Hear ye this, O house of Jacob
God’s appeal to Israel
The lessons of God’s method of prophetic revelation which Israel is to lay to heart.
(A. B. Davidson, D. D.)
“The waters of Judah”
The people, by natural figure, are described as streams from the fountain of Judah (Psalms 68:26). (J. A. Alexander.)
Hollow profession
Here is--
I. PRIVILEGE.
II. FORM.
III. PROFESSION.
IV. YET NO REAL RELIGION. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
“Hear ye this”
I. How? Place yourselves in a hearing posture, that the intense application of your minds may be discovered in your attitude and gestures. Listen with diligence and candour.
II. WHAT?
1. To the reproofs I administer.
2. To the arguments I adduce.
3. To the duties I inculcate.
4. To the assurances I give you.
III. WHY ?
1. That your obdurate hearts may be mollified.
2. Your consciences convinced.
3. Your conversion from your evil ways effected. (R. Macculloch.)
A two fold charge against Israel
God chargeth them with hypocrisy in that which is good, and obstinacy in that which is evil (Isaiah 48:1-8). (M. Henry.)
Religious profession
Observe--
I. HOW HIGH THEIR PROFESSION OF RELIGION SOARED.
II. HOW LOW THEIR PROFESSION OF RELIGION SANK FOR ALL THIS. (M. Henry.)