f See on 43.9. 441.-Ex. 14:2. m 21. 51:9. Ez. 30:16-18.

g See on 3,4.-6:1-5. Joel 3:9
-12.

h See on 10. 2:30. 12:12.-2
Is. 1:20.
Sam. 2:26.
31:8.
34:6. Nab. 2:13.

i 5,21. Judg. 5:20,21. Is. 66:
15,16.

k Ex. 6:1. Deut. 11:23. Ps. 44:q 2. 68:2. 114:2-7.

Heb. multiplied the faller.

1 Lev. 26:36,37.

n Ex. 15:9. 1 Kings 20:10,18.
Is. 19:11-16. 31:3. 37:27-
29. Ez. 29:3. 31:18.

o 10:10. 44:26. 48:15. 51:57.
Mal. 1:14. Matt. 5:35. 1 Tim.
1:17.

p Josh. 19:22. Judg. 4:6. Ps.
89:12.

1 Kings 18:42,43.

f Heb. make thee instruments
of captivity. Ez. 12:3. marg.
r Is. 20.4. Ez. 12:4-12.

23 They shall cut down her forest, saith the LORD, though it cannot be search ed; because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable.

h

24 The daughter of Egypt shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north.

25 The LORD of hosts, the God of Is

3 See on 44:1.-Ez. 30:13,16.
u 26:9. 34:22. 51:29,37. Zeph.
2:5.

x 50:11. Hos. 10:11.

y See on 6,10. 1:14.-25:9. 47:2.
z 9,16. 2 Sam. 10.6. 2 Kings
7:6.
Ez. 27:10,11. 30:4-6.

a 50:11,27. Is. 34:7.

Heb. bullocks of the stall.
Prov. 15:17. Am. 6:4.

b See on 5,15,16.

c 18:17. Deut. 32:35. Ps. 37:

13. Is. 10:3.
9:7. Ob. 13.

Ez. 35.5. Bes
Mic. 7.4

d Is. 29:4. Mie. 1:8. 7:16,17.

e 51:20-23.

14:8. 37:24.

f Is. 10:18,19.
g Judg. 6:5.

Rev. 9:2-10.

Is. 19:15.39.34.

Zech. 11:2

Ez. 2046,47.

7:12.

Joel 25

b See on 11,19.—Ps. 187:2. i 20. Ez. 29:-32

try. This took place about seventeen years V. 18. 'Mount Tabor is not more surely fixafter the destruction of Jerusalem. Probably, ed among the rest of the mountains, nor Carthe prediction was delivered by Jeremiah, af- 'mel more immoveably seated upon the seater he went down into Egypt. (Notes, 43:8-'coast, than this word of mine is firmly fixed 13. 44:29,30. Is. 19:1--17. Ex. 29:-32:) ‘in heaven, and shall undoubtedly be perform'ed. The king of Babylon shall come against Egypt.' Bp. Hall. (Marg. Ref.)

V. 14. Marg. Ref. f.-Stand, &c.] That is, Prepare to act upon the defensive, for Egypt 'will soon be invaded; the sword having al'ready devoured all the adjacent regions.' (Marg. Ref. g, h.-Note, 3,4.)

V.19. Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Furnish, &c.] "The expression is ironical, implying, that in'stead of the rich and goodly furniture, where

she did pride herself, she should be carried away captive, naked and bare, and wanting all manner of conveniences. (Is. 20:4. 47:2,3.} Lowth. (Note, Ez. 12:1–7.)

V. 15. "The Hebrew word... rendered val-'in iant, is sometimes spoken of God; (Gen. 49: 24.) sometimes is a title given to angels; (Ps. 78:25.) and here the Septuagint understand it 'of Apis, the idol of Egypt.' Lowth.-There is no reason to think, that this idol was intended; but either the mighty princes of Egypt; or, if the noun (77) should be in the singular number, as it is probable; (for both the verb and pronoun are singular;) then the king himself may be intended. The LXX have, Διατι εφυγεν από σε ὁ Απις; ὁ μοσχος ὁ εκλεκτος σε ουκ εμει

νεν.

