CONTENTS In this chapter we have a brief relation how the Lord had dealt with Israel through a long series of years, and how sadly they had requited His mercy. There are many sweet tokens of divine love here and there interspersed through the relation.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Prophet is exact to state the time of those elders coming to him; perhaps it was the Sabbath day; and though ordinances were lost in Babylon, yet, no doubt, some kept a remembrance of the Lord's day. Reader it is blessed to any precious souls who are remote from means of grace still to keep up a... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord seems to appeal to the Prophet for his judgment to decide the equity of the Lord's cause; and, in order to enable the Prophet so to do, the Lord enters upon their history, from the servitude of Israel in Egypt, from the first moment of the Lord's forming them into a Church, when He promised... [ Continue Reading ]
We see here the striking proof of Israel's rebellion, and the Lord's forbearance. Though Israel lost all sense of duty, the Lord will not lose showing all manifestations of His love. The name of Jehovah is interested in the salvation of His people, for the Lord will not suffer the enemy to triumph i... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have the history carried on to the wilderness dispensation. If, as some say, the direct road to Canaan might have been accomplished in a few days, the Lord's keeping them there forty years plainly proves, that it was for punishment and the trial of their faith. Here the Lord manifested that... [ Continue Reading ]
Thus slighted and despised by the fathers, the Lord looked to their children, that the rising generation might not be rebellious as their fathers had been. But the sin of rebellion, like a chain of many links, the Lord found to run alike in father and son. The Lord therefore gave them statutes that... [ Continue Reading ]
Here seems a gracious pause, that the Prophet, having brought the many solemn things contained in the preceding part of the chapter, might stand and ponder well the divine forbearance in the midst of such contumacy as Israel manifested towards the Lord, both the fathers with the children.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord is still expostulating with His people for their transgressions; and the Lord shows the folly, as well as the sin, of Israel in going to those high places for sacrifice, for what could any or the whole of those dunghill gods do in a way of comfort or help? All and everyone of them may well... [ Continue Reading ]
I detain the Reader at this passage purposely to beg of him to remark with me, the vast difference in scripture between rebels and rebellious. If the Reader will look, carefully over the whole Book of God, I believe that he will find, that while the Lord calls His children rebellious, and frequently... [ Continue Reading ]
Nothing can be more striking in proof that love and grace and mercy are at the bottom of all the Lord's corrections to His people, than what those verses express. The Lord's holy mountain, namely, the Gospel Church, shall be the place where Jesus will bring all His redeemed, and where they shall all... [ Continue Reading ]
This seems a new discourse, or, if it be not, it is only as a postscript to a letter. The former was delivered concerning the Church in Babylon, and this is directed concerning the people at Jerusalem, which, of course, lay south of Babylon. Awful is the message: but it seems the Prophet himself ent... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS READER! what an awful account is here given, and by the Lord Himself, of a congregation of worshippers. Are there any such in the present hour? Alas! it is to be feared but too many; for, in every age, there are multitudes who draw nigh to God to honour Him with their lips, while their... [ Continue Reading ]