ετ . 19:5,6. 34: 11-17, v. 16. Josh . 23:11-13. 1 Kings 11:1-8.
Ezra 9:1--4. 2 Cor . 6:14-18.) But he would certainly cut off, by some terrible judgment, every man who did this wickedness, whether he were a teacher of the people, or one of the disciples of such an instructer, or a priest that officiated at the altar. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . h -1.- Notes , 1 Sam . 3:14. 1 Chr . 25:8. Ezra 19: 18,19. Neh . 13:23-30, v . 28.)
The master and the scholar . (12) 'He that per'suades and instructs others, that these mar'riages are lawful, and he that follows such 'advice.... The Hebrew reads "He that wakes 'and he that answers." It seems to be a pro'verbial expression, denoting a master and a 'scholar.' Lowth . (Note, Is. 50:4.)
nant.
15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? "That he might seek a + godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith, " that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
r Gen. 2:18. Prov. 2:17. Cant.
1:15. marg. Ez. 16:8.
s Gen. 1:27. 2:20-24. Matt. 19:4-6. Mark 10:6-8.1 Cor. 7:2.
↑ Or, excellency.
t Gen. 2:7. Job 27:3. Ec. 12: 7. John 20:22.
u Gen. 24:3-7,44. 26:34,35. 27: 46. 28:2-4. Deut. 7:4. Ezra 9:2. Neh. 13:24. Jer. 2:21. 1 Cor. 7:14. Eph. 6:4. 1 Tim. 3:4,5,11,12. Tit. 1:6.
Heb. seed of God. Gen. 6:2.
Hos. 1:10. Acts 3:25. 2 Cor.
6:18.
x 14. Prov. 4:23. 6:25. 7:25. Matt. 5:28,29. 15:19. Jam. 1: 14,15.
Or, unfaithfully.
y Deut. 24:1-4. Is. 50:1. Matt. 5:31,32, 19:3-9. Mark 10:2 -12. Luke 16:18.
|| Or, if he hate her, put her away.
Heb. to put away.
z Prov. 28:13. Is. 28:20. 59:6. Mic. 7:2,3.
'shew so little regard for common justice and 'humanity.' Lowth . - 'The passage refers to the 'tears and groans of wives, divorced by priests, 'or referring to them for decisions.' Bp . Newcombe.-Perhaps the persons concerned disliked their Jewish wives, on account of their religion. When, however, the women resorted to the temple to worship, instead of rejoicing in God, they wept bitterly around the altar, and poured out their so souls, in complaints of of the
injuries which they sustained: so that God could have no pleasure in the sacrifices, priests, and people, when such heavy charges were exhibited against them; nor could he delight in the oblations of such disconsolate worshippers, as they made their wives to be. ( Marg . Ref . m, n.- Notes , Deut . 15:9,10. 1 Sam . 1:47. Neh . 8:9-11. Prov. 21:27. Ес . 4:1-3. Is . 58: 3,4. Hos . 9:4-6.) They would indeed endeavor to deny the charge disdainfully: ( Marg . Ref . o.
See on Note , 1:2-5, v. 2.) but the Lord had been witness of their engagements to the wives, whom they married in their youth, and with whom they had lived, as their companions, during the prime of their lives, and to whom they had covenanted to be faithful and affectionate; but of whom they grew weary, and, in violation of the most solemn engagements, at length divorced on frivolous pretences, that they might take heathen wives instead of them. ( Marg . Ref . p-r.- Notes , 3:5, 6. Prov . 2:17. 5:15-19. Ес . 9:7-9, v. 9. Is . 54: 6-10, v . 6.
Ez . 16:6-8.) For though divorces were connived at by the judicial law, yet they evidently formed a deviation from the original institution of marriage.
The prophet puts 'the Jews in mind of the first institution of 'marriage, ... (as Christ did afterwards on a 'like occasion) and tells them, that God made 'but one man at first,' (the word rendered "one" is masculine,) 'and made the woman out 'of him; when he could have created more wo'men, if he had pleased: to instruct men, that 'this was the true pattern of marriage, ordain'ed for true love and undivided affection, and 'best serving the chief end of matrimony, 'namely, the religious education of children.'
