2. Tyrants are never willing to release their slaves, ch. iii. 19.-The worst of all tyrants is Satan, and he gives evil wages, Rom. vi. 23. But our Jesus is "mighty to save," Heb. vii. 25.

3. Our obedience to God should be as well-instructed as it is zealous.-Moses was not unwilling to go; but he felt the difficulty of the task, and sought to be fully qualified, hence, ch. iv. 1. 4. Men have a right to ask for special proof from those who profess to have a special commission from God.-Moses

gave this. So did Christ and His Apostles, Heb. ii. 4.

QUESTIONS.-What was the "memorial" of God among the Israelites ? Who were the "elders?" Who foretold that God would visit the Israelites in Egypt? What was Moses to say to Pharaoh? Where was he to say he wished to take the people? What to do? What did God say about Pharaoh? What were the Israelites to ask of the Egyptians? Why did Moses answer God? What happened to his rod? what to his hand? What else was he to do if necessary? Why was he to do these things?

SUMMARY. Having spoken of the judgment of God against the Gentiles, the Apostle turns to the Jews, and teaches that they may not hope to escape it; but that God will judge every man according to his works and privileges, without favour for the Jew, or prejudice against the Gentile. He allows the advantage of the Jew, but shows that this avails nothing, unless he keep the law.

I. WORKS, NOT PERSONS, WILL BE RESPECTED IN THE JUDGMENT.-V. 1-11. Therefore, the inference from the judgment of God on the Gentiles is strong against the Jews, who have clearer light. Inexcusable, without excuse in doing evil, ch. i. 20. O man,-a common name, marking no distinction: Judgest,"condemnest:" the Jews were very prone to do this. For wherein thou..doest the same. Thou dost, in fact, more heavily condemn thyself, for thou art as guilty as the Gentile. V. 2. According to truth, without partiality, and having respect to secret as well as open sins, v. 16. Against them, &c.,-whoever they are. V. 3. Thinkest thou,is this thy conceit? Shalt escape, through some loophole made for thee as a special favourite with the Judge. V. 4. Or despisest, &c.-Does "the rich

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abundance of His kindness," &c., cause thee to think lightly of His righteous power? Not knowing,-not discerning. Leadeth, is designed by God to do so. V. 5. "In the hardness and impenitence of thy heart" thou really treasurest up wrath,-instead of the safety thy vain confidence expects. Righteous judgment, see on v. 2. V. 6. Render, -repay. According to his deeds,-works, i.e., as he deserves." V. 7. Patient continuance, "steadfast endurance," or perseverance. Seek for,-earnestly strive after, being determined to obtain. V. 8. Contentious, denouncing other men, and stubbornly fighting against God. Do not obey, &c.,yielding to what is wrong, disobedient to what is right. Indignation, &c.,a store, indeed, of wrath "treasured up by their own wickedness, Ps. lxxviii. 49. V. 9. The Jew first,-in punishment, asin privilege, ch. i. 16. V. 10. A repetition, in substance, of v. 7, for the sake of emphasis, and to mark more strongly the difference between the fate of evil-doers and the glorious destiny of those who do "the work of good.' V. 11. For,-it is the work, not the particular man, God looks at.

II. PRIVILEGES THE MEASURE OF

JUDGMENT.-V. 12-16. V. 12. Where there is more light there is more knowledge, power, responsibility; and the judgment of God will recognise this difference, because He will judge, not only by the law written in a book, but by the law written in the hearts of men; and not only outward acts, but secret thoughts, counsels, motives, will be tested, v. 16; Eccles. xii. 14; Luke viii. 17; also, Luke xii. 48. V. 13. Not the hearers,-who read, and profess great respect for, the law. But the doers, rendering actual obedience, James i. 22-25. V. 14, 15, teach that the Gentiles, without the law of Moses, had light enough to place them under obligations to God; also a conscience dictating their duty according to that light; and that therefore it was possible for them to be doers of the law they had, and so to "stand" in the judgment of God in the day, &c., v. 16.

