CHAP. XVII. 4 And in that day it shall come to pass, A prophecy against Syria and Israel; and intimations of mercy that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, to a remnant of Israel, 1-11. The destruction of Sennacherib's army foretold, 12-14. HEburden of b Damascus. Tanuscus is taken away from being C and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. 5 And it shall be as when the harvest man gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. 6 Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive-tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel. 7 At that day P shall a man look to his Judg. 8:2. 1 Kings 19:18. Ez. 36:8-15. 37:19-25. 39:29. Ob. 5. Mic. 7:1. Rom. 9:27. 11: 4-6,26. p 10:20,21. 19:22. 22:11. 24:14, 15. 29. 18,19,24. Judg. 10:15,16 2 Chr. 30:10,11,18-20. 31.1 35:17,18. Jer. 3:12-14,18-23 31:4-10. Hos. 3:5. 6:1. 14:13. Mic. 7:7. NOTES. CHAP. XVII. V. 1. This prophecy must have been delivered at the time, when the kings of Syria and Israel confederated against Judah. (Notes, 7:1-9,16.) It is called "the burden of Damascus," as foretelling the deso by the conquest of the kingdom, and the cap'tivity of the people, effected a few years after by Shalmaneser.' Bp. Lowth.-Damascus was afterwards rebuilt; and, after many changes, continues to this day. It was for a season "taken away from being a city, and made a ruinous heap;" but it was not "swept with the besom of destruction." (14:23. Notes, Jer. 49: 23-27. Am. 1:3-5. Zech. 9:1.) but by submitting to "the Son of David," and wicked shall be contemned and perish: for devoting themselves and their substance to "who can stay his hand, or say unto him, him; and they who refuse this, will be reduc-What doest thou?" (Notes, 14:24-27. Dan. 4: ed to extreme misery, without regard to rank ||34-37.) or sex. It behoves all therefore to "take counsel:" to renounce their sins, to "do justire, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God:" these are the genuine fruits of "faith which worketh by love;" and all who love Christ will be kind to his poor people, and use their influence to provide for them and pro-lations of that city; but it was at least equally tect them in distress. Extortioners and op- directed against the kingdom of Israel. It pressors may for a time be permitted to afflict was delivered probably soon after the proph them, but they will witness the destruction of 'ecies of the seventh and eighth chapters, in every enemy: and such, as will not counte- the beginning of the reign of Ahaz; and was nance them in their suffering, shall not share fulfilled by Tiglath-pileser's taking Damascus, their felicity.-The Redeemer's throne is es- and carrying the people captives to Kir, (2 tablished in mercy and in righteousness; his Kings 16:9.) and over-running great part of subjects, who share his mercy, rely on his 'the kingdom of Israel, and carrying a great truth, and obey his just commands, are "a holy number of the Israelites also captives to Asnation;" and those rulers, who copy his ex-'syria: and still more fully in regard to Israel, ample may expect to prosper.-The pride and enmity of men's hearts commonly render them deaf to the most pressing exhortations to repentance, submission, and the obedience of faith. And many, especially the powerful, affluent, wise, and learned of the world, are very proud, and prone to be exasperated by the counsel of Christ by his faithful ministers; (Notes, Prov. 1:24-31. Rev. 3:17-19.) and to prefer to it their own lying, unprofitable devices. If the Lord have taught us to value what such men despise, let us be thankful: and let us not envy or covet their transient || enjoyments; for we may foresee a season, when they will terminate in weeping and howling. If "that mind be in us, which was in Christ," our bowels of compassion will be moved for them; we shall weep in the pros- V. 3. As Syria and Israel had combined, in pect of those miseries, which are coming upon attempting the ruin of Judah, and of the house our most indignant enemies; and we shall of David, they should be visited with similar persist in our endeavors to do them good, "if judgments. (Note, 1.)-Samaria, the fortress of peradventure God inay give them repentance." Israel, would be destroyed, and the kingdom (Notes, Luke 19:41–44. 2 Tim. 2:23-26.) But cease from Damascus: nor would the remnant numbers, when driven by distress to their de- || of Syria, which survived the taking of Damas votions, weary themselves to no purpose; cus, any more be established as a kingdom; whilst every one goes to his sanctuary to pray; but, losing all their glory, they would decline but neglects the mercy-seat, and the great like the Israelites, as mingled among other na High Priest of Israel, or only pays a hypocrit- tions, and subject to foreign princes. Accord ical regard to them. When the Lord has ingly, Syria was first subject to the Assyrians; spoken, and his appointed time arrives; all the and successively to the Chaldeans, the Per glory and prosperity and multitude of thesians, the Macedonians, the Romans, and oth V. 2. Aroer.] Aroer was a city on the river Arnon, formerly belonging to Moab: (Marg. Ref. e.-Note, Jer. 48:19-25.) but it might at this time be in the hands of the Syrians. It is, however, far more probable, that there was a district of Syria of the same name, in which several cities were placed. Such coincidences in names are common in all parts of the world. 