he became "a Child born, a Son given," that he might be "the propitiation for our sins:" for us he obeyed, suffered, and died; for us he arose, ascended, reigns, and intercedes; in our behalf, "all power is given to him in heaven and earth.” Let us adore the wonders of his person, character, and love; and learn in every thing to seek and follow his "counsel," as well as to obey his command. (Notes, Prov. 1:1931. Rev. 3:17-19.) We may indeed safely intrust our souls in his hand, for he is "the mighty God," and if, from him as "the everlasting Father," we receive spiritual life, and bear his image, and are "counted to him for a generation; we shall certainly enjoy that peace which he made and bestows; and shall learn, as the subjects of "the Prince of Peace," to be peaceable and peace-makers, and to seek the peace of the church and of the world. Let us then pray without ceasing, that his government and peace may increase in our hearts; and rapidly diffuse their benign influence in the world, until they prevail against all opposition, and make all things subject unto them. No doubt, this will ere long be the case: for "the zeal of the LORD of hosts will surely perform" whatever relates to the execution of his purposes, the ruin of his enemies, the prevalence of his cause, and the salvation of his people. V. 8-21. i 2:20,21. 5:14. Gen. 31:1. 2m 15.8.4. 14:5,6. Ps. 17. 14. 125: Kings 7:6-8,15. Ps. 49:16,17. | 3. Jer. 51:20-24. peace and blessedness to themselves, and to each other; till they fall together into the pit of destruction! (Notes, Deut. 29:19,20. Jer. 6: 13-15.)-The righteous Lord can take no pleasure in the workers of iniquity, however they may be distinguished: if those, who are young in years, be old in wickedness, they may expect the more speedy punishment: nor will he spare the impenitent, however otherwise entitled to commiseration.-Hypocrisy, or impiety, is commonly connected with dishonesty and deceitful insinuation; and when these become general, they mark a people ripe for destruction: for this is a fire which will consume all before it.-The vengeance of God is frequently executed on men by means of their own iniquities: and in times of public calamity, the rich and noble are only distinguished from the poor, as the lofty cedars are from the briers and thorns, when the whole forest is destroyed by one general conflagration. But all that can be suffered on earth, from the anger of the Lord, is but a shadow of the wrath to come: and the enraged and furious discord to which men have sometimes been given up, when suffering for their sins, to the increase of their own and each other's torment, suggests to the mind a horrid idea of the misery of the wicked in another world; when, bereft of all hope and comfort, and enduring the fiery wrath of God, every one will be tormented by his own conscience, and express without restraint all his malignant passions; and so en||hance the anguish and vexation of his fellowsufferers. Blessed be God for "Jesus Christ, who delivereth us from the wrath to come!" NOTES. CHAP. X. V. 1-4. These verses belong The words of terror which God has spoken will as surely be accomplished, as those of his love; and they often "light" with dreadful efficacy upon his professing people: for they, who will not trust and serve him as a God of mercy, must know him as a "God to whom vengeance belongeth." That pride and stoutness of heart, which render numbers fearless of consequences, and induce them to despise re-to the subject of the preceding chapter: yet bukes and warnings, and to flatter themselves, they are so expressed, as to include the rulers and each other, with the hopes of impunity and magistrates of the Jews, as well as those and prosperity in sin, will hasten and aggra- in Israel; and indeed those of every nation vate their destruction: and unless the afflicted who pervert authority in a similar way. (Note, "turn to him that smiteth them," and humbly 9:8-12.) The persons, whose conduct drew seek his mercy, "his anger will not be turned on them the denounced woe, enacted laws away, but his hand will be stretched out still;" which authorized grievous oppression, and deand temporal calamities will only prove an cided causes in the most iniquitous manner: earnest of eternal misery. Even "the ancient and their edicts and decrees were enrolled by and honorable" will thus perish, if they con- the scribes and writers, and prescribed for tinue in sin: but the false teachers, who for rules and precedents in the inferior courts. filthy lucre's sake promise them peace, will This was purposely done, in order that they be marked with peculiar contempt and detest- might rob the poor, and seize upon the propation. Yet how common is it for "the leaders erty of the orphans and widows, under color of the people to cause them to err," and for of law and justice. (Notes, 1:16-20. 3:12-15. "the blind to lead the blind," and to speak ||1 Kings 21:8—14. Ps. 94:1-7,20,21. Am. 5:10 anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. 6 I will send him " against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath ° will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. 