he remains of the dead exposed. (1-3) The stupidity of
the people, compared with the instinct of the brute creation. (4-13)
The alarm of the invasion, and lamentation. (14-22)
Verses 1-3: Though no real hurt can be
done to a dead body, yet disgrace to the remains of wicked persons
may alarm those yet alive; and this reminds us that the Divine
justice and punishments extend beyond the grave. Whatever befalls us
here, let us humble ourselves before God, and seek his mercy.
Verses 4-13: What brought this ruin? 1.
The people would not attend to reason; they would not act in the
affairs of their souls with common prudence. Sin is backsliding; it
is going back from the way that leads to life, to that which leads
to destruction. 2. They would not attend to the warning of
conscience. They did not take the first step towards repentance:
true repentance begins in serious inquiry as to what we have done,
from conviction that we have done amiss. 3. They would not attend to
the ways of providence, nor understand the voice of God in them,
ver. (7). They know not how to improve the
seasons of grace, which God affords. Many boast of their religious
knowledge, yet, unless taught by the Spirit of God, the instinct of
brutes is a more sure guide than their supposed wisdom. 4. They
would not attend to the written word. Many enjoy abundance of the
means of grace, have Bibles and ministers, but they have them in
vain. They will soon be ashamed of their devices. The pretenders to
wisdom were the priests and the false prophets. They flattered
people in sin, and so flattered them into destruction, silencing
their fears and complaints with, All is well. Selfish teachers may
promise peace when there is no peace; and thus men encourage each
other in committing evil; but in the day of visitation they will
have no refuge to flee unto.
Verses 14-22: At length they begin to
see the hand of God lifted up. And when God appears against us,
every thing that is against us appears formidable. As salvation only
can be found in the Lord, so the present moment should be seized. Is
there no medicine proper for a sick and dying kingdom? Is there no
skilful, faithful hand to apply the medicine? Yes, God is able to
help and to heal them. If sinners die of their wounds, their blood
is upon their own heads. The blood of Christ is balm in Gilead, his
Spirit is the Physician there, all-sufficient; so that the people
may be healed, but will not. Thus men die unpardoned and unchanged,
for they will not come to Christ to be saved.
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Bible Study Aids
he remains of the dead exposed. (1-3) The stupidity of
the people, compared with the instinct of the brute creation. (4-13)
The alarm of the invasion, and lamentation. (14-22)
