b 18. 40:28, 42.5. Gen. 1:26,27. i 40:12,22. 44:24. Jer. 27.5. 32: 17. Zech. 12:1. k Gen. 2:1. Neh. 9:6. 11-6. 41:25. 46:11. 48:14,15, m 42:6. Ps. 65:5. ♦ Or, make straight. 1,2. n 44:28. 2 Chr. 36:22,23. Ezra 1:2,3. o 49:25. 52:2,3. Rom. 3:24-26. 15 Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Savior. b 16 They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols. 17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. u 60:14. 61:5,9. Ex. 11:8. Esth. | b 20. 41:29. 42:17. 44:9,11. Fs. y 6. 44:8. z 8:17. 57:17. Ps. 44:24. 77:19. a 17. 12:2. 43:3,11. 46:13. 60:16. € 25. 26:4. Hos. 1:7 Rom. 8: 1. 1 Cor. 1:30,31. 2 Cor. 5:17-21. Phil. 3:8,9. 1 John 4:15. d 51:6,8. 54:8. 60:19. Ps. 103: 17. Jer. 31:3. John 5:24. 6: 40. 10:28. 2 Thes. 2:13,14,16. Heb. 5:9. 1 John 5:11-13. e 29.22. 49:23. 54:4. Ps. 25:3. Joel 2:26,27. Zeph. 3:11. Rom. 9:33. 10.11. 1 Pet. 2:6. the whole nation were to repair at their sol'emn feasts.' Lowth. (Notes, 1-6. 44:25-28. Ezra 1:1-4.) V. 14. 'children; and give me orders how I am to be-olis of the kingdom, and the place to which 'have in my own creation?' The verse seems to be an application of the preceding verses, and a reprimand of those Jews, who disputed against the prophecies respecting them. They When these prophecies should be supposed themselves to be exclusively the fulfilled, many Egyptians, Ethiopians, and children of God, and to have a special right to Sabeans, (who were noted for height of his peculiar favor, which could not be forfeit- stature,) would be proselyted, and present ed: yet he had given intimations, that he would their riches, as oblations, at the temple: and severely punish them, nay, cast them off, and being thus subdued and led captive, they would call the Gentiles into his church: and this submissively desire admission into the church, excited their murmurs and presumptuous convinced that God was in the midst of her; inquiries and objections.-Some, however, and that there was no other god, no other obtake the words in quite a different sense, es-ject of worship, save the God of Israel. But pecially induced by the introduction, "Thus the conversion and subjection of the Gentiles saith the Holy One of Israel and his Maker," to Christ are also predicted: by which the which generally ushers in a gracious promise. (43:1,3,14. 44:6. 48:17.) 'Instead of murmur- || ing, humble yourselves; and ask what ye will 'for the consolation of my children; and ye 'shall be sure of it, as ye are of those things, 'which are at your commandment.'-'Although 'God be not obliged to render an account of his proceedings to his creatures; yet he is 'graciously pleased to comply with their curiosity, and to resolve any questions which are proposed concerning the final issue of his 'people's captivity. Nay, he represents him'self as ready to serve them, and to do every 'thing that can be desired in favor of his elect, 'those whom he calls here "his sons," and "the 'work of his hands." Comp. Jer. 31:9. Is. 29: 23. Lowth. (Note, 19:23-25.)-The word command, in such a connexion, is, I think, found no where else in scripture. most renowned, powerful, and wealthy nations of the earth, renouncing all their idols, become worshippers of JEHOVAH, the God of the formerly despised Israelites: and thus are attached to them in the closest bonds, and give them the greatest honor imaginable; by acknowledging, that they alone are the people of God, and by supplicating to be incorporated among them, that they may share their privileges. "The words may be supposed in some degree verified, in Cyrus's devoting the tribute com'ing out of those rich provinces of Egypt, Ethi'opia, and Seba, to the building and service of 'God's temple. ... I conceive the place is prin'cipally meant of the ... church, when the 'Gentile world should come into it, bring in 'their riches to the adorning and support of it, and submit themselves to its government, us 'the only seat and temple of truth.' Lowth.V. 12, 13. (Marg. Ref.) By the same power, It is not improbable, that events yet future, in which had created the heavens and the earth, respect of Israel as a nation, are specially inand for the most righteous purposes of judg- tended. (Notes, 18:7. 49:22-26. 60:1-9. 61:4 ment on the Chaldeans, of love to his people,-6. 66:10-23. Ps. 68:29-33. 72:8-15. 149:7 and of promoting true religion, the Lord had-9. Jer. 16:19-21. Zech. 8:20-23.)