Israel's wickedness and God's goodness.
A summary of the national history from the entrance into Canaan to the captivity. A dismal story; but, as was natural and suitable in a confession of sin, the more pleasing facts are omitted.
I. The great and INVETERATE WICKEDNESS OF THE PEOPLE. This is described by various terms and phrases, and its heinousness exhibited in many particulars.
1. Flagrant disobedience to the Divine laws. Although so good and so adapted to promote their welfare, "which if a man do, he shall live in them" (Nehemiah 9:29).
2. Proud and stubborn disregard of the Divine remonstrances and warnings.
3. Persecution even unto death of God's inspired messengers (Nehemiah 9:26).
4. Repeated relapses after partial reformation. Notwithstanding—
5. The persistence of their disobedience.
II. THE MARVELLOUS AND LONG-CONTINUED GOODNESS OF GOD.
1. In sending them successive messengers to warn them and lead them to repentance. Even when they slew some, he sent others.
2. In inflicting punishment upon them for the same end.
3. In repeatedly answering their prayers for deliverance.
4. In bearing with them so long, although "they wrought great provocations."
5. In preserving a remnant when at length he scattered the nation (Nehemiah 9:31). Showing himself throughout "a gracious and merciful God."
Reflections:—
1. Sin and suffering are indissolubly linked together.
2. Suffering is inflicted that sin may be subdued.
3. Amendment produced by suffering is often only temporary.
4. Persistence in sin insures ultimate ruin.
5. The goodness of God is shown in the testimony he maintains against sin, and the chastisements he inflicts on the sinner.
6. God is faithful to his promises, although men prove unfaithful (Nehemiah 9:31).
7. The history of Israel is a mirror in which all may see their own likeness. Nations and individuals; some more, some less. Even sincere Christians in a measure. Many can say with good George Herbert ―
"Lord, with what care hast thou heart us round!
Parents first season us; then schoolmasters
Deliver us to laws; they send us bound
To rules of reason, holy messengers,
Pulpits and Sundays, sorrow dogging sin,
Afflictions sorted, anguish of all sizes,
Fine nets and stratagems to catch us in,
Bibles laid open, millions of surprises,
Blessings beforehand, ties of gratefulness,
The sound of glory ringing in our ears;
Without, our shame; within, our consciences;
Angels and grace, eternal hopes and fears:
Yet all these fences and their whole array
One cunning bosom-sin blows quite away."