Improvement —
1. For conviction —
[Nothing surely can be more calculated to awaken the secure than this solemn oath of Jehovah. Methinks the Deity, to fix our attention and obtain belief, stands forth before the assembled universe, and, with his hand lifted up to heaven c, swears, " As sure as I am God, thus and thus shall it be with my friends and with my enemies." Must not then sinners be more deaf than adders, and more obdurate than rocks, if they do not hear, and relent, at the voice of their God ? O that men would no longer trifle with their eternal interests ! We may argue as we please against the word of God ; but we can- not invalidate its tremendous declarations. Let us then believe and tremble, yea, " believe, and obey the Gospel."]
2. For consolation —
[God, in his oath, consults more immediately the comfort of his people d. They are, alas! too backward to believe his word ; and therefore he confirms it with an oath. Let every subject then of the Redeemer's kingdom rejoice : let their con- fidence in him both for righteousness and strength be greatly increased: let them never doubt, but that his enemies and their enemies, shall soon become his footstool : let them know, that they are justified from all their sins : and let them glory in him as their God and portion. Difficulties they may, they must, expect ; but the word of God shall not be frustrated : " the counsel of the Lord shall stand ; and he will do all his pleasure." Let them only rest on the oath of God, and they shall experience its accomplishment to all eternity.]
c Alluding to Dan. xii. 7. d Heb. vi. 17, 18.