CHAP. II.
An exhortation to seek God, without delay, in hope of preser- Philistines, Moabites, Amsonites, Ethiopians, and Assyrians,
vation in the day of bis anger, 1-3. Prophecies against the 4-15.
ATHER yourselves together, yea,
Ggather together, O nas
sired;
2 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the LORD's anger come upon you.
3 Seek ye the LORD, & all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.
a 2 Chr. 20:4. Neh. 8:1. 9:1. Esth. 4:16. Joel 1:14. 2:12
18. Matt. 18:20.
13,14. 4:1,2. 29:12,19. Hos. 7:10. 10:12. Am. 5:4-6,14, 15. Matt. 7:7,8.
b Is. 1:4-6,10-15. Jer. 12:7-g 2 Chr. 34:27,28. Ps. 22:26. 9. Zech. 11:8.
* Or, desirous. Is. 26:8,9.
c 3:8. 2 Kings 22:16,17. 23:26, 27. Ez. 12:25. Matt. 24:35. 2 Pet. 3:4-10.
d Job 21:18. Ps. 1:4. Is. 17:13. 41:15,16. Hos. 13:3.
e 1:18. Ps. 2:12. 50:22. Jer. 23:20. Lam. 4:11. Nah. 1:6. Mal. 4:1,2. Luke 13:24-28. f Ps. 105:4. Is. 55:6,7. Jer. 3:
4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod " at the noon-day, and Ekron shali be rooted up.
5 Woe unto the inhabitants of the seacoasts, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the Lord is against you; PO Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, and there shall be no inhabitant.
6 And the sea-coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.
7 And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and " turn away their captivity.
25:8,9. 76:9. 149:4. Is. 61:1. 1 Jer. 25:20. 47: Ez. 25:15- 9:6,7. Acts 8:26,40.
Jer. 22:15,16. Matt, 5:5. Jam.
1:21,22. 1 Pet. 3:4.
Phil. 3:13,14. 1 Thes. 4:1,10.
1 Pet. 1:22. 2 Pet. 3:18.
i 2 Sam. 12:22. Joel 2:13,14. Am. 5:15. Jon. 3:9.
k Gen. 7:15,16. Ex. 12:27. Ps. 31:20. 32:6,7. 57:1. 91:1. Prov. 18:10. Is. 26:20,21. Jer. 39:18. 45:5. Col. 3:2-4.
posed in their secret iniquities. Then daring infidels, who have settled on their lees, and equally despised the favor and defied the wrath of God, will cry to the rocks to fall on them, and hide them from his intolerable frown. In short, in that time of wrath, of trouble and distress, neither silver nor gold will be able to deliver their possessors; but the whole world will be consumed with the fire of the Lord's indignation. "What is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? And what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Let us then "flee from the wrath to come," and "choose that good part, which shall never be taken from us:" then we shall be prepared for every event; and nothing "shall separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
NOTES.
CHAP. II. V. J-3. This exhortation to repentance plainly intimated, that the preceding denunciations of desolating judgments were absolute , only because the Lord foreknew, that the nation would generally continue impenitent.-Judah was addressed, as "a nation not desired;" God had delighted in his people, but he now no longer desired them; nay, he abhorred their odious crimes. Or it may be rendered, "not desirous;" ( marg .) that is, wholly careless respecting the favor or the wrath of God.
They were, however, ordered to gather together in a solemn assembly, to fast and pray, and humble themselves before God: or, as some render it, to examine themselves , that they might discover and repent of their sins. This must be done without delay: for "the decree," or sentence against them, was about "to bring forth" those desolations, which would put it out of their power to assemble. The day allotted them for this purpose, would soon pass, "as the chaff" driven by the wind: and the fierce anger of God, in the day of his wrath, would speedily overtake them.
But if the nation in general still neglected this duty;
17. Am. 1:6-8. Zech. 9:59. Is. 11:11. Jer. 31:7. Mic. -7.
2:12. 4:7.5:3-8. Hag. 1:12.
2:2. Rom. 11:5, Or, when, &-c.
t Gen. 50:24. Ex. 4:31. Luke 1:68. 7:16.
u 3:20. Ps. 85:1. 126:1-4. Is. 14:1. Jer. 3:18. 23:9. 30:3,18, 19. 33:7. Ez. 39:25. Am. 9.
14,15. Mic. 4:10.
yet let the remnant of the meek and lowly, the humble, teachable, and peaceable, seek the Lord in fervent prayer. They were despised and afflicted, and chiefly found among the poor "of this world:" yet they had obeyed his commandments and adhered to his worship; or, being truly penitent, they were now disposed to do so. Let them therefore seek his favor, and his justifying and sanctifying righteousness, and endeavor more fully to understand and keep his commandments.
Though they were meek; yet let them seek more meekness, and "poverty of spirit," that they might be more deeply humbled, and become more submissive, dependent, and obedient. This might possibly preserve them from sharing in the approaching calamities: or at least they would in this way be prepared for behaving properly and finding comfort under them, and for deriving benefit from them. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , 3:8. 2 Kings 22:15-20. Ps . 10:17,18. 25: 8,9. 32:6,7. Is . 55:6,7. 57:15,16. 61:1-3. Jer. 4:1,2. Hos . 10:12,13. Am. 5:4-6,14,15. Matt . 5: 3-5.7:7-11.
Luke 13:22-30, υν . 24,25.2 Cor. 6:1,2. Heb . 3:7-13.)