V. 20. In the foregoing verse, the prophet compared Egypt to a delicate young woman. Here he resembles her to a fat and well faGrotius not improbably conjectures, there is 'vored heifer. (50:11.)—In which comparison "an allusion to their god Apis, who was a bull remarkable for his beauty. Lowth.-The_last clause is very emphatical. -"Destruction from the north, it cometh, it cometh.” (Marg. Ref.) V. 21. Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Notes, 16,17. 50:27.

23.

"Wherefore did Apis flee from thee? Thy elect calf abode not."-It is not improbable, that both the translation, and the interpolaV. 22. Like a serpent.] The Egyptians tion, were intended as an attack on the Egyp- would no longer utter boasting words; but in tian idolatry: an injudicious and criminal, even a more abject and timid mauner express their if a well intended measure; which has too of terror and resentment, like a serpent hissing ten been imitated by those, who, to serve a out of its hole, or when it is pursued. "An good cause, are not very scrupulous about the enchanter." Blayney. (Marg. Ref. d.—Note, Is ineans which they employ. (Note, Rom. 3:5-29:3,4.)-With axes, &c.] Marg. Ref. e.-Vote, 8.) V. 16, 17. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Note, 51: 9.) The allies of Egypt, finding themselves un able to maintain the conflict, and perceiving that Pharaoh, though he had boasted great things, was not punctual to his engagements in coming to their assistance, resolved to escape for their lives, and return home, if they were able. (Marg. Ref. n.—Note, §:20.)

V. 23. The cities of Egypt were very many, and the inhabitants both exceedingly numerous and wealthy; but this would only render them the richer booty to the conqueror: as the hewer of wood prefers those forests, where the trees are of many and of large growth. (Marg. Ref.)-Forest, &c.] Notes, Is. 10:16 19,28-34, vv. 33,34. Ez. 20:45–48.

k

rael, saith; Behold, I will punish the *multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, 1 with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, n and all them that trust in him.

26 And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: P and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the Lord.

27 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel:

V. 24, 25. Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Multitude those who obey the gospel.-The immense of No. (25) The Hebrew word Ammon Minno, preparations, which in all ages have been may be literally rendered Ammon of No. The made for the destruction of the human spe'same place is expressed in Ezekiel by Hamon cies, shew the power of Satan, the great "murNo. (30:15.) And in Nahum it is called No derer from the beginning," over our fallen Amon. (3:8.)-The name is generally thought race, by means of the pride, ambition, avarice, 'to be derived from Jupiter Ammon, whose and revenge of the human heart: and likewise "temple was there.... It is rendered Diospolis that God considers men as condemned crimi'by the Septuagint, which is the Greek name nals, whom he employs as executioners of 'for Thebes, famous in Homer's time for its each other, as he sees good. (Note, Num. 31: 'hundred gates.' Lowth. (Notes, Ez. 30:14-2.)-Neither valor, strength, speed, nor num19. Nah. 3:8-11.) ""Ammon of No," signifies "the deity of the place. ... From the similitude 'of and en, our translators, and others be'sides them, have confounded them together. "... Ammon of No, the principal deity, and 'Pharaoh, the principal man, ... are marked out "... as the primary objects of the divine visita❝tion: then follow in the gross, Egypt, with all 'her gods, and all her kings.' Blayney.—All them that trust in him.] Marg. Ref. n.-Note, Ez. 29:6,7.

אמון

bers, can avail those, whom the righteous God determines to make sacrifices to his justice: but they must be dismayed, flee away, and not escape; and all their vain-glorious boasts and sanguine expectations, must end in disappointment and confusion.-Those who devise mischief against others, generally fall into it themselves: and the wounds, which God inflicts on his enemies, can be healed by no medicines.--How do power and prosperity pass from one to another in this changing world! Those nations, which were "the terror of the mighty," and seemed ready to obtain dominion over the whole earth, are speed

V. 26. (Notes, 43:8-13. 44:29,30.) It is gupposed that Pharaoh-hophra was slain by Amasis; but Amasis was at that time the deputy of Nebuchadnezzar, who was principally employ-ily ed in executing the vengeance of God on the Egyptians.

so weakened that they cannot defend themselves! But nothing so exposes kingdoms to hostile invaders, as intestine discords; whilst Afterward, &c.] Nebuchadnezzar's conquest mighty men thus stumble one against anothof Egypt was preceded, attended, and follow-er, they all fall together; and the state becomes ed, by violent internal convulsions and revolutions: and Egypt did not recover from these calamities, till about forty years afterwards. (Marg, Ref. p.-Notes, Ez. 29:8-15.)

