We are led to consider the designs of God in the afflictions of His people.
I. TO RECALL THEIR WANDERING HEARTS TO HIMSELF. “A man will look to his Maker--
1. With a suppliant eye, to find in Him sources of consolation and a rock of defence such as the world cannot furnish (Psa_123:1-2; Jh 2:1).
2. With a penitent eye (Luk_22:62; Zec_12:10).
3. With a confiding and believing eye (chap. 8:17).
4. With a rejoicing eye (Rom_5:11; Hab_3:18).
II. TO RAISE THEIR ESTIMATE OF THE HOLINESS OF THE DIVINE CHARACTER AND THE RECTITUDE OF THE DIVINE DISPENSATIONS. “Shall have respect unto the Holy One of Israel.”
III. TO SEPARATE THEM FROM ALL SINFUL AND IDOLATROUS DEPENDENCES. “He shall not look,” etc.
IV. TO ENDEAR THE MERCY THAT MINGLES WITH THE TRIALS. This appears--
1. In the moderate degree in which God’s people are corrected, compared with the final and exterminating judgments which fall upon the wicked. Damascus was to be utterly destroyed (Isa_17:1), but a remnant was to be left to Israel (Isa_17:5). God’s people always see that He has afflicted them less than they deserve (Lam_3:22).
2. In the alleviations of their trials.
3. In the triumphant issue of the whole. (S. Thodey.)
