Here we have, 1. Men projecting. They keep their designs to themselves,
but they cannot hide them from God; he knows the many devices that are
in men's hearts,--devices against his counsels (as those, Ps. ii. 1-3;
Micah iv. 11),-- devices without his counsel (no regard had to his
providence, as those Jam. iv. 13, this and the other they will do, and
not take God along with them),--devices unlike God's counsels; men are
wavering in their devices, and often absurd and unjust, but God's
counsels are wise and holy, steady and uniform. 2. God overruling.
Various men have various designs, according as their inclination or
interest leads them, but the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand,
whatever becomes of the devices of men. His counsel often breaks men's
measures and baffles their devices; but their devices cannot in the
least alter his counsel, not disturb the proceedings of it, nor put him
upon new counsels, Isa. xiv. 24; xlvi. 11. What a check does this give
to politic designing men, who think they can outwit all mankind, that
there is a God in heaven that laughs at them! Ps. ii. 4. What comfort
does this speak to all God's people, that all God's purposes, which we
are sure are right and good, shall be accomplished in due time!