In their perfection "On a sudden"] Instead of µmtb bethummam, "in their perfection, "as our translation renders it, the Septuagint and Syriac read, in the copies from which they translated, µatp pithom, suddenly; parallel to [gr rega, in a moment, in the preceding alternate member of the sentence. The concurrent testimony of the Septuagint and Syriac, favoured by the context, may be safely opposed to the authority of the present text.

For the multitude "Notwithstanding the multitude"] brb berob. For this sense of the particle b beth, see Num. xiv. 11.

Is. 47:1-6 Babylon is represented under the emblem of a female in dee distress. She was to be degraded and endure sufferings; and i represented sitting on the ground, grinding at the handmill, the lowes and most laborious service. God was righteous in his vengeance, an none should interpose. The prophet exults in the Lord of hosts, as the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel. God often permits wicked men to prevail against his people; but those who cruelly oppress them will be punished.

Is. 47:7-15 Let us beware of acting and speaking as Babylon did; of trusting in tyranny and oppression; of boasting as to our abilities relying on ourselves, and ascribing success to our own prudence an wisdom; lest we partake of her plagues. Those in the height of prosperity, are apt to fancy themselves out of the reach of adversity It is also common for sinners to think they shall be safe, because the think to be secret in wicked ways. But their security shall be their ruin. Let us draw from such passages as the foregoing, those lessons of humility and trust in God which they convey. If we believe the word of God, we may know how it will be with the righteous and the wicked to all eternity. We may learn how to escape the wrath to come, to glorif God, to have peace through life, hope in death, and everlastin happiness. Let us then stand aloof from all delusions __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew