v. 24-30. _Therefore as the fire devoureth, &c._
In this threatening, fulfilled in the utter destruction of Israel by
Assyria, we find illustrations of the following facts.--I. That _the
Lord is a God of judgment as well as of mercy_.[1] The mercy of God
has been exemplified in His long forbearance with sinful Israel: His
justice was manifested in the utter destruction that came upon Israel
when it was seen that that forbearance had been shown in vain. God is
still as He revealed Himself in His Word and in His actual dealings
with His people. It is utterly vain for us to frame for ourselves an
ideal God in whose character the sternest justice has no place.
II. That _we can sustain no relation to God which will render it safe
for us to break His commandments, or exempt us from the consequences
of wrong-doing_ (ver. 25. Compare ver. 5; Amos iii. 2). III. That
_all the forces of the universe are at God's disposal for the
execution of His purposes._ Appalling is the variety of the scourges
and swords that lie ready to His hand for the chastisement of the
rebellious,[2] and for the destruction of the incorrigible! IV. That
_in addressing Himself to the work of judgment, God is moved by the
highest moral considerations._ "Because they have cast away the _law_
of the Lord of hosts, and despised the _word_ of the Holy One of
Israel; _therefore_ is the anger of the Lord kindled against His
people." In His wrath, as well as in His love, He is holy: in neither
is there any caprice. V. That _consequently God will not pause in His
work of judgment out of any weak regard to the mere sufferings of
wrong-doers._ It is against sin that His anger burns, and while sin
endures the fires of His wrath will continue to flame. Eternal
punishment! For impenitent transgressors there is woe upon woe, and
no severity of suffering that they may endure abates the anger of the
Lord against them. There is no such thing as salvation by personal
suffering. See how all this is expressed in our text from beginning
to end.
GENERAL CONCLUSION.--"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of
the living God." The history of the Jews since Israel's day is a
terrible comment on this declaration.
PARTICULAR CONCLUSIONS.--1. As sinners, let us bestir ourselves to
avert the consequences of our transgressions by a timely and genuine
repentance (ch. lv. 6, 7; Hosea xiv. 1-4, &c.) 2. Having obtained
mercy, let us be in the fear of the Lord all the day long (John
v. 14). 3. For our guidance in life, let us keep constantly before us
the Biblical presentation of God, as a God of justice and mercy;--of
justice, that we may be restrained from transgression; of mercy, that
there may grow up in our hearts that love for Him which will cause us
to find our highest joy in doing His will.