V.4-7. There will be no escaping into 'the neighboring countries, such as the Philis'tines are in particular: for their cities likewise 'shall become a prey to the forces of Nebu'chadnezzar.... The Philistines, who live on the 'coast of the Mediterranean sea, ... ( Ez . 25:16.) 'called there as well as here, "Cherethites," 'or "Cherethims." The word is translated ' Cretians by the LXX. ... They are supposed 'to have been a colony removed from Crete to 'Palestine. The sea-coast (5) shall in after'times belong to the Jews, who shall possess 'all the Philistines' country; as it appears that 'they did in the first times of Christianity. ( Acts 8:26,40.)' Lowth .-The seaport towns of the Philistines, and Cherethites, would be so desolated, that their commerce would cease, and the sea-coast would wholly be occupied by shepherds; until at length it would fall into the hands of the remnant of Judah after the
8 I have * heard the reproach of one from his place, even all the isles of Moab, and the revilings of the children of the heathen. Ammon, whereby they have reproached 12 Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be my people, and magnified themselves against
their border.
9 Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon bas Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and salt-pits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.
slain by my sword.
13 And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and m will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.
14 And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the + cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds: for he shall uncover
10 This shall they have d for their pride, because they have reproached and mag-the cedar-work. nified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.
11 The LORD will be terrible unto them; for he will * famish all the gods of the earth: and men shall worship him, every 4:37. 5:20-23. Ob. 3. 1 Pet.
Jer. 48:27-29. Ez. 25:8-11. y Ps. 23:47. Jer. 49:1. Ez. 25:3-7. 36:2. Am. 1:13.
z Num. 14:21. Is. 49:18. Jer. 46: 18. Rom. 14:11.
a Is. 11:14. 15: 16: 25:10. Jer. 48: 49:1-7. Ez. 25:1,&c. Am. 1:13-15. 2:1-3.
b 14. Gen. 19:24,25. Deut. 29: 23. Is. 13:19,20. 34:9-13. Jer. 49:18. 50:40.
c 7. 3:13. Joel 3:19,20. Mic. 5:7,8.
d 8. Is. 16:6. Jer. 43:29. Dan.
5:5.
e Ex. 9:17. 10:3. Is. 10:12-15. 37:22-29. Ez. 38:14-18.
f Deut. 32:33. Hos. 2:17. Zech. 13:2.
* Heb. make lean.
g Ps. 2:8-12. 22.27-30. 72:8 -11,17. 86:9. 97:6-8. 117: 138:4. Is. 2:2-4. 11:9,10. Mic. 4:1-3. Zech. 2:11. 8:20-23. 14:9-21. Mal. 1:11. John 4: 21-23. 1 Tim. 2:8. Rev. 11: 15.
captivity; as it did in the time of the Maccabees. The Lord purposed thus to destroy the enemies of the Jews, and restore his people from captivity: and this information would serve to encourage the repentance and prayers of those who regarded it. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref. Notes, Jer. 47: E :. 25:15-17. Am. 1:6-8. Zech . 9:5-7.)
V. 8-10. Moab and Ammon would be rendered as desolate as Sodom and Gomorrah, though in another way. ( Marg . Ref . c.-Note,
15 This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am , and there is none beside me: 'how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.
h Gen. 10:5. Is. 24:14-16. 42: 4,10. 49:1.
i Is. 18:1,&c. 20:5. 43:3. Jer. 46:9,10. Ez. 30:4-9.
k Ps. 17:13. Is. 10:5. 13:5. Jer. 47:6,7. 51:20-23.
1 Ps. 83:8,9. Is. 10:12. 11:11. Ez. 31:3,&c.
m Nah. 1:1, 2:10,11. 5:7,18,19. Zech. 10:10,11.
n 6. Is. 13:19-22. 34:11-17. Rev. 18:2.
† Or, pelican.
Or, knops , or, chapiters . Am.
9 :1.
was occasioned by the preaching of despised Jews, compared with this prophecy, is well worthy of special notice. Yet it will have a more signal accomplishment, when the universal success of Christianity shall destroy all kinds of idolatry; and men shall worship the Lord, every one in his own place, all over the earth, even to the most emote isles of the gentiles; without any ocasion to go up to Jerusalem to worship ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Ps . 22:27,28. Jer . 16:19-21. Zech. 13:2,3. Μαΐ . 1:9 'The Jews called all places islands , to which 'they went by sea.' Lowth.
Gen. 19:24,25.) These countries would be--11, v. 11. John 4:21-24. Rev. 11:15-18.)
V. 12. Also ye, Ethiopians, shall be with "those that are the slain of my sword;"" namely, with the Moabites and Ammonites. Nebuchadnezzar, by whom these predictions were fulfilled, may be here called the Lord's sword. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Ez . 30:4-9.)
come a barren desert, covered with nettles, or dug up for salt-pits, till at length they would be possessed by the Jews. Some think, that the conversion of the inhabitants of those re- gions to Christianity was intended, by the ex- pression, "The remnant of my people shall possess them." "Judas Maccabæus and his brethren subdued the Ammonites: (1 Mac . 5: '6.) but this and the seventh verse will receive 'their utmost completion, tion, at the general resto- 'ration of the Jewish nation. Lowth . - "These 'nations presumed to take from the Jews that 'country, which the Lord had given them. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Is. 15: 16: 25:10-12. Jer . 48: 49:1-6. Ez . 25:2-11. Am . 1:13-15. 2:1-1:7-13. 2: 3:)
3.)
