At this time the Jews are destined to act an important part, as God's instruments for the conversion of the Gentiles, (ver. 7.) and for the subjugation of all opposers, (ver. 8, 9.) In the chapter before us, he represents, in moving terms, the Jews anticipating this period, (vii. 8 — 10.) Then, confirming this expectation as certainly to be fulfilled, (ver. 11 — 13.) he prays for it, (ver. 14.) To this prayer God returns a gracious answer, to the utter surprise and dismay of surrounding nations, (ver. 15— 17.)]
2. The soliloquy in the contemplation of it —
[Picture to yourselves the prophet, or any other Jew, contemplating this event. He breaks forth into a devout ascription of praise, in a general view of the dispensation, (ver. 18.): in a view of the particular mercies that shall be
vouchsafed under it, (ver. 19.) in a view of the great
result, (ver. 20.) ]
Now we may with propriety consider the words,
II. As uttered by a Christian in the review of his own daily experience —
Let us contemplate God in,
1. His mercy and loving-kindness —
[His people are a remnant, (Rom. xi. 5.) Towards them he exercises most stupendous mercy, " passing by their trans- gression," " not retaining his anger," " pardoning their ini- quities." He does so, purely because he " delights in mercy." To him judgment is a " strange act." He " waits to be gracious." He deliberates long before he casts off any, (Hos. vi. 4.) He never casts off but with reluctance. (Luke xix. 41.) If he prevail over any, he rejoices. (Luke xv.) How can we but exclaim, " Who, &c."]
2. His power and grace —
[He continues with astonishing forbearance. They are prone to backslide from him ; but he leaves them not to eat the fruit of their misconduct. He " turns again," after hiding himself for a season, (Isai. liv. 7. and lvii. 16 — 18.) He restores to them the light of his countenance; nor does he pardon only, but " subdues their sins." His very hidings are with a view to embitter sin. He renews their strength when faint, (Isai. xl. 29 — 31.); and gradually " perfects the work he has begun." To complete all, he " casts their sins into the sea ;" " all" with- out exception, into " the depths" of the sea. Who can survey all this, and not exclaim, " Who, &c."]
3. His truth and faithfulness —
[His promises, as made to Abraham and his seed, are
1217.] god's mercy, as reserved for the JEWS. 339
" mercy." As confirmed to Jacob and his Church, they are " truth." They have been established with the sanction of an " oath." And they will be fulfilled " to all the seed." How will every glorified soul admire the Divine procedure in that
day ! What energy will the sight of sins forgiven,
of backslidings healed, of glory bestowed, give to the exclama- tion in the text!]
Application —
Let the careless, consider against whom their sins are committed —
[Will they never pause, and exclaim, as Joseph ? (Gen. xxxix. 9.]
Let the penitent reflect on the description given of God in the Scriptures —
[Nor let them judge of him by the dictates of sense. Isai. lv. 8, 9.]
Let the sincere believer apply to himself that con- gratulation (Deut. xxxiii. 29.)
[Let him get a becoming frame of mind; and let him adopt that triumphant boast. Isai. xxv. 9.]
Let all contemplate the joy that will be felt when Jews and Gentiles all join in this ascription of praise.