This seems to be the opening of a new subject in these words, unless we explain them as in answer to the further enquiry of the inquisitive mind, who from beholding the desolations of Israel stands amazed, that after such a profusion of miracles as the LORD had manifested towards Israel, on bringing them out of Egypt, he should now cast them off, and cause them to be wanderers through the earth. If thoughts such as these should arise in any mind, the HOLY GHOST hath given a most satisfactory answer to it, not only in this last verse of this chapter, but also in his servant the apostle's writings, to which I refer the Reader, Romans 9:1. throughout.
REFLECTIONS
DEAREST JESUS! it is thou that art the covenant of thy people, for with thee, as their great head, the covenant is made; in thee it is fulfilled; by thee it is completed; and from thee, the full assurance of the blessings of it must come. Thou art given as a covenant to the people by the FATHER: and thou art the everything belonging to it. Oh! may I behold in thee, how all thy people stand complete in thy righteousness. For it is not confined to the captains of the tribes, nor the elders, nor the officers: but our little ones and our wives, the stranger that is in our camp, and the hewer of wood, and the drawer of water, are all equally interested in the fulness and preciousness of thy salvation.
Endue my soul with suited strength, that I may never forsake the covenant of my GOD, nor turn my back upon the LORD of my mercies. LORD! grant, I pray thee, that there may never be in me an evil heart of unbelief; in departing from the living GOD; but daily, while it is called today, may my soul be strengthened with thy SPIRIT'S might, lest I should be hardened with the deceitfulness of sin. And Oh! do thou, blessed GOD, confirm me in all the privileges of thy covenant, that those things which are so graciously revealed, may belong to me and to my children forever.