21 Prepare slaughter for his children || my land, and upon my mountains tread for the iniquity of their fathers; that they him under foot: then shall his yoke dedo not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill part from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. the face of the world with cities. 22 For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD. 23 I will also "make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts. Jer 51:25,26. y Ex. 17:16. Ps. 110:4. Jer. z 46 10,11. Job 23:13. Ps. 33: a 9:4. 10:16-19,32-34. 17:12- 26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. e 27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? kept in bondage and in prison without mercy. ally changed the adjacent country into a (Notes, 47:6. 49:24-26. 51:21-23. Jer. 50:33.) marsh, or fen, full of pools of water, and a -Belshazzar performed no exploits answera- habitation for bitterns or other creatures which ble to the lofty terms here used; and we may choose such situations: the import of the origthence infer, that the race of kings, which inal word is not certainly known. (Notes, 13: terininated in him, is also meant; for this is 19-22. 34:9-15. Jer. 51:25,61-64.)-'I believe common in prophecy. 'Belshazzar ... being it inay with truth be affirmed, that there is no 'slain in a sudden revolution, his body might poem of its kind, extant in any language, in probably be neglected for some time, and which the subject is so well laid out, and so 'suffered to lie above ground; and afterwards happily conducted, with such a richness of 'be buried without any solemnity, but thrown invention, with such variety of images, per'into a pit in the very clothes in which he was 'sons, and distinct actions, with such rapidity 'slain, as common soldiers are buried in the 'and ease of transition, in so small a compass, 'field after an engagement.' Lowth.-Other 'as in this ode of Isaiah. For beauty of dispokings had been buried according to their dig-sition, strength of coloring, greatness of sentinity, and lay quietly in their tombs: but he was deprived of burial, as an abominable branch from a detested stock; as the polluted raiment of those slain in battle, when, not being worth preserving, it is tumbled into the hole with their dead bodies; or as a carcass, that is trampled under foot in contempt. His cruelty to his people, beyond the example of his predecessors, merited this treatment; and neither such evil-doers, nor their posterity, would be exempted from infamy and misery. (Marg. Ref.) 'ment, brevity, perspicuity, and force of ex'pression, it stands among all the monuments of antiquity unrivalled.' Bp. Lowth. V. 24-27. These verses are by many considered, as referring to the event of Sennacherib's invasion, (which might be considered as a pledge for the performance of the foregoing prophecy:) yet they are introduced, and concluded, in so energetic a manner, "The LORD of hosts hath sworn, &c." "The LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it?" (Notes, 46:5-11. Ex. 17:15,16. Eph. V. 21-23. God himself here speaks, and 1:9-12. 3:9-12.) that they seem rather to be commands the complete extirpation of the the continuance and conclusion of "The Burroyal family of Babylon; that they might no den of Babylon." Assyria was a part of the more arise to possess the earth, and build cities dominions governed by the king of Babylon: to perpetuate their memory as they had done. (Note, Ezra 6:22.) and the ruler of the same For he would destroy both that family and countries may be intended. But no king of their name, and Babylon also, from off the Babylon was ever broken in the land of Israel. earth; yea, he would "sweep it with the besom It is therefore highly probable, that some of destruction:" (Nole, 2 Kings 21:13.) an ex-future events, respecting the New Testamentpression incomparably emphatical; and yet it has been fulfilled in the most extraordinary manner!--The word rendered "nephew," properly signifies grandson. Belshazzar was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar: and after his death, it may well be supposed, that the posterity of that great conqueror was extirpated. And when Cyrus had taken Babylon, the waters of the Euphrates were not properly reduced to their channel; so that they gradu-l Babylon are intended, and the restoration of Israel as connected with it; (Note, 1,2.) when this conclusion of the prophecy shall receive a literal accomplishment. I do not profess to decide how far some modern conjectural expositions are, or are not, well grounded: (Note, 11:11-16.) but, while the interpretation concerning literal Babylon is adhered to, as of peculiar importance in demonstrating the divine inspiration of the prophet; future events may also be predicted, which will be still glorifies his patience in bearing with his rebelmore conclusive to posterity. (Notes, Ez. 38: lious creatures; but he will shortly glorify his 39: Dan. 11:40-45. Zech. 10:5–12. Rev. 18: 19:) power and justice in their punishment:" and V. 28-32. These verses form a distinct men shall behold with astonishment the sudden prophecy, which probably was delivered at and tremendous ruin of oppressive rulers, and another time.