CHASTISEMENT
Isaiah 19:22. And the Lord shall smite Egypt, &c.
I. The benevolent design of God in chastisement. God smites in order to heal. Scripture teaches throughout that God’s dealings with men are—
1. Not capricious.
2. Not indiscriminate.
3. Not unjust. He does not impose burdens that cannot be borne, nor exact obedience which man cannot render, nor select favourites for preference or victims for vengeance, without any regard to the relations existing between man and Himself. Contrary to all this, God’s smiting is that—
(1) of a Rescuer, who inflicts blows upon our chains that He may set us free;
(2) of a Physician, who in mercy probes the wound that He may heal it;
(3) of a Father, who uses the rod for the salutary purposes of correction and reformation (H. E. I., 56–74).
II. The conduct befitting in men when under chastisement. “And they shall return,” &c. This return includes—
1. Submission (H. E. I., 143).
2. Entreaty for help. (See also Isaiah 19:20.) This involves humble confession of sin, and hearty reliance upon God (H. E. I., 145–147).
3. Sincerity of purpose, as manifested in the fulfilment of vows. (See also Isaiah 19:21.)—William Manning.