V. 13-15. After Nineveh was taken by the kings of Babylon and Media, it went to decay, through the endeavors of the Chaldeans to aggrandize Babylon, until it was at length utterly desolated. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Is . 13:19 -22.34:9-17. Ez . 31:3-17. Mic . 5:5,6. Nah . Cedar-work. (14) This reference to the
V. 11. JEHOVAH would, by his judgments, 'former elegance of the city is finely introrender himself an object of terror to the na- 'duced; and, in the next verse, the grand and tions, because he intended to destroy the idol- 'affecting description of her desolate state is
'beautifully contrasted by her past festivity and 'pride. Preferable to rejoicing Nineveh was a proverb.' Bp . Newcombe. The word translated "bittern" is by some rendered porcupine .
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
atrous inhabitants, and to "famish their gods." These were supposed to feast upon the sacrifices, and they would therefore be made lean when none were offered. ( Deut . 32:38.) The extirpation of on of pagan idolatry through many nations, by the promulgation of the the gospel in the primitive ages, in part fulfilled this prophecy: pr The most alarming passages in the word of and the entire and final abolition of sacrifices, God are blended with others, which encourto the gods of Greece and Rome, through so age sinners to repent and seek his favor: and large a portion of the most renowned countries though none are more hopeless than degenon earth, which indisputably took place, and lerate professors of true religion; yet they
* Or, gluttonous. Heb. craw. Lev. 1:16.
Is. 5:7, 30:12. 59:13. Jer. 6: 6. 22:17. Ez. 22:7,29. Am. 3:9. 4:1. Mic. 2:2. Zech. 7: 10. Mal. 3:5.
b Deut 28:15, &c. Neh. 9:26. Jer. 7:23-28. Zech. 7:11-14. c Is. 1:5. Jer. 2:30. 5:3. Ez.
24:13.
† Or, instruction. Ps. 50:17. Prov. 1:7. 5:12. Jer. 32:33. 35:13,17. John 3:18,19.
d Ps. 78:22. Is. 30:1-3. 31:1. Jer. 17:5,6.
e Ps. 10:4. Is. 29:13. 43:22. Heb. 10:22.
Pet. 2:1-3. 1 John 4:1. Rev.
19:20.
f Job 4:8-11. Ps. 10:8-10. Prov. 28:15. Is. 1:23. Jer. 22: 17. Ez. 22:6,25-27. Mic. 3: i 1 Sam. 2:12-17,22. Ez. 22: 1-4,9-11.
g. Jer. 5:6. Hab. 1:8. h Is. 9:15. 56:10-12. Jer. 5: 31. 6:13,14. 8:10. 14:13-15. 23:9-17,25-27,32. 27:14,15. Lam. 2:14. Ez. 13:3--16. Hos. 9:7. Mic. 2:11. 3:5,6. Matt. 7:15. 2 Cor. 11:13. 2
26. 44:7,8. Hos. 4:6-8. Mal. 2:8.
k Deut. 32:4. Ps. 99:3,4. 145: 17. Is. 45:21. Hab. 1:13. Zech. 9:9. Rom. 3:26. 1 Pet. 1:17. 115,17. Deut. 23:14. Is. 12:6. Ez. 48:35. Mic. 3:11. Zech. 2:5.
should be exhorted to "judge themselves, that ceeded to reprove and condemn that people they may not be judged of the Lord." ( Note , 2 for their transgressions. Jerusalem was beTim. 2:24-26.) -Nations, under tokens of come filthy and polluted; she was gluttonous, God's displeasure, ought to gather together to luxurious, and infamous for all kinds of abomdeprecate his vengeance, before it is executed inable wickedness, especially for oppression upon them: and whilst life is continued, sin- and violence. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . a.) The ners should be called upon to seek forgiveness, inhabitants refused to obey the voice of God, that the decree and sentence recorded in scrip- who spake to them by his word and his prophture may not be awarded against them; ( Matt . ets: they hardened themselves in iniquity, or 25:41.) otherwise the fierce wrath of the Lord gave themselves up to rebellious murmurs and will then drive them as chaff into everlasting despondency when corrected: they trusted in punishment.
Yet, none but the "meek of the their strength and allies, and not in the Lord, earth," the contrite "who tremble at God's for protection and safety: and they drew not word," will sincerely seek this salvation. near to him, in his courts and ordinances, to These are "poor in spirit," and will hearken seek his favor and assistance in their difficulto the Lord's teaching, submit to his authority, ties; but rather turned from him to their idols. plead guilty at his mercy-seat, do his will, and ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . b, c.- Notes , Neh . 9:26 trust wholly to his mercy: these will "seek -30.
Jer . 7:21-28. Ez . 24:12,13. Zech . 7:12,13.) first his kingdom and his righteousness;" they Their princes, nobles, and judges were ravenwill long and pray for more humility and meek- ous as lions; or as wolves that prowl abroad ness; they will be harmless and blameless; and in the evening, after having been pinched with the chief hope of deliverance from national hunger all the day: and they seized all they judgments ought to be placed on their prayers could to lay it by for the future, as the greedy and endeavors.