-Uzziahı had vanquished the cities full of the gains of iniquity.-There alPhilistines: (2 Chr. 26:6,7.) but when he died, ways have been men, who gloried in using and the Jews were afterwards greatly enfee- power, to gratify their rage, ambition, and crubled during the reign of Ahaz, and left in great elty. But when they are crushed by others difficulties at his death; the whole land of Phi- more powerful and successful than themselves, listia, and all connected with it, rejoiced. But their ruin excites a general rejoicing. Speediit was predicted, that Hezekiah would be more ly the most mighty and terrible of the scourges terrible to them than Uzziah had been; as if a of mankind will be broken; and having here reserpent of a less poisonous nature, and less || sembled in disposition the inhabitants of hell, formidable, should produce a cockatrice, or a they will there be made like them in impotency fiery flying serpent. (Note, 2 Kings 18:8.) At and misery: and their only distinction will then the time predicted, the very poorest of the be, a degree of wrath proportioned to their Jews would be sustained in plenty, and live in many and great, but abused talents, their enorsafety; whilst the Lord would destroy the root mous crimes, and extensive mischievousness, of the Philistines' prosperity by fainine, and whilst their mutual revilings and taunts will employ Hezekiah to slay their remnant. In- enhance their misery. What then will all their stead of rejoicing therefore, howling would be present ponip and sensual mirth avail them?— more seasonable for Philistia; for the whole The more boundless the ambition, and the land would be ruined: a smoke, or cloud of higher the exaltation, of the wicked have been; dust, from the north would give notice of the the more tremendous will be their downfal. approach of the army of Judah from the north-As our first parents ruined themselves by aseast to waste them; from which none would desert, when the appointed season arrived. And if any nation should send ambassadors to make peace with the Jews, or to inquire concerning their deliverances; (Notes, 2 Kings 20: 12,13. 2 Chr. 32:30-33, v. 31.) they might answer, that 'JEHOVAH himself had chosen and 'established Zion, as the place of his special 'presence and worship; in order that his people, when afflicted and distressed, might be'take themselves thither for refuge; and be safe 'and secure under his protection, though poor ‘and destitute in themselves.'-"The first born of the poor" (30) 'denotes those who are re'markably such; as "the first-born of death" "(Job 18:13.) signifies some unusual disease, and 'such as is distinguished from the common 'ways of dying.' Lowth. "The poor shall feed upon my choice first-fruits." Bp. Lowth. The choice "first-fruits," however, were not allowed to be eaten by any except the priests. (Num. 18:8-13. Notes, Ex. 22:29-31, v. 29. Lev. 23: 10-14, vv. 10,11.) V. 1-23. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. JEHOVAH'S plan of governing the world is in all respects arranged for the good of his chosen people: so that even revolutions in kingdoms conduce to the true interests of his church. His judgments on some ungodly men are made instrumental to the conversion of others, who join themselves to his people, and cleave to them: and the consolations of his service abundantly compensate their losses and sufferings. Israel will certainly obtain a complete ascendency over all opposers, with "rest from sorrow, and fear, and hard bondage;" whilst all their oppressors will be reduced to the most abject slavery and contempt. The Lord now piring to be as gods: so the same propensity are According to the thoughts and purposes of God every event must take place; for who can a 13. 1. 14:28. b 11:14. 25: 10. Ez. 25 -11. Zeph. 2:8-11. c Ex. 12:29,30. Jer. 9:26. 48: Am. 2:1-3. 1 Thes. 5:1-3. d Num. 21:28. Deut. 2.9,13. * Or, cut off. e 16:7. Kr-hareseth. 11. Kir haresh. 2 Kings 3:25. Kir-haraseth. Jer. 48.31,36. Kir-heres. f 16:12. Josh. 13:17. Jer. 48: 18,22,23. g 3. 14:31. 