_The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite._ NAHUM’S BOOK Nahum writes a book. It was a curious thing to do in those days. It was a book of a vision, and therefore likely to be quite misunderstood; for who has eyes that can see visions of the shadowy, aerial kind? Only a visionist can read visi... [ Continue Reading ]
_God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth._ THE JEALOUS GOD There is in man a selfishness that is Divine. It is a singular fact, in our moral constitution, that often the tenderest feelings of our nature should also be the most selfish. Love, even apparently in its highest moods, is sometimes also mo... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and win not at all acquit the wicked._ MERCY, OMNIPOTENCE, AND JUSTICE Works of art require some education in the beholder before they can be thoroughly appreciated. There must be something in the man himself before he can understand the wonders eithe... [ Continue Reading ]
_He rebuketh the sea._ GOD’S POWER Here is a description of God’s power unrivalled in its sublimity and soul-stirring force. Power belongeth unto God. It is absolute, inexhaustible, ever and everywhere operative. “He fainteth not, neither is weary.” His power is here presented in two aspects. I.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who can stand before His indignation?_ REPENTANCE THROUGH FEAR This and similar passages address themselves directly to our fears. The term “fear of God” in Scripture, does not always bear the same meaning. Them is a filial fear, and them is a servile fear. Servile fear gives place to filial when... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble._ GOODNESS A STRONGHOLD The great design of religion is to bring us to God and true blessedness. In order to this, there must be full and practical confidence in God,--submission to His providence and law,--unquestioning repose in Himself. The... [ Continue Reading ]
_He knoweth them that trust in Him; but with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of the place thereof._ OPPOSITE TYPES OF HUMAN CHARACTER, AND OPPOSITE LINES OF DIVINE PROCEDURE I. Opposite types of character. 1. The friends of God. (1) They trust in Him. This is the universal charact... [ Continue Reading ]
_What do ye imagine against the Lord?_ SIN I. The essence of sin is suggested. It is hostility to God. It is opposition to the laws, purposes, Spirit of God. It involves-- 1. The basest of ingratitude. 2. The greatest injustice. 3. Impious presumption. II. The seat of sin is suggested. It is i... [ Continue Reading ]
_There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the Lord, a wicked counsellor._ CORRUPT KINGS These words suggest a few thoughts concerning human kings and kingdoms. I. Human kings are sometimes terribly corrupt. “There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the Lord, a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings._ THREE THINGS WORTHY OF NOTE I. Peace proclaimed. Glorious to the ears of the men of Jerusalem must have been the intelligence that their great enemy was destroyed, that the Assyrian hosts were crushed, and now peace had come.... [ Continue Reading ]