[" Redemption" is the crown of all his works: and tliis also is with him, that he may impart it to those who groan under their sore bondage. Yea, with him is " plenteous" redemption : he himself, as our near kinsman, (bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh") has the right of redemption vested in him0: and, having ability to pay the price, he will discharge our debt, and restore us, not only to liberty, but also to the inheritance which we have so basely alienated.]
3. In his word —
[The declaration of his determined purpose by an inspired writer, is equivalent to an express promise. And, if the extent and certainty of this promise be considered, what an encourage- ment will it afford us to hope in God ! There is no limitation whatever to the promise, provided, like " Israel" of old, we wrestle with God for the performance of itp. However nume- rous and inveterate our iniquities may be, they shall " all" be pardoned, and " all" subdued q.]
Application —
1. To prevent any abuse of this subject, we shall
guard it —
[The repetition of the name " Israel" distinctly marks the characters to whom the text is more immediately to be applied. It is the praying, waiting, and depending sinner that is exhorted to hope in God: and it is he alone who can expect redemption at the hands of God. Let such therefore see their duty and their privilege : but let those who live in the habitual neglect of God know, that their " hope is as a spider's web, that shall soon be swept away with the besom of destruction r."]
2. To impress the subject more deeply on our
minds, we shall enforce it —
[The advice here given is the most suitable that can be given, and if followed, will be productive of the greatest kappi- ness. Were any of us directed to indulge a hope from our own endeavours, we should soon perceive the folly of such advice. Every day and hour would bring us fresh occasion for despair. But in God there is nothing wanting: he has the right, the poiver, and the will to redeem us. Nor, if we trust in him, shall we ever be confounded s.
Let us therefore not limit either the mercy or power of our God ; but putting away all self-righteous hopes1, or unbelieving fears", let us repose an unlimited confidence in our merciful and faithful Redeemer.]
n Eph. v. 30. ° Lev. xxv. 25, 47, 48, 49.
P Gen.xxxii.24 — 28. °. Isai. i. 18. r Job viii. 13, 14.
s Isai. xlv. 17. * Phil. iii. 3. " Ps. xlii. 11.