CHAP. VII. V. 1--4. This description of the wickedness of the people, especially in Judah, has been thought inconsistent with the times of Hezekiah: and it has therefore been considered as prophetical of the wicked reign of Manasseh. But perhaps the prophet witnessed such scenes towards the close of Hez
practices must arise from mistaken apprehen-ekiah's reign, as caused him dolefully to pre
sions of the divine character; and are more suited to the worshippers of Satan, than to those of JEHOVAH. Blessed be his name, he has in his word revealed to us a way of access, a propitiatory Sacrifice, and a method of applying for the benefits of it, which are honor-fying himself with the first ripe fruit, which
sage the ensuing apostacy. He lamented that after all his zealous labors he could find very few pious persons: but was like a man, who went into an orchard or vineyard, after the fruit had been gathered; and, instead of satisable to him, and admirably suited to our case. was most valued and plentiful, could not find And, would we shew the sincerity of our re- a single cluster of grapes, but only a few gleanpentance and faith and love, he requires noth-ings of inferior goodness. He longed to live
ing from us, but to "do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God;" for notwithstanding our manifold failures, even in this return of grateful obedience; he is ever ready to renew his pardon, and to communicate his grace, to the humble waiting penitent. V. 9-16.
In order that sinners may receive instruction, the Lord calls them by the voice of his word, and by that of his providence: in these warnings, the wise behold his glory, and read his character; they hear the correcting rod speak to them of the evil of sin, and their need of repentance; they learn the lessons which he teaches, and call others to attend,
among eminent believers, but he found very few who had any sense of piety, and these were far inferior to their pious ancestors. For good and merciful men were taken to heaven, and the land was deprived of them, till an upright person could scarcely be found. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . a-d.- Notes , Ps . 12:1-4. Is. 17:4-8. 24:13-15. 57:1,2.) In general they sought to enrich themselves, by murdering or ruining their neighbors; even as hunters pursue their game into the net. They were exceedingly diligent and active in mischief, doing it "with both hands earnestly," or effectually. They excelled in doing evil, with great diligence and ability: they did it to the best ad
and to consider who has appointed their afflic-vantage. The prince, or magistrate, asked a
tions; that they may not murmur or despond, but derive good from them. But if this voice be disregarded, the sword of vengeance will be drawn: for so bent is man on wickedness, that amidst all judgments and warnings, he is inwardly propense to proceed in covetous, fraudulent, or oppressive endeavors to grow rich, to enjoy pleasure and pomp, or distinction, and in various ways to multiply lies and deceit. Thus heavier sufferings are ensured, the satisfaction of outward mercies is marred, and the wrath of God may be expected to corrode the inmost soul: nor can there be deliverance, except by repentance, faith, and renewed obedience. But alas! men are much more ready to observe and cleave to iniquitous and ungodly laws, counsels, and maxins, than to "walk in the good ways of the LORD:" and when this is
bribe for perverting justice; and the rich oppressor had only to mention the mischief which he purposed to do; and so the bargain was concluded, and they covered up the infamous transaction. The best of them were entangling and mischievous as briers; and created more pain and trouble to such as had dealings with them, than a thorn-hedge to those who attempted to force through it: the worst of them therefore must be serpents, or wolves and tigers. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . e-l. e—1 -Notes , 3:8-12. 2 Sam . 23:6,7. Prov . 1 : 10–14 . 4:16,17. Is . 1:21–24. Jer . 5:26—29. 16:16. Ex . 2: 6. Hab . 1:12—17. Matt . 26:14-16.) No doubt then could remain, that "the day of visitation," predicted by all Israel's watchmen, was at hand, when they would be reduced to the most perplexing straits. ( Marg . Ref . m. o.-Notes
5 Trust Pye not in a friend, put ye duntil he plead my cause, and execute not confidence in a guide: keep the judgment for me: he will bring me forth doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in to the light, and I shall behold his rightthy bosom.
6 For the son dishonoreth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-inlaw; sa man's enemies are the men of his own house.