V. 27, 28. (Note, 30:10,11.) The Jews who had taken shelter in Egypt, were, with very few exceptions, devoted to destruction: (Notes, 44:14,28.) but this repetition of the Lord's former assurances to the nation of Israel, was intended to encourage the hopes of those in other places, who regarded his word, with the prospect of better times and returning and permanent tranquillity. (Notes, 23:3-8. Is. 41:10 --16. 43:5--7. Ez. 34:23--31.)--The repetition, also, of so remarkable a promise, shews that it was considered as of very great importance, and should remind us of its remarkable accomplishment even to this day.--The words, "Fear not thou, O Jacob, &c." as repeated in the concluding verse, gives the promise additional energy, and renders the passage peculiarly poetical. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Every part of scripture speaks terror to the impenitent and unbelieving, and comfort to

incapable of defending itself against the de vouring sword of its enemies. (Notes, Is. 19:2, 3,11--14.)--When such events take place, when allies prove treacherous, and renowned princes and captains but a noise; when valiant men are swept away or put to flight, the hand of the Lord should be acknowledged: for how can they stand whom he drives away? or be courageous, whom he surrounds with terrors? When his "day of visitation cometh," the magnificence, luxury, and affluence of mighty nations vanish as a dream: and those who were sensual and strong, as fatted bullocks, fall an easy prey to every invader; and can no more resist them, than the forest can the axe of him that fells it. So that they, who trust in themselves, or in "an arm of flesh," must be confounded and punished.-But there is an appointed period to all earthly calamities: and therefore our grand concern is to "flee from the wrath to come." Instead of "making provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof," we should be daily preparing for death and judgment. Having sought reconciliation to our offended God through Jesus Christ, we should stand fast in the faith, and seek to be

furnished with patience and hope against every event; for we know not what captivity, poverty, or tribulation may await us: and therefore habitual self-denial, and mortification to the V. 4. Every helper, &c.] The destruction of world, constitute our highest wisdom, as well the Philistines would tend to weaken the powas our bounden duty. But nothing should dis-er of their confederates, the Tyrians and Zimay the servants of the Lord: he will save them from every place, where they have been scattered, and bring them to enjoy his rest and peace: he will be with them, and only correct them in measure; and will not punish any of them with that "everlasting destruction from his presence," which awaits all impenitent transgressors.

CHAP. XLVIII.

A prophecy against Moab, for presuming on her wealth. 1-10; 14,15: and for her contempt of God and his people; and her

her uninterrupted prosperity, 11-13, and her strength for war,

great pride, &c. 16-46. The restoration of Moab, 47.

AGAINST Moab thus saith the LORD

5 For in the going up of 3 Luhith Icontinual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.

7 For because thou hast trusted in thy works, and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity, with his priests and his princes together.

6 Flee, save your lives, and 'be like of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe" the heath in the wilderness. unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: *Misgab is confounded and dismayed. 2 There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be 1 cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall 1 pursue thee.

3 A voice of crying shall be from • Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction. 4 Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard.

a 9:26. 25:21. 27.3. Gen. 19: | e 42. 31:36. 33:24. 46:28. 37. Num. 24:17. 2 Chr. 20: Esth. 3:8-14. Ps. 83:4-8. 10. Is. 15: 16: 25.10. Ez. 25:† Or, brought to silence. Is. 15: 11. Am. 2:1,2. Zeph. 2: 25:10. marg. Madmenah. 1 Heb. go after.

8-11.

1.

b 22,23. Num. 32:3,37,38. 33:47. See on 4:20,21. 47:2.-Is. 15. Is. 15:2.

2,8. 16:7-11.

22:4.

g 5,34. Is. 15:5.

h Num. 21:27-30.

d 34.45. Num. 21:25-30. Is. Esth. 8.11. Ps. 137:9. 15:5.

8 And P the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken.

r

9 Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell

therein.

j Is. 15:5.

