he idolatry of Israel. (1-8) They are exhorted to repentance.
(9-15)
Verses 1-8: A vine is only valuable for its fruit; but Israel now
brought no fruit to perfection. Their hearts were divided. God
is the Sovereign of the heart; he will have all, or none. Were
the stream of the heart wholly after God, it would run strongly,
and bear down all before it. Their pretences to covenant with
God were false. Even the proceeding of justice was as poisonous
hemlock. Alas, how empty a vine is the visible church even at
this day! But all earthly prosperity is but a collection of
bubbles, soon destroyed like foam upon the water. Sinners will
in vain seek shelter from that Judge, whom they now despise as a
Saviour.
Verses 9-15: Because God does not desire the death and ruin of sinners,
therefore in mercy he desires their chastisement. The children
of iniquity still remained in Israel. The enemies would be
gathered against them. It is just with God to make those know
what hardships mean, who indulge themselves in ease and
pleasure. Let them cleanse their hearts from all corrupt
affections and lusts, and be a broken and contrite spirit. Let
them abound in works of piety towards God, and of justice and
charity towards one another: herein let them sow to the Spirit.
Seeking the Lord is to be every day's work, but there are
special occasions when to seek him. Christ shall come as the
Lord our righteousness, and grant us of it abundantly. If we sow
in righteousness, we shall reap according to mercy; a reward not
of debt, but of grace. Even the gains of sin yield the sinner no
satisfaction. As our comforts, so our confidences in the service
of sin will certainly fail us. Come and seek the Lord, and thy
hope in him shall not deceive thee. See what cruel work war
makes. Whatever mischief is done, it is sin that does it. What
miseries men's sins bring on them, even in this world!
he idolatry of Israel. (1-8) They are exhorted to repentance.
(9-15)