And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
Ver. 2. And the seed of Israel] Called Israelites (not Abrahamites) from their wrestling with God by prayer and tears, and prevailing. Called also Jews from Judah, which signifieth the confessor. Here it is said of them that,
They stood and confessed their sins] All their sins, either actually committed, or habitually comprised in their body of sin. This whoso doth in due manner shall have mercy, Proverbs 28:13. Yea, he shall have heaven. Israel had power with God as a prince. Judah, the confessor, got the kingdom from Reuben. Confession is the way to the kingdom; walk in it; only it must be joined with confusion of sin, as here. They separated themselves from all strangers, they abandoned their peccatum in deliciis, their darling sin, they kept themselves from their iniquity. Psalms 18:23. Hoc non sit verbis, Marce: ut ameris, ama Let this not be by words so that you may be loved and love. (Martial).
And the iniquities of their fathers] i.e. Of their progenitors; which are owned, if not bewailed, disclaimed.