7 Howbeit Phe meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few. 8 For he saith, 'Are not my princes altogether kings? 9 Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not "Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus? 13 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it; and by my wisdom, for I am prudent: and 'I have removed the y 14. 2 Kings 18:33-35. 19:12, z 36:19,20. 37:10-13. a 5,6. 14:24-27. 27:9. 46:10,11. b 16-19:25-34. 17:12-14. 29: Jer. 50:18. Heb. visit upon the fruit of the greatness of the heart. Ps. 21:10. Matt. 12.33. 15:19 c 9:9. Job 40:11,12. d 2.11. 5:15. Prov. 30:13. Ez. 31:10.14. Dan. 4:37. e 8. 37:23,24. Deut. 8:17. Ez. 25.3. 26:2. 28:2-9. 29:3. Dan. 4:30. Am. 6:13. Hab. 1:16. f2 Kings 15:29. 17:6,24. 18:11, 32. 1 Chr. 5:26. Am. 5.27. 6: 1.2. the streets. (Notes, 25:10–12. 51:21–23. Mic. -13. Mic. 2:1-5. 3:8-12. 7:1-4.)-The Lord, indeed, still acknowledged Israel as his people. He had yet a small remnant, especially among the poor, who were peculiarly exposed to these oppressions. But he was about to send the Assyrians from afar to execute his vengeance, and what would the oppressors do in those desolations? whither would they flee for safety? or to whose keeping would they commit their ill-gotten riches, in which they gloried, and with which they then lived in splendor and luxury? (Notes, 2:19-21. Prov. 10:2,3. 11:4. Jam. 5:1-6.) For the Lord would V. 7. The Lord would give Sennacherib certainly withdraw his protection: and then power and success, and use him as his instruthe very prisoners, or men who had been inor-ment in the work assigned him: but Sennatally wounded and left among the slain, would prevail against them. (Jer. 37:10.) These strong expressions denote how easily and certainly they would be ruined, by the continued anger and powerful vengeance of God.-Day of visitation. (3) Marg. Ref. f.—Notes, Gen. 21:1,2. Jer. 10:12-15, v. 15. is God's work; but, in respect of their own 'malice, it is the work of the devil.' (Notes, 47: 6. Gen. 50:20. Ps. 76:10. Acts 2:22-24. 4:23— 28.) cherib would not do it, because the Lord commanded him, or as his willing servant. He had no intention or inclination of that kind; but was actuated entirely by enormous ambition, rapacity, and cruelty. The wickedness of the facts being altogether their own; and 'the good ends served by them to be wholly V. 5, 6. The prophet here enters on anoth- ascribed to God.' Lowth. (2 Kings 9:7. Hos. er subject: and some think that this predic-1:4.) Here is declared the difference of the tion was delivered after the ruin of Samaria, 'work of God, and of the wicked, in one very in the reign of Hezekiah; because Sennache- thing and act: for God's intention is to chasrib is introduced, boasting of what he had 'tise them for their amendment; and the Asdone to that city. But perhaps this also was 'syrians' is to destroy them, to enrich themspoken prophetically, as what the Lord fore-selves: thus, in respect of God's judgment, it knew he would say, when marching against Jerusalem: and this prophecy might have been delivered, when Ahaz was depending on the assistance of the king of Assyria; both to warn the people of their danger from that quarter, V. 8-11. (Notes, 2 Kings 18:19.) Sennaand to encourage them to place their confi- cherib proudly deemed his princes, or his vasdence in God. (Note, 2 Kings 16:7-9) He sals, or tributaries, altogether equal to other here pointed out the Assyrian king, as the kings, as it was common at that time for a conrod with which he meant to correct his of- queror to be styled "king of kings." He had fending people; and his righteous indignation subjected one kingdom after another, and none was the staff, with which that prince would of their deities had been able to defend them beat and bruise them. "The staff, that is in against him; (Marg. Ref. s-u;) yet their imtheir hand, is my indignation." (Notes, 15. 14: ages were more splendid than any to be found 3-6. Ps. 17-13–15, v. 14. 125:3. Jer. 51:20 in Jerusalem: he therefore supposed that he 25.) For God would send that insolent con- should easily conquer that city and her idols; queror against a nation, which professed to either numbering JEHOVAH among them, or utworship him, but which was generally ungod- terly disregarding him. (Note, 2 Chr. 32:15.) ly; the most of whom would comply with Hez--Shalmaneser took and destroyed Samaria; ekiah's reformation, in a hypocritical manner. but probably Sennacherib had some share in And he would commission him to take the the victory, the whole honor of which he spoil and prey, and to debase and trample arrogated to himself. (Note. 2 Kings 17:1 upon them as if they were the very mire of-6.5 bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like *a valiant man: 14 And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped. 15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself as if it were no wood. k 16 Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. 17 And the Light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One" for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day; g 2 Kings 16:8. 18:15. Hos.13: 15.16. *Or, many people. b 58. Job 31.25. Prov. 18:12. 7,29,36. 2 Chr. 32:21. n 30.27,28. 33:14. 64:1,2. 66:15, o 27:4. Ps. 97:3. Nah. 1:5,6,10. 18 And shall P consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standard-bearer fainteth. 19 And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them. [Practical Observations"] 20 T And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel in truth. V 21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto "the mighty God. 22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow **with righteousness. X 23 For the Lord GoD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land. p 33,34. 9:18. 2 Kings 19:28. Heb. number. 37:56. q 1:9. 4:2,3 6:13. 37.4,31,32. s 17:7,8. 26:3,4. 48:1,2. 50:10. 3:14-16. u 9:6. v1 Kings 4:20. Hos. 1:10. Rom. 9:27. 11:5,6. Rev. 20.8. x 6:13. Heb. in, or, among. y 6:11. 8:8. 27:10,11. 28:1522. z 14:26,27, 24:1, &c. Dan. 4:35 V. 12--14. (Notes, 28-34. 14:24-27. 2 the Lord determined to enfeeble his overgrown Kings 19:22,25,35-37.) This haughty con- power and prosperity, and to consume his queror supposed, that his success was wholly stoutest commanders and forces, and all that owing to the number and valor of his troops, in which he gloried. For the holy Protector and to his own wise and prudent conduct and and Light of Israel, would be a fire to destroy extraordinary courage. (Notes, Ez. 28:2--5, the Assyrian army, as "briers and thorns;" 12--15. Dan. 4:28-37. 5:18--28.) The taking and he would level them to the ground as a and plundering of cities was to him like gath-conflagration does the forest, or the crop of ering eggs, when the timorous bird has flown away and left them: and so sure and easy was his success, that no one even dared to interrupt him, or to complain of him; or so much as to come and see what was going forward. (Marg. Ref. h.) corn: yea, he would destroy them, both "soul and body," absolutely and finally; and the desolations would be as "when a standard-bearer fainteth," and all who followed his standard are put to confusion, and cut in pieces. So that the few men, who should remain of that army, which had been numerous as the trees in a large forest, might be numbered and registered even by a child. (Notes, 9:18-21.30:2933.33:10-13.2 Kings 19:35-37. Nah. 1:9—13.) V 15. (Note, 5,6.) These animated interrogations have a peculiar energy. JEHOVAH as much employed the power which he had given to Sennacherib for certain purposes, as a man does a tool which he has formed for that use. V. 20. The Jews and Israelites were wont But could an axe be conceived to glory over to rely on the assistance of the neighboring him, who hewed with it? or a saw, to menace nations, and they were smitten by them one him who moved it? or a rod, him that correct- after another. Under Ahaz they sought the ed another with it? or a staff, as if it were not protection of the Assyrians, who were employmere wood, to strike the man who used it? ed to correct or punish them. (Notes, 7:17-19. The absurdity in these instances would not||1 Kings 16:7-9.) But the remnant who esbe greater, than it was for Sennacherib to vaunt himself against JEHOVAH; on whom he was far more dependent, and to whom he was immensely more inferior, than_the_axe or the saw to him who used them. Yet, ignorant of him by whom he lived and moved, and forgetful of his own weakness, he defied the God of Israel, and expected to overcome him! (Notes, 45:9,10. Rom. 9:19--21.) No wood.] The Hebrews have a peculiar 'way of joining the negative particle & to a 'noun, to signify in a strong manner a total 'negation of the thing expressed by the noun.' Bp. Lowth. (Job 26:2,3. Am. 6:13. Heb.) V. 16-19. To convince the proud worm of his madness, and to promote his own glory, caped Sennacherib's ravages, by the miracu- ... a 24 ¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord | to "Migron: at "Michmash he hath laid up GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest his carriages: in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian:! he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. d 25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction. 26 And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him, according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt. 27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. 28 ¶ He is come to 'Aiath, he is passed a 4.3. 12:6. 30:19. 46:13. 61:3. Heb. 12:22-24. b 3:12,13. 33:14-16. 35:4. 37:6, 22,33-35. € 5. 9:4. 14:29. 27:7. Ex. 14:25,26. Neh. 9:10,11. i 9.4. 14:25. 2 Kings 18:13,14. *Or, but he shall lift up his Heb. remove. d Ex. 1:10-16. 14:9,21-31. 15: e 33.34. 12:1,2. 14-24,25. 17:12- k 37:35. 2 Sam. 1:21. Ps. 2:1- 1 Josh. 7:2. Ai. Neh. 11:31. q 29 They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled. 30 Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor " Anathoth. 