If, however, they fail in this, wolf makes havoc of the flock, reserving the they will be preserved or comforted under bones to be gnawed when he had no longer an public calamities, and be safe "in the day of opportunity of devouring the prey. They wrath and revelation of the righteous judg- 'devour all presently, and leave not so much ment of God." But whist the worshippers of 'as the bones to the next day; as the most voGod are punished for their hypocrisy, or cor- 'racious creatures commonly do.' Lowth. Their prophets were superficial declaimers,
rected for their benefit, his ope enemies have
no cause to triumph. The whole word of the men of light minds, without knowledge or seLord is against them, and the sword of his jus- riousness: they deceived the people with false tice shall certainly slay them. He hears their doctrines and predictions, and imposed upon reproaches and revilings, when they calumniate them in their secular concerns: and the priests, his people, or rejoice over their faults, or speak like Hophni and Phinehas, polluted the temple evil of them for righteousness' sake; or when by their crimes, and wrested the law by thein they magnify themselves against them in their corrupt glosses, that it might not seem to con
afflictions: and he will assuredly abase the pride of his enemies, and avenge the injuries done to his servants. Carnal security, ambition, luxury, and sensual dissipated mirth, tend to dismay and desperation, whether in cities or individuals. Yet all the desolations of flourishing nations will make way for the subversion of Satan's kingdom of idolatry, impiety, and iniquity; that all men may worship the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we, in these remote isles of the heathen, experience the truth of these predictions, and thus know their accomplishment in many respects, let us study to improve our advantages, expecting the performance of every promise, and praying that our Father's name may be hallowed all over the earth.
NOTES.
demn them. ( Marg . Ref . f-i- Notes , 1 Sam . 2:12-17,22. Is . 1:21-24, v . 23. 9:13-17. 56:9 -12. Jer . 5:26--31、6:13–15. 14:13—16. 22:13 -19, v . 17. 23:9-12. Ez . 13:5-16.22:3-5,24 -28. Mic . 3:8--12. Matt . 7:13--15. 2 Cor . 11:13 --15. 2 Pet . 2:1--4.)--This may be understood of the state of Jerusalem, from the death of Josiah to the Babylonish captivity: yet the context rather leads our attention to a subsequent period. The predictions of the former chapter relate to the return of the Jews from captivity, and to events connected with their prosperity after that deliverance; the latter part of this chapter evidently predicts the times of the Gospel; and the character here given of Jerusalem, aptly suits the state of things among the Jews, from the birth of Christ to the calamities brought upon them by the Romans.--Being filthy and polluted, they hearkened not to the voice of God, by John the Baptist, by Christ, and by his apostles; instruc
СҢАР. IIJ. V. 1-4. The prophet, having shewn the judgments of God on the enemies of the Jews, returned to his subject, and pro-tions and corrections were unavailing for their
thereof; "he will not do miquity: * every || 8 Therefore "wait ye upon me, saith morning doth hen bring his judgment to the LORD, until the day that I rise up to light, he faileth not; but the unjust know- the prey: for my determination is to gath
eth no shame.
er the nations, that I may assemble the
6 I have cut off the nations: their tow-kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indig
ers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.
7 I said, a Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; 'so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.
[Practical Observations.]
26. Nah. 2: 3: 1 Cor. 10:6,11. † Or, corners. q 2. Is. 5:4. 63:8. Jer. 8:6. 36: 3. Luke 19:42-44. 2 Pet. 3:9. r Jer. 7:7. 17:25-27. 25:5. 38: 17.
s2 Chr. 28:6-8. 32:1,2. 33:11. 36:3-10.
t Gen. 6:12. Deut. 4:16. Hos. 9:9.
reformation; they trusted in themselves, and not in their incarnate Lord, to whom they would not draw near. And the chief priests, elders, scribes, and Pharisees, were precisely such blind guides, deceivers, oppressors, and perverters of the law, as are here described. ( Notes , Matt . 2 23:13-33.)
V. 5-7. The special presenc LORD" in J Jerusalem, by his temple and ordinances, greatly aggravated the guilt of the inhabitants, while they presumptuously relied on it as their security. ( Marg . Ref . k, 1.- Notes , 14-17. Deut . 32:4. Is . 48:1,2. Jer . 7:3-7. Mic . 3:8-12, v . 11. Acts 6:9-14, vv . 13,14.) For he would "do no iniquity;" and their crimes would neither receive countenance from his example, nor toleration from his justice. By the continual instructions of his word and prophets, he failed not to make known his judgments to them: yet they continued shameless in their iniquities.
This is very applicable to the personal presence of Christ with the Jews, and his daily teaching in the temple, the synagogues, and the streets: neither his holy example, nor his doctrine, could make them ashamed of their crimes. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . m-o.Notes, Is . 28:17-19. 50:4. Jer . 3:2,3. 6:13-15. Mic . 7:8-10.
Rom . 2:4-6. 1 Cor . 4:3-5.) -The Lord had also given the Jews warning, as well as wrought deliverance for them, by the desolations which he had made of other nations and their strong-holds; not only those of distant countries, but also those of Ephraim and Samaria: expecting (to speak after the manner of men,) that they would take the alarm, and fear him and receive instruction; that it might not be necessary utterly to destroy Jerusalem, however they were punished with other and
The special presence of "the just
nation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.
10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.
u Ps. 27:14. 37.7,34. 62:1,5. 123:2. 130:5,6. Prov. 20:22. Is. 30:18. Lam. 3:25,26. Hos. 12:6. Mic. 7:7. Jam. 5:7,8. x Ps. 12:5. 78:65,66. Is. 42:13, 14. 59:16-18.
y Ez. 30.14-23. Joel 3:9-16. Mic. 4:11-13. Zech. 14:2,3. Rev. 16:11. 19:17-19.
z 1:18. Deut. 32:21,22. Cant. 8:6. Ez. 36:5,6. 38:19.
