Verses 1-7 Only
by pride comes contention, both with God and man. They preferred their own
wisdom to the revealed will of God. Men deny the Scriptures to be the word of
God, because they are resolved not to conform themselves to Scripture rules.
When men will persist in sin, they charge the best actions to bad motives. These
Jews deserted their own land, and threw themselves out of God's protection. It
is the folly of men, that they often ruin themselves by wrong endeavours to mend
their situation.
Verses 8-13 God
can find his people wherever they are. The Spirit of prophecy was not confined
to the land of Israel. It is foretold that Nebuchadnezzar should destroy and
carry into captivity many of the Egyptians. Thus God makes one wicked man, or
wicked nation, a scourge and plague to another. He will punish those who deceive
his professing people, or tempt them to rebellion.
