CHAP. X.
An exhortation to seek and expect rain, and other blessings from God; as the distresses of the people had arisen from idols, false teachers, and corrupt rulers, 1-3. Promises of extraordinary assistance, deliverance, success, and consolation, to the Jews and to the church, 4-12.
* Or, grow , or, speak . Cant. 7:9.
dah," and as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. The Lord still encamps about his church: and while armies of proud opposers pass by and return, bis eyes watch over her that they cannot prevail; and shortly the time will come when "no exactor shall pass through her any more."
V. 9-17.
Let all, who love the Lord, rejoice with loud acclamations in Zion's King; in his majesty and meekness, in his purity and compassion, in his righteousness and salvation: and while we admire and confide in his lowliness, equity, truth, and love, may we transcribe them into our own spirit and conduct. Let us "not mind high things, but condescend to men of low estate;" and be content with poverty and mean accommodations: let us compassionate the indigent and the unworthy, and be willing and guidable in every service; lest we should be sent to learn docility and submission from the ass's colt.
We should be thankful that the Son of God did not come with the weapons and the terrors of war; but with the words of mercy and peace: that, being pardoned and reconciled to God, and rescued from our former usurping lords, and renounding our carnal confidences, we may be his wiling subjects; and heartily desire that his dominion may be extended throughout the earth. For, through the precious blood of his covenant, numbers of the poor prisoners of Satan have been and are set at liberty from the horrib'e pit, in which they must otherwise have pe ished, without hope or comfort.
And if we te thus escaped, and have "our feet set upon the rock, and a new song put into our mouths," let us call to our fellow sinners “as prisoners of hope," to turn to the same strong-hold, assured of an abundant recompense.
Sharp have been the conflicts, immense the exertions, and extensive the conquests of Zion's sons, whom the Lord has raised up, qualified, and employed in the spiritual warfare, against his proud despisers in former ages: and whenever he thus makes any of them as "polished shafts" in his hand; when he animates them with courage, faith, and zeal; when he helps them to "cast off the works of darkness, and to put on the armor of light;" he will assuredly go with them to the combat, and give them a measure of the same success.
Let us then sound the trumpet of the gospel, and take the sling and stone of faith and prayer, "the sword of the Spirit," "the helmet of salvation, and the whole armor of God;" and we shall be able to face any Goliath, who shall defy the armies of our Immanuel. And, while we drink abundantly of his divine conso"lations, and are "filled with the Spirit;" we shall be joyful under every hardship, and bold in all dangers. For the good Shepherd will save his purchased flock, from every wolf and lion that assaults them. He will preserve eve
whom he rejects; their dwellings will be turn-ry redeemed sinner, as a bright jewel in his
ed to aliens, their pride will be trampled upon, and all the fruit of their abominations will be torn from them, together with the power of doing further mischief. But the remnant which is devoted to God will be safe and happy, and they shall be honored as the "governors of Ju
glorious crown, and set him as an ensign, by which to bring others to list themselves in his armies. And the more we are employed, honored, comforted, and satisfied with the plenteousness of his house; the more we shall admire, love, and praise his goodness, and his beauty
field.
2 For the tidols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain; therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
3 Mine kanger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock
a Ez. 36:37. Matt. 7:7,8. Johng Job 21:34. Jer. 6:14. 2:11. 16:23,24. Jam. 5:16-18. 14:13,14, 23:17. 28:4-6,15. 37:19.
b Deut. 28:23,24. 1 Kings 17:1. 18:41-45. Is. 5:6, 30.23. Jer. 14:22. Am. 4:7.
c Deut. 11:14. Job 29:23. Prov. 16:15. Hos. 6:3. Joel 2:23,24. Jam. 5:7.
* Or, lightnings. Job 36:2731. 37:1-6. Jer. 10:13. 51:16. d Ps. 65:9-13. 72:6. 104:13,14. Is. 44:3-5. Ez. 34:26. Hos. 10:12. Mic. 5:7. 1 Cor. 3.6,7. e Is. 44:9,10. 46:5-7. Jer. 10:8 -14. 14:22. Hab. 2:18.
↑ Heb. teraphim. Gen. 31:19. Judg. 18:14. Hos. 3:4.
f Jer. 23:25-27. 27:9. 29:8,21, 22. Lam. 2:14. Ez. 13:616,22,23, 21:29. Mic. 3:6-11.
h Jer. 13:17-20. 50:17. 51:23. Mic. 2:12.