7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: 2 when I fall, I shall arise; a when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light
qJudg. 16:5-20.
p Job 6:14,15. Ps. 118:8,9. Jer. y Job 31:29. Ps. 13:4-6. 35: 9:4,5. Matt. 10:16. 15,16,19,2426. 38:16. Prov. 24:17,18. Jer. 50:11. Lam. 4:21,22. Ez. 25:6, 35:15. Ob. 12. John 16:20. Rev. 11:10 -12.
r Gen. 9:22-24. 49:4. 2 Sam. 15:10-12. 16:11,21-23. Prov. 30:11,17. Ez. 22:7. Matt. 10: 21,35,36. Luke 12:53. 21:16. 2 Tim. 3:2,3.
s Ps. 41:9. 55:12-14. Jer. 12: 6. 20:10. Ob. 7. Matt. 26:23, 49,50. John 13:18.
t Ps. 34:5,6. 55:16,17, 109:4. 142:4,5. Is. 8:17. 45:22. Hab. 3:17-19. Luke 6:11,12.
u Gen. 49:18. Ps. 25:5. 27:1214. 37:7. 40:1-3.62:1-8. Is. 12:2. 25:9. Lam. 3:25,26. Luke 2:25-32.
x Ps. 4:2.3. 38:15. 50:15. 65:2. 1 John 5:14,15.
z Ps. 37:24.41:10-12. Prov. 24:16.
a Ps. 107:10-15.112:4. Is. 9:2. 49:9. 50:10. Matt. 4:16. Luke 1:78,79.
b Ps. 27:1. 84:11. 97:11. 112:4. Is. 2:5. 60:1-3,19,20. Mal. 4:2. John 8:12. Acts 26:18. 2 Cor. 4:6. Rev. 21:23. 22:5.
c Lev. 26:41. 1 Sam. 3:18. 2 Sam. 16:11,12. 24:17. Job 34: 31,32. Lam. 1:18. 3:39-42. Luke 15:18,19.
Is . 10:1-4. Jer. 6:13-17. Ez . 12:21-25. Hos .
9:7,8. Am . 8:1-3.)
They wrap it up. )3( עבַּת יִעבְתוּהָ, tor quendo condensavit.-עבות, unis perplexus . -'The prince, the judge, and the great man, 'agreeing in the ill designs, make a threefold iniquity: or they twist one sin upon 'another, the latter to maintain and cover the 'former. Lowth .
V. 5-7. The people in general were so deceitful, that the few honest persons among them had need to be very cautious: no friend, or counsellor, or guide could safely be trusted: nay, it would be dangerous freely to disclose their minds to their own wives, lest they should be hired to betray them. All regard to relative duty and subordination was vanished; children were become undutiful and rebellious, and a man's own family often proved his worst enemies, especially if he disgusted them by his piety. ( Marg . Ref . p-s.- Notes , Gen. 9:20-23. Judg . 14:15-18. 16:5-16. 2 Sam . 15:1-12,31.
Ps . 41:9. 55:12-15. 118:8,9. Jer . 12:5,6. Am . 5: 10-13, ν. 13. Matt . 10:16,18, υ. 16,21,22. 26:47 -56, υυ . 47-49. Luke 12:49-53.) The prophet therefore saw no safety or comfort, but in "looking to the Lord, and waiting on the God of his Salvation," who would be sure to hear and help him, and those who followed his example. ( Marg . Ref . t-x.- Notes , Gen. 49:18. Ps. 62:1-7. 142:4,5. Is . 25:9.
Lam . 3:24-30, υυ. 25,26. Ηab . 3:17-19.)-Our Lord quotes the sixth verse, ( Note , Matt . 10:34-36.) and applies it to the persecutions about to be raised against his disciples: and the character of the Jews, in those days, exactly answered the description here given.
V. 8-10. Jerusalem (or the church) seems VOL. IV.
102
eousness .
10 * Then she that is mine enemy shall see it , and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the Lord thy God? i mine eyes shall behold her: k now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.
[Practical Observations.]
11 In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed.
12 In that day also he shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.
13 Notwithstanding the land shall be d1 Sam. 24:15. 25:39 26:10.1
k 2 Kings 9:33-37. Ps. 18: Ps. 7:6. 43:1. Jer. 50:17-20, 42. Is. 25:10-12, 26:5,6. 41: $3,34. 51:35,36. Rev. 6:10,11. 18:20.
15,16. 51:22,23. 63:2,3. Zech. 10.5. Mal. 4:3.
Heb. for a treading down.
e Job 23:10. Ps. 37:6. Mal. 3: 18. 1 Cor. 4:5. 2 Thes. 1:5 1 Neh. 2:17. 3:1, &c. 4:3,6. Dan. -10. 2 Tim. 4:8.