16:7. Jer. 43:31.39. h Num 32:3,38. Deut. 34:1. Jer. 48:1. i Num. 21:30. Josh. 13:16. k 3:24. 22:12. Lev. 19:27,28. 21: Heb. descending into weep- n 16:8,9. Num. 32-3,4. Jer. 48: r his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an 59 My heart shall cry out for Moab; heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith "with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction. 6 For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing. 7 Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that, which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the "brook of the willows. o Num. 21:23. Deut. 2:32. Judg. p Gen. 27:46. Num. 11:15. 1 q 16.9-11. Jer. 8:18.19. 9:10, r Gen. 13:10. 14:2. 19:22. a | t Jer. 43:5,34. u 2 Sam. 15:23,30. Heb. breaking. 22:5. Jer. 4:20. x Num. 32:3,36. Nimrah Beth nim. Josh. 13:27. Bethnimrah. || Heb. desolations. y 16:9,10. Joel 1:10-12. Hab 3:17,18. Rev. 8.7. z 5:29. 10:6,14. Nah. 2:12,13. a Ps. 137:1,2. Or, vality of the Arabians. and Marg. Ref.)-Kir of Moab.] There are two cities called by the name of Kir in Scrip'ture: this here mentioned belonged to Moab; the other a city in Media, 2 Kings 16:9. Am. 1:5.' Lowth. disannul his purpose, or turn back his out-circumstance and aggravation of terror. (Marg. stretched arm? Woe then be to those, against whom "he swears in his wrath, that they shall not enter into his rest!" (Notes, Heb. 3:7-19. 4:1,2.) When one instrument of his vengeance is removed, he soon raises up another more terrible: and he easily destroys the root, as well V. 2. Either the king of Moab is here inas lops off the branches, of his enemies, who troduced, or the people are spoken of collecthave always cause to weep and howl, instead ||ively, in the person of their progenitor, who is of rejoicing. (Notes, Luke 6:24–26. James 4:| represented as mourning over his ruined pos7-10. 5:1-6.) But the Lord has founded terity. "Bajith and Dibon" may perhaps mean Zion, for a refuge to poor sinners, who "flee an Idol-temple at Dibon, to which the people from the wrath to come," and trust in his mer-resorted with their lamentations and devotions, cy through Jesus Christ. None, that humbly by faith apply for admission into this "city of our God," are excluded. There they are protected and provided for, even the poorest and most guilty of them: and he has not only ensured their salvation by his promise, but confirmed it with an oath; that they might enjoy "a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on this hope set before them." (Note, Heb. 6:13-20.) Let us then glory in our privileges, and in our relation to the crucified Immanuel: let us always be ready to give "a reason of our hope" to every inquirer: and let us inform all around us of our comforts and security, and exhort them to seek the same Refuge and Salvation. NOTES. ... in their terror and distress. (Josh. 13:17.) Little is known concerning the places here mentioned. (Marg. Ref.)-The speedy performance of the prediction would confirm the credit of Isaiah, as a prophet, and tend to excite the attention of his contemporaries to his prophecies concerning them. V. 3, 4. (Marg. Ref.) When the Moabites went up to the flat roofs of their houses, perhaps to perform some idolatrous worship, or to discover the motions of their enemies, or to look out for succors; all they saw and observed would send them down howling and weeping, as in despair.—Armed, &c. (4) Even 'the soldiers shall lose their courage, and cry 'out like women! Lowth.-Even the men of 'war, which should by their courage cheer up others, shall in despair of success cry and la'ment: and their life shall be but a grief and 'burden to them; for they are in a sad expecta'tion of death.' Bp. Hall. CHAP. XV. V. 1. (Notes, Jer. 48:) "This and the following chapter, taken together, 'make one entire prophecy. The time of the 'delivery, and consequently of the completion V. 5. This seems to be spoken in the per'of it, which was to be in three years from that 'son of the Moabites. (16:7. 21:3. Jer. 48:31,36.) 'time, is uncertain; the former not being mark- ||' If we understand the prophet, as speaking 'ed in the prophecy itself, nor the latter re-in his own person, it implies that the calami'corded in history. But the most probable ac-'ties of Moab are so great, as to extort pity 'count is, that it was delivered soon after the even from an enemy. Lowth. (Marg. Ref.)— foregoing, in the first year of Hezekiah, and Heifer.] That is, the Moabites would resem'that it was accomplished in his fourth year, ble in their howlings the lowing of a full grown 'when Shalmaneser invaded the kingdom of heifer, the voice of which is observed to be 'Israel.' Bp. Lowth.