31 Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee. destruction of their enemies: in the same manner, as he destroyed the Midianitish oppressors, by the enfeebled Israelites, and overPharaoh and the Egyptians in the (Notes, 9:4,5. Ex. 14:21–31. Judg. return," is Shear-jashub, the name given to one of Isaiah's sons, in confirmation of the perpetuity of God's promises. (Note, 7:3.) The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ac-whelmed cording to the promises of God, were indeed Red Sea. become numerous as "the sand of the sca:"|7:16–25.) yet in general they had forsaken him; and no V. 27. Marg. Ref.-Nah. 1:11--13.-Bemore than a remnant, even on this great occa- cause, &c.] 'For the sake of God's chosen sion, would return to him. Not only did Sen- people, (especially the remnant mentioned 20, nacherib execute vengeance on many of the 21.) called his anointed, Ps. 105:15. and likepeople; but further judgments were decreed, 'wise for the preservation of the kingdom and and predicted, which, in strict and awful jus- priesthood, both which offices were conferred tice, would make them desolate for their sins: by the ceremony of anointing. But without for the Lord had determined to make a con- 'question the Messias, the Anointed in an emisumption of the people throughout the land. 'nent sense, is principally intended here.... The use, which the apostle makes of this pas- 'God preserved the kingdom of Judah from utsage shews that the Holy Spirit intended like- 'ter destruction, because the Messias was to wise to foretel more important events; even come from that tribe. Lowth. The yoke of the conversion of a remnant of the Jews to 'servitude shall be taken from thy neck, beChrist, and the execution of righteous ven-'cause thou art a people consecrated to me, for geance upon the bulk of the nation which re-the sake of that Messiah, mine Anointed, jected him. (Notes, 6:13. 28:21,22. Dan. 9:24— 27. Rom. 9:24-29.) which shall descend from thee.' Bp. Hall.-'Because of the promise made to that kingdom, whereby Christ's kingdom was prefigured.' V. 24-26. "The promises of deliverance 'from Sennacherib's 'invasion are made only V. 28 -34. These verses contain a propheti'to the inhabitants of Zion and Jerusalem; (37: cal description of Sennacherib's march towards 32,33.) a type of the elect among the Jews, Jerusalem, when he desolated all before him, in whom God will fulfil the promises made to and threatened that city with immediate de'their fathers. See Rom. 11:7,28.' Louth.-The struction. The consternation and flight of the other inhabitants of Judea seem to have suffer- inhabitants of the cities, near to Jerusalem, is ed very grievous things from the Assyrian in- also represented in a very animated and subvaders; while Jerusalem, or Zion, and those lime manner. But when he was come almost who took shelter there, were preserved. (Notes, to the walls of the city, and began to "shake 28-34. 33:5-22. 2 Kings 19:30,31.) Senna- his hand against the daughter of Zion," as mencherib and the Assyriens, (after the manner of acing her destruction, with a special enmity Pharaoh and the Egyptians,) threatened the to the temple and the worship there performentire destruction of Israel; but in a very shorted: the Lord, in whom Hezekiah trusted, loptime it would appear, that the Lord's anger ped off the spreading branches of this cedar against his people was turned away, by the with dreadful terror: he slew by "a mighty CHAP. XI. Predictions of Christ, as springing from the root of Jesse; his endowments for his work; and the equity of his government, 1 one," an angel of his strength, all his valiant captains; and he cut down a hundred and eighty-five thousand of his soldiers, like the hewing down of a forest. (Notes, 16-19. Dan. 4:10--18,20--26.) Thus his army, which resembled Lebanon covered with stately cedars, fell at once, to the confusion of its haughty leader, and the grateful and triumphant joy of Hezekiah and his people. The places here mentioned, were all in the neighborhood of Jerusalem; most of them within a few miles to the north and west. (Marg. Ref.) Michmash. (28) Note, I Sam. 14:4,5.--"The 'enemies having passed this strait without op'position, shews that all thoughts of making a 'stand in the open country were given up.' Bp. Lowth.--Carriages.] Note, Acts 21:15,16. 'PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-19. 5: of the peace and holiness produced by his gospel, 6—9: of the conversion of the Gentiles, and the gathering of Israel to him by the marvellous power of God, 10-16. they be good or bad; and those "high looks," which are admired as full of dignity and glory, being the fruit of a "stout heart," will expose a man to divine judgments. (Note, 47:7-10. -When mighty conquerors are cut off in the very crisis of their success, the event often occasions various conjectures, suspicions, and speculations: but in fact they have done their whole work, and are ripe for divine vengeance, and therefore the Lord stops their career: and this has often taken place, when they have been glorying in success, and anticipating fresh triumphs! Such overgrown murderers, robbers, and scourges of mankind, think the horrors and miseries of war a mere pastime: they act as if the wealth of the world were