xvii. 12. _Woe to the multitude, &c._
These verses appear to have no connection with the prophecies that
precede or follow them, but they seem to indicate the character and
result of the great invasion of Sennacherib. As a description of that
event, they are most beautiful and graphic, sufficient to create
terror in the most thoughtless and boastful sinners. For they remind
them of the ease with which the overthrow of the rebellious is
effected when God visits them in the midst of their pride and
self-confidence. In regard to the punishment here depicted,
think--I. _Of the striking contrasts which the day of visitation
reveals respecting the conduct and the position of the wicked._ Verse
12 shows us the vast and varied host in fancied security; we have a
magnificent picture of a state of might, pomp, vainglory,
self-confidence; but ere we reach the end of verse 13, we see it
scattered! Even while it gloried in its strength, the storm that was
to scatter it had already gathered over it. We see the same contrast
in everyday life; wicked men secure, strong, boastful--the next
moment utterly cast down (Ps. lxxiii. 18-20); or, by the near
approach of death, transformed into the subjects of pitiable despair
(P. D., 684). II. _Of the restless execution of the sentence of
doom._ In pursuit of their wicked schemes, sinners are often led to a
daring defiance of all who threaten their progress, even of God
Himself; _e.g.,_ Pharaoh (Exod. v. 2), Sennacherib (2 Kings
xviii. 17, &c.). But how sharp is the rebuke which God administers;
with what terrible energy are His decrees executed! The profane
boasters become as chaff, as gossamer before the whirlwind (H. E. I.,
2298). III. _Of the swiftness with which the sentence of doom is
executed_ (ver. 14). The morning dawns upon their noise and pomp, but
fast as the beams of light does their judgment overtake them; trouble
comes at the eventide, and by the next morning they are not (P. D.,
3413). It is true that the punishment of the wicked often seems to be
delayed (Eccl. viii. 11); but--1. Sin and punishment are inseparable
(H. E. I., 4603-4610); and, 2. Whenever the punishment comes it is
sudden. Such is the blinding and delusive power of cherished sin that
its penalty always finds the sinner unprepared to receive it; it is
always a surprise and a shock to him.
1. Nations and armies cannot successfully evade the penalties of
their sins; how much less can the individual sinner do so! 2. The
certainty of the punishment of all unrepented sin should lead us
seriously to reflect upon the attitude we are assuming before God.
3. The subject should lead to repentance, but not to despair (Ps.
cxxx. 7; John iii. 16, 17).--_William Manning._