Or, And thou wilt see her that is mine enemy, and cover her with shame.
f Ps. 137:8,9. Is. 47:5-9. Jer. 50:33,34. 51:8-10,44. Nah. 2: 3: Rev. 17:1-7.
g Ps. 35:26. 109:29. Jer. 51:51. Ez. 7:18. Ob. 10.
h Ps. 42:3,10. 79.10. 115:2. Is. 37:10,11. Dan. 3:15. Joel 2: 17. Matt. 27:43.
i 4:11. Ps. 58:10. Mal. 1:5. Rev. 18:20.
9:25. Am. 9:11-15.
m Ezra 4:12-24. Neh, 2:8. n Is. 11:16. 19:23-25. 27:12, 13. 43:6. 49:12. 60:4-9.66: 19,20. Jer. 3:13. 23:3, 31:8. Ez. 37:21,22. 39:27,28. Hos. 11:11.
Or, even to.
Or, After that the land hath been.
o Lev. 26:33-39. Is. 6:11-13. 24:3-3. Jer. 25:11. Dan. 9: 26,27. Luke 21:20-24.
to be here introduced, as speaking by the prophet. Assyria, Babylon, Edom, or Rome, is addressed as an insulting triumphing adversary, whose rejoicing would be short. Though Jerusalem had fallen, or was about to fall, into deep distress, yet she would arise again out of it: though sorrow and affliction should oppress her, yet "the LORD would be a Light unto and again shine upon her. She would therefore compose herself to bear the fatherly corrections of God, which her sins had provoked, and submit to his displeasure with patience and hope. ( Marg .
Ref . y-c.- Notes , Lev . 26: 40-42. 2 Sam . 24:17. Ps . 13:1-4, v . 4. 27:1-3. 38:16-18. 97:11. 112:4. Prov . 24:15-18. Is . 50: 10,11. Jer . 50:11. Lam . 3 : 39-41 . 4:21,22. Ez . 25:3-7. Ob . 10–16. John 16:16-22. Rev. 11: 7-12.) As she had not injured her insulting enemy, she would wait for the Lord to plead her cause, and execute judgment for her.
She was indeed covered with disgrace and calumny, as well as misery: but God would bring her forth from her dark retreat, and clear her aspersed character; and manifest his truth and righteousness in delivering her, and punishing her persecutors. (Marg. Ref . d, e.-Ps. 37:58. Is . 54:15-17.
Rom . 8:32-34.) Then her enemy would witness her returning prosperity and purity with confusion and terror; and would with shame recollect her insulting inquiries in the depth of her misery, whilst she demanded, "Where is the LORD thy God?" And then Jerusalem would behold her rival trodden down, with extreme contempt, to rise no more. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . f-k.- Notes , Ps . 35:24-28. 12:1-3,9,10.79:8-13. 137:7-9. Is . 25:10-12. 34:41:10—14. Nah . 2: 3: Zech. 10:5-12 . Mal . 1:2-5. Rev. 17:1-6.18:20.)—The deliverance of the Jews from captivity, and [809
desolate, because of them that dwell there- || like + worms of the earth; in, for the fruit of their doings.
14 Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, *as in the days of old.
15 According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things .
16 The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf.
17 They shall pent, they shall
lick the dust like a sermove out of their holes
7. 5:21. Am. 9:11. Mal. 3:4. p 3:12. Job 4:8. Prov. 1:31. 5: 22. 31:31. Is. 3:10,11. Jer. t Ps. 68:22. 78:12, &c. Is. 11:16. 17:10, 21:14. 32:19. Gal. 6: 7,8.
Or, Rule. 5:4. marg. Ps. 23: 1-4. 28:9.95:7. 100:3. Is. 40: 11. 49:10. Matt. 2:6. Marg. John 10:27-30.
q Ex. 33:16. Num. 23:9. Deut. 33:28. John 17:16.
r Is. 35:2. 37:24. 65:10. Jer. 50: 19,20. Ez. 34:13,14. Zeph. 3:13.
s Ps. 77:5-11. 143:5. Lam. 1:
51:9, 63:11-15. Jer. 23:7,8. u 5:8. Ps. 126:2. 19. 26:11. 66: 18. Ez. 38:23. 39:17-21. Zech. 8:20-23. 12:9. Rev. 11:18.
x Job 21:5. 29:9,10. 40:4. Is. 52:15. Rom. 3:19.
y Gen. 3:14,15, Ps. 72:9. Is. 49:23. 60.14. 65:25. Lam. 3: 29. Rev. 3:9.
z 1 Sam. 14:11. Ps. 18:45. Jer. 16:16.