-"Surely Ar was destroy-deeper than that of the bullock. (Note, Jer. 48: ed and brought to silence in a night, &c." Old ||3—5.) Version. That is, suddenly, in a very short V. 6,7. Marg. Ref.-Brook, &c. (7) Or, “the time and not after a long siege; and with every | valley of the Arabians." Either the Moabites would intrust their property with the Arabians, or it would be plundered and carried away by them. Some, however, think that Babylon is meant, "by the valley of willows." (Note, Ps. 137:1-6, v. 2.) V. 8, 9. (Marg. Ref.) "Dimon" is derived from the Hebrew word which signifies blood. 3 Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noon-day; "hide the outcasts, bewray not him that wandereth. 4 Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth: the oppressors are consumed out of the land. 5 And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth, "in the tabernacle of David, "judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. Luke 21:24. Rom. 16:20. Dan. 4.1 Ps. 61:6,7. 85:10. 89: 1,2,14. Judg. 9:15. h 56:8. Ob. 12-14. Matt. 25: 35. Heb. 13:2. ¶ Or, prepared. m 9:6,7. 2 Sam. 5:9. 7:16. Jer. n 11:1-5. 32:1,2. 2 Sam. 23:3. warn them to escape from impending ruin, let us continue to pray for them; that they may seek and find forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance with the redeemed of the Lord, in that kingdom which cannot be moved. NOTES. -I will bring more and more calamities: CHAP. XVI. V. 1, 2. The Moabites had paid and they that flee to escape the present evils||tribute to the kings of David's race, out of their 'shall fall into worse disasters: as if a man that 'fled from his enemy should meet with a lion 'to devour him. (Jer. 48:44.) Lowth.-Perhaps lions and other beasts of prey infested the desolate countries, and devoured the remuant of the inhabitants. flocks; but when Judah was reduced, they revolted: (2 Kings 3:4. 1 Chr. 18:2. Note, 2 Kings 1:1.) and the prophet seems here to call on them to send again the tributary lamb, to Hezekiah, from one end of the land to the other, and "to the daughter of Zion," the place of God's worship; as a token of their submission to him, and their desire of deprecating his indignation, by furnishing sacrifices at the Temple. For otherwise the invaders would desolate the land, and drive the daughters of Moab before them, destitute and defenceless, to pass the fords of Arnon, like birds that wander from their nest. (Marg. Ref.-Note, Prov. 27:8.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Whilst wicked men are asleep, or drunken, in the night, their enemies are watchful and active; and death often breaks their pleasing or golden dreams, or silences their tumultuous revels. But let us "be sober and vigilant,' lest "that day should come upon us unawares." -The ungodly, when in danger or trouble,|| may well be alarmed and inconsolable; for V. 3-5. The Moabites were exhorted, as they are destitute of a comforter, and of any they were in interest concerned, to take counadequate support. Yet, alas! they are but sel how to escape the judgments which imseldom induced to approach the mercy-seat of pended over them: and if they would be adGod, with penitent sorrow and believing vised by the prophet, let them begin by doing prayer; and all other endeavors to extricate justice, and protecting the oppressed. Many theinselves eventually involve them the more. of the Jews had been driven from their habita--Temporal sufferings may render life grievous tions, during the distractions of the preceding to such as find the thoughts of death intolera-years: let Moab shelter those of them who ble: but some, alas very many in these days, came into their country, as the people of God, are left to seek escape from present anguish, and conceal them from their spoilers. For, by plunging themselves into eternal misery! though Israel had been grievously wasted, How worthless then are men's idolized treas- they would not always continue in that disures! How soon will every possession be torn tressed condition. Their ravages were about from them, or made a burden to them! and to be cut off: God would in mercy establish more and more anguish still remains for im- Hezekiah on the throne, and in the tabernacle penitent sinners, after all which they have of David, as one who would tread in the steps suffered, till they fall into that place where is of his pious progenitor; maintaining the truth "weeping and gnashing of teeth" for ever. and worship of God, impartially executing Yet our hearts should be pained for the suffer-justice, seeking diligently to find out the right ings even of wicked men: for they are our in every cause, and making haste to reform brethren in Adam, however inimical to us: and the nation, and promote righteousness: and they may yet, for what we can know, be made then they would again prosper. (Notes, Am. our brethren in Christ. Whilst therefore we|| 1:11,12. Ob. 10-14.)-Bishop Lowth applies 6 T We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but ins lies shall not be so. 7 Therefore 'shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl; for the foundations of Kir-hareseth shall ye * mourn; surely they are stricken. t 8 For the fields of Heshbon languish, and "the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness; her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea. 9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer, the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh; for the shouting for thy summer-fruits, and for thy harvest, is fall en. b knocked, הלמי 'down, demolished; that is, overpowered, in'toxicated. The drunkards of Ephraim are 'called by the prophet, 28:1. p» vċibm.' Bp. Lowth. the counsel of the prophet to the Jews, and vines of Sibmah seem to have been had in supposes that he exhorted them to entertain great repute, and to have been thence propathe Moabitish outcasts. But though this doubt- || gated in very distant regions: but the lords, or less was a proper conduct for them; yet it is conquerors, of the nations would soon destroy far more likely, that the exhortations were them, with all other productious of the land: addressed to the same persons, against whom and then their shouting and singing, for the the predictions were uttered.-Some think vintage or harvest, would utterly cease. The that the counsel given to Moab was ironical. prospect of these calamities greatly affected In the days of Ahaz, and especially after the the prophet; he could not refrain from weepvictory of Pokah over Judah, the Jews, in great ing, and his inward commotion was such, that distress, perhaps sought shelter among the he compared it to the tremulous sound of a Moabites: but the Moabites are supposed, Whose generous shoots overpowered the (Marg. Ref.-Jer. 48:31-33. Note, 15:5., have repelled and betrayed them. (Notes, 2 Chr. 28:5-11.) Had they at that time acted ac-'mighty lords of the nations." cording to the reasonable advice here given, they might have escaped the ruin which now awaited them; but, by their cruelty to the people of God, they had provoked his vengeance: Pekah, Remaliah, and other oppressors had been cut off; (Notes, 7:1-9,16.) Ahaz, the wicked king of Judah, was dead; and Judah no longer needed the assistance of Moab; for Hezekiah's throne was established in mercy. He shall govern his people with 'an equal mixture of justice and mercy; and "therein prefigure the Messias, in whom all the 'promises made to the house of David shall be 'finally accomplished. "The tabernacle of 'David," may allude to his having been a 'shepherd, and dwelling in tents, before he was 'advanced to the kingdom; but both here, and in Amos 9:11. (the only places where the phrase is used,) it mystically denotes the 'church....(Comp. Lev. 26:11. with Rev. 21:3.)''without strength.' Bp. Lowth. Lowth. (Notes, Am. 9:11,12. Acts 15:13-18.) V. 6. The excessive pride of the Moabites, and their indignation against God's people, were generally reported, and well known: but their deceitful designs would not prosper.— Some explain the last clause thus: "His wrath is greater than his strength." His power is not equal to his vain boastings. (Marg. Ref.Notes, Jer. 48:29,30. Zeph. 2:8-10.) V. 7-11. (Marg. Ref.-Note, 15:2.) The V. 12. The king and the nobles of Moab, in terror and distress, would weary themselves in sacrificing upon one high place after another; (Notes, Num. 23:13,27.) and would at length resort to the sanctuary, the chief temple of their god Chemosh: but this would avail nothing to their preservation. (Notes, 2 Kings 3:26,27.) V. 13, 14. The Lord had made the approaching ruin of Moab known to his prophets, in former tines; (Notes, 25:10-12. Num. 24:17 Ez. 25:8-11. Am. 2:1-3.) but now he fixed the precise date of it; namely, after three exact years, such as hirelings serve. (Note, Deut. 15:18.) The remnant shall be few, small, and PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. The most awful denunciations of divine wrath are connected with the discovery of a way of escape, to those who take warning.Submission and tribute are due to such as God has made rulers of the land; and it is a valuable privilege to obey those who govern according to his word.-From one end of the earth to the other, there is no salvation for sinners, |