This is the lamentation of Jesus over his ancient people, the Jews. And what a sad history of rebellion, from the beginning, when God formed them into a Church, to the time of their rejecting the Lord of life and glory, do the scriptures furnish concerning them! Reader! it is a blessed relief to a gracious soul, longing for the Redeemer's kingdom to come with power and glory on the earth, to recollect that sweet promise, which must, and, we hope, is not now far off to be fulfilled, when the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, Isaiah 59:20; Romans 11:26.
Isaiah 65:2-7
2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and brotha of abominable things is in their vessels;
5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose,b a fire that burneth all the day.
6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.