created for them alone, and as if every man deserved death, who was not willing to be their slave: and we need not wonder that the lives of thousands are so vile in their esteem; when the God, in whom they live and move, and from whom they have all their power and success, is most entirely despised by them. Instead of his instruments, they affect to be his rivals; and, forgetful how easily he can crush them, they set themselves against him. But when the Lord of hosts is pleased to repress their insolence, he can soon thin their ranks, either by the sword of an enemy, or by famine and pestilence. And "the Light of Israel" will be a fire to consume all the dignity, prosperity, and multitude of "the workers of iniquity," "both soul and body." Some few indeed escape the most tremendous temporal judgments: but not a single impenitent sinner will escape the wrath to come. Then even the standardbearers of infidelity and impiety will utterly faint, and doubtless all their legions will be driven into "the blackness of darkness for ever." V. 20-34. Injustice and oppression are most atrocious when sanctioned or prescribed by law; and a tremendous woe is denounced against all those who enact iniquitous statutes, or decree injustice from the seat of the magistrate. The more indigent and destitute the persons are, who are thus robbed, the deeper is the guilt of their oppressors; and when persecution "for righteousness' sake," is added, it speedily fills up the measure of national guilt.-Even in temporal calamities, tyrants and persecutors know not how to secure that power, pomp, or affluence, which they account "their glory;" (Gen. 31:) or even their own lives: and if the Lord withdraw his protection, the most despicable instruments will execute deserved vengeance on them. But what will sinners do, whither will they flee, and what will their glory avail them, in the approaching day of judgment?-When the Lord intends to desolate nations, or to chastise his people, he sometimes arms with power, and renders successful, the basest of men; and Scarcely in any age or place, is there more commissions them to smite those who have than a remnant, who "stay upon the Holy One provoked his anger. He purposes to destroy of Israel in truth." (Note, 48:1,2.) Most prothe most criminal, and to excite others to re- fessed Christians still cleave to sin, and stay pentance: the instruments however do not themselves on the world, though often troubled seek his glory, but their own; and count it their and injured by it: but, blessed be God, that pleasure to destroy, and to "cut off nations not there is a remnant who return to Him: may we a few."-The lust of dominion renders men be found of that happy number! Then, while callous to the feelings of humanity: and, for- we expect his righteous judgments, according getful that they are the creatures and subjects to his word, to overflow the profane and hypof the Almighty, authority, power, and success ocritical multitudes, we may dwell in Zion, inflate their minds with increasing arrogance; fearless of every enemy and catastrophe: and, whilst they ascribe all their achievements (Notes, 33:15-19.) nay, even the corrections to their own prowess and conduct, they sup-||which we receive by the hands of wicked men, pose that nothing can stop their progress: nay, who are the rod of our Father, will ere long they can be so infatuated, as to "exalt them- cease, in the execution of his indignation on selves above all that is called God and is wor- them for their crimes. (Note, Ps. Ï25:3.)—All shipped;" and to suppose themselves able to former judgments on proud oppressors have overcome the deities, as well as the kings, of been and are only specimens of the final ruin, opposing nations!-How lamentable was it, reserved for the enemies of God. "Because that Jerusalem, which was single and unrival- of the anointing" of our great Redeemer, the led in her relation to JEHOVAH, should set up yoke of every antichrist must be broken from graven images, in which she was excelled by off his church: and if our souls partake of the all the heathen cities! and it is equally foolish unction of his Holy Spirit, our complete and for Christians to emulate the people of the eternal deliverance is ensured to us. In the world, in those vanities, in which they will al- mean time, whilst our enemies defy "the ways be eclipsed. (Note, Ez. 15:6-8. P. O.)—daughter of Zion," and seem to make swift The Lord allots to every man his part, in ful-progress in their attempts against her; let us filling his grand designs. When any one serves him humbly and willingly, He graciously recompenses his faith and obedience: but those, who unintentionally perform his purposes, are influenced by corrupt motives, and will be punished for their sins.-Men's words and works are "the fruit of their hearts," whether || not yield to unbelieving fears. The Lord, in his own time, by his own hand, or by some instrument, endued with power from on high, will bring down his most exalted and haughty enemies: and all opposition shall fall before him, and his cause shall finally prevail and triumph. |