CONTENTS The Lord is expostulating with Israel in this Chapter, on their ingratitude; and pointing out in his providences and grace, his distinguishing favor to Jacob, and his judgment on Esau. Malachi 1:1 The title of this prophecy as a burden, is not meant to express a matter grievous in its we... [ Continue Reading ]
Every word in this address of the Lord is weighty, and deserves the closest attention. Reader, pray observe how the Lord opens his discourse, with referring to his love. Yes! this is the source, the fountain, and cause of all Israel's mercies; and the subject begins in eternity, in the gift of Chris... [ Continue Reading ]
The Apostle to the Hebrews explains this account of Esau, who is said to be a fornicator, and a profane person Hebrews 12:16 left to a dissolute mind, being rejected, or as this scripture speaks, hated of God. And so all his race. For, when it is said, as in this scripture, that his mountains and he... [ Continue Reading ]
These are very strong expressions of expostulation. God appeals to the common principles and laws of nature. Children and servants do reverence to them that have the rule over them. How much more is due to the Lord, as the common Father of his people. Reader! how heightened is this principle to beli... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse comes in as a very affectionate advice after the strong expostulation going before, and which proves what all the other parts of God's holy word declare, that the Lord is very pitiful and gracious, slow to anger, and of great mercy. Isaiah 30:18.... [ Continue Reading ]
Here again, the Lord showeth the unworthiness and ungraciousness of man, and his unprofitableness to God. All which, if I mistake not, is introduced with a view to heighten the abundant grace and goodness of God. It is as if the Lord had said, though none of you will so much as open the doors of my... [ Continue Reading ]
This is a most blessed verse, which comes in amidst the charges the Lord had brought against Israel, like some sweet stream, in a dry and barren land, and it is full of grace from beginning to end. I beg the Reader to remark with me, how blessedly it speaks of that glorious kingdom of grace, in the... [ Continue Reading ]
It should seem, from the solemn expressions with which the Chapter concludes, and connected with what was said in a preceding part, at the sixth verse, concerning the priests that despised the Lord's name; that the threatenings were particularly and personally directed to them. And how truly awful t... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS Almighty Lord! grant both to Writer and Reader grace, in receiving the message of this prophecy, from thy servant the Prophet, that we may indeed accept the whole of it as the burden of the Lord, bringing to us the great things of thy blessed word. We pray to mark the distinguishing gra... [ Continue Reading ]