John Wesley · 2016 of 2131
Commentary on Chapter XIV
1. Fallen - Thy sins have involved thee in endless troubles.
2. Render - This will qualify and encourage us to give the sacrifices which are more pleasing to God than calves or oxen.
3. The fatherless - All that are destitute of strength in themselves, and destitute of help from others; all that being sensible of their own helpless condition, look for it from God, who hath power, mercy, and wisdom to help. Mercy - Both the fountain and streams of goodness too, free , and rich bounty.
5. As the dew - I will refresh and comfort, and make fruitful in good works, such as return to me. As Lebanon - As the cedars in Lebanon, so shall the true Israel, , be blessed of God: so flourishing and happy shall the church be under Christ.
6. His branches - His branches which are new sprung out, shall gather strength, and shall multiply in number. The olive-tree - Which retains its verdure all the winter and is rich in fruit; so the true Israel of God shall flourish not in fruitless beauty, but in lovely fruit, even in winter's of affliction and trouble. As Lebanon - The mountain famous for cedars, where also were the trees that afford the frankincense, and many flowers which perfume the air; such shall the spiritual fragrance of the church be to God and man.
7. They that dwell - As many as unite to the church, shall dwell under these spreading trees. Return - Revive and recover strength. As the corn - Which dies it lives to bring forth fruit. As the vine - Which in winter seems dead, but yet life, sap, and a fructifying virtue is in it. The scent thereof - The savour of it to God and good men shall be pleasing as the scent of the delicious wines of Lebanon.
8. I have heard him - A gracious promise from God of hearing prayers. A green fir-tree - As a weary traveler finds rest and safety under a thick tree, so there is safety and refreshment under the protection of the Lord. From me - Of God alone.
9. Shall understand - Which the prophet has delivered. The ways - The ways which he would have us walk in towards him, his law, his , his whole doctrine are all righteous and equal. And the ways wherein God walks towards us, in afflicting or comforting are all righteous and equal. Shall walk in them - Will approve them all, the of God's displeasure, and confessing he remembereth mercy in the midst of judgment. And the of his precepts by endeavouring to observe them. The - Wilful, obstinate sinners, stumble and are offended at his commands, but more at his judgments; they cast off the one, and vainly hope to shift off the other, 'till at last they fall under the weight of their own sins and God's wrath.