9 In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation. make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest a 13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and 10 Because thou hast forgotten "the" shall be chased as the chaff of the mounGod of thy salvation, and hast not been tains before the wind, and like a rolling mindful of the Rock of thy strength, there-thing before the whirlwind. fore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips. 11 In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou e 14 And behold at evening-tide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us. ... to tense grief and desperate sorrow as their reward. Because thou hast forsaken the true 'God, to follow idols, nothing shall thrive with thee; although, like an industrious gar'dener, thou procurest the choicest plants, and 'takest the greatest care to make them grow; ers, even to this day, when it belongs to the 'tered into with the neighboring nations, Ottoman empire:-so exactly has this proph- all which the Israelites were greatly addicted, ecy been accomplished! and their expectations from which should be V. 4-8. The glory and prosperity of the grievously disappointed.' Bp. Lowth.-The kingdom of Israel would more and more de-Israelites bestowed indeed much pains about cline, like a man in a consumption: and their such plants; but when they expected an harenemies would waste them, as the husband-vest from them, it proved a ruinous heap; and man reaps the harvest, and as the gleaner after instead of rejoicing, in possessing the prosperhim collects the scattered ears. Yet a few in-ity which they were thus seeking, they had individuals would be preserved: as a few grapes or olive-berries are, when the rest are gathered; being situated out of the gatherer's reach. (Rev. 19:9,10. Deut. 24:19-21.) These would renounce idolatry, and return to the worship and service of the Lord, looking to him for help, and having respect to his commandments, yet, when thou expectest to reap the fruit as the Holy One of Israel; and not to the al- of thy labors, (so our margin very fitly transtars erected to their idols, the work of their lates Jom nachalah "the day of inheritance," own hands. (Marg. Ref. Note, 2:6-9.)-After...) thou shalt find nothing but loss and disthe ravages of Tiglath-pilezer, several of the appointment.' Lowth.-"In the morning, Israelites joined themselves to the Jews in cel-when thou shalt have made thy shoots to ebrating the passover, and in destroying idolatry. (Notes, 2 Chr. 30:31:) Afterwards many were incorporated with the Jews, (especially after the Babylonish captivity,) and finally renounced all gross idolatry. The altars dedi'cated to the work of his hands:" ... that is, 'the altars of their idols.' Bp. Lowth. spring forth, even in the day of possession, shall the harvest be taken away, and_there shall be sorrow without hope." Bp. Lowth. Bp. Horsley and Mr. Faber think, that the prophet was here led forward to foretel the state of Jacob, or the whole house of Israel, in their present dispersions; in which they do not in general worship idols: yet they have "not respect to the God of Salvation," and are remarkably depressed and disappointed in all their endeavors. (Note, Hos. 3:4,5.) V. 9. This obscure verse probably means, that the cities of Israel would be as entirely desolated, as those of the Canaanites had been in the conquest of the land by Joshua. The Septuagint render it, 'Thy cities shall be forsaken; as when the Hivites and Amorites for'sook,' (that is, their cities,) because of the 'children of Israel; and they shall be desert.' Either this is a mere paraphrase and exposition, or the text from which it was translated differed from that of the present Hebrew Bi-and blasphemous rage, and impetuous force, ble. V. 12-14. These verses seem to form a detached subject, and describe with great energy the march and ruin of Sennacherib's army. A woe is denounced against his numerous forces collected from many nations; or a summons is given to them. Their noise, resembled the mighty waters of the sea: but V. 10, 11. The pleasant plants and shoots, when He, (that is, "the God of Israel,") should 'from a foreign soil, are allegorical expres- rebuke then, they would flee like the chaff, or 'sions for strange and idolatrous worship; vi- thistle-down, before the whirlwind. (Marg.) 'cious and abominable practices connected with In the evening Jerusalem would be in con*it; reliance on human aid, and on alliances en-sternation and distress, because of the powerVOL. IV. [65 9 ful invader: but before morning almost his whole army would be cut off, and he would flee with the remnant as fast as possible. (Notes, 10:28-34. 