Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Ver. 28. Then shall they call, &c.] This was Saul's misery; - The Philistines are upon me, and God will not answer me. This was Moab's curse. Isa 16:12 This was the case of David's enemies. Psa 18:41 A doleful case it is surely, when a man shall lose his prayers, and shall not be a button the better for all his pretended prayers and devotions. "He that turneth away his ear from hearing of the law, even his prayer shall be abominable." Pro 28:9 If God answer him at all, it is according to the idols of his heart, Eze 14:3-4 with bitter answers, as in Judges 10:13,14. Or if better, yet it is but as he answered the Israelites for quails, and afterwards for a king; better have been without. Deus saepe dat iratus quod negat propitius. Giftless gifts God gives sometimes. "He will consume you after that he hath done you good." Jos 24:20