Heb. weeping with weeping.
k 51:6. Gen. 19:17. Ps. 11:1.
Prov. 6:4,5. Matt. 24:16-18.
Luke 3:7. 17:31-33. Heb.

6.18.

1 17.6. Job 30:3-7.
Or, a naked tree.

m 9:23. 13:25. Ps. 40:4. 49:6,
7. 52:7. 62:9-10. Is. 59:4-6.
Ez. 28:2-5. Hos. 10:13. 1

ecy was fulfilled during the siege of Tyre by termine on the utter ruin of the nation. Or, the Nebuchadnezzar. (Note, 1.)

passage may mean, that there should be no more glorying in Moab, concerning Heshbon, as a strong fortress or a flourishing city: for their enemies had devised their complete destruction. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Is. 15:1.) A confederacy of the Moabites and of the neighboring nations, is represented by the Psalmist, as using the same language concerning Israel, which the Chaldeans are here introduced, as employing concerning Moab. (Notes, Ps. 83:1

V.3-5. (Notes, Is. 15:3-5.) The lamenta|tions of the Moabites would be so loud and grievous, as to be heard even by their enemies, at a distance; and thus their outcries would direct the pursuers of the fugitives.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Men often apprehend no danger from that quarter, whence evil is appointed against them. (Notes, 2 Kings 20:17,18. Is. 7:17--19.)--The height of ungodly prosperity is the forerunner of destruction; and sinful pleasures terminate in outcries and howlings of misery.--We should commit our children to the Lord's keeping; for we know not how soon we may be de--12.) prived of power, or heart, to take any care of them ourselves.--When he intends to destroy the wicked, he will "cut off every helper;" and where he inflicts vengeance, he will remove all consolation. The miseries occasioned by war should be deeply lamented by us: and we should earnestly desire and pray, that this "sword of the LORD may return into the scabbard, and be still:" yet we should be ready V. 6. (Marg. Ref.) 'Escape for your lives, humbly to acquiesce in his appointments, who, and be content to be left poor, mean, and desoin perfect wisdom and justice, gives it commis-late; (Note, 17:5--8, vv. 5,6.) and hide yoursion, and will cause it to effect his purposes, 'selves in barren places, whither the enemy notwithstanding all the power of those who at-will not pursue you.'--The heath.] "A blasted tempt to arrest its progress. (Note, Matt. 24:6 tree." Blayney. (Marg.) --8.)

NOTES.

The enemies. (5) Or, My enemies. The Moabites were enemies to God, and to his people. (Notes, 26-28. Ez. 25:8-11. Zeph. 2:8--10.)

V.7. The Moabites had confided in their fortifications, or methods of defence, and in the riches laid up in their treasuries; or in their CHAP. XLVIII. V. 1. "The following proph-superstitious observances, their idol Chemosh, 'ecies against Moab, Ammon, Edom, and the the work of their hands, and the treasures 'neighboring countries, seem to have been ful-dedicated to him. (Marg. Ref.)-'Both thy 'filled, during the long siege of Tyre.... (Ez. 25: 'great idol and his maintainers, shall be led 8, &c.) ... Josephus... places these events five away captives; so that they shall then know years after the destruction of Jerusalem.-- that it is in vain to look for help at idols.' The prophet Jeremiah, in his prophecy,... bor- (Notes, 13. 43:8—13. Num. 21:26—30, v. 29. Is. 'rows several expressions out of Isaiah's proph- 46:1,2.) 'ecy against the same people; though that was 'probably fulfilled several years before.' Lowth. The predictions of Isaiah, it is generally supposed, were fulfilled by Shalmaneser; but those of Jeremiah by Nebuchadnezzar. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Notes, Is. 15: 16:)

V. 2. Moab should be no more praised as an honorable kingdom: for the invaders, having possessed themselves of Heshbon, would de-1-5. Rev. 12:13-17.)

10 Cursed be he that doeth the work|| him; and all ye that know his name, say, of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he* How is the strong staff broken, and the that keepeth back his sword from blood. beautiful rod!

*

11 T Moab "hath been at ease from his 18 Thou 'daughter that dost inhabit youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity; y therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him z wanderers that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

a

13 And Moab shall be bashamed of Chemosh, the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence. 14 How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war?

h

15 Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

16 The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.

17 All ye that are about him, jbemoan

t 50:25. Num. 31:14-18. Judg. | c 1 Kings 12:28, 29. Hos. 8:5,6.
5:23. 1 Sam. 15:3,9,13,&c.
Kings 20:42.

