xxvii. 7-9. _Hath He smitten him as He smote his smiter, or
was he slain as his slayers were slain? In exact measure,
when dismissing her, Thou didst contend with her; He scared
her away with His rough blast in the day of the east wind.
Therefore on these terms_ [or, hereby] _shall the guilt of
Jacob be purged, and this shall be all the fruit of taking
away his sin, when he maketh all the altar-stones like
lime-stones dashed in pieces, that Ashéras and sun-images
rise up no more.--Cheyne._
This is a continuation of the song of the vineyard (vers. 2-6). That
song was to be sung after deliverance from disasters which had come
upon God's chosen people, as the chastisement of their sins. The
prophet here pauses to reflect and to instruct them. His instructions
are of exceeding value to us, for God acts on the same principles in
every age.