Heb. lip . Gen. 11:1. marg. b 1 Kings 8:41-43. Ps. 22:27. 86:9,10. 113:3. Jer. 16:19. Hab. 2:14. Zech. 2:11. 8:20 -23. 14:9. Rom. 15:6-11. Rev. 11:15.
Heb. shoulder.
c Ps. 68:31. 72:8-11. Is. 11:11. 18:1,&c. 27:12,13. 49:20-23. 60:4-12. 66:18-21. Mal. 1: 11. Acts 2:27. 24:17. Rom.
a Is. 19:18. Matt. 12:35. Eph. 11:11,12. 15:16. 1 Pet, 1:1. 4:29.
V. 8. 'Therefore, since both the nations, 'and ye, are so unreclaimably sinful, make ac'count of an heavy day, wherein I will arise to 'execute my vengeance on you.' Bp . Hall.Notwithstanding these provocations, saith 'God, I exhort the godly among you to expect 'the fulfilling of the promises I have made, of 'restoring restoring the the Jewish nation to my wonted fa'vor, in in the latter ages of the world; in order to 'which great crisis, I will execute remarkable judgments upon the unbelievers and disobe'dient....
This may perhaps be meant of the 'same general summons which Joel speaks of, 'when the nations shall be gathered into the 'valley of Jehoshaphat. ( Joel 3:2,12.)' Lowth.
"My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; when all the land shall have been devoured with the fire of my jealousy."-When a jealous God had inflicted vengeance on his apostate worshippers, and desolated the promised land, he would proceed to pour out his indignation on all the nations and kingdoms, which rejected him and his salvation.
This accords with the general scope of prophecy.The remnant, who waited for redemption in Israel, were exhorted, amidst the wickedness they witnessed, and the oppressions which they endured, to "wait for the LORD." He was about to rise up as a lion to devour his prey: he had determined to gather the nations, that by them he might pour his fierce anger on the wicked Jews; until the whole land should be consumed by the fire of his jealousy against that adulterous generation: and then he would punish those who, influenced by corrupt motives, had been the executioners of his ven
less severe visitations. But instead of repent-geance on his professed worshippers. This
ing, they grew more and more bent on wickedness, and corrupted all their doings. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . p-t.- Notes , Is . 63:7,8. Jer. 7: 3-7.25:3-7.36:1-3.) -Thus the Jews, in after ages, grew more and more corrupt, amidst all warnings and deliverances; they rose early to crucify Christ and to persecute his followers; and in this manner they filled up the measure of their iniquities. ( Notes , Matt . 23:34 39. 1 Thes . 2:13-16.)
may be interpreted, either of the Chaldeans and their allies, the Romans and their tributaries, or the antichristian nations which have so long supported the cause of idolatry, superstition, and persecution. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Ez . 38:14-23. Joel 3:9-17. Mic . 4:11-13. Zech . 14:1-3. Rev. 16:12—16. 19:11—21. 20:1 -6.)
V. 9, 10. These verses predict the purifying and enlarging of the church, by the preach
11 In that day shalt thou not be asham- ed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty * because of my holy moun- tain.
12 I will also gleave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a de- ceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for
they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Eph. 1:12,13. 1 Pet. 1:21. i 2:7. Is. 6:13. 10:20-22. Mic. 4:7. Rom. 11:4-7.
k Is. 11:6-9. 35:8. 60:21. Jer. 31:33. Ez. 36:25-27. Joel 3: 17,21. Zech. 14:20,21. 1 John 3:9,10. 5:18.
1 Is. 63:8. John 1:47. Col. 3:9. Rev. 14:5, 21:8.
m Ps. 23:2. Is. 65:10. Jer. 23:4. Ez. 34:13-15,23-28. Mic. 4: 4. 5:4,5. 7:14. Rev. 7:15-17. n Is. 17:2. 54:14. Jer. 30:10. Ez. 39:26. 1 Pet. 3:14.
ing of the gospel, about the time when ven- geance would be executed on the Jewish na- tion. Then “the Lord would turn to the peo- ple," or "peoples," (the original is plural,) "a pure language;" which may signify either the language, which the grace of the Lord would pure and purifying doctrine of the gospel; or the then teach them to use. He would bring men acquainted with the language of humility, re- pentance, faith, spiritual knowledge and wis- dom, sincerity, purity, and love. He would teach them to speak of him and to him, as they ought to speak; in order that they might all call upon him, and serve him with harmony and cordial unity of mind and mouth. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . a, b.- Notes , 2:11. Gen. 11:6-
14 Sing, O daughter of Zion: shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, PO daughter of Jerusalem.
15 The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: * the King of Israel, even the LORD, tis in the midst of thee: "thou shalt not see evil any more.
16 In that day it shall be said to Jeru- salem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands bet slack.
17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will re-o Ezra 3:11-13. Neh. 12:43. Ps. 14:7. 47:5-7. 81:1-3.95: 1,2. 100:1,2. 126:2,3. Is. 12:6. 24:14-16. 35:2. 40:9.42:10- 12. 51:11. 54:1. 65:13,14,18,19. Jer. 30:19. 31:13. 33:11. Zech. 2:10,11. 9:9,10,15-17. Matt. 21:9. Luke 2:10-14. Rev. 19: 1-6.