V. 13-16. The clause, "This have ye done again," may be rendered, "This second thing have ye done." To make way for the strangers whom they married, the people, and even the priests, divorced their Jewish wives. 'This 'injurious treatment of your wives has made 'them fill the courts of the temple, even as far 'as the altar itself, with their lamentations, and || Lowth . - "The LORD God ... breathed into his
'importuning heaven for relief against your 'oppressions; so that God will no more accept 'the sacrifices there offered, by those who
nostrils the breath," (or spirit) "of life, and man became a living soul." But had he not "the residue of the spirit?" Was his life-giving
17 Ye have a wearied the LORD with your words: yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him ? When ye say, Every one
a Ps. 95:9,10. Is. 1:14. 7:13. 43: c 3:13-15. Job 3:5-9,17,36, 24. Jer. 15:6. Ez. 16.13. Am. 3:17. Ps. 733-15. Matt. 11: 2:13. 18,19.
b 14. 1:6,7. 3:8.
power exhausted? and could he not have created many women for this one man, had he seen good? But he meant that a godly posterity should be trained up, which would best be done by the joint care of both parents, living together in love, and uniting their instructions, examples, and prayers for that end; to which polygamy and divorces would have been alike unfavorable. ( Marg , and Marg . Ref . s-u.- Notes , 10-12. Gen. 2:21-24.6:1, 2. 24:1-14. Jer. 2:20,21. Matt . 5:31,32. 19:39.
Mark 10:2-12. 1 Cor . 7:10-14.) The people were, therefore, called on to watch over their own spirits, that such sensual and selfish passions might not influence them, to "deal treacherously against the wives of their youth." For it was evident by the Lord's dealings with their nation, notwithstanding their provocations, that he "hated putting away:" and could they expect, that he would connive at their putting away their wives without cause, when he had not put them away, though they had given him such abundant cause? ( Marg . and Marg. Ref. x, y.- Notes , Is . 50:1-3, v . 1. Jer . 3:1.
Rom . 11:25-32, v . 29.)-'He allowed the Jews the liberty of divorce, only "for the hard'ness of their hearts;" ( Matt . 19:8.) ( Matt . 19:8.) not that it 'was a thing pleasing to him.... Some render 'the words, "If he hate her , let him put her 'away," that is, rather than use her ill.
But 'the former sense is more agreeable to the 'scope of the place.' Lowth . ( Marg .) May it not be added, that the latter sense is evidently contrary to the design of the passage, and agrees with no part of scripture; but is the substance of those glosses and traditions, by which the scribes at length "rendered the commandment of God of none effect?"-The points of the original must be entirely altered, to make it capable of this sense; and these generally shew how the passages were understood in ancient times. - "For I hate him that putteth away." Bp. Newcombe.
The Jews indeed endeavored to cover this oppression with frivolous pretences, as one who by costly oblations attempted to cloke or atone for his unrepented crimes; or as if a man should cast a garment over the body of one whom he had violently slain, or over the plunder that he had taken: but the Lord would not be thus imposed on. (Marg. Ref. z .- Notes , 2 Sam . 20:11-13. Prov . 28:13. Mic . 7:1-4, vv . 2,3.)
V. 17. The profane language of the people was as offensive to God, as their actual impieties and injustice: for they avowed the blasphemous opinion, that he was most pleased with wicked men. The persons, who said this, did not prosper in their outward circumstances, as they expected; they proudly thought themselves good and entitled to God's favor; they envied the prosperity of the wicked; and they argued, that if the Lord were "a God of judgment," he would not let matters go on in this manner: so that unless he punished their enemies and prospered them, they should be ready to deny his Being, providence, or perfections. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 3:13--18, vv . 13 -15. Deut . 32:4. 1 Sam . 2:3. Job 34:5-9. Ps . 73:5-17. Ec . 8:11-13. Is . 5:18,19. 7:13. 30:18, 19. 43:22-25. 2 Pet . 3:1-4.) “The prosperity 'of the wicked, implied, as they thought, 'either that their works were pleasing to God;
Those who will not lay the commandments of God to heart, to glorify him by repentance and obedience, must be exposed to his awful curse; and their abused temporal blessings will be mingled with bitterness, and be made an occasion of falling to them: yet very often, men under severe rebukes in their persons, connexions, undertakings, and possessions, do not see the hand of God lifted up against them. -It is a peculiar favor to be employed in the sacred ministry, and in making known to sinners "the covenant of life and peace;" when they, who are thus engaged, are themselves interested in that covenant, and when God has put his fear into their hearts, and made them eminent for faith and holiness.
Such ministers will be able and ready to teach the truths and precepts of God's word with gravity and sincerity; and "iniquity will not be found in their lips:" they will "walk with God in peace and righteousness, and turn many from iniquity," who will be "their joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of Jesus Christ." But all, who sustain or desire to enter into this sacred function, must remember that the lips of a minister should be fraught with divine knowledge, brought forth from the good treasure of heavenly wisdom, stored up in the heart; that men may be induced to inquire the truth and will of God from his mouth, as "the messenger of the LORD" to their souls.
Ministers who answer this description honor God, and he will honor them, and make them honorable before men in due time and measure. But, alas! how large a proportion of those, who fill the holy office, entirely depart from this good old way! How many pervert and corrupt the precept of the law, and the doctrine of the covenant, by their partial, superficial, and erroneous instructions; and cause men to stumble by their wicked examples!
Such ministers therefore soon fall into contempt: the people disregard their instructions, and do not scruple to defraud them of their incomes; and sometimes even alienate that provision, which they have done so little to deserve, and so much to forfeit: and, however unjust man may be in these transactions, the Lord is evidently righteous; for "they that despise him shall be lightly esteemed."
