Isaiah 52:5 Now therefore, what have I here, said the LORD, that my people is taken away for nothing? they that rule over them make them to howl… I. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE NAME OF THE LORD? His perfections, titles, etc. II. THE VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH IT IS BLASPHEMED. 1. By denying His existence (Psalm 10:4; Psalm 14:1; Psalm 53:1). 2. By denying His sovereignty (Job 21:14, 15; Exodus 5:2). 3. By denying His truth (Genesis 3:4; Isaiah 36:15; 2 Peter 3:3, 4). 4. By denying His power (2 Kings 7:2; 2 Kings 18:30, 32-35; Psalm 78:19, 20). 5. By denying His omnipotence and omniscience (Job 22:13, 14; Psalm 10:11; Psalm 73:11; Psalm 94:7; Isaiah 29:15; Ezekiel 8:12). 6. By accusing Him of injustice (Jeremiah 12:1; Ezekiel 18:25; Ezekiel 33:17; Malachi 2:17; Malachi 3:15). 7. By murmuring against His dispensations (Isaiah 45:9; Exodus 14:11, 12). 8. By false swearing, oaths and curses, etc. III. THE EXCUSES USUALLY MADE FOR IT. Ignorance, custom, example, surprise, passion, confirmation of what is said, meaning no harm, inconsistencies of professors, etc. (2 Samuel 12:14; Ezekiel 36:20; Romans 2:24; 2 Peter 2:2). IV. THE EVIL CONSEQUENCES OF IT. Destroys the little remains of the fear of God. Leads to the disobedience of all His commands. Sets a horrid example to others, especially to the young. V. THE POWERFUL ARGUMENTS AGAINST IT. The Lord is our glorious and lawful Sovereign, who sees and hears all things. He is a holy and jealous God, before whose bar we must appear, He is fully able to punish, and has assured us that He will (2 Kings 19:22, 28; Isaiah 37:23, 36-38; Ezekiel 20:27, 33; Ezekiel 35:12-14). (A. Tucker.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. |
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