xvi. 12. _He shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he
shall not prevail._
In the profoundly affecting picture which the prophet draws of the
calamities coming on the Moabites, he represents them as at length,
every other means of relief being exhausted, coming with sad and
weary hearts to their sanctuary to call upon their god for
deliverance. Their supplications were destined to fail, for they were
presented to that which had no power to hear or save (Ps. cxv. 4-8).
This line in this dark picture reminds us of two facts in the life of
the men of our own time, who see clearly the folly of idolatry.
+I. In times of sorrow they are often seen in the sanctuary.+ Many
who at other times lead openly irreligious lives are then seen using
the forms of devotion. This is natural (H. E. I., 3718); it is not
wrong; that which is wrong is the infrequency with which the
sanctuary is visited and prayer offered by them (H. E. I., 3878,
3879). It is natural and fitting that in time of trouble man should
seek God in the sanctuary, for the sanctuary is the place--1. Of
_special promise_ (Exod. xx. 24; Deut. xii. 5; 1 Kings ix. 3; Matt.
xviii. 20). 2. Of _special means._ Everything there tends to the
production and increase of a devotional spirit (H. E. I., 5078).
3. Of _special memory_--of memories of help obtained, of sorrows
solaced in former times.
II. But all this makes more remarkable the other fact of which these
words may well remind us, that +many of the supplications that are
offered in the sanctuary are offered in vain.+ We know that this is a
fact: how is it to be explained? In such ways as these--1. _Many of
the suppliants have little or no faith,_ and faith is the essential
condition of blessing (H. E. I., 3827-3830). 2. _Many of the
suppliants are not really in earnest,_ and lukewarmness is an offence
to the Divine Being (H. E. I., 3814, 3815, 3831-3838). 3. _Many of
the suppliants are not really penitent._ Their prayers are mere calls
for help in time of distress, and God has nowhere promised to help
the impenitent and rebellious (H. E. I., 3846, 3858; P. D., 3595).
To point out the causes of the weakness and failure of such prayers
is also to point out the remedies that must be applied if the
suppliants would have their prayers "prevail."--_William Manning._
In times of trouble, men--1. Feel their need of help. 2. Generally
have recourse to fallacious sources (H. E. I., 172-175). 3. Meet with
disappointment, because God is forgotten or unknown.--_J. Lyth, D.D.:
Homiletical Treasury,_ part i. p. 23.