-This raised Cyrus to his eminent station and great power: (Note, Ex. 9:13-16.) and he would direct and prosper him in all his ways; in order that he might rebuild Jerusalem, and liberate the captive Jews, without price or reward; to which he would influence his mind, though contrary to the political maxims, adopted by V. 15-17. Truly the God and Savior of princes in general. (Note, 52:2,3.) Cyrus Israel hides himself, and his gracious counsels only gave order for the building of the tem- and designs, under an impenetrable veil; so ple; ... but the consequence of that would be that it cannot be known what his intentions 'the rebuilding of the city, as being the Metrop-are, until the event declare them: seeing the 'seems to relate to the future admission of the 'Gentiles into the church of God. ... And per'haps these particular nations may be named, 'by a metonymy common in all poetry, for powerful and wealthy nations in general.' Bp. Lowth. 18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: "I am the LORD; and there is none else. 19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. 20 ¶ Assemble" yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are " escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge 1 63:1. Num. 23:19.20. Deut. f 42:5. g 12. Jer. 10:12. 51:15. Gen. 1:28. 9:1. Ps. 115: 16. Ez. 36:10-12. h 5,6. i 43:9,10. 48:16. Deut. 30.1114. Prov. 1:21. 8:1-4. John 7:26,28,37-39. 18:20. Acts 2: 4-8. k 1:15. 8:19. 55:6,7. 58:1-3. 1 Chr. 23:8. 2 Chr. 15:2. Ezra 8:22. Ps. 24:6. 68:13. Prov. 15:8. Jer. 29:13. Am. 5:4. Mal. 3:13,14. Matt. 15.8,9. Jam. 4:3. 32:4. Ps. 12.6. 19.7-10. 111: m 41:5,6,21. 43:9. n 4:2. Jer. 25:15-29. 50:28. 51: o 42:17,18. 44:17-20. 46:7. 1 commanded his people to seek him in vain, as the idolaters called on their idols to no purpose; (Notes, 20—22, v. 20. 1 Kings 18:26— 29.) for no Israelites ever walked in the steps of their believing progenitors, who failed of obtaining the covenanted blessings.-Indeed, however men may object, the Lord always speaks righteousness, and gives sentence according to truth and equity; and his promises decrees, threatenings, and judgments are entirely consistent; as it will appear at the day of judgment. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 55:6,7. 1 Chr. 16:10,11. Matt. 7:7--11.) Babylonish captivity, and other most calamitous dispensations, were designed to make way for the enlargement of the church, and the increase of her purity and honor. It should therefore at length appear, that all idolaters would be confounded together, and all the true Israel of God be saved with an everlasting salvation, by means of their union with the everlasting JEHOVAH; and that they would never be ashamed of their confidence, through all generations and to all eternity. (Notes, 44: 9-11. Ps. 97:3-7. Jer. 2:26-30. 10:11–15. Zeph. 2:11. 3:9-13,18-20.)-The reader can'not but observe the sudden transition from V. 20-22. JEHOVAH here addressed himsel. 'the solemn adoration of the secret and myste-to the Gentiles, and he exhorted those of the 'rious nature of God's counsels, in regard of several nations, which had escaped his judghis people, to the spirited denunciation of the ments, and the sword of Cyrus, to draw near 'confusion of idolaters, and the final destruc- unto him; that they might be instructed, and tion of idolatry; contrasted with the salvation convinced of the folly and wickedness of pray'of Israel, not from temporal captivity, but the ing to idols, which could not save them. They 'eternal salvation by Messiah, strongly marked were required to inform one another of these 'by the repetition and augmentation of the events; to draw near to examine the predicphrase, to the ages of eternity.' Bp. Lowth tions and the accomplishment of them; and to Israel must here mean the whole body of be-consult together, whether JEHOVAH alone had lievers, as "of God, in CHRIST JESUS, who of not declared these things "from ancient times:" God is made to them Wisdom, Righteousness, that they might be convinced that there was Sanctification, and Redemption." (Marg. Ref. no God beside him; a just Avenger of his en-Notes, John 14:18-24. Rom. 5:3-5. 1 Cor.emies and rebellious subjects, and a merciful 1:26-31. Gal. 6:15,16.) and powerful Savior of those, who trust in V. 18, 19. The Lord did not form the heav- and serve him: that so they might be induced ens and the earth to be empty and desolate, to renounce their idolatry and iniquity, and to but in order to be occupied by their respective depend on him for salvation, from the remotinhabitants: and in like manner none of his est regions of the earth. This relates to the works are wrought in vain. He had not calling of the Gentiles, and especially to the chosen Israel to cast him off again: he has not bringing in the fulness of the Gentiles, at the formed and accomplished his plan of redemp-end of the world. Rom. 11:25. Matt. 24:14. tion, without a purpose of replenishing his Lowth.