In this chapter we have, I. The prophet's humble complaint to God of the success that wicked people had in their wicked practices (ver. 1, 2) and his appeal to God concerning his own integrity (ver. 3), with a prayer that God would, for the sake of the public, bring the wickedness of the wicked to an end, ver. 3, 4. II. God's rebuke to the prophet for his uneasiness at his present troubles, bidding him prepare for greater, ver. 5, 6. III. A sad lamentation of the present deplorable state of the Israel of God, ver. 7-13. IV. An intimation of mercy to God's people, in a denunciation of wrath against their neighbours that helped forward their affliction, that they should be plucked out; but with a promise that if they would at last join themselves with the people of God they should come in sharers with them in their privileges, ver. 14-17.
The Prophet's Appeal to God. (b. c. 606.)