Or, answered that there, &c. i Num. 27:17. 1 Kings 22:17. Ez. 34:5,8. Matt. 9:36. Mark 6:34.
k 11:5-8,17. Is. 56:9-12. Jer. 10:21. 23:1,2. 50:6. Ez. 34:2,
10.
1 Ez. 34:16,17,20,21. Matt. 25: 32,33.
Heb. visited upon. Is. 10:12. 24:21. Jer. 11:22. 25:12. Zeph. 1:8. margins.
m Ex. 4:31. Ruth 1:6. Zeph. 2:7. Luke 1:68,78. 7:16. 1 Pet. 2:12.
which all heaven adores and celebrates as revealed in the face of our Redeemer. May we "behold his glory as in a glass," till we are "changed into the same image, from glory to glory, by the Spirit of our God."
NOTES.
CHAP. X. V. 1. The spiritual blessings, promised in the preceding chapter, had been shadowed forth under allusions to temporal plenty: ( Notes , 9:13-17.) and the people were therefore reminded, that they must ask them from God. As rain is essential to the fruitfulness of the earth, they were directed to pray for it in its regular seasons: and so the Lord would make "bright clouds," either such as are forerunners of rain, or such as are bright by the lightnings which accompany it; and then every field would produce grass, or other vegetables in plenty. - This may be considered as an exhortation to the people, and the preachers of the gospel, to seek the fructifying infiuences of the Holy Spirit by faith and prayer, without which no means can be successful. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , Ps . 65:9-13. 72:4-7, v. 6. Is . 5:5,6. Jer. 14:19-22. Ez . 36: 37. 37:1-10, v. 9. Hos . 10:12,13. 1 Cor . 3:4-9. Jam . 5:7,8,16-18.)
V. 2, 3. The prophet deters the Jews from 'seeking to idols, by putting them in mind of 'the calamities, idolatry brought on their fore'fathers. The idols are said here to speak 'vanity, that is, by the answers the priests gave 'in their name; for elsewhere they are called 'dumb idols. ( Ps . 115:7. Hab . 2:18.)' Lowth.
the house of Judah, and hath made them n as his goodly horse in the battle.
4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle-bow, out of him every oppressor together.
5 And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, "because the LORD is with them: Il and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place
0 14:3,13,14. Deut. 20:1. Josh. 10:14,42. Is. 8:9,10. 41:12,13. Joel 3:12-17. Matt. 28:20. Rom. 8:31-37. 2 Tim. 4:7,17. Rev. 19:13-15.
|| Or, they shall make the riders on horses ashamed. 12:4. Ps. 20:7,8, 33:16,17. Ez. 39:15. 39:18-20. Hag. 2:22. Rev. 19:17,18.
x 12. Ps. 89:21,22. Is. 41:10. Ez. 37:16, &c. Ob. 18-21. Mic. 4:6,7,18. 5:8,9. 7:16,17. Zeph. 3:19,20.
y 8:7,8. Jer. 3:18. 23.6-8.31: 1,31. 33:24-26, 46:27,28. 50: 4,5. Ez. 39:25. Hos. 1:11. Rom. 11:25,26.
bles arose for want of faithful rulers and teachers. For they, who bore those characters, provoked the Lord to anger by by their crimes, and by
by leading the people into wickedness, through their influence and example: and therefore he punished "the goats," or the great men, who went before the people, as the hegoat before the flock. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . e-l.- Notes , 11:4-9,15-17. Is . 56:9-12. Jer. 10:6-8,12-15. 14:13-16. 23:13-17. 27:4-11. 28:15-17. Ez . 13:6-16.34:2—10,17-22. Hos . 3:4,5. Mic . 3:5-12.
Matt . 9:36-38.) But having cut off the shepherds and the goats, the Lord had in mercy visited the remnant of the flock, and was about to renew their courage and strength for conflict and victory, even as the goodly horse is prepared for the battle. This may be applied to the successes of the Jews after the captivity, under the Maccabees; or to that of Jewish preachers in spreading the gospel. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . m, n.- Notes , 1:14-17. 9:13-16.)-‘He will be merciful to 'his church, and cherish them, as a king or 'prince doth his best horse, which shall be for 'his own use in the day of battle.'