V. 10-23.
The selfishness and depravity of the human heart are continually striking out new channels of iniquity. Forgetful that "one God hath created them," and that they are sprung from one common father, men multiply frauds and oppressions against their brethren: nay, professed Christians against their fellow Christians, profaning that sacred character to the vilest of purposes. Among other evidences of men's comparative disregard to piety, that is peculiarly worthy of notice, which arises from the marriage of professors of godliness with those who are openly irreligious. Men, who value their distinctions of rank or family, will not degrade themselves by alliances with those
СНАР. Ш.
coming? and who shall stand when he apA prediction of the Messiah's forerunner, and of the Messiah peareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and
himself, to cleanse his church and judge the wicked, 1-6. The people are warned to repent, especially of their sacrilege and proud blasphemy, 7-15. A blessing is promised to such as feared God and spake together of him, when the righteous shall be separated from the wicked, 16-18.
fore me:
EHOLD , a I will send my messenger, band he shall prepare the way beand the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, d even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of his
a 2:7. 4:5. Matt. 11:10,11. Mark 1:2,3. Luke 1:76. 7:26-28. John 1:6,7.
b Is. 40:3-5. Matt. 3:1-3. 17: 10-13. Luke 1:16,17. 3:3-6. John 1:15-23,33,34, 3:28-30. Acts 13:24,25, 19:4.
c Ps. 110:1. Is. 7:14. 9:6. Hag. 2:7-9. Luke 2:11,21-32,38, 46. 7:19,20. 19:47. John 2:14 -16.
d Gen. 48:15,16. Ex. 23:20. Is.
63:9. Hos. 12:3-5. Acts 7: 38.
e 4:1. Am. 5:18-20. Matt. S: 7-12. 21:31-44. 23:13-35. Luke 2:34. 3:9,17. 7:23. 11:37 -47,52-54. 21:36. John 6:42 44. 8:41-48,55. 9:39-41 15: 22-24. Acts 7:52-54. Rom. 9:31-33. 11:5-10. Heb. 10: 28,29. 12:25. 1 Pet. 2:7,8. Rev. 1:6,7. 6:17.
beneath them: yet those who profess themselves to be of Israel, and "holiness to the LORD," set so little value on this distinction, as deliberately and wilfully to ally themselves with the children of his avowed enemy! This is no light matter: for he, who of old determined to "cut off from the tabernacles of Jacob, the master or scholar" who did this, will never connive at it in Christians.
The Lord also notices men's behavior in the different relations of life: he witnesses the unfaithfulness, imperiousness, and unkindness of numbers to their wives, and their violation of the vow and covenant, which they made to them before him and the congregation. He hears the prayers and complaints, and sees the tears, of those who have been thus injured; and, as he would have his children joyful in his service, he will call those to account who cause them to weep before him.
The depravity of men has rendered it necessary in civil society, to counive at deviations from the original institution of marriage: but in all our reasonings on that subject we must revert to it. Did not he, who "had the residue of the spirit," create one woman, and no more, for man in paradise? and
like fuller's soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver that they may offer unto the Lord k an offering in righteousness.
4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, m as in the days of old, and as in * former years.
fls. 4:4. Zech. 13:9. Matt. 3: 10-12. Rev. 2:23. g Ps. 2:7. Is. 1:18. Jer. 2:22. Mark 9:3. Rev. 1:5. 7:14. 19:8.
h Ps. 66:10. Prov. 17:3. 25:4. Is. 1:25. 48:10. Jer. 6:28-30. Ez. 22:18-22. Dan. 12:10. Zech. 13:9. Luke 3:16. Eph. 5:26,27. Tit. 2:14. Heb. 12: 10. 1 Pet. 1:7. 4:12,13. Rev. 3:18.
11:6-10. 2:1-8. Is. 61:6.66: 19-21. Jer. 53:18,22, Ez. 44: 15,16. Rev. 1:6. 5:10.
k 1:11. Ps. 4:5, 50:14,23, 69: 30,31. 107:21,22. 116:17. 141: 1,2. Hos. 14:2. John 4:23,24. Rom. 12:1. 15:16. Phil. 2:17. 4:16. 2 Tim. 4:6. Heb. 13: 15,16. 1 Pet. 2:5,9.
11s. 1:26,27. 56:7. Jer. 30:1820. 31:23,24. Ez. 20:40,41. 43: 26,27. Zech. 8:3. 14:20,21. m1 Chr. 15:26. 16:1-3. 21:26, 29:20-22. 2 Chr. 16. 7:1-3, 10-12. 8:12-14. 29:31-36. 30:21-27. 31:20,21. Jer. 2:2,3. Or, ancient.
judge the world in righteousness, and to inflict vengeance on all his enemies.
NOTES.