_The burden of Damascus. .. The fortress also shall cease from
Ephraim_
THE ORACLE CONCERNING DAMASCUS AND ISRAEL
The curse pronounced upon it [Damascene-Syria] falls also upon the
kingdom of Israel, because it has allied itself with the heathen
Damascus against their brethren in the south and the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it_
AUTUMN: THE DIMINUTIONS OF LIFE
The prophet is here predicting a season of national calamity.
He represents the condition of the people under the figure of an
autumnal scene. Armed hosts from the north have invaded the country
like a sharp wind. The substa... [ Continue Reading ]
_At that day shall a man look to his Maker_
SANCTIFIED AFFLICTION
We are led to consider the designs of God in the afflictions of His
people.
I. TO RECALL THEIR WANDERING HEARTS TO HIMSELF. “A man will look to
his Maker--
1. With a suppliant eye, to find in Him sources of consolation and a
rock... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation._
FORGETFULNESS OF GOD PUNISHED
I. THE MAGNITUDE OF THE SIN HERE SPOKEN OF. Forgetfulness of God.
1. What is this forgetfulness of God? It has been defined as “such a
habitual inattention to His existence and character, as leads the
individual... [ Continue Reading ]
_Woe to the multitude of many people_
A SHORT TRIUMPH
These verses read the doom of those that spoil and rob the people of
God.
If the Syrians and Israelites invade and plunder Judah--if the
Assyrian army take God’s people captive, and lay their
countrywaste,--let them know that ruin will be thei... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold at evening tide trouble_
THE NIGHT
God fights some battles between evening and morning.
The black night is the field of war. The darkness fights for God. The
night is needed for more than rest. How busy the angels are on the
fields of darkness! Men are fetched at night by the invisible
con... [ Continue Reading ]