CONTENTS
The subject appears to be continued through this chapter, which engaged the prophet's attention in the former. The people are reproved their transgressions, and the consequent displeasure of the Lord spoken of.
The prophet opens this chapter by pointing to the consequence of sin. The bread and the water, the common supplies of life, shall be taken from the people: and what tends to aggravate this distress is that the hand of the Lord is seen in it: and they shall know that it is the Lord's punishment. There is somewhat truly awful in this! Afflictions of every kind to our poor fallen nature, come heavy; but if they come with a special commission from the Lord, that the Lord hath sent them; they have a tenfold bitterness in them. I beg the Reader to mark with me, the special feeling, in this verse. The first name of the Lord is in small letters, signifying the Adonai, one of the well-known names of Christ, in his office-characters, as Mediator; the stay and support of his redeemed. The second name of the Lord is in capital letters, the well-known incommunicable name of Jehovah. Blessed Jesus! how delightful is the consideration, under all the transgressions of thy people, that the bread of life, and the water of life are not taken away. Reader, I charge it upon your heart and my own, ever to keep in remembrance, that Christ, our Father's first and best gift, is never taken away. Jesus is given to the church, to have and to hold forever. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.