2 Kings 19:)—Bishop Horsley and Mr. Faber suppose, that a future vehement, but unsuccessful, assault of Antichrist against the Jews and Israelites, when converted to Christ, and restored to their own land, is here predicted. (Note, Dan. 11:44,45.) The event must determine how far this opinion is well grounded. ... syrians. "Ho! to the land of the winged cym- PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:" and if the people of God associate with his avowed enemies, they must expect to share in their heavy judgments. His powerful wrath speedily desolates flourishing cities, and wastes all human glory, as a man's vigor, comeliness, and cheerfulness decline by V. 2. The land intended was remarkable for an incurable disease: and when sinners are sending ambassadors, or messengers, upon the ripe for destruction, the Lord will employ seas and rivers, in vessels of bulrushes, or some of his instruments to reap and glean formed of the papyrus; and this was peculiar them, till he make a full end of them. But to the Egyptians, who made vessels of that though no impenitent sinner can escape the plant for this purpose. Ex ipso quidem papyro wrath of God; yet in the worst state of the navigia terunt. Pliny. To this country "swift visible Church, or any part of it, he has always messengers" were ordered to be sent: that is, reserved to himself a few humble believers: the message of the Lord ought assiduously these he will place out of the reach of the in- to be conveyed into every part of it; for to them struments of his vengeance. (Note, Rom. 11:1 it appertained. The nation is described as -6.) Public calamities likewise are often the "scattered and peeled;" or, as it may be renmeans of bringing men to renounce their idols dered, "stretched out and smoothed:" and this and iniquities, to look to the Lord for help, may refer to the length of the land of Egypt and to have respect to his promises and pre- from north to south, being a vale on each side cepts. If professed Israelites "forget the God of the Nile above seven hundred miles long; of their salvation, and are not mindful of the Ethiopia extends to a considerable length on Rock of their strength;" they will seek help, the south of it; and the whole was smoothed, or peace, and prosperity in vain from every quar-made level by the constant inundations of the ter; their labor will be lost, and their "harvest Nile. It was also "a nation terrible from their a heap, in the day of grief and desperate sor- beginning hitherto," which is characteristical row. But happy are they who remember of Egypt: "a nation meted out, and trodden God as their Salvation, and rely on his power down;" alluding to the frequent admeasureand grace: their enemies may rage, and rush ment of their lands, which was rendered neupon them with dreadful force and fury; but cessary by the inundations of the river, by God shall rebuke them, and they shall fice which their land-marks were destroyed; and away, "as a rolling thing before the whirl- to their method of throwing the seed upon wind." Their trouble, and the prosperity of the mud, when the waters subsided, and treadtheir enemies, will be equally transient; and ing it in, by turning their cattle into the fields. their joy will endure for ever, like the destruc- "Whose land the rivers have spoiled;" or nourtion of those who hate and spoil them. ished, as some think the original word may mean; and indeed it is so anomalous, that we can only conjecture from what root it is derived. NOTES. CHAP. XVIII. V. 1. This is generally allowed to be to us one of the most obscure prophecies in scripture; though perhaps well understood by those to whom it was delivered. "The land shadowing with wings," seems to mark out Egypt as connected with Ethiopia; and it may be so called on account of the ridges of mountains which shadowed it on each side: or rather, because the Egyptians pretended to shadow the Jews under their protection, as "with wings," against the incursions of the As V. 3. It is here supposed, that this prophecy was published before, but related to, that time, when Sennacherib had routed the army of Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia, and was preparing to besiege Jerusalem; (Note, 2 Kings 19:9.) intending afterwards to prosecute his advantage against Egypt and Ethiopia. But the Lord seems to have called on them, and all the inhabitants of the earth to attend; and when they saw this proud victor lift up his en sign on the mountains, and heard him blow the trumpet for the assault of Jerusalem, to expect the extraordinary interposition of God in behalf of his people. I... suppose, that the 'prophecy was delivered before Sennacherib's return from his Egyptian expedition, ... and 'that it was designed to give to the Jews, and 'perhaps likewise to the Egyptians, an intiination of God's counsels in regard to the de'struction of their great and powerful enemy. ... I take God to be the Agent in this verse; and that by the Standard and the Trumpet, 'are meant the meteors, the thunder, the light'ning, the storm, earthquake, and tempest, by 'which Sennacherib's army should be destroy‘ed, or by which at least the destruction shall 'be accompanied. 29:6. 30:30,31. 10:16,17.' Bp. Lowth. ... Mr. Faber; who suppose future events to be intended, concerning the destruction of Antichrist, and the restoration of the Jews, as converted to Christ, to their own land, by some protestant Christian nation, of great maritime power and influence, meaning Great Britain. I must refer the reader to 'Bp. Horsley's Let'ters on Prophecy,' and 'Mr. Faber's View of the Prophecies concerning Judah and Israel:' being by no means satisfied with the interpretation; and yet wholly averse and incompetent to decide against it. (Note, 11:11—16.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. We should endeavor to call the attention of mankind to the works of God for his people: for wherever they live, or however they are distinguished, whether they have been prosV. 