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ing of the temple, which was the habitation. of the Shechinah, or divine prefence: and therefore, he fays, by way of furprite, But Shall I declare their blood innocent *! Shall I declare the nations innocent of the blood of Ifrael, which they have fpilt on the ground, and fuffer it to go unrevenged? In truth, I will not declare it innocent: I will not abfolve the blood that hath been fpilt, nor will I fuffer it to go unpunished; but will furely be avenged of them. By this rendering, the expreffion appears ftrong and beautiful, and the answer in the latter clause just and striking. And concerning the fecond caufe, he faid, because the Lord dwelleth in Zion. And they deftroyed his houfe, and burnt the habitation of his divine prefence; for which, it is alfo proper that he should be avenged of them.

This, is what appears to me, according to the original, to be the real fenfe of this great and important prophecy, which hath appeared fo difficult to the generality of commentators; and whence, the feven fol

*Hence, it appears to me, that the words have been univerfally wrong tranflated.

lowing fundamental principles are deducible.

First, that at the time of the future redemption of the nation, the fpirit of prophes cy, and the Shechinah or divine prefence, will be restored to Ifrael; and the true knowledge of the LORD will allo be multiplied in the earth; as the prophet says, ver. 28. "And it fhall come to pafs afterward, (that) I will pour out my fpirit upon all flesh; and your fons and your daughters fhall prophefy." And which agrees with the eighth principle of the prophecies of Isaiah.

Second, The vengeance which the Almighty will take of the nations at that time, for the evil which they have done to Ifrael; as in Chap iii. ver. 9. "Proclaim ye this among the nations; declare ye war." &c. &c. And which agrees with the first principle of the prophecies of Ifaiah.

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Third, the particular vengeance, that is to be taken of Edom: ver. 19.. Egypt fhall be a defolation, and Edom fhall be a defolate wildernefs." And which agrees with the second principle of the prophecies of Ifaiah.

Fourth,

Fourth, the Redemption, and Salvation of Ifrael; as in Chap. iii. ver. 1. "For behold, in thofe days, and at that time, when I fhall bring again the captivity of Judah, and of Jerufalem :" And which agrees with the third principle of the prophecies of Ifaiah.

Fifth, that there is a certain and determinate time, for the Redemption of the nation; as in ver. 13. "For the wine prefs is full, the vats overflow, And which agrees with the fixth principle of the prophecies of Ifaiah.

Sixth, that after the faid Redemption, they never will go into captivity more; neither they, nor their pofterity for ever: as in the latter member of ver. 17. "And ftran❤ gers shall no more pafs through her." And ver. 20. "But Judah fhall dwell for ever, and Jerufalem (shall remain) from genera tion to generation." And which agrees with the eleventh principle of the prophecies of Ifaiah.

Seventh, that after the future Redemption, the nations will be inftructed in the true Unity of God, and his Law and will

ferve, and worship him as mentioned in

" And a

the latter member of ver. 18. fountain fhall come forth from the houfe of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim." As I have explained it at large, p. 129, &c. And which agrees with the twelfth principle of the Prophecies of Isaiah.

Now, it is well known from all history, facred and profane, that none of those great and important events, were ever accomplished at their return from Babylon: for then, the Shechinab or divine prefence was not reftored to the nation: God did not take fuch fignal vengeance of the nations as the prophet mentions is to be taken of them, immediately before the great and terrible day of the LORD come: and it is well known, that they were again carried into captivity by the Romans, and in which, they have continued to this hour. From all which, it is manifeft, that the purport of this important prophecy was not accomplished at their return from Babylon, or during the continuance of the fecond temple: much lefs can it be faid, that thofe events took place at the coming of Jefus, or during his

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continuance on earth. And it would be a waffe of time to no purpose, to shew that, thefe promises cannot by any means be applied to the fpiritualizing fcheme of the Chriftians: Whence it is manifeft, that this important prophecy remains to be fulfilled at the coming of the true Meffiah; whom God in his mercy speedily fend, Amen.

Note, Although I obferved (p. 108. Note) that this prophecy commences Chap. iii. ver. ift. And which divifion I intended to follow yet, as on reflection, I judged, that it might not be fo convenient to the generality of Readers, I have therefore, followed the generally received divifion, of the common tranflation of the Bible.

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