V. 4. Every one, who should be raised up to support the nation, as "the corner-stone" does the building; or to unite discordant parties, as the nail, the different timbers, must come out from the Lord, who ought to be trusted and thanked for them. Or, if any should be employed to crush their enemies, their valor, helpers, and success must come from him. This may be applied to Christ the Corner-Stone, and the uniting Nail, of his church, and her Protector and Ruler, who
The idols of the Jews before the captivity; and crushes all her enemies by his own power, and their oracles, diviners, and false teachers, had by the weapons which he employs. The rudeceived their expectations, imposed upon | |lers and teachers of the church, and the preach them with false doctrines and lying predic-ers employed in converting the nations to tions, and given them vain and delusory com- Christianity, may likewise be intended. ( Marg . fort, by their assurances of continued prosper- || Ref . Notes , 5-12. 1:18—21. 9:8—10. 12:6-8. ity. Therefore the people were driven away Ezra 9:8. Ps . 118:19-24, v . 22. Is . 22:20-25 like a flock of sheep by robbers; and their trou- vv . 23-25. Mic . 5:5-9. Rev. 19:11-21.)
them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be a as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.
7 And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man , and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: d yea, their children shall see it , and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; & for I have redeemed them: " and they shall increase as they have increased. 9 And I will i sow them among the peoremember me in far
ple; and they shall
z Is. 14:1. Jer. 31:20. Hos. 1: 7. 2:23. 3:5. 14:4-8. Mic. 7: 18-20.
a 8:11. Is. 49:17-21. 54:4-8, 11-14. 60:14-17.61:7. Jer. 30:18-20. Ez. 36:11.
b 13:9. Is. 41:17-20. 65:23,24. Jer. 33:2,3. Ez. 36:37.
c 9:15,17. Gen. 43:34. Ps. 104: 15. Prov. 31:6,7. Acts 2:1318. Eph. 5:18,19.
1:8.
d Gen. 18:19. Ps. 90:16. 102: i Esth. 8:17. Jer. 31:27. Dan. 28. Is. 38:19. Jer. 32:39. Acts 2:39. 13:33.
3.-6: Hos. 2:23. Am. 9:9. Mic. 5:7. Acts 8:1,4. 11:19- 21. 13: 14:&c.
k Deut. 30:1-4. 1 Kings 8:47, 48. Neh. 1:9. Jer. 51:50. Ez.
6 : 9.
countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.
10 I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and place shall not be found for them.
11 And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.
12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down, in his name, saith the Lord.
1 Is. 65:9,23. Acts 2:38,39. 3:25, 26. 13:32,33. Rom. 11:16,17,
24.
m 8:7. Is. 11:11-16. 19:23-25. 27:12,13. Hos. 11:11. Mic. 7: 11,12.
n Jer. 22:6. Ez. 47:18-21. Ob. 20. Mic. 7:14.
o Is. 49:19-21.54:2,3. 60-22. p Ps. 66:10-12. Is. 42:15,16. 43:2.
q. Ex. 14:21,22,27,28. Josh. 3:
15-17. 2 Kings 2:8,14. Ps. 77:16-20. 114:3,5. Is. 11:15, 16. Rev. 16:12.
r. Ezra 6:22. Is. 14:25. Mic. 5: 5,6.
s. Ez. 29:14-16. 30:13. t 6. 12:5. Ps. 68:34,5. Is. 41: 10. 45:24. Eph. 6:10. Phil. 4:13. 2 Tim. 2:1.
u Gen. 5:24. 24:40. Is. 2.5. Mic. 4:5. Col. 2:6. 3:17. 1 Thes. 2 12. 4:1. 1 John 1:6,7.
