Isaiah 27:8 In measure, when it shoots forth, you will debate with it: he stays his rough wind in the day of the east wind. Here we are taught two things: that God permits calamities to come upon man, but that He restrains them in moderation for some wise and merciful design. It would by no means be difficult to trace out historic parallels illustrative of this truth, both in the history of nations and the annals of the Church. But the words of the text seem capable of a closer application to ourselves and the various calamities which so often overtake us. In Judea the east wind was extremely violent and destructive; allusions to which are not unfrequent in the sacred writings (Job 27:21; Jeremiah 18:17). How many a one has struggled through years of difficulty, buoyed up with the warm hope of gaining some desired object; and just as his hopes are brightening, and the bow is expanding with promises of realisation, the east wind comes and shrouds the whole in darkness. The met wind has blighted your hopes and your joys, but the rough wind has been restrained. 1. Your trials, though great, have not been inflicted with intolerable severity; they have been dealt out to you with moderation for some wise and gracious design. 2. The moderation of our trials will appear, if we compare them with what is endured by others. What are our utmost trials in these highly favoured days compared with those of the early saints? What are our trials compared with those endured by "the noble army of martyrs"? And what are our trials compared with many of our brethren in the present day, who endure suffering and privation, and even death, in their intense love for souls, seeking to advance the Redeemer's kingdom? 3. The moderation of our trials will further appear if we contrast them with what we have deserved. (W. J. Brock, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. |
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