* The restoration of Israel. (1-9) Promises of guidance and happiness;
Rachel lamenting. (10-17) Ephraim laments his errors. (18-20) The
promised Saviour. (21-26) God's care over the church. (27-34) Peace
and prosperity in gospel time. (35-40)... [ Continue Reading ]
1-9 God assures his people that he will again take them into covenant
relation to himself. When brought very low, and difficulties appear,
it is good to remember that it has been so with the church formerly.
But it is hard under present frowns to take comfort from former
smiles; yet it is the happi... [ Continue Reading ]
10-17 He that scattered Israel, knows where to find them. It is
comfortable to observe the goodness of the Lord in the gifts of
providence. But our souls are never valuable as gardens, unless
watered with the dews of God's Spirit and grace. A precious promise
follows, which will not have full accomp... [ Continue Reading ]
18-20 Ephraim (the ten tribes) is weeping for sin. He is angry at
himself for his sin, and folly, and frowardness. He finds he cannot,
by his own power, keep himself close with God, much less bring himself
back when he is revolted. Therefore he prays, Turn thou me, and I
shall be turned. His will wa... [ Continue Reading ]
21-26 The way from the bondage of sin to the liberty of God's
children, is a high-way. It is plain, it is safe; yet none are likely
to walk in it, unless they set their hearts towards it. They are
encouraged by the promise of a new, unheard-of, extraordinary thing; a
creation, a work of Almighty pow... [ Continue Reading ]
27-34 The people of God shall become numerous and prosperous. In
Hebrews 8:8; Hebrews 8:9, this place is quoted as the sum of the
covenant of grace made with believers in Jesus Christ. Not, I will
give them a new law; for Christ came not to destroy the law, but to
fulfil it; but the law shall be wri... [ Continue Reading ]
35-40 As surely as the heavenly bodies will continue their settled
course, according to the will of their Creator, to the end of time,
and as the raging sea obeys him, so surely will the Jews be continued
a separate people. Words can scarcely set forth more strongly the
restoration of Israel. The re... [ Continue Reading ]