xxx. 7. _Therefore have I cried concerning this, Their
strength is to sit still._
Jerusalem and Judah were threatened by Sennacherib with dangers and
desolations. This people's sin, for which they were reproved by
Isaiah, was their trusting to the Egyptians; they were all in a hurry
to obtain help from them, without seeking counsel of God and resting
upon Him. Isaiah saw that the help of the Egyptians would be
worthless to them, and therefore he counselled them to "sit still,"
trusting in the power, providence, and promise of God, from whom too
much cannot be expected.
+I. Notice the prophet's intermeddling in this important matter.+ He
publishes God's mind concerning it. It is the duty of ministers to
meddle sometimes in public matters, whether in Church or State; they
are to show Jacob their sins, and Israel their transgressions. This
is a part of ministers' work, to testify against sin in all. Christ
was the light of the _world;_ and they should be like their Master,
testifying against all works of darkness. True, the world quarrels
with the servants of God because they bear testimony against its
sins; and on this account many ministers who have some light, put
their light in prison: "They hold the truth in unrighteousness." They
do this by not bearing witness against public wrongs, and the sin and
defection of statesmen. But it was a gracious expression of a
graceless Cain, "Am I my brother's keeper?" "What am I concerned with
the souls or the sins of others? What am I concerned with the public
evils of the day I live in?" True religion begins at home, but it
does not end there; it will come without doors with us (H. E. I.
1184-1186).
+II. Observe the manner of the prophet's address to this people.+
"Therefore have I _cried_ concerning this." It is the duty of
ministers to be earnest and zealous in reproving sin and reclaiming
sinners. They are to be both seers and criers; and when they see any
danger, they should CRY, that the people may hear and flee out of
harm's way.
1. This is true in regard to public wrongs and national projects
which are contrary to the Will of God (P. D. 2855).
2. They need to _cry_ about matters of eternity, that people may
secure something that death may not be able to take from them--such
as these: saving knowledge, saving faith, pardon of sin, evangelical
love of God in Christ, faithful labours for the honour and glory of
God.--_Ralph Erskine, A. M.: Sermons,_ vol. ii. pp. 252, 253.