he prophet enters into a new contract, representing the
gracious manner in which God will again restore Israel under a
new covenant.
Verses 1-3: The dislike of men to true religion is because they love
objects and forms, which allow them to indulge, instead of
mortifying their lusts. How wonderful that a holy God should
have good-will to those whose carnal mind is enmity against Him!
Here is represented God's gracious dealings with the fallen race
of mankind, that had gone from him. This is the covenant of
grace he is willing to enter into with them, they must be to him
a people, and he will be to them a God. They must accept the
punishment of their sin, and must not return to folly. And it is
a certain sign that our afflictions are means of good to us,
when we are kept from being overcome by the temptations of an
afflicted state.
Verses 4-5: Here is the application of the parable to Israel. They must
long sit like a widow, stripped of all joys and honours; but
shall at length be received again. Those that would seek the
Lord so as to find him, must apply to Christ, and become his
willing people. Not only are we to fear the Lord and his
greatness, but the Lord and his goodness; not only his majesty,
but his mercy. Even Jewish writers apply this passage to the
promised Messiah; doubtless it foretold their future conversion
to Christ, for which they are kept a separate people. Though the
first fear of God arise from a view of his holy majesty and
righteous vengeance, yet the experience of mercy and grace
through Jesus Christ, will lead the heart to reverence so kind
and glorious a Friend and Father, and to fear offending him.
he prophet enters into a new contract, representing the
gracious manner in which God will again restore Israel under a
new covenant.