P.Mic. 4:8.
q Gen. 30:23. Ps. 85:3. Is. 25: 8. 40:1,2. 51:22. Mic. 7:18- 20. Zech. 1:14-16. 8:13-15. 10:6,7.
r. Is. 13: 14: Jer. 50:51: Mic. 7:10,16,17. Hab. 2:8,17. Zech, 2:8,9. 12:3.
s Is. 33:22. Ez. 37:24,25. Zech. 9:9. John 1:49. 12:15. 19:19. Rev. 19:16.
t 5,17. Ez. 37:26-28. 48:35. Joel 3:20,21. Rev. 7:15. 21:3, u Is. 35:10. 51:22. 60:18. 65:19. Ez. 39:29. Joel 3:17. Am. 9: 15. Zech. 14:11.
x Is. 35:3,4. 40:9. 41:10,13,14. 43:1,2. 44:2.54:4. Jer. 46:27, 28. Hag. 2:4,5. Zech. 8:15. John 12:12. Heb. 12:12.
† Or, faint. 2 Cor. 4:1. Gal. 6:9. Eph. 3:13. Heb. 12:3-5. Rev. 2:3.
'shoulders together to carry the same burden.' Lowth . ( Notes , Jer. 32:39–41. Acts 2:42–47. 4: 32-35. 1 Cor . 1:10—16, v . 10.)
V. 11-13. When the new dispensation should be introduced, and a new people formed rated together, the church would no more be of the converted Jews and Gentiles incorpo-ashamed for her sins. This does not mean, that believers would not be ashamed in a pen itent manner ; but that the reproach and pun- ishment of all the former sins of Israel would rest on the unbelievers, and not on the Chris- tian church; and that all the sins of individuals would be repented of, atoned for, blotted out, and buried in oblivion. ( Marg . Ref . d.- Notes , 18-20. Is . 45:15-17.54:4,5.61:7-9. Ez . 16:60
9. Is . 19:18. Hab . 2:12-14, v . 14. Zech. 2:10--63. Mic . 6:16. Rom . 9:30–33, v. 33.) The
13, υ. 11. 8:20-23. 14:6-9. Rom . 15:4-13. Eph . 4:1-6,29.) For he would bring from the remote regions, beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, humble suppliants to his grace, who would be acknowledged as the children of his dispersed church, and who would offer to him spiritual sacrifices with acceptance.
Doubtless this predicted the conversion of the Gentiles to Christ, as well as the happy effect of the gospel on the believing Jews: and the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, with the effects of his preaching in his own country, may be consid- ered as one instance of its literal accomplish- ment. ( Marg . Ref . c.- Notes , Ps. 68:31-33, v . 31.72:8-11.İs. 11:11–16.18:1. 27:12,13. Mal . 1: 9-11, v . 11. Acts 8:26-40.) 'Lest any should 'think that God's glory should have perished, 'when Judah was destroyed, he sheweth that 'he will publish his grace through all the world. '...
The Jews shall come as well as the Gen- 'tiles; which is to be understood under the 'time of the gospel.'-'This is a blessing reserv- 'ed for the latter ages, after the conversion of 'the Jews, and the coming in of the fulness of 'the Gentiles; when there shall be "one Lord 'and his name one."" Lowth.
One consent. (9) "Shoulder." Marg . 'The 'metaphor is taken from beasts drawing to- 'gether under one yoke; or men's setting their
Lord would at that time thoroughly separate from among them the Pharisees and hypo- crites, who "gloried in their pride," in their re- lation to Abraham, their external privileges, superstitious observance of traditions, or their self-righteous attention to the letter of the rit- ual or moral law. For the true Israel should no more be haughty on account of mount Zion, the temple, and the sacrifices there offered. These would utterly be destroyed and termi- nated by the Romans, and true Christians would glory in the cross of Christ alone. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . e, f.- Notes , Num . 16:1-7.
Is. 48:1,2. Jer. 7:3,4. Mic. 3:8-12, v. 11. Matt. 3:7 -10. John 8:30–36. Rom . 2:17—24. Gal . 6:11— 14, v . 14. Phil . 3:1-7, v . 3.) The church would indeed be left as a remnant, in an afflicted and persecuted condition, and consist chiefly of poor persons: but they would be humble, meek, and lowly, or poor in spirit; and would know, that they had nothing to trust to, but God and his mercy, truth, and power. They would therefore be a chosen remnant of genuine Is- raelites, in whom there was no guile. ( Marg . Ref.g -1. - Notes , Is . 11:6–9. 50:10,11. 61:1–3 63:7,8. Zech. 11:10,11. 13:8,9.
Matt . 5:3-5. John 1:47-51, v . 47. Rom . 11:1—6. 1 Cor . 1:26 -31. Jam . 2:5-7. Rev. 14:1-5, υυ . 4,5.) Thus reformed and purified, they would be fed and
protected by the good Shepherd; and, being safe under his care, they should not be afraid of any enemies. ( Marg . Ref . m, n.- Notes , Jer. 23:3,4. Ez . 34:11-16,23-31. Mic . 4:4. 5:3-6. Rev. 7:13-17.)-The pure and happy state of the church, in the latter days, seems intended in the thirteenth verse.
V. 14-17. These verses, without doubt, principally relate to the future conversion and restoration of Israel, and the glorious times that shall follow. Then the church will express her exuberant joy with loud acclamations and thanksgivings. For the Lord will remove the judgments, temporal and spiritual, with which the nation has very long been visited, and those persecutions and oppressions with which antichristian powers have afflicted the church: and he will cast out every enemy that opposes her.