V. 11-13. When the appointed time for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem should arrive, the decrees of the kings of Persia, forbidding that work, would be removed far away: and the Jews would flock to Jerusalem from every region whither they had been dispersed; without being allured to stay away, by the distance or advantages of their situations. But the conversion of sinners to Christ, in the days of the apostles, and especially in those glorious times every where predicted, was shadowed forth by those events. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . 1 -n.- Notes , Ezra 4:10-24.
Neh . 2:17,18. 3: Is . 11:11—16. 19:23–25. 27:12,13. 60:3–14.66:19 -23. Jer . 23:3,4. Ez . 36:20-24. 37:20–22. Hos . 3:4,5. Am . 9:13-15.)-Though such blessings were reserved for Israel in after ages; yet the wickedness of the nation would certainly bring on them the threatened desolations.- 'The 'general restoration of the Jews shall not be 'brought to pass, till after their land hath lain 'desolate for some ages, as a testimony of God's 'displeasure against the ancient inhabitants for 'their sins, especially that heinous one of re'jecting the Messiah.' Lowth . ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . o. p.- Notes , 3:8-12. Lev . 26:31-35. Is . 6:11-13.24:1-12. Dan . 9:25-27. Luke 21:20
-24.)
they
they shall be
afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee.
18 Who is b a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?he retaineth not his anger for ever, because & he delighteth in mercy.
19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
20 Thou wilt1 perform the truth to Jacob,
† Or, creeping things .
a Ex. 15:14-16. Josh. 2:9-11. 9:24. Ps. 9:20. Is. 2:19-21. 64:2. Jer. 33:9. Zech. 14:5. Rev. 6:15-17. 18:9,10.
b Ex. 15:11. Deut. 33:26. 1 Kings 8:23. Ps. 35:10. 71:19. 89:6,8. 113:5,6. Is. 40:18,25. 46:8,9.
c Ex. 33:18,19. 34:6,7. Num. 14:18,19, Neh. 9:17. Ps. 65: 3. 86:5,15. 103:2,3. 130:4,7,8. Is. 1:18. 43:25. 44:22. 55:7. Jer. 31:34. 33:8. Dan. 9:9. Jon. 4:2. Luke 24:47. Acts 13:38,39.
d Num. 23:21. Am. 7:8. 8:2. 14. 2:12. 4:7. 5:3,7,8. Joel 2: 32. Rom. 11:4-7. Heb. 8:9 -12.
f Ps. 77:6-10. 85:4,5. 103:9. Is. 57:16. Jer. 3:5,12.
g Is. 62:5. 65:19. Jer. 32:41. Ez. 33:11. Zeph. 3:17. Luke 15:5-7,9,10,23,24,32. Eph. 2: 4,5. Jan. 2:13.
h Deut. 30:3. 32:36. Ezra 9:8, 9. Ps. 90:13,14. Is. 63:15-17. Jer. 31:20. Lam. 3:32. Hos. 14:4.
i Deut. 30:6. Ps. 130:8. Ez. 11:19,20, 36:25-27. Rom. 6: 14,17-22. 7:23-25. 8:2,3,13. Tit. 2:14. Jam. 4:5,6. 1 John 3:8.
k Ps. 103:12. Is. 58:17. Jer. 50: 20. Dan. 9:24.
1 Gen. 12:2,3. 17:7,8. 22:1618. 26:3,4. 28:13,14. Ps. 105: 8-10. Jer. 33:25,26. Luge 1:54,55,72-74. Acts 3:25,26. Rom. 11:26-31. Heb. 6:1318.
would preserve them during the captivity, and restore them to their own land, and prosper them in it, as in their most flourishing times. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . q-s.- Notes , 5:3,4. Ps . 23:1-4.78:70-72. Is . 35:1,2. 40:9-11. Jer. 23: 3-6. Ez . 34:23–31. 36:11. Zeph. 3:11—13.
John 10:10—16,26—31. 21:15–17. 1 Pet . 5 : 1— 4.) To this prayer the Lord answered, that he would renew his ancient wonders when he brought their fathers out of Egypt, "with a strong hand and a stretched arm," in their deliverance from their dispersions; which the nations beholding, should be astonished and silenced, not daring to oppose their power, though they stopped their ears to the truth.