4-6. God had assured his prophet, that perous and terrible, or obscure and trampled he would rest securely in Zion, contemning upon, they are greatly concerned in them: and the assault of the invaders: and he would shew the warnings of his providence, as well as the his regard to his dwelling place and worship-oracles of his word, are intended for their conpers, like a clear heat after rain, or like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest;" that is, as their protection and consolation in their extreme distress. For whilst the enemy deemed his schemes maturing, as the harvest or vintage; and before the perfect bud and opening flower were ripened into the sour grape, before the critical season of executing his design was arrived; the Lord would cut off all the branches of his vineyard; and his army, and the carcasses of his numerous host would be a plentiful provision for the wild beasts and birds of prey, during a very long time. (Notes, Ez. 32:2-6. 39:1-6. Rev. 19:17-21.) V. 7. (Note, 2.) The nation before described, hearing of this surprising catastrophe, would send oblations to be offered at the temple of the Lord of hosts upon mount Zion, giving glory to his name. (2 Chr. 32:23.) This and simifar passages were doubtless intimations, at least, of the conversion of the nations to the God of Israel. The Egyptians would be delivered from the Assyrians, by the power of the God of the Jews; and not the Jews by their assistance: and the doom of the proud tyrant Sennacherib, was intended as a warning to them, to renounce their idols and iniquities.An entirely new interpretation has been given to this obscure chapter, by Bp. Horsley, and viction.-When the arrogant opposers of the CHAP. XIX. V. 1 This chapter seems to away; and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up, the reeds and flags shall wither. 7 The paper-reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and "every thing sown by the brooks shall wither, be driven away, and be no more. 8 The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish. 9 Moreover, they that P work in fine flax, and they that weave "net-works, shall be confounded. 10 And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that and ponds for fish. 11 Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become 'brutish: how say ye The word rendered "a lord," may more prop- contain a general prediction of the several ca-pression, till the days of Alexander the Great. lamities, which would come upon Egypt, from the invasion of that country by Sennacherib, to the times of its subjugation by the Macedonian kings, the successors of Alexander the Great; terminating with prophecies of spiritual blessings at length to be conferred on many of the inhabitants.-When the Lord by "the weapons of his indignation," should come into Egypt with terrible majesty, as “riding on a swift cloud," (Marg. Ref. b.-Note, Deut. 33: 26.) their idols would not be able to afford them any protection; nay, they would become the derision and contempt of the victors: and even the evil spirits, which were worshipped through the lifeless images, would be filled with consternation; while the courage of their worship-ed pers would melt, as wax before the fire. (Marg. Ref.-Ex. 12:12.-Notes, Jer. 43:8-13. 44:29, 30. 46: Ez. 29:-32: Zech. 14:16-19.) V. 2, 3. Not many years after the destruction of Sennacherib's army, the affairs of Egypt were reduced to the utmost confusion and anarchy, by fierce and bloody intestine contentions and civil wars in every part of the land: these ended, after some time, in the tyranny of twelve princes, who divided the country among them; till at length Psammitichus overcame all the rest, and possessed the sole dominion for fifty-four years. Some other dreadful civil contests, which took place in Egypt, and conduced to its subjection under foreign conquerors, may also be predicted: but in all these difficulties, both the courage and conduct of the people failed; and their magicians could afford them no more help than their idols did. (Notes, 11-14. 47:12-15. Ex. 7: 11,12.) That have familiar spirits. (3). Note, Num. 21:10. out, "I will shut up the Egyptians in the hands of severe lords; and a mighty king shall rule over them." (Note, Ez. 29:14,15.)—Will I give over, &c.] "I will give up Egypt bound into the hands of cruel lords, and a fierce king shall rule over them." Bp. Lowth.-"Shut up." Marg. (Notes, Ps. 31:7,8. Rom. 11:25-32, v. 32. Gal. 3:19–22, v. 22,23-25, v. 23.) V. 5-10. (Marg. Ref.) The inundations of the Nile failing, the communication of the interior parts of the country with other nations, by the sea, would be cut off the remaining waters would become putrid; the brooks, which were the fences of the fields, or of the cities, would dry up: even the papyrus, and other aquatic plants which were a considerable article in the commerce of the Egyptians, would wither; the corn sown by the brooks, as well as the productions of the higher grounds, would be destroyed; and their gainful fisheries and manufactures would be ruined, for want of materials or purchasers. (15. Notes, Er. 7: 21. Ez. 30:12.) This may be understood literV. 4. Not long after the death of Psammit-ally of a dreadful famine; or figuratively, of the ichus, Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt; and decay of their prosperity, and the drying up of he and his successors, and afterwards the Per- all the sources of their wealth, through their sian kings, ruled over that country, with des- civil distractions. The Septuagint render the potic sway and most grievous and cruel op-||last clause, ‘All they who make barley-wine |