1. The captives are so dispirited that they cannot praise Him; but, instead of that, they are continually howling, which grieves Him, and moves His pity.
2. The natives are so insolent that they will not praise Him; but, instead of that, they are continually blaspheming, which affronts Him and moves His anger. (M. Henry.)
Blasphemy
I. ITS NATURE.
II. ITS GUILT.
III. ITS AWFUL PREVALENCE.
IV. ITS CERTAIN PUNISHMENT. (J. Lyre, D. D.)
Blaspheming God’s name
I. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE NAME OF THE LORD? His perfections, titles, etc.
II. THE VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH IT IS BLASPHEMED.
1. By denying His existence (Psa_10:4; Psa_14:1; Psa_53:1).
2. By denying His sovereignty (Job_21:14-15; Exo_5:2).
3. By denying His truth (Gen_3:4; Isa_36:15; 2Pe_3:3-4).
4. By denying His power (2Ki_7:2; 2Ki_18:30; 2Ki_18:32-35; Psa_78:19-20).
5. By denying His omnipotence and omniscience (Job_22:13-14; Psa_10:11; Psa_73:11; Psa_94:7; Isa_29:15; Eze_8:12).
6. By accusing Him of injustice (Jer_12:1; Eze_18:25; Mal_2:17; Mal_3:15).
7. By murmuring against His dispensations (Isa_45:9; Exo_14:11-12).
8. By false swearing, oaths and curses, etc.
III. THE EXCUSES USUALLY MADE FOR IT. Ignorance, custom, example, surprise, passion, confirmation of what is said, meaning no harm, inconsistencies of professors, etc. (2Sa_12:14; Eze_36:20; Rom_2:24; 2Pe_2:2).
IV. THE EVIL CONSEQUENCES OF IT. Destroys the little remains of the fear of God. Leads to the disobedience of all His commands. Sets a horrid example to others, especially to the young.
V. THE POWERFUL ARGUMENTS AGAINST IT. The Lord is our glorious and lawful Sovereign, who sees and hears all things. He is a holy and jealous God, before whose bar we must appear, He is fully able to punish, and has assured us that He will (2Ki_19:22; 2Ki_19:28, Isa_37:23; Isa_37:36-38;Eze_20:27; Eze_20:33; Eze_35:12-14). (A. Tucker.)