-As in Christ Jesus and his righteouschurch with converts, and his heavenly inan-ness, atonement, and intercession, the justice sions with inhabitants. He did not intend and mercy of JEHOVAH are harmoniously disthat the land of Judah and Jerusalem should played, and he is shewn to be "a just God and always continue desolate. And his almighty a Savior;" as all the nations of the earth are power could effectually ensure his purposes, invited, and commanded to look unto Jesus, and perform his predictions. These were not Immanuel, that they may be saved; and as spoken in secret; as the heathen oracles were there are evident applications of the subseuttered from some dark cavern, or retired re- quent verses to Christ in the New Testament: cess, and in ambiguous language which shrunk so we cannot mistake in considering the eterfrom investigation: but they were open for nal Son as speaking in this passage; who, with every one to read, and obvious to every under- the Father and Holy Spirit, is our God and standing. Nor ought it to be inferred, from Savior, and there is none beside. (Notes, 41 the miseries which had come, or were about 1,24-26. 43:8-13. 44:6-8.)-A just God, &c. to come, on the nation of Israel, that God had||(21) Notes, 23–25. Jer. 23:5,6. Zech. 9:9,10) b knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. || to him shall men come; and all that are 24 *Surely, shall one say, In the LORD incensed against him shall be ashamed. 25 In the LORD shall all the seed of have I righteousness and strength: even Israel be justified, and shall glory. b 19. 18-21. 44:3-5. 65:16. 25. 54.17, 61:10. Jer. 23.6. 1 1:1. marg. † Heb. righteousnesses. e 22 Cor. 12.9,10. Eph. 3:16. e 55:5. 60:9. Gen. 49:10. Matt. Heb. 7:1-3.-Look, &c. (22) Notes, Zech. 12:9 || -14. John 1:29. 3:14,15. 12:27--33, v. 32. Heb. 12:1-3. i b f 41:11. Ps. 2:1-12. 21:8.9. | h 19. 61:9. 65:9,29. 27. Rev. 11:18. 1 Chr. 16: 13. Ps. 22:23. Rom. 4:16. 9: 6-8. Gal. 3:27-29. Ps. 64.10. 41:16. Jer. 9:23, 24. 1 Cor. 1:31 2 Cor. 10 17. Gal. 6:14. Phil. 3:3. Greek. the meaning of the original word. Again, he ... deed, in the scripture to mean even more than this; namely, to be accounted and dealt with, not only as innocent, which merely exempts from punishment; but as righteous, and entitled to the reward of righteousness.-Adam was innocent, on the day of his creation: but he never attained to righteousness; that is, in himself: because he did not fulfil the commands of God, during the probation allotted him. (Notes, 61:10,11. Dan. 9:24. Rom. 1:17. 3:21-26. 2 Cor. 5:18-21, v. 21. Phil. 3:7—11. 2 Pet. 1:1,2.) V. 23-25. JEHOVAH here solemnly swears by himself, that he will irrevocably perform the righteous and faithful word, which he had spoken. Nor shall his word "return:" (Note, 55:10,11.) for assuredly, "every knee shall bow" in adoration and submission to him; and "every tongue shall confess" his name, and vow allegiance to him. (Note, Ps. 2:10--12.) "Surely," shall cach of them say, "In JEHOVAH have I righteousness and strength:" declaring all their righteousness to be in Christ, "the LORD our righteousness;" all their holy dispositions and righteous actions to spring from his sancti-is, to the second person of the blessed Trinifying grace; and all their safety, support, inward ty. Comp. 6:1. with John 12:41.-8:14. with strength, and outward protection, to be in and Rom. 9:33. ... Many more such instances might 'be given; and all of them are plain proofs of from him alone. To him, men shall come from every nation for these blessings; (Note, the divinity of Christ; and that the prophets of Gen. 49:10.) all that are enraged at the honor the Old Testament had all along an eye to the paid to him and that hate his cause, shall be times of the New, and spoke of the Messias put to shame: (Note, 54:15-17.) and all be- as God. ... This likewise, (24) is very applica'ble to Christ, who is called "The LORD our lievers, the true "seed of Israel," shall be acand is "made unto us Rightcounted righteous, as one with him; and shall 'Righteousness,' To be justified is a term taken glory and rejoice in him, as their whole Salva-eousness." tion, their Friend, and Portion; as made of 'from the forms of law, and signifies to be acGod the Father unto them, "Wisdom, and quitted, or pronounced innocent, and come off Righteousness, and Sanctification, and Re-victorious in a cause.' Lowth.-It seems indemption." (Notes, 1 Cor. 1:26-31. 