Then will he evidently appear as "the King of Israel, even" JEHOVAH, "in the midst of" her, and she shall see no more those evils of which she had hitherto complained. This cannot have had its accomplishment, either in respect of Israel, or of the Christian church. ( Marg . Ref . o-u. Notes , Is . 12: 54:1-5. 61:10,11. 65:17-19. Jer. 30:19-22. 31:10-14. Ez . 39:23-29, ν . 29. Joel 3:9-17, ν . 17. Zech . 2:10-13. 9:9,10. Rev. 11: 15-18. 19:1-6.) But in the day here predicted, the people of God will be encouraged, by him and his ministers, against all their fears, and animated to every duty.
For the Lord, the God and Friend and Portion of his true church, "will dwell in the midst of her," with mighty power to defend her, and to destroy her enemies: he will assuredly save her from all oppressors and corrupters, rrupters, and rejoice over her with great complacency and delight; he will "rest in his love," as well pleased in her, constant in his affection, and taking pleasure in expressing it; nay, he will rejoice over her, as men rejoice over the objects of their endeared love, with songs denoting their delight and satisfaction.
These multiplied and energetic expressions are intended to shew the abundant light, purity, peace, comfort, and prosperity of the church, rch, in those happy times, when believers will almost live the life of heaven upon earth. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . x --b.- Notes , Deut . 30:1-10, v . 9. Is . 35:3,4. 62: 1-5. Jer . 32:39-41, v . 41. Luke 15:3-7,22-24. John 15:9-11, v . 11. Rev. 21:22-27. 22:2-5.) V. 18-20.
In the intervening ages, previous to the glorious times predicted, believers would often be sorrowful, because they had not the liberty or opportunity of meeting together in the inost solemn public ordinances: as the case of pious Jews had been during the
would reproach their assemblies, as scenes of
20 At that time will I bring you again , even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the
LORD.
g Is. 60:14. 61:7. 62:7. Jer. 33: 9. Ez. 39:26.
Heb. set them for a praise. Heb. of their shame.
h Is. 11:11,12. 27:12,13. 56:8. Ez. 28:25. 34:16. 39:28. Am.
9:14.
i 19. Is. 60:15. 61:9. 62:7,12 Mal. 3:12.
k Ps. 53:6. Jer. 29:14. Ez. 16. 53. Joel 3:1.
sedition or iniquity; or scoff at and deride believers, because they were unable to meet in them: and this would greatly add to their burden. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , Ps . 42:15,9,10. 43:2,3. 137:1-6.
Lam. 1:4-7. 2:6,7.) But the Lord would at length gather them together, and afford them abundance of these opportunities, and much comfort in them: he would destroy all their oppressors, and save every feeble believer, who was scarcely able to walk in those rugged ways, or was driven away by the force of temptation or persecution: and he would cause true Christians to be greatly honored and commended, in all those countries where they had been stigmatized and treated with contempt.
Especially converted Israel shall be thus honored among all people of the earth, when they shall be gathered from their dispersed and captive state, into the church of Christ and into their own land, in the open view of all nations. These events alone can fully answer to the language of this prophecy. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . e-k.- Notes , Is . 11:11-16. 25:9-12.51: 21-23.60:10-14. 62:6-9. Jer . 31:6-9. 33:6 -9. Ez. 39:23-29. Mic . 4:8,9. Zech. 8:2023. Mal . 3:7-12, v . 12.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V.1-7.
What a lamentable proof is it of the strength of human depravity, that Jerusalem should ever become an infamous, polluted, and oppressive city! But when this is the case with any part of the visible church, doubtless an awful woe will soon be denounced against it: for before such an event can take place, men must generally have been long habituated to disobey the voice of the Lord, to neglect his corrections and instructions, to withdraw their confidence from him, and to forsake, or hypocritically to attend on, his ordinances.
It must also, almost always, arise from the misconduct of rulers and teachers: for when these become oppressive and iniquitous, or light and treacherous; when they pollute pollute the sanctuary and pervert the law; they w; they soon cause the people either to run into open impiety, from abhorrence of their crimes; or into error and false religion, in imitation of their examples, or by imbibing their doctrines.
Yet it has too often been the case, that Zion's professed healers have proved her worst disease; and her princes, priests, and prophets, the most abandoned to impiety and vice: and neither the presence of "the just LORD" in his ordinances; nor his example, his word, his messages by his more faithful servants, or even his providential corrections, put them In this case, warnings and deliverances only serve to increase
men's condemnation: for, whilst the Lord desolates cities and nations for their sins, he equires his rofessing people to fear him and receive instructions, that they may escape ruin; and yet they they often grow more corrupt under warnings and corrections, and are more assiduous in doing evil than the most diligent believer is in doing good.
V. 8-20.
The remnant of godly persons, who live in evil times, may confidently "wait upon the LORD," both to save them, and to terminate the success of his enemies. He will certainly arise to pour upon the wicked the fierceness of his anger, and "the whole earth will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy;" yet he will then peculiarly bless those who wait for him.
When he casts off professed Christians for their hypocrisy, he sends his gospel to those who have hitherto sat in darkness: and his grace will render his true people sincere in their profession, punctual to their engagements, upright in all their dealings, and holy in their conversation; teaching them a pure language, honorable to God and edifying to men.
