udgments against Moab and Judah. (1-8) The ingratitude and
ruin of Israel. (9-16)
Verses 1-8: The evil passions of the heart break out in various forms;
but the Lord looks to our motives, as well as our conduct. Those
that deal cruelly, shall be cruelly dealt with. Other nations
were reckoned with for injuries done to men; Judah is reckoned
with for dishonour done to God. Judah despised the law of the
Lord; and he justly gave them up to strong delusion; nor was it
any excuse for their sin, that they were the lies, the idols,
after which their fathers walked. The worst abominations and
most grievous oppressions have been committed by some of the
professed worshippers of the Lord. Such conduct leads many to
unbelief and vile idolatry.
Verses 9-16: We need often to be reminded of the mercies we have
received; which add much to the evil of the sins we have
committed. They had helps for their souls, which taught them how
to make good use of their earthly enjoyments, and were therefore
more valuable. Faithful ministers are great blessings to any
people; but it is God that raises them up to be so. Sinners' own
consciences will witness that he has not been wanting to them in
the means of grace. They did what they could to lead believers
aside. Satan and his agents are busy to corrupt the minds of
young people who look heavenward; they overcome many by drawing
them to the love of mirth and pleasure, and into drinking
company. Multitudes of young men who bade fair as professors of
religion, have erred through strong drink, and have been undone
for ever. The Lord complains of sin, especially the sins of his
professing people, as a burden to him. And though his
long-suffering be tired, his power is not, and so the sinner
will find to his cost. When men reject God's word, adding
obstinacy to sin, and this becomes the general character of a
people, they will be given up to misery, notwithstanding all
their boasted power and resources. May we then humble ourselves
before the Lord, for all our ingratitude and unfaithfulness.
udgments against Moab and Judah. (1-8) The ingratitude and
ruin of Israel. (9-16)