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III. THE JEW "WEIGHED IN THE BALANCES."-V. 17-24. Behold, this is thy boast. Art called,-by way of proud distinction. Restest, leaning upon it alone for justification. Of God, -as thine, in a peculiar sense. Approvest, Margin, "triest the things that differ." V. 18. Out of the law,which reveals the will of God. V. 19. Art confident, having assurance bordering on arrogance. Hast the form, &c.,- possess in the law the perfect pattern of knowledge and of truth." V. 21. Thou, therefore,-"I will allow all of privilege, dignity, and power thou dost claim: thou oughtest, therefore, to be quite free from blame thyself. Now dost thou, &c. ?-art thou free?" V. 21-23 contain a pointed challenge to the Jew. Sacrilege,profaning, or robbing, the temple, Mal. iii. 8-10. Is blasphemed,-by your guilty conduct in these particulars. As it is written.-Isai. lii. 5; Ezek. xxxvi. 20-23.

IV. "AN ISRAELITE INDEED."-V.

25-29. If thou keep, &c.,--which thou art more bound to do than the lessfavoured Gentile. But if.. a breaker, &c.,-dost thou not sink to a level with him? V. 26. Therefore, &c.Do you not, in fact, change places? Is not he more honourable than thou? V. 27. Nay, will he not, in turn, become thy judge? Will not his obedience heavily condemn thy disobedience? Luke xi. 30, 31. V. 28, 29. See Illustration II.

REFLECTIONS.-1. How prone men are to pride themselves on a little advantage, and to frown on others!-What need there is to remember the Saviour's advice, Matt. vii. 1-5; and to be admonished by David's conduct, 2 Sam. xii. 1-7. It is far better to be anxious about our own innocence than another's guilt, lest our condemnation be the heavier for our censure of others.

2. What a proof of degeneracy of nature it is when goodness hardens the heart, instead of melting it into thankfulness.-See v. 4, 5.

3. 66 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment," especially when judging yourselves.-For, though we may deceive ourselves, God cannot be deceived. See v. 2, 11, 16.

4. Religious professions and privileges cannot save us in the judgment of God; they can only "profit" when worthily sustained.-Baptism with water cannot cleanse without the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

QUESTIONS.-What did the Jew condemn the Gentile for? How did he condemn himself in that? How did he think to escape the judgment of God? What did he despise? What did he really treasure up to himself? Has God respect to persons? To what then? Who will be justified before God? What will God bring into judgment, v. 16? What does this mean? How does the Apostle challenge the Jew? What terrible thing does he say about the Jews, v. 24? What does he say

about circumcision?

I. FAULT FOUND WITH JESUS HIMSELF.-V. 14-17. Levi,-the same as Matthew, ch. ix. 9. Sitting,-" actually engaged in the business of his calling." Receipt, &c.-"Toll-booth,' or gate. See Margin. Arose,-leaving his business at the bidding of Christ. Followed, -became His disciple. V. 15. At meat,-a "great feast" being given by Matthew in His honour, Luke v. 29. Publicans,-collectors of taxes for the Romans; probably former companions of Levi. Sinners,-notoriously such, or reported such because of their office. Sat also,-unbidden by Christ, but not unwelcome. Many,-disciples who had left all and followed Him. V. 16. Scribes and Pharisees,-professing to be very select in their own companions and conduct, and always seeking occasion against Christ. How is it, &c.,-we thought He had been a man of great sanctity. V. 17. That are whole,-who, like you, fancy themselves to be very good and holy. That are sick,-who feel their need of the Physician, will receive Him gladly. I,-the Physician, or Saviour. Righteous,-in their own estimation. Sinners, not wrapped up in self-conceit, John ix. 39-41.

II. FAULT FOUND WITH THE DISCIPLES.-V. 18-28.

(1.) For not fasting.-V. 18-22. Used,-were accustomed to fast; and, perhaps, at that time, were actually doing so. Why, &c.-See what cunning these Pharisees display! If they wish to find fault with Jesus, they speak to the disciples; if with the disciples, to Jesus. V. 19, 20. See Illustration. V. 21. New, (Margin, "raw, or un

by the cloth-dresser." Taketh away, &c. "It would contract, and draw off a part of the garment, and thus make the rent worse. V. 22. New wine into old bottles,-made of leather, which, when old, would easily crack and burst if the wine were new and fermenting. New bottles would stretch and yield to the pressure of the wine without bursting.