Or, negligently.

u Ps. 55:19. 73:4-8. 123:4.
Prov. 1:32. marg. Zech. 1:15.
v Is. 25:6. Zeph. 1:12.
x 51:34. Is. 24:3. Nah. 2:2,10.
29. Is. 16:6. Ez. 16:49,50.
Heb. stood.

z 8,15. 25:9. Is. 16:2. Ez.
25:9,10.

1

a 11,38. 14:3. 19:10. 25:34. Ps. 2:9. Is. 30:14. Nah. 2:2. b 7,39,46. Judg. 11:24. 1 Sam. 5:3-7. 1 Kings 18:26-29,40. Is. 2:20. 16:12. 45:16,20. 46: 1.2.

10:5,6,14,15. Am. 5:5,6.

d 8:8. Ps. 11:1. Is. 36:4,5.

e 9:23. 49:16. Ps. 33:16. Ec.
9:11. Is. 10:13,16. 16:6. Ez.
30:6. Zeph. 2:10.

f See on 8,9.-18-25.

Heb. the choice of his, &c.
g 4. 51:40. Is. 34:2-3.

h 46:18. 51:57. Ps. 24:8-10.
47:2. Dan. 4:37. Zech. 14:9.
Mal. 1:14. Rev. 19:16.

i 1:12. Deut. 32:35. Is. 13:22.
16:13, 14. Ez. 12:23,28. 2 Pet.
2:3.

j 31-33. 9:17-20. Is. 16:8.
Rev. 18:14-20.

V. 10. The Chaldeans were commissioned to execute vengeance on Moab; and they would expose themselves to vengeance, if they did it partially, and only by halves. This emphatically denoted, that God would effectually take care for the performance of his word; and would find instruments, who would not "keep back their swords from blood." (Marg. Ref. -Notes, Num. 31:14-18. Judg. 5:23,24. 1 Sam. 15:1-3,8-23. 1 Kings 20:41,42.)

V. 11. The nation of Moab, though small, was very ancient, and had for many ages continued independent and prosperous. It had experienced few of those violent convulsions and revolutions, with which the surrounding nations had been harassed: and though the Moabites seem to have suffered grievous calam-|| ities, some years before; (Note, 1.) yet they had not been carried out of their land by repeated captivities, as Israel and Judah had been; and they had recovered their strength and prosperity before this time. They were, therefore, like wine left long to refine and feed on the lees; which becomes much stronger, than when frequently emptied from vessel to vessel. Having met with little disturbance, they became proud, presumptuous, secure, and sensual; indulging in wickedness habitually, and from age to age, without any degree of refermation. (Notes, Is. 25:6—8. Zeph. 1:12.) 4081

Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst, for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.

19 O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done?

20 Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in 'Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,

t

21 And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,

22 And upon "Dibon, and upon Nebo, upon Beth-diblathaim, 23 And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon. 24 And upon Kerioth, and upon * Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.

Blayney .צעים וצעהו [.Wanderers, &c

thinks that the word denotes the lowering of a cask, in order to empty it; and that the metaphor of the preceding verse is continued throughout this. (Marg. Ref.-Note, 13:12— 14.)

V. 13. 'As the calf of Bethel was not able 'to deliver the Israelites, no more shall Che'mosh deliver the Moabites.' (Notes, 7. 2:33— 37. Judg. 11:24. 1 Kings 12:26-31. Hos. 8:5,6. 10:5,6.)

V. 14-16. Marg. Ref.-Notes, 8:8,9. 2 Kings 18:18-21. Is. 19:11-14.

V. 17. 'His calamities are so great, as must 'needs make all that see him, or have heard of his former fame and glory, bewail his mistortunes. Lowth. (Notes, 2 Sam. 1:19—27. Is. 15: 5.)

V. 18. In thirst, &c.] Thirst, or the extreme want of every thing, is here opposed to that luxury and splendor, to which the Moabites had been accustomed. (Marg. Ref.)

V. 19-25. The inhabitants of Aroer, a city on the borders of Moab, are represented, as