years; he will still provide for us and watch over us, both as the creatures of his power, and as
new-created by his Spirit.
Is. 46:5-13 Here the folly of those who made idols, and then prayed to them, is exposed. How
does the profuseness of idolaters shame the niggardliness of many who call themselves God's
servants, but are for a religion which costs them nothing! The service of sin always costs a great
deal. God puts it to them what senseless, helpless things idols are. Let, then, the Jews show
themselves men, avoiding such abominations. Many Scripture prophecies, delivered long ago, are
not yet fulfilled; but the fulfilling of some is an earnest that the rest will come to pass. Nothing can
help more to make us easy, than to be assured that God will do all his pleasure. Even those who
know not and mind not God's revealed will, are called and used to fulfil the counsels of his secret
will. Heaven and earth shall pass away, sooner than one tittle of the word of God. Obstinate sinners
are addressed. Such were far from acceptance, but they were summoned to hearken to the word of
the Lord. The salvation of a sinner begins with a humble and contrite heart, that trembles at God's
word, with godly sorrow working true repentance, and faith in his mercy, through the obedience
unto death of our Divine Surety. Christ, as the Divine righteousness and salvation to his people,
would come in the appointed time. His salvation abides in his church for all believers.
Chapter 47
God's judgments on Babylon. (Is. 47:1-6) Carelessness and confidence shall not prevent the
evil. (Is. 47:7-15)
Is. 47:1-6 Babylon is represented under the emblem of a female in deep distress. She was to
be degraded and endure sufferings; and is represented sitting on the ground, grinding at the handmill,
the lowest and most laborious service. God was righteous in his vengeance, and none should
interpose. The prophet exults in the Lord of hosts, as the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel. God
often permits wicked men to prevail against his people; but those who cruelly oppress them will
be punished.
Is. 47:7-15 Let us beware of acting and speaking as Babylon did; of trusting in tyranny and
oppression; of boasting as to our abilities, relying on ourselves, and ascribing success to our own
prudence and wisdom; lest we partake of her plagues. Those in the height of prosperity, are apt to
fancy themselves out of the reach of adversity. It is also common for sinners to think they shall be
safe, because they think to be secret in wicked ways. But their security shall be their ruin. Let us
draw from such passages as the foregoing, those lessons of humility and trust in God which they
convey. If we believe the word of God, we may know how it will be with the righteous and the
wicked to all eternity. We may learn how to escape the wrath to come, to glorify God, to have peace
through life, hope in death, and everlasting happiness. Let us then stand aloof from all delusions.