_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 ]