Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

In order to reprove the folly of idolatry, the Prophet is in this Chapter drawing a statement between the glory of Jehovah and the shame of idols. The Chapter concludes with some observations on the ill conduct of foolish pastors.

This is most striking sermon, and very highly finished, in which the Prophet, in the Lord's name, asserts his divine nature and sovereignty: and then displays the folly of idols. The words are so plain, that they can need no comment. Isaiah had it in commission, to preach to the same amount: and he hath done it in the most sublime manner. Isaiah 44:9-21. And let the Reader observe in the close of this paragraph, how sweetly the Lord speaks of the Israel of God: as the Lord's portion and the lot of his inheritance. The Reader will find a parallel passage Deuteronomy 32:8, etc. and again, Deuteronomy 33:26 to the end.

The Prophet gets back again to his old subject. The prospect of the Babylonish captivity so affected the Prophet's heart, that he could harp upon no other string. And observe, how the man of God gives vent to his full heart of sorrow in prayer. Reader! it is the only relief this, to a soul whose sighing cometh before he eateth. Where shall the afflicted find consolation but at a mercy-seat? Into whose bosom shall an overcharged mind pour its contents, but into that of Jesus? Lord help me in such moments, to say and do, with one of old; when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalms 61:2.

REFLECTIONS

READER! let you and I not fail to gather improvement from such views as these scriptures afford of the low and abject state to which men are reduced by the fall. Did not the word of God prove it, surely it would be incredible, that any persons, much less nations, should he guilty of idolatry. There seemeth no temptation to the thing itself. Moreover reason revolts at it. And yet, as if to show the horrible state into which our nature is sunk, all men are by nature idolaters, not to images, at least to sin and Satan; to divers lusts and pleasures, and in short, to anything, and to everything; which is made a rival with God, for the obtaining the rein of our ruling passion. Lord! undertake for us, and though other lords beside thee have had dominion over us, yet henceforth may we make mention only of thy name.

Under such circumstances of evil everywhere around; and conscious, as this Chapter most strikingly sets it forth, that the way of man is not in himself; neither in men that walketh to direct his steps; let mine eyes Lord be unto thee! Be thou the source and fountain; the first cause and final end, of all my hopes and views; my expectations and joys, then shall I be sure to be kept from idols, and to be distinguished from all the worshippers of them around, who call not upon thy name, and know thee not. Precious Jesus, thou art indeed my life, both natural, spiritual, and eternal. Maintain Lord in me, the life thou hast begun. Carry it on, refresh it, strengthen it, under languishings: revive it under sharp and trying dispensations. Be thou thyself the source and spring; the Author and the finisher; the everlasting object and delight; the cause for whom, and the effect in whom, all is made perfect. Yea Lord, be thou the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Amen.