CONTENTS There is a great solemnity in this chapter. Israel is presented as a body, by way of proof, that the LORD'S covenant meets their most hearty and cordial consent. Here is a general recital of some of the leading objects of the covenant; and the chapter concludes with pointing out the striki... [ Continue Reading ]
It must have been a very interesting moment this, when Moses, acting as the minister of JEHOVAH, made this appeal to the people. There is nothing we need more, than to be reminded of past mercies. And hence, one of the most precious offices of the HOLY GHOST is, when he mercifully acts as our Rememb... [ Continue Reading ]
We shall do well, Reader, to ask our hearts whether this be our case. Oh! gracious GOD, above all blessings give me JESUS and his HOLY SPIRIT, that I may perceive what my mercies are, and enjoy hits, and all things in him. "From all blindness, hardness of heart, and ignorance of thy word and command... [ Continue Reading ]
What less than a standing miracle was this, that Israel was fed, clothed, and strengthened, through forty years, when their garments waxed not old, and the very sandals, with which they came out of Egypt, did not wear out amidst the rugged road of the wilderness. And what is it now, but the continua... [ Continue Reading ]
Israel is reminded of what hath been already done on this side Jordan, by way of confirming the faith of the people, in what the LORD will do on the other side. Reader! depend upon it, the earnest of the SPIRIT in the heart, is a sure pledge of salvation. If my GOD accepts me in JESUS now; he will n... [ Continue Reading ]
It was the same feature of the old church as it is of the new, (for they are both one and the same church in JESUS) that there was no distinction of person, age, or character. None too great not to need salvation; none too humble to be excluded from it. Paul sweetly includes all when he saith, there... [ Continue Reading ]
It is a delightful thought, that in the gospel church, as in the Jewish, the absent soul is as much included as the one that is present. If absent in body, yet present in spirit. JESUS, the great head of his people, with whom the covenant is made, is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hence... [ Continue Reading ]
What a very awful scripture is contained in these verses! Observe how the sinner is described: he turns away from GOD: he grows confident in sin: he bids defiance to danger: and is ripe for ruin. Observe the awfulness of the divine judgments upon him. As he turns from the LORD, and doth not like to... [ Continue Reading ]
The judgments upon Israel, must excite the astonishment and enquiry of all nations; Wherefore hath the LORD dealt so by his people? How is it that the glory of all lands, and the distinguished people of all nations, are thus dealt with? See GOD'S tender expostulation: Hosea 11:8. Reader! do not over... [ Continue Reading ]
This seems to be the opening of a new subject in these words, unless we explain them as in answer to the further enquiry of the inquisitive mind, who from beholding the desolations of Israel stands amazed, that after such a profusion of miracles as the LORD had manifested towards Israel, on bringing... [ Continue Reading ]