They would thus be degraded to the dust, grovelling on the earth as serpents; and afraid to shew themselves, as worms that seldom creep from their holes; for they would fear the wrath of God, who thus pleaded the cause of his people. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . t--a. Notes , Gen. 3:14,15. Ex . 15:3--19. Deut . 32:24. Josh . 1:8--11. 2 Sam . 22:43-51, v . 45. Ps . 68: 22,23. 72:9–11. Is . 2:19-21. 49:22,23. 60:10— 14.64:1-3. 65:24,25. Jer . 33:6–9. Zech . 8 : 20– 23.
Rev. 3:8,9. 6:15-17. 18:9,10.)-This too must predict greater deliverances and triumphs of the church, and debasement and terror of her enemies, than those which took place, when Sennacherib's army was destroyed; when Babylon was taken, and the Jews liberated by Cyrus; or when the Maccabees were victorious over their persecutors: and doubtless those events were intended, which it has repeatedly been proved that all the prophets foretold.-'If the expressions s are thought too 'strong for the events which happened under 'the Maccabees; they may likewise have a ref'erence to the time of the future restoration.' Bp .
Newcombe.
V. 14-17. The prophet here entreated the Lord to "feed his people" (the flock which he valued as his heritage,) "with his rod," or by his word, Spirit, and providence, even during their dispersions in distant lands, where they would be exposed, and be solitary, as sheep; or dwell alone , as preserved separate from the nations among whom they were dispersed. ( Note , Num . 23:9.) But let him feed them as on mount Carmel; and provide for them, as for the flocks in Bashan and Gilead, where was good pasturage; or as he had fed their fathers in ancient times: that is, he prayed that God || 11.)
Their ears, &c. (16) 'They shall hard'ly believe their own ears, when they hear 'those wonderful works, which God hath 'wrought for them. Lowth . ( Note , 1 Sam . 3: It is a heavy trial to pious persons to be deprived of 'the communion of the saints, especially when it is owing to the decay of god- brethren under all disconsolations and trials,
and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast
V. 18-20. The prophet concluded his predictions, by celebrating, with admiring love, and gratitude, and adoring praises, the mercy and truth of God in his dealings with his people. Who, that ever was worshipped as god, could pretend to equal JEHOVAH in his perfections and operations? What could be found worthy to be compared with his readiness to pardon the sins, and to remit the punishment, of his heritage; notwithstanding that their transgressions had provoked him to reduce them to a remnant?
Though he might justly have "retained his anger for ever;" yet he did not, because he ever "delighteth in mercy." This had often been evinced by facts: and though heavy judgments were about to come upon the whole nation of Israel; yet he would return to them with tender compassion, and subdue the power, as well as pardon the guilt, of their sins, and so entirely take them away, that they should be, as it were, for ever buried "in the depths of the sea." ( Marg . Ref . b-1.Notes, 4:6,7. 5:3,4,7-9. Er . 15:9-11.33:18,19. 34:5--7. Deut . 4:29-31. 30:1-10. 33:26--29. Ezra 9:8,9.
Ps . 71:19. 85:4,8. 89:6--12. 103:1-4, 11-13. Is . 6:13. 40:18-20, v . 18,25,26. 43:2225, ν . 25. 44:22. 55:6—9. 57:15,16. Jer . 31:33,34. 32:39-41. Ez . 33:11. Zeph . 3:14–17. Luke 15: 3-10. Rom . 6:16—23. 11:1-6,25-32. Eph . 1: 6-8. Jam . 2:8-13, v. 13.) Thus he would fulfil the engagements of his covenant and oath, which he made to Abrahara and Jacob, for the glory of his mercy and faithfulness.
These engagements evidently related to Christ, and the success of his gospel to the end of time; and the future restoration of Israel, and the final prevalence of true religion in all lands, will be the complete performance of them. (Marg. Ref . m.- Notes , Gen. 12:1—3. 22:16 18. Luke 1:46-55, υυ . 54,55,67-75. Heb . 6:13 -20.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-10.
sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. their obligations, and prove unfaithful, and the sources of the most painful afflictions, to those connected with them. But, if the believer finds that his worst foes are those of his own family; he should be rendered more simple in his dependence, and fervent in his prayers to, the God of his salvation, who will never refuse to hear and help him.
We should also, under all our trials, look continually unto our divine Redeemer, that we may learn to copy his patience, meekness, constancy, and love, amidst all his unequalled injuries and agonies; and thus become examples to those around us. we truly belong to him, we shall at length share his victories, as well as be conformed to him in sufferings. Though our enemies may seem to prevail and rejoice over us, we should not despond, or decline the conflict: though cast down, we are not destroyed; though foiled, we are not slain; and ought therefore to resume our arms, and renew the combat.