2 Cor. 5: 18--21. Phil. 2:9-11.) The passage seems immediately to predict the establishment of the divine Redeemer's kingdom on earth, the destruction of all implacable enemies to him, from among men, and the most universal subjection to the gospel, through all nations. Notes, 41:10-14. 1 Cor. 15:20-28.) But St. Paul also applies it to the future judgment; (Vote, Rom. 14:7--12.) when every man must give an account of himself to God, by appearing before the tribunal of Christ. Then all will know his right to be their King and Judge; his enemies will be put to shame, and perish; The Lord disposes, as it pleases him, in his his people shall be declared righteous, and shall glory in him as their God and Savior for wise and righteous sovereignty, of the authorever.-Bishop Lowth translates the words, ity, wealth, and honors of the world; he gives rendered in our version "a just God and a Sav- every man that capacity and success which he ior," (21) "A God that uttereth truth, and sees good; and he assigns to each his part in the execution of his immense, his universal granteth salvation." Yet he assigns no reason for deviating so materially from the literal, plan. He frequently employs such as know him not, to accomplish those ends, which regeneral, and almost universally received meaning of the words, "A just God and a Savior." quire extensive dominion, and are attended with great bloodshed: for he knows, that obA God infinite in justice, and infinite in merscure situations are more advantageous to the cy, is the God who has revealed himself to man in the scriptures, as "the God and Father souls, and peaceful employments more agreeable to the minds, of his true people. (Note, of our Lord Jesus Christ;" and by this especially he is distinguished, not only from the Jam. 2:5-7.)-The Lord does all things for the idols of the heathen, but also from the imag- sake of "his elect," and to promote their com inary supreme being of infidel philosophers of fort and salvation: and we should improve our every description. (Note, 2 Cor. 1:1-7, v. 3.) talents for the same purpose. (Notes, 2 Cor. It may be questioned whether the word 4:7,13-18. 2 Tim. 2:8—13, v. 10. Tit. 1:1-4.) -It is the express design of the prophecies, ever signifies simply uttering truth; which are fulfilling from age to age, by those though it sometimes means faithful, or perform- who know not God, to attract the attention of ing engagements, which were originally enter-men, "from the rising to the setting of the ed into of free grace: for the fulfilling of an sun," to inquire after the LORD, by whose inengagement is an act of justice, whatever in- spiration the Bible was written: we should duced the person to make it: (Note, 1 John 1:8 therefore study the prophecies, mark their [161 -10.) and justice seems ultimately in all cases accomplishments, and point them out to othVOL. IV. 21 PRÁCTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-8. CHAP. XLVI. The idols of Babylon unable to preserve themselves from captivity, 1, 2. The powerful care of God over his people, even to the end, 3, 4. Idols, made with great expense, not to be com his despised people, and make them heirs in ers for the same important ends. (Notes, Rev. 1:3. 22:6,7.) Whether peace and prosperity, or evil and adversity be allotted us; we should recollect, that the Lord creates all these things, that all creatures are his instruments, and that nothing can exceed the limits which he assigns it. From God "the Father of lights cometh every good and perfect gift:" and even the evil, that he permits, is over-ruled for greater good to all his faithful servants, and to the more complete discovery of the glory of his name. But, whilst we submit to his will in those troubles, which come upon us through the wickedness of men; and give him the glory of all the good that is wrought in us or Our God and Savior often hides his tender done by us: let us take all the blame of our compassions behind frowning dispensations; sins to ourselves; for "God cannot be tempted and requires us to walk by faith, and to give of evil, neither tempteth he any man." Let us him credit for his wisdom, justice, truth, and turn his promises into prayers, and beseech || mercy, when we cannot see them; for "what him, that "the heavens may pour down right- he doeth we know not now, but we shall know eousness" and grace upon the earth, render-hereafter." (Note, John 13:6—11, v. 7.) If ing it exceedingly fruitful; and that salvation, with all its sanctifying effects, "may spring forth and abound in every land; that our "God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ." V. 