_Come down, and sit in the dust_ DIRGE ON THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON: Babylon is pictured as a royal lady, dethroned, led in captivity over the streams to a distant land, and there made the meanest slave behind the millstones. (_A. B. Davidson, D. D._)... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thy nakedness shall be uncovered_ MENTAL AND MORAL NAKEDNESS Every person hath somewhat which may properly be called his nakedness or shame, in a figurative sense--such as a weak judgment, imprudence, inconsideration, injustice, cruelty, avarice, poverty, or contempt of religion. Over that he st... [ Continue Reading ]
_And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever_ FALSE SECURITY I. THE CAUSE OF THEIR SECURITY. They did not lay this to heart (Isaiah 47:7), did not apply it to themselves, and give it due consideration. They lulled themselves asleep in ease and pleasure, and dreamed of nothing else but that “to-mor... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou hast said, None seeth me_ OMNISCIENCE IGNORED I. THIS NOTION HAS GREAT INFLUENCE UPON THE CONDUCT OF MAN. Such a notion is convenient. Concealment is the helpmeet of wrong. It is not necessary that this be formulated. It is sufficient if the mind accustoms itself to question whether God sees... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore shall evil come upon thee_ SUDDEN DESTRUCTION The predicted calamity is represented as a great storm, which suddenly arises in eastern countries, and blows with such violence as to Spread devastation and ruin wherever its fury extends. (_R. Macculloch_) FALSE SECURITIES: AN EXPOSURE A... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold, they shall be as stubble_ GOD’S JUDGMENT AS CONSUMING FIRE The flame is no comfortable fire for warmth, no hearth-fire (Isaiah 44:16) to sit in front of; but, on thecontrary, consuming, eternal, _i._annihilating flames (Isaiah 33:14). (_F. Delitzsch, D. D._) THE PORTION OF THE UNGODLY I... [ Continue Reading ]