Isaiah 17:12-14 Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations… I. THE STRIKING CONTRASTS WHICH THE DAY OF VISITATION REVEALS RESPECTING THE CONDUCT AND POSITION OF THE WICKED. Verse 12 shows us the vast and varied host in fancied security; we have a magnificent picture of a state of might, pomp, vainglory, self-confidence; but ere we reach the end of verse 13, we see it scattered. We see the same contrast in everyday life; wicked men secure, strong, boastful — the next moment utterly cast down (Psalm 73:18-20); or, by the near approach of death, transformed into the subjects of a pitiable despair. II. THE RESISTLESS EXECUTION OF THE SENTENCE OF DOOM. III. THE SWIFTNESS WITH WHICH THE SENTENCE OF DOOM IS EXECUTED (ver. 14). It is true that the punishment of the wicked often seems to be delayed (Ecclesiastes 8:11); but — 1. Sin and punishment are inseparable. 2. Whenever the punishment comes it is sudden. Such is the blinding and delusive power of cherished sin that its penalty always finds the sinner unprepared to receive it; it is always a surprise and a shock to him. Conclusion — (1) Nations and armies cannot successfully evade the penalties of their sins; how much less can the individual sinner do so! (2) The certainty of the punishment of all unrepented sin should lead us seriously to reflect upon the attitude we are assuming before God. (3) The subject should lead to repentance, but not to despair (Psalm 130:7). (W. Manning.) Parallel Verses KJV: Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! |
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