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A furnace is a fireplace or crucible for melting and refining gold or other metals (Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 27:21). Sometimes it is the emblem of cruel bondage (Deuteronomy 4:20; Jeremiah 11:4). Also of judgments and severe and grievous afflictions, by which God punishes the rebellious (Ezekiel 22:18-20). By the furnace of affliction He also tries and proves His people. This furnace is — I. AFFLICTIVE. It is composed of many severe trials, which are designed by the great proprietor and manager of this furnace, to purge and refine the souls of His people. 1. Sometimes they are tried by the scantiness of temporal things. This may be induced by want of employment; it may be the result of sickness; it may result from the injustice of man. 2. Frequently the saints are chastised with bodily afflictions. 3. Sometimes they suffer from bereavements. 4. They too have domestic trials of various kinds from ungodly relatives, refractory and disobedient children, &c. Thousands of God's people have been in this furnace. Moses, David, &c. Even Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. II. THIS FURNACE IS DIVINELY APPOINTED. It is not the result of chance; afflictions arise not out of the dust; they are not the works of our enemies merely. They imply the moral government of God, and the wise and gracious arrangement of His providence. Every event is either His appointment, or has His all-wise permission. Such views of the subject have reconciled and supported the minds of the godly under their various afflictions. What a blessing that all is arranged by infinite Wisdom and Love! III. THIS FURNACE IS NOT VINDICTIVE, BUT GRACIOUS. Divine chastisement may be a kind of punishment for sin committed. It supposes some fault, which it is intended to correct. But when men are persecuted for righteousness' sake, it does not appear to be for sin. It may be for righteousness' sake on the part of man, and for unrighteousness' sake on God's part. God will suffer persecution and reproach to befall us, when we are cold and indifferent in His cause. But such punishment is not like that inflicted on the wicked. IV. THIS FURNACE IS DESIGNED FOR THE SPIRITUAL AND EVERLASTING BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH ONLY. Even as a furnace is prepared for the refining of gold, so afflictions are appointed for the saints who are compared to gold (Lamentations 4:2; Job 23:1. 10). This intimates to us the high value which the Divine Being places upon His people. They are His jewels, His chosen, a peculiar people. &c., and it is His will that they should shine in the world, and exhibit the glory and power of His grace. V. THIS FURNACE IS PROPORTIONATE. He will regulate its heat according to the circumstances of His people who may be placed there. "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver," &c. As a refiner adopts this posture for minute inspection, and that he may quicken the fire, or lower its temperature, as a view of the process may intimate, so the Divine presence, inspection, and compassion may well comfort the afflicted saint (1 Corinthians 10:13; Isaiah 43:2; Hebrews 4:15). There can be no caprice, no unwise or intemperate anger in Him. Compassion is mixed with the severest dispensations, and a wise distinction made between the different members of His family. God often tries the faith and patience of such as have been long under tuition, and are like the elder branches of His household, while He spares the young and inexperienced. VI. THE TENDENCY OF THIS FURNACE IS BENEFICIAL. "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." A more proper translation would have been, "I have tried thee," &c. By affliction of various kinds I have proved thy faith, hope, patience, and love. The root of the matter is within thee. Matthew Henry gives this beautiful exposition, "I have made thee a choice one by the good which the furnace has done thee." God has nevertheless chosen some in the furnace of affliction. He has met them there, and by His Spirit has subdued them, and brought them to repentance, faith, and consecration to Himself. The design of a position in this furnace is to purify the Christian from sin, to wean from the world, &c. Application — 1. Let the sublime design of this furnace induce patience and submission. 2. Remember the time of trial is but short. "Weeping may endure," &c. Called the day of adversity; the hour of affliction; but for a moment. 3. What a furnace of infliction awaits the ungodly in the world to come.

(Helps for the Pulpit.)

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KJV: Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

WEB: Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.