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(2.) For plucking corn on the Sabbath. -V. 23-28. Corn,-wheat, or barley. To pluck,-being hungry, (Matt. xii. 1,) a lawful act, Deut. xxiii. 25. V. 24. Not lawful,-i.e., on the Sabbathday," Matt. xii. 2. V. 26. How He went, &c. See 1 Sam. xxi. 1 -6. Abiathar. The son of Ahimelech, who gave the loaves to David; and succeeded his father in the office. Shewbread.-Lev. xxiv. 5-9. V. 27. For man,-to serve his necessities, and not to make him a slave to ceremonial Therefore,precepts concerning it. moreover, in addition to this. Lord, having power to alter the law, or place it in abeyance for a good and necessary purpose.

REFLECTIONS.-1. A fault-finding disposition is a very uncomfortable one.-A man with this never has peace or rest. Look at these Pharisees, going now to Jesus, then to the disciples, complaining of this, and then of that: "like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest." Take care not to cherish such a disposition.

2. A conceit of our own goodness is an effectual barrier in the way of our salvation.-Jesus came to save the "lost." If we do not feel ourselves lost, we shall not come to Him, v. 17.

3. There is "a time to weep and a time to laugh," Eccles. iii. 4.-No one can be considered the more holy for being always gloomy.

4. Care should always be taken in striving to correct an error, lest we make bad worse.

5. Man's wants must be supplied on

the Sabbath as well as on other days.But it should not be a day of feasting and revelling. "Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy."

QUESTIONS.-Who was "Levi?" What was he doing? Who called him away? Did he obey? What did he make for Jesus? Who

MAN

our nature.

I. MAN'S PLACE OF HONOUR IN THE CREATION OF GOD.-Ps. viii.; Heb. ii. 5-8; Ps. viii. 1. Our Lord,-the Psalmist rejoices in his relation to God. Excellent, mighty, magnificent, glorious. Thy name,-used for God Himself. Above the heavens,whose brightness the splendour of Thy Majesty far surpasses. V. 2. Ordained, &c.-"That is, Thou dost maintain the glory of Thy power, goodness, and providence, against the blasphemies of carnal wisdom, (Rom. viii. 7,) by the means of little children, destitute of the use of reason and speech, but whose birth, sustenance, and wonderful protection reprove the wickedness of atheists and such as are Thine enemies. As if he should say, Thou dost employ the little, feeble, and ignorant, for instruments of Thy glory, against the bold undertakings of the wise and mighty," Matt. xi. 25; Luke x. 21; 1 Cor. i. 27.-DIODATI. Strength. -This word is often taken for glory, because "strength" is the chief foundation of "glory." Still, suppress and keep down. The avenger,-a deadly and much incensed enemy, Ps. xliv. 16. V. 3. Thy heavens, &c.-"The sun is

not mentioned, because the heavens (the moon, planets, and stars) could not have appeared had he been present. Those he wished to introduce because of their immense variety, and astonishing splendour; and, therefore, he skilfully leaves out the sun, which would have afforded him but one object and one idea."-Dr. A. Clarke. The work of Thy fingers.-A most sublime expression. What a Hand to move, form, and launch all those globes! See Illustration I. Ordained,-" prepared and established," giving them their places, fixing their services, and keeping them in orderly motion in their orbits. The planet Jupiter, which weighs one thousand four hundred times as much as the earth, moves at the rate of twenty-nine thousand miles an hour; the speed of other stars is much greater. V. 4. Man, frail, sickly, mortal. Son of man,-Adam, "the fallen child of a fallen parent." Mindful of..and visitest,-in Thy works of providence, Job vii. 17, 18; but especially in mercy and grace, Heb. ii. 6, 9. V. 5. A little lower.-See Illustration II. Crowned him, &c.,-i.e., in his person and constitution, Gen. i. 26, 27. V. 6. To have dominion,-Gen. i. 28, which was not given to the angels, Heb. ii. 5, 7. V. 7, 8. Compare Heb. ii. 5-8. All things in subjection, viz., the works of Thy hands, Gen. ix. 2; Ps. viii. 6-8; the world to come,-v. 5, and ch. vi. 5; i.e., the age of the Gospel dispensation. We see not yet.-Man's dominion over the

inferior animals and the material world is not so absolute and universal now as it was meant to be; and the consummation of his MORAL reign can be looked for only in the personal dignity and triumph of Jesus, v. 9; 1 Cor. xv. 27, 28.

