_THE IDOLS OF BABYLON COULD NOT SAVE THEMSELVES. GOD SAVETH HIS FAITHFUL PEOPLE TO THE END. IDOLS ARE NOT COMPARABLE TO GOD FOR POWER, OR PRESENT SALVATION._ _Before Christ 712._ THE third section of this discourse, contained in the present chapter, is divided into two parts. In the _former,_ or p... [ Continue Reading ]
BE BOWED DOWN— The prophet, as he wrote this, saw the fall of Babylon before his eyes, the city plundered and spoiled, the temples ravaged and destroyed, and the idols of Babylon placed upon the beasts, and carried away into Media and Persia; and as he saw, so he has described; dwelling long and lar... [ Continue Reading ]
HEARKEN UNTO ME— The Almighty introduces the reproof that he was about to urge with a preface, in these words, assuring the exiles, in the strongest manner, of the singular and constant care of his providence towards them. The words are very strong and expressive, but the fourth verse will be better... [ Continue Reading ]
TO WHOM WILL YE LIKEN ME— We have in these verses the conviction itself, exhibiting the vanity of idolatry. The argument is similar to that in chap. Isaiah 40:18, &c. and Isaiah 44:12, &c. except that the discourse in chap. 40: is directed to the Gentiles, but here to the house of Jacob in captivity... [ Continue Reading ]
REMEMBER THIS— _Remember this, and be inflamed with zeal,_ &c. This is similar to chap. Isaiah 44:21. See also Deuteronomy 30:1. The prophet in the ninth verse proposes a new argument, whereby to prove the divinity of God; namely, the wonderful works which he had done in former times, particularly i... [ Continue Reading ]
DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING— _Declaring the event,_ &c. Another argument for the divinity of the God of Israel is here urged, namely, his foreknowledge and prediction of future events. The prophet subjoins, in the 11th verse, a particular instance of God's prescience. There can be no doubt... [ Continue Reading ]
HEARKEN UNTO ME— God had addressed those kindly, who had suffered themselves, through imprudence, to be seduced from the right way, and whose conversion might more reasonably be expected; but he speaks more severely to the hypocrites, the incredulous, the _fierce and proud in heart,_ who obstinately... [ Continue Reading ]