ix. 8-x. 4. _But His hand is stretched out still._
Much is said in the Bible concerning the hand of God.[1] Consider
what the hand is to man: it is the chief instrument by which he
executes his purposes,--farmer, builder, artist, author, &c.; and by
the hand of God is meant His executive force in all its varied forms.
God has the means of doing all His will, and He is not an unconcerned
spectator of human affairs--these truths inspire God's people with
hope, courage, and joy; and they ought to inspire with terror all who
are in rebellion against Him. His hand is outstretched, not for, but
against them; His irresistible executive forces are certain to be put
forth for their overthrow. Alike for the warning of those whose lives
are not governed according to the Divine will, and for the exciting
of holy watchfulness in those who are trying to obey that will in all
things, let us study this prophecy for the purpose of discovering,
+I. The reasons why God's hand is outstretched in anger.+ Remind you
that this is not an exhaustive statement of those reasons, and that
no man is necessarily safe merely because his conduct is not here
specifically described, I point out that among the things that put
man in the most extreme peril of destruction by their Creator
are--1. _Oppression_ (x. 1, 2.)[2] 2. _Hypocrisy_ (ix. 17).[3]
3. _Stubbornness under Divine chastisements_ (ix. 9, 10).[4] +II. The
effects of the outstretching of God's hand in anger.+ These are
_terrible, increasing, continuous._ +III. The mode of escape for
those against whom God's hand is stretched out in anger.+ Not
defiance, but submission and repentance (ix. 13). +IV.+ Let us note
with reverent and thankful wonder, that +against the wicked God's
hand is long stretched out;+ that it does not, as it so easily might,
come down upon them instantly with destructive force. What a proof we
have here that, while He is inflexibly righteous, He is tenderly
pitiful! And what an encouragement we have here to return to Him with
penitence of heart![5]