Persons of this character should all call upon and serve the Lord with one consent; as "he seeketh those to worship him, who worship him in spirit and truth." For this purpose his gospel is sent into regions, divided from each other by mountains, rivers, and seas; and all, who become humble suppliants to him for salva sto tion, through faith in Jesus Christ, are numbered among the genuine children of his church, and form a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices unto him, wherever they are dispersed.
They are also made partakers of true repentance and complete forgiveness, and none of them shall be put to shame, because of their former transgressions. But the Lord will certainly cast out of his church, all that "rejoice in their pride," and are haughty because of those privileges, which they abuse and idolize.
He will "exclude boasting," and leave no man any thing to glory in, save the Lord Jesus, "as made of God to him, Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption." ( Note , 1 Cor . 1:26-31.) All, whom he saves, are made poor in spirit, and most of them are poor and afflicted in the world: but whilst they trust in him, they cannot but be rich, noble, wise, and happy. Their deep humiliation for sin, and their obligations to the Redeemer, concur in forming them upright and sincere; a people that do no iniquity, speak no lies, neither is a
Let
||deceitful tongue found in their mouths: though nothing is more common among many who profess, disgrace, and are proud of the doc- trines of the gospel; as their shops, customers, and those who depend on their word, can too often testify. But the sheep of Christ are harmless and inoffensive: they may securely rest upon his word and repose their soul un- der his care; and he will feed them in his plen- teous pastures, and preserve them from the power and terror of every enemy.
"Many" indeed "are the troubles of the righteous," from within and without: yet may they still rejoice in God, and triumph in his love. "The King of Israel in the midst of them" is the Lord of hosts; and he will soon take away their judgments, and save them so effectually that they shall see evil no more for ever. us then encourage each other, and ourselves, against dejection, that our hands may not be slack, when we should work, or resist our ene- mies.
The love of our mighty Redeemer is as large as his power: he rejcices to save the re- turning prodigal, to comfort the weeping pen- itent, to relieve the trembling suppliant, or to restore the wandering sheep: he delights in the objects of his choice, the purchase of his blood, the trophies of his victories, the work of his new creating grace. He rests well pleased in his love of his redeemed church: and exults with joy over every poor sinner, whom he has taught to trust in his mercy, to love his name, to obey bey his commands, and to copy his example.
Surely then our hearts should rejoice in him, when we hear such words of infinite condescension and grace! We should express our joy by singing and speaking his praises; and we should "rest in his love," and seek no other Refuge, Portion, or Felicity. We may now indeed be sorrowful, because detained from his solemn ordinances, whether by sickness, persecution, or providen- tial hindrances: but we should be glad that this is our trial and grief; and we may rejoice and exult at being reproached, for loving the house and the word of our God.
In due time we shall be gathered into the temple above, from all our dispersions, notwithstanding our weakness and haltings in the Lord's ways: and then he will turn our mourning into joy, and our reproach into honor, before the whole world. At length the last enemy shall be de- stroyed, and our captivity to Satan, sin, and death, shall be finally abolished; and our glory and felicity will be perfect, unchangeable, and eternal.
THE
BOOK OF HAG GA I.
attention,
THE prophets, whose writings have hitherto engaged our attention, lived before or during the Babylonish captivity, and referred to it in most of their predictions; but the three that follow prophesied after the return of the Jews to their own land. Haggai delivered all the messages here recorded, within four months. They relate to the building of the second temple, and contain reproofs, exhortations, and encouragements, respecting that ing; and also predictions of Christ and his kingdom connected with them, nay, of the final and universal prevalence of the gospel. The apostle Paul quotes Haggai, to prove, that the prophets foretold one great revolution in the external state of the chur church, which would
shortly take place, and only one. (Comp. 2:6,7. with Heb . 12:26,27.)
undertak
a 2:1,10,20. Ezra 4:24. 5:1,2. Zech. 1:1.
Heb. by the hand of, &c. Ex. 4:13. 1 Kings 14:18. 2 Kings 14:25.
Ezra 6:14.
с 12,14. 2:2,4,21-23. 1 Chr. 3:17,19. Salathiel . Ezra 2:2. 3:2,8. 4:2. 5:2. Neh. 7:7. Zech. 4:6-10. Matt. 1:12,13. Zorobabel. Salathiel.
↑ Or, captain. Ezra 1:8. 2:63. Neh. 5:14. 8:9.
d Ezra 2:2. 3:8. 5:2. Neh. 12: 1,10.
ce 1 Chr. 6:14,15. Jehorzadah. f Num. 13:31. Ezra 4:23,24. 5:
1,2. Neh. 4:10. Prov. 22:13. 26:13-16. 29:25. Ec. 9:10. 11:4. Cant. 5:2,3.
g 2 Sam. 7:2. Ps. 132:35. Matt. 6:33. Phil. 2:21.
h Ps. 74:7. 102:14. Jer. 26:6, 18.52:13. Lam. 2:7. 4:1. Ez. 24:21. Dan. 9:17,18,26,27. Mic. 3:12. Matt. 24:1.2. 17. 2:15–18. Lam. 3:40. Ez. 18:28. Luke 15:17. 2 Cor. 13: 5. Gal. 6:4.
↑ Heb. Set your heart on, &c. Ex. 7:23. 9:21. Marg . Ps. 43: 13. Marg . Ez. 40:4. Dan 6: 14. 10:12.
NOTES.