room would not be found for them. At this approaching time, they will experience the same marvellous protection and assistance against the enemies, who oppose their return or settlement, as their fathers had done, when they passed through the Red sea from their affliction in Egypt, and through Jordan into the promised land; and all the power and pride of their antichristian assailants will be destroyed, like those of Pharaoh and Sennacherib. Thus, being "strengthened by the LORD," they will walk up and down in his name, trusting and rejoicing in him, and celebrating the praises of his glorious perfections and wonderful
V.5-12. These verses are in some things similar to those considered in the former chapter: yet there are expressions, which can scarcely be applied to either of the events there mentioned. ( Notes , 9:13-17.) Under Judas Maccabeus the Jews became indeed very formidable, and trod down the forces of Antiochus "as the mire in the streets:" and "because the LORD was with them," his cavalry could not stand against them. Thus the house of Judah was strengthened and delivered, and re-established in their civil and religious privileges, and many of the dispersed Israelites were joined to them. This might also be applied to the success of the apostles and evan-works. It can scarcely be doubted, that some
gelists, in their spiritual warfare: but what fol- more signal fulfilment of this prophecy is yet lows leads me to conclude conclude, that the recovery to be expected: but the event alone can exactof the Jews, and the whole house of Israel, ly determine, in what way the predicted de
from their present dispersion, and future events for which that nation is reserved, were predicted: and that it can only be accommodat ed to any of the past affairs of Israel, or of the church.
A time is coming, when the Lord will have mercy on them and hear their prayers; he will again place them in their own land, and "be as though he had not cast them off." 'Then power and gladness will be given to their tribes; and they and their children shall "rejoice in God." He will call them together by his word, as the shepherd calls his dispersed flock by his well known whistle: he will gather them as his redeemed people, and increase them as he had done in former ages.
He indeed intended to scatter them as seed through the nations of the earth; alluding to their present dispersed state, in which they are nevertheless marvellously preserved a distinct people. In this dispersion they would at length remember him, in the most distant lands, and turn again and "live before him, with their children:" then he would bring
liverance will be effected. ( Notes , 12:2-8. 13:8, 9. Deut . 4:29–31. 30:1—10. Is . 2:25. 11:1116. 12:19:23-25. 27:12,13. Jer . 30:5-11,19— 22. 31:27,28. Ez . 28:24-26. 34:23-31.37:2028.38:8-23.39:23-29. Dan . 2:44,45. 11:4045. Hos . 1:11. 3:4,5. Joel 3:9-21. Am . 9:13-15. Mic . 2:12,13. 4:11-13.5:5-15. 7:14-17. Zeph . 3:14-20. Rev. 19:11-21.)-'By 19:11-21.) By Assyria Egypt I are meant, in general, the enemies of 'God and his truth; who shall all be subdued 'and broken in pieces by the kingdom of 'Christ.' Lowth.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
a and
The blessings, held forth in the promises, are actually obtained and enjoyed through faith and prayer: and success in every undertaking, must be expected and sought from God alone. He forms "the bright" and the black clouds, and sends both the beneficial rain, and the destructive thunder-storm: both "the ministration of death," and "the ministration of the Spirit and of righteousness," are
them from the lands, in which they had been from him: and he not only invites, but com
in bondage and captivity, as he had of old brought them out of Egypt and Assyria, or Chaldea; and he would replace them in their own land, which would be so replenished, that
mands us, to ask good things from him; assuring us, that "every one who asketh, receiveth." But idols, diviners, and false teachers of every description, seduce men by lies, and
PEN thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars. 2 Howl, fir-trees; for the cedar is fallen; because the * mighty is spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.
3 There is a voice of the howling of
a 10:10. Jer. 22:6,7,23. Hab. 2: 8,17. Hag. 1:8.
b 14:1,2. Deut. 32:22. Matt. 24:1,2. Luke 19:41-44. 21: 23,24.
c Is. 2:12-17. 10:33,34. Ez. 31:2,3,17,18. Am. 6:1,2. Nah. 3:8,&c. Luke 23:31.
* Or, gallants .
d Is. 32:15-19. Ez. 20.46-18. Or, defenced forest.
e 8,15-17. Jer. 25:34-36. Joel 1:13. Am. 8:8. Zeph. 1:10,11. Matt. 15.14. 23:13-33. Jam. 5:1-6.
comfort them in vain: and when these deceivers and blind guides are mistaken for pastors, the flock will be scattered and troubled like "sheep that have no shepherd." Those who bear the office, either of rulers or teachers, and neglect ect their duty, but lead men from God and into sin or error, kindle his wrath against themselves and those under their care: but, but, however he may punish degenerate professors of his gospel and corrupt pastors, he will visit his peopl people, and prepare them for the conflict and the victory.
To the Lord we must therefore look, to raise up persons to support, cement, unite, defend, and deliver his church: and all useful persons are the servants and instruments of Christ, from whom the stability, unity, successes, and triumphs hs of the church proceed, and to whom the glory of them must be given. Those, whom he strengthens and attends, become "mighty men," "valiant for the truth," and successful in their warfare against the most formidable enemies.