9-14. then he hides his face from us, let us humbly wait for him; for, while the most prosperous sinners, and self-confident hypocrites, will soon go into confusion together; they who trust in the Lord, and partake of his grace, shall be saved, in and by him, "with an everWe ought carefully to watch over ourselves, lasting salvation, and shall not be ashamed or and repress any risings of our hearts against confounded for ever." Neither his works nor the decrees, dispensations, and precepts of the his word are in vain: as he created the world Lord. It is madness in the extreme for us to be inhabited; so he gave Israel his oracles frail creatures to contend with the Almighty, that they should be proclaimed, and his promwhile we see such numbers perish by their ises that they should be believed. He would contests with feeble mortals like themselves. not have this light put in a secret or dark JEHOVAH disdains and abhors our impotent place, but diffused far and wide; and he never arrogance and perverseness, when we dare to said to the seed of Jacob who wrestled, and object to his sovereign appointments. It is our prevailed, and was surnamed Israel, that they wisdom to reverence the depths which we should seek his face in vain. (Notes, Gen. 32 cannot fathom, and to silence our presump-24-28.) For the Lord speaks in truth and tion by considering our own ignorance and righteousness: and though to the proud, carnal weakness, and his infinite perfections; and by heart, his words appear obscure; they are all taking it for granted, that "the Judge of all plain to the humble soul, as well as sincere the earth will do right.” (Notes, Gen. 18:23- and faithful, and to be entirely depended on. 26. Rom. 11:33-36.) We may inquire of the Let sinners then renounce their iniquities and Holy One of Israel, concerning the things, superstitions, and cease to pray to mediators which he freely gives to his children, and of or idols, that cannot save: (Notes, Ps. 68:19, what he requires of his creatures; and we may 20. John 4:21-24, v. 22.) and let them with ask what we will of him in humble prayer, one consent draw near to him, who is "a just and he will do it for us, if it be for our good. || God and a Savior,” and who glorifies his rightBut it is intolerable insolence in any man, to eousness in pardoning the most atrocious ofdemand an account of the Lord's dealings, fenders, when they, penitently and in faith, as if he had authority to interfere, and give rely on the merits of Jesus Christ and "come orders to him how he ought to dispose of his to God by him." (Note, Heb. 7:23-25.) He, own works. Yet nothing is more common who once was lifted up on the cross, now calls than objections and decisions, which imply from his glorious throne, and invites ail the this horrid blasphemy! But let us endeavor ends of the earth to look to him for salvation. to get acquainted with our own character and He is "the true God and eternal life;" and beplace; and to wait the performance of the sides him there is no other able to save from Lord's promises, in the way of his precepts: the wrath to come. In one way or another and in due time he will answer all objections, all must come before him, and submit unto and clear up all difficulties.-Our offended him: for he has irrevocably confirmed it with Creator, when he might have left us captives an oath, that "every knee shall bow, and every to sin and Satan, to whom we were sold for tongue shall swear, unto him." As we then our crimes, has raised up a mighty Redeemer must all appear before his judgment seat; for us, even his own Son; who, having satisfied and all his enemies however fierce or powerthe divine justice with the sacrifice of himself, ful. yea, all that will not have him to reign sets the souls of believers at liberty, "without over him, must be covered with shame and price or reward," and makes them citizens of confusion: may we now come to him as "the that holy city, which he has builded for his LORD our Righteousness,' and trust in him own eternal residence. As this greatest of all for acceptance, sanctification, and victory over promises has already been accomplished, we every enemy: that we may be justified, and reinay be assured that all the rest shall in duejoice and glory, in Him, and in his salvation, season. (Notes, Ps. 138:2. Rom. 5:6-10. 8:32 and walk worthy of it; and at last be “present-34.) He will bring all the potent and migh-ed faultless before the presence of his glory ty nations of the earth to join themselves to || with exceeding joy." (Note, Jude 22—25.) ་ EL boweth down, Nebo stoopeth; weigh silver in the balance, and hire a the and he it a god, thes h 4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. 