Verse 1

CONTENTS

The same subject, concerning the Lord's judgment upon Tyrus is prosecuted in this chapter, until, towards the end, Zidon also is arraigned at God's tribunal.

Verses 1-10

We have here the continuation of the sad overthrow of Tyre. The Prince of Tyre is particularly noticed, and his daring impiety pointed at. There are no leading characters to discover to whom, or to what period of the Church, this history of Tyrus and her prince refers, if we look for an explanation beyond the period of the Babylonish captivity. Indeed, as the Lord in this and the preceding chapters, as well as in several that follow, is pronouncing judgment upon many of the kingdoms of the earth, there can be no reason for singling out one more than another, to suppose it hath a reference to some nation in particular. It is sufficient for our purpose of improvement to learn from hence, that the Lord will reckon, sooner or later, with all nations, and especially with those that oppress his people.

Verses 11-19

From this passage I should be inclined to think that Tyrus is a figure of human nature in general, rather than referring to any one nation in particular; for of what one kingdom upon earth can it be said, that they were perfect in their ways from the day of creation, but of our nature generally speaking. To make application of it to any nation would be to contradict scripture. Those who would refer it to Papal Rome should seriously consider, that never, at any one period, could such things be said of her. To say, that she hath thrown down her altars, and defiled her sanctuaries, would be to give her what she never had - altars and sanctuaries. Christ is the only New Testament altar, and the true sanctuary of his people.

Verses 20-23

The judgment upon Zidon is but short; but that one single passage in it is enough: Behold I am against thee, O Zidon, saith the Lord God!

Verses 24-26

These are very sweet promises to Israel with which the chapter closeth, and plainly refer to the restoration of the Lord's ancient people. But how or when the Lord will gather them in; whether by instruments the Lord will work in the accomplishment, or by some miraculous interposition of his own; nothing in scripture authorizeth us to determine. Certain it is, that the call of - the Jews in the last day dispensation will be a glorious manifestation of God; and perhaps the work will be greater in the display of it, than the first bringing the Church out of Egypt, for then they were altogether, but now are scattered and dispersed over the whole earth. Lord! hasten in thine own time the mercy when the Redeemer shall rise out of Zion to turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

Verse 26

REFLECTIONS

READER! among the several improvements to gather from this chapter, that is not the least which ariseth from the consideration, how dear Israel must be to the Lord, for whom, and on whose account the Lord thus chastiseth Israel's enemies. The Lord may, and the Lord will, correct Israel for her backsliding; but, in the midst of all, he will not suffer the foe of his redeemed to triumph. I said (said the Lord) I would scatter them into corners; I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men; were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy; lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done all this. Oh! how blessed is it to hear the Lord thus speak! And, Reader! if the Lord so loves his people, and so protects them, notwithstanding all their unworthiness, how ought the people to love the Lord, and delight to adore his distinguishing grace, in such unparalleled mercy. Well might David exclaim, under a deep sense of this, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that thou has brought me hitherto? Praised be the Lord for his unspeakable gift!