When he excites a spirit of prayer, even in those who seemed to be cast off, he will hear and have mercy upon them; then will he renew their comforts, and make their hearts to rejoice in him and his salvation: and he will bless them and their children after them, that they may live before him.
Thus he continually calls sinners by his word, redeems them from their iniquities, and gathers them into his church; for his chosen are scattered through the nations, and walk in evil ways, till he causes them to remember him, and to seek his salvation: then being delivered from the bondage of sin and separated from the world, they pass through seas of affliction and temptation; by his powerful support, they are made conquerors over their inward enemies, and their outward persecutors: and they shall soon pass
the shepherds;'for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; h for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.
4 Thus saith the LORD My God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
5 Whose t possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: Pand their own shepherds pity them not.
f 1 Sam. 4:21,22. Is. 65:15. Jer. 7:4,11-14. 26:6. Ez. 24:21- 25. Hos. 1:9,10. 10:5. Zeph. 3:11. Matt. 3:7-10. 21:43-45. Acts 6:11-14. 22:21,22. Rom. 11:7-12,
g Ps. 22:21. Jer. 2:30. Ez. 19: 3-6. Zeph. 3.3. Matt. 23:31 -38. Acts 7:52.
h Jer. 49:19, 50:44.
i 14:5. Is. 49:4,5. John 20.17. Eph. 1:3.
k 7. Is. 40:9-11. Ez. 34:23,24.
'story mentioned in the Jewish writers to this 'purpose. Some time before the destruction 'of the temple, the doors of it opened of their 'own accord; a circumstance attested by Jose'phus. Then R.
Johanan directing his 'speech to the temple, said, I know thy de'struction is at hand, according to the prophe'cy of Zechariah, “Open thy doors, O Leba'non, &c."" Lowth . - This story shews at least, what event the ancient Jews supposed to be here foretold. ( Note , 9:1.) Lebanon may either signify the temple built of cedars from that mountain; or the city filled with haughty and prosperous inhabitants, and with stately mansions like the cedars of Lebanon. ( Marg . Ref . a. Notes, Jer . 22:6,7,20-23, υ . 23.
Hab . 2:15-17, v . 17.) This must therefore be a prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans: for there were no ravages, from the time of this prophet to that event, answerable to the expressions; and the whole context leads our thoughts to the days of Christ. (Marg. Ref . b.- Notes , 14:1-3. Matt . 24:1,2. Luke 19:41-44. 21:20-24.) In the former chapter, the future conversion of the Jews was predicted: ( Note , 10:5-12.) in this, the manner by which they would be reduced to their present dispersed condition was described.
After a time, the nation would fill up the measure of their iniquities; and then the country would be laid open to the Romans, and they would destroy Jerusalem and the temple, as a conflagration would devour the cedars of Lebanon. The persons of inferior power, or nations less distinguished than they, may be intended by "the fir-trees" and "oaks of Bashan," who were called on to "howl because the cedars were fallen." ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . c. - Notes , Is . 2:10-18, ν . 13. 10:28-34, υυ . 33,34. Ez . 31:3-9,18. Nah . 3:8
safely through the Jordan of death, to the re--11.) Jerusalem and the nation of Israel had
gions of endless felicity. Let us then trust and rejoice in the Lord, and strengthen our hearts and hopes in him; and let us walk up and down this evil world, by faith in his name, and celebrating his praises: assured of being
received into those blissful mansions, where | Jerusalem, with its strong fortifications. The
there will be room found, for all the innumer- able multitude of those, whom Jesus "hath re- deemed unto God with his blood." And let us constantly pray, and labor as we are able, for the performance of these predictions and promises to his ancient people Israel, in all their dispersions. NOTES.
been fenced, planted, and tended as a vineyard, whence a vintage was expected; but it was become an unfruitful forest , and it would be hewn or burned down to the ground. Or, "the defenced forest," ( marg .) may mean princes, priests, and scribes would howl in madness and despair, at seeing all their honor, authority, wealth, and prosperity torn from thein; and all the principal persons would roar like enraged lions, driven from their coverts by an inundation of Jordan, when it des olated the neighboring fields, which were as the pride of that river. For thus would the