Isaiah 9:18-21

If the Reader will compare this chapter in the several parts of it, with Leviticus 26:1, he will find a solemn explanation given of what is here said, and mark the progression of divine visitations in both. Everything manifests, that when the Lord smites, it is to reform: and when the calamities the Lord sends, (as here marked), are brought to the highest pitch when men, like an army besieged and without provision, are reduced to the extremity of eating the flesh of their own arm: if these awful visitations be unaccompanied with grace; depend upon it, if the Lord cease to correct, judgments are at hand. Hence the Prophet again repeats, as the running lamentation of each distressing view of the subject, "These are the sad causes of the Lord's just anger, " For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts!