_Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened_ Isaiah 57:1. and 59. In the former address, to the dead works on which the people founded their claim to redemption, there were set in contrast the virtues well-pleasing of God, and for which Jehovah promises redemption as a gracious reward; in this disc... [ Continue Reading ]
_But your iniquities have separated between you and your God,--_ SIN SEPARATES GOD AND MEN I. A DREADFUL EVIL THAT THIS PEOPLE WAS UNDER. Separation from God. II. THE PARTY AT WHOSE DOOR THE BLAME LIES, they who have made the breach. III. THE PROCURING CAUSE OF THIS EVIL, “your iniquities.” (_T.... [ Continue Reading ]
_They hatch cockatrice’ eggs_ WICKED DEVICES I. THE DEVICES OF THY. WICKED. 1. Like eggs--productive. 2. Like cockatrice’ eggs--injurious. 3. Like spiders’ webs--frail, useless. II. THEIR EFFECT. 1. Upon others--mischief, death. 2. Upon themselves--disappointment, retribution. (_J. Lyth, D.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Their webs shall not become garments_ THE ART OF WEAVING The art of weaving is older than human history; figures drawn from it are found in the earliest literature of all nations. It is frequently employed in the Word of God to set forth the sublimest truths of life, and in the classical mytholo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Their feet run to evil_ A PICTURE OF MORAL CORRUPTION This verse and the first part of the following have been interwoven by Paul, in Romans 3:15, into his description of universal moral corruption. The representation of life as a road, and of one’s mode of action as a manner of walking, is a co... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore is judgment far from us_ DEJECTION AND TROUBLE THE OUTCOME OF SIN The sorrow and dejection of the people is depicted in striking and pathetic images. It is the better mind of the community which is here expressed--its intense desire for the fulfilment of the Divine promises, its wearin... [ Continue Reading ]
_And judgment is turned away backward_ NATIONAL SIN The sin of a nation becomes national, and brings public judgments, when it is not restrained by public justice. (_M. Henry._)... [ Continue Reading ]
_And He saw that there was no man_ GOD, MAN’S GREAT REDEEMER Do not let us suppose this is mere poetry. Conceive what inspires it,--the great truth that in the Infinite there is a heart to throb for men, and a will to strike for them. This is what the writer desires to proclaim, and what we belie... [ Continue Reading ]
_For He put on righteousness--_ SELF -MANIFESTATIONS OF GOD’S HOLY NATURE Just as in Ephesians 6:1. the manifold self-manifestations of the inner life of the soul are symbolized under each of the different pieces of armour, so, under the pieces of Jehovah’s armour there are set forth the manifold... [ Continue Reading ]
_When the enemy shall come in like a flood._ MORAL INVASIONS These words suggest-- I. THE MORAL INVASION OF HUMAN SOULS. 1. The soul has an arch enemy. This enemy is called by different names. The old serpent, the devil, Satan, roaring lion, etc. He is characterized by great power, malignity, cr... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the Redeemer shall come to Zion_ THE REDEEMER COMING TO HIS CHURCH I. THE PERSON OF WHOM THE FATHER SPEAKS, AND HIS COMING. 1. “The Redeemer,” the kinsman, who, by assuming our nature, is nearly related to us (Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 2:17). To Him, as our kinsman, the right of redemption belon... [ Continue Reading ]