Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

The Prophet is still discoursing concerning Egypt. The great monarchy of Assyria is brought forward by way of illustrating, that al Nineveh fell, so shall Egypt.

It is worthy the Reader's remark, that while the Lord is chastising his own people, the rod is exercised over numbers of the surrounding nations. We have here the humbling of Egypt still threatened, as in the preceding chapters, and a great humbling it should seem to have been. In order to set it forth more fully, the Prophet is commissioned to state how the King of Assyria had been brought down, and to say that such should be the ruin of Egypt. The date of the Prophet's sermon is marked, by way of ascertaining more clearly the certainty of the thing itself. I hope the Reader, in going over those histories of the overthrow of nations, will not fail to connect with them the instruction they bring spiritually. Our whole nature, like those nations, is exposed to the just displeasure of Almighty God. But the gracious interposition of the Lord Jesus becomes the salvation of his redeemed.

Nothing can be more highly figurative than what is here said, and nothing more beautiful and exact in description. Who is this mighty Monarch of Assyria, or of Egypt, but the proud foes of Israel? and who shall be our peace when the Assyrian comes into our land, but Jesus? Micah 5:5. I charge it upon the Reader's mind, as I pray for grace to keep the same in my own, that in all the destruction of nations, the Lord hath an eye to his people. Not indeed, as Moses told Israel, for their righteousness, but for the Lord's glory, and to magnify his covenant love and faithfulness through every dispensation. Reader! it is most blessed to see this, and to trace it in all the several parts of the word of God. Deuteronomy 9:4-6.

REFLECTIONS

READER! it is hardly possible to read of the Lord's judgments of other nations, and of his tenderness to Israel, without being struck with astonishment at all we meet with concerning his distinguishing mercy and favor. Well might the people be called, a people that dwell alone, and who should not be reckoned among the nations. For we find marks and evidences of this distinguishing peculiarity of the Lord's chosen through all the Bible. They dwell alone from the very first notice taken of them in the written word, in God the Father's gracious purpose, council, and will; in God the Son's attachment to them, regard for them, and union with them; and in God the Holy Ghost's bringing them to the knowledge, love, and enjoyment, of their singular character, as not reckoned among the nations. And, Reader! when you consider the fewness, the littleness, and personal poverty of Israel, and contrast their state with what is here said in this chapter of the grandeur and earthly glory both of Egypt and Assyria, what an amazing thought it awakens of the glory and grace of a covenant God in Christ? Reader! let us look up for every suited grace to follow up the blessed and merciful appointments of our God; and since the Lord's Israel dwell alone, may it be our desire and study to dwell indeed alone, by keeping aloof from all unnecessary acquaintance and connection with a world in whose friendship and interest we are not reckoned. Precious Lord Jesus! be it my portion to be living only to thee and to thy service, that everyone may know whose I am, and whom I serve; that being redeemed from among men, and bought with a price, I may glorify the Lord in my body, and in my spirit, which are his, Amen.