If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

Ver. 12. If he turn not] sc. Impius ab impietate sua, saith R. Solomon, If the wicked turn not from his wickedness, by true and timely repentance.

He will whet his sword, he hath bent his bow] i.e. God will, God hath; and mark that he whets before he strikes, and is bending his bow, setting his arrows, preparing his instruments of death; all which must needs take up some time, and so give fair warning to these foul sinners if they have grace to make use of it. See the like Deuteronomy 32:41,42. God first whets his sword before he devours flesh, and first takes hold on judgment before his judgment take hold of men. But if this be not observed and improved, Patientia Dei quo diuturnior, eo est minacior; and what shall wicked men plead for themselves when God shall say to them, as Reuben once did to his brethren, Genesis 42:22, Did not I warn you, saying, Sin not?

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising