How canst thou say, I am not polluted.
Self-vindicating sinners reproved
I. The self-vindicating ways of sinners.
1. Direct denial (Genesis 4:9).
2. Vain excuse (1 Samuel 15:13-15).
3. Hypocritical palliation (Genesis 3:11-13).
II. God substantiates His charge against His offending people.
1. By an appeal to fact.
2. By a most apt comparison.
Dromedary and wild ass, when seeking their mate, are so bent upon attainment of desire, that efforts to catch them are vain; no one will weary himself with so fruitless a labour. But when their time of pregnancy has advanced, they fall comparatively an easy prey to the pursuer. So, to little purpose that you are followed with invitations and entreaties: you “will not hear the voice of the charmer,” etc. (C. Simeon, M. A.)
Know what thou hast done.
What hast thou Done?
Look at thy life in the light of--
1. God’s Divine purpose.
2. Your social position, and the circumstances by which you have been surrounded.
3. The responsibilities of the domestic relationship.
4. Your relationship to the best and tenderest of fathers.
5. The tender dealings of the Holy Spirit.
6. Your relationship with Him who, because He loved you, was content to hang upon the Cross. (W. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A.)