Our darkness, through temptation, tribulation, or persecution, will not long prevent our comfort in the Lord, "our Light and Salvation." Though we have often and grievously sinned, and are suffering under the rod of his fatherly displeasure, yet we may unite hope in his mercy with submission to his correction; for he will at length plead our cause, and bring us forth to the light, clear our characters from slanderous imputations, and fulfil to us his faithful promises: so that all, who have derided our confidence in God, because of difficulties and distresses, shall be covered with shame; and those who hate us for his sake, shall be "trodden down as the mire in the streets.” V. 11-20.
No hindrances can obstruct the intended favors of God to his church or servants: and their returning peace and comfort allure others to come and join themselves to them. Let us then continue in prayer to the Lord, that he would graciously feed his dispersed "flock, his heritage," that dwell "in the world, but are not of it;" and that he would support us and our
liness, and a decrease in the numbers and zeal of believers. Alas! we may long in vain for the company of many such Christians, as were the first ripe fruits of the gospel, in those hap- py times when "great grace was upon them all," and "the Lord added to the church dai- ly such as should be saved." Believers of this description are generally scarce: when they are removed to heaven, the earth suffers a very grievous loss: and we should long earnestly to see their posterity copy their examples, or others raised up in their places to be the in- struments of extensive good.
We may, how- ever, be thankful, that we meet with a few gleanings of this vintage; though alas! the greater part of professed Christians seem giv- to selfishness, fraud, iniquity, and un-en up to selfishness, fra godliness. Even those who ought to support equity and patronise religion, too commonly "do evil with both hands earnestly;" and by their venality and concurrence in iniquity, help each other to grow rich and great: and thus they conceal many an infamous transac- tion, which the Lord will at length unfold be- fore the whole world.
We cannot but lament the malice and mischievousness of large mul- titudes on every side, and grieve to think of the misery that is coming upon them: we must grieve that so little confidence can be placed in those, who make the greatest professions of friendship: ( Note , Ps . 62:8-10.) and that even the nearest relatives should so often forget
and make us joyful in him and in his salvation, as his people were in days of old. Then will he hear our prayers, and renew his ancient wonders, and make us victorions over every opposer; and at length all his enemies and those of his church shall be filled with terror, and have their portion with the old serpent, the tempter and murderer of mankind.
Let us then rejoice, and praise the pardoning mercy of our God: let us hope and pray that he will turn to us, and turn us to himself; that he will have compassion on us, and subdue, as well as forgive, our sins, and fully and finally deliver us from these our inward and most dangerous foes. Let us rely on the mercy and truth, engaged by covenant and oath to Abraham and all his believing children; and remember, that the Lord has given this infallible security, for "the strong consolation of all those, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them" in Christ Jesus.
And let none of us omit to pray without ceasing, for the fulfilment of these prophecies, in their literal and most enlarged sense, to Israel, and to the whole earth; and to shew our sincerity and earnestness in such prayers, by every exertion in our power, to promote that most desirable object, and our countenance and zealous assistance to all, whether Societies or individuals, who by scriptural means are employed in this blessed work and labor of love.
THE
BOOK OF NAHUM.
It is probably conjectured that Nahum delivered this prophecy about the time when Sennacherib invaded Judah. It relates almost entirely to the destruction of Nineveh, and of the Assyrian empire, of which the cutting off of Sennacherib's army was an earnest and presage; and its primary intent seems to have been the encouragement of the pious Jews, amidst the troubles and alarms occasioned by that invasion.
It does not appear, that this short prophecy is referred to in the New Testament: yet it certainly formed a part of that volume, which Christ and his apostles called "the Scriptures," "the oracles of God." No other prediction is clearly contained in it, but that of the desolations of Nineveh; 'that vast and populous city, 'whose walls were an hundred feet high, and capable of admitting three chariots abreast 'upon them, and fortified with fifteen hundred towers, on the walls, of of two hundred feet high!
So totally, indeed, was this city destroyed, that in the second century after Christ not a 'vestige remained of it, to ascertain the spot on which it stood. Its situation has long been 'a matter of doubt and uncertainty. This remarkable pro prophecy, thus remarkably arkably accomstriking 'plished, affords a signal evidence of the inspiration of of Nahum, and a striking lesson of hu'mility to human pride.' Gray's Key. (Note, 3:19.)-The best judges are agreed, that in respect of arrangement, style, and sublimity, it is one of the most finished poems extant in human language.
В. С. 710.
В. С. 710.