II. MAN'S PROSPECT OF GLORY THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS.-Heb. ii. 1--4, 9-18.

(1.) In His teachings.-V. 1-4. We ought, it is peculiarly necessary. Heed, so as to obey. Slip,-Margin,

"run out, as leaking vessels." V. 2. Spoken by angels, the Mosaic law, Acts vii. 53. A just recompense,- -was strictly punished according to Num. xv. 30, 31. V. 3. If we neglect,—not only if we commit sin, but if we are careless about this salvation from it. So great, both because of its Author, and because it "snatches from hell and lifts to heaven." Which at the first, &c.-Christ's personal ministry was the beginning of the Gospel: Apostles established and expounded what Christ taught. V. 4. God also,-established it as His Truth by signs, &c. Gifts,"distributions," various powers conferred, 1 Cor. xii. 7—11.

(2.) In His sufferings and sympathy. -Heb. ii. 9-18. But we see, as the promise of what man shall be. A little lower,-i.e., in being man. For (Margin, by")" on account of "

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crowned, &c. Compare Phil. ii. 8—11. Should taste,-"an expression denoting both the reality of his death, and the shortness of its continuance." V. 10. It became,-it was fitting and proper. For whom,-whose glory. By whom,-whose wise, strong hand, John i. 3. Many sons, the multitude of the adopted ones, Rom. viii. 15; Gal. iv. 6, 7. Unto glory, their inheritance. Captain,-Leader, Chief, Prince. Perfect,- qualified fully to sympathise with and save them. V. 11. For..all of one, partakers of the same nature. Not ashamed, though so highly exalted and so "crowned." V. 12. Thy name, the glorious character of God, Ps. xxii. 22; John xvii. 6, 26. The Church,the assembly of the faithful. V. 13. See Ps. xviii. 2, and Isai. viii. 18. The children,-" of God by faith." Partakers, &c.-Asthey were men, He became man.

Through death,- by dying Himself. Destroy, not literally, but crush his power. V. 15. And deliver,—from his, till then, hopeless tyranny. Subject, &c., living daily in the greatest dread of it. V. 16. See Margin. Took not, so as to aid or deliver. In all things, sin only excepted. V. 17. Behoved, it was right and necessary. That He might be, &c.- Which He could not have been without personal participation and practical knowledge. In things,- of God. Reconciliation,—expiation, or atonement. Able to succour, -to set an example of endurance, and know How to strengthen with sympathy and help, ch. iv. 16.

REFLECTIONS.-1. Man is God's representative on earth.-He was made to "have dominion." Yet his dignity among the works of creation was but an earnest of the "honour and glory' with which Jesus should be crowned; his natural dominion, a dim setting forth of the spiritual reign of Christ.

2. Sin has robbed man of his crown, and made him a slave.-God" made him a little lower than the angels;" sin has sunk him to a condition "little above the oxen that graze the field." What a lesson of humility is there in the change!

3. The light of future glory relieves the gloom of present sorrow.-The crowning of Jesus is a promise, in fact, to us. His design is to "bring many sons to glory;" and this through His own condescension and sufferings. should we love Him!

How

4. In seeking that future crown of glory, much of our strength and encouragement comes from the sympathy and example of the Saviour Himself. — See v. 18, and ch. xii. 1—4.

QUESTIONS.-What does the Psalmist say of the name of God? What of "babes and sucklings?" Who made the "heavens," &c. ? How is God "mindful" of man? How has He "visited" him? How was man "crowned” at his creation? What was his "dominion?" How has man suffered in it? Why should we attend to what Jesus speaks? What will happen to us if we do not? Why is "salvation" great? What did Christ suffer? Where is He now? Why is He a "merciful and faithful High-Priest?" Why is He able to succour the tempted?