Under the similitude of a wretched infant, is shewed the natural state of Jerusalem. God's extraordinary love towards her: her monstrous whoredom: her grievous judgment: her sin, matching her mother, and exceeding her sisters Sodom and Samaria, calleth for judgments. Mercy is promised in the end to her penitent children.
Before Christ 593.
JERUSALEM is represented under the image of an exposed infant, whom God preserved from destruction, brought up, espoused, and exalted to sovereignty. But she proved faithless and abandoned; and therefore God threatens her with severe vengeance; but graciously promises that hereafter he will fulfil his early covenant with her.
The allegory is easily understood; and, as Mr. Lowth observes, has much force, liveliness, and vehemence of eloquent amplification. The images are adapted to a people immersed in sensuality. See Bishop Lowth, Prael. Hebr. 31: p. 403. 2nd. ed. 8vo.