5 ¶ To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? 6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and a 21:9. 41:6,7. Ex. 12:12. 1 Sam. 5:3,4. Jer. 50:2. 51:44, 9.10. 71:6. Ez. 16:6-16. h 41:4. 43. 13,25. 102:26,27. Mal. c 36:18,19. 37:12,19. 44:17. 45: i Ps. 48:14. 71:18. d Judg. 18:17,18,24. 2 Sam. 5: 21. Jer. 43:12,13. Heb. their soul is. k See on 40:18, 25.-Ex. 15:11. NOTES. fall down, yea, they worship. n m 7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him and set him in his place and he standeth: from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. 8 P Remember this, and shew yourselves bring it again to mind, O ye trans men: gressors. S 9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; t 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Χ 11 Calling a ravenous bird from the q 47.7. Ez. 18:28. Hag. 1:5,7. 1 r 42:9. 65:17. Deut. 32:7. Neh. infant. (Notes, Ex. 19:4. Num. 11:11-15. Deut. 1:29-31. 32:11,12.) JEHOVAH had done CHAP. XLVI. V. 1, 2. Bel, (a contraction this from the time when they were called out probably of Baal,) and Nebo, were the two of Egypt, which was as the birth of their principal idols of Babylon. When that city church and nation, to their deliverance from was taken by the Persians, the images of these Babylou, when become, as it were, helpless Imaginary deities were seized on by the vic-through old age: and thus he would always tors, and broken down: and among the rest, no do, whilst they continued to be his people. doubt, the golden image, set up by Nebuchad- (Notes, Ps. 71:5-9,17,18.)-Remnant, &c. (3) nezzar: (Note, Dan. 3:1–7.) for the Persians Israel, as distinguished from Judah, was rewere gene rally Magians, who did not worship duced to a small remnant.-I am he. (4) 'I am idols, but the sun under the symbol of fire. 'the same' (God): 'so the phrase is translated. (Note, 45:7.) They would therefore load their 'Ps. 102:27. Lowth. beasts of burden, or their waggons, with the V.5-9. The Jews were always prone to metals of which the images were formed; and make images representing God, as well as to carry them into captivity. "The expressions worship the idols of other nations. But he ... allude to the custom of carrying idols in here called their attention to the lavish and procession, which was a solemn piece of useless expense, to which the idolaters put worship paid to them; whereas now they themselves, in making a lifeless image, that 'were carried about, by way of contempt and was only a trouble and burden to them. It 'derision.' Lowth. When the Philistines took was rather a likeness of a dead corpse, than the ark of God, it became a burden to them, of the living God: when they had with much and they were induced to send it back, with labor carried it, and fixed it in its place, they trespass offerings, and memorials of their own would be sure to find it there, except it should disgrace: (Notes, 1 Sam. 5: 6:1-18. 2 Sam. 5: be thrown down or stolen: (Notes, Judg. 18:13 21.but the idols of Babylon would only prove-26. 1 Sam. 5:1-5.) for it could not move a burden to the "weary beasts" which carried itself; and therefore it was not able to answer them away; as they could neither deliver their prayers, or deliver them out of their themselves, nor those who had "the charge of them;" as the word rendered "burden" (2) seems to mean.-Their soul. (2) Marg. 'He 'derideth their idols, which had neither soul nor sense.' (Notes, 21:6-9. Jer. 43:8-13. 50: 2,3. 51:47.) trouble. (Notes, 40:18-20. 41:5-7. 44:9-20. Ps. 115:3-8. Jer. 10:1-11.) Let then the Jews remember these things, and shew them. selves men, acting like reasonable creatures, and avoiding such an absurd abomination. Let those, who had thus apostatized, review V. 3, 4. The continued care, which the their conduct and retract their error; considLord had always shewn towards Israel, and ering the former works of God to his people, all his powerful works in their behalf, are here by which he shewed himself exclusively enti contrasted with the impotency of the gods of tled to their adoration.-Some think, that the Babylon. The latter had been carried off by folly of idolaters is thus repeatedly exposed, to the weary beasts: the former had always car-prevent the captive Jews in Babylon, from ried Israel, in the arms of his love and power, conforming to the idolatry of theu conquerors; as the nurse carries and tends the new born and indeed they seem to have kept far more |