The Outstretched Hand of God.
ix. 8–x. 4. But His hand is stretched out still.
Much is said in the Bible concerning the hand of God.[1] Consider what the hand is to man: it is the chief instrument by which he executes his purposes,—farmer, builder, artist, author, &c.; and by the hand of God is meant His executive force in all its varied forms. God has the means of doing all His will, and He is not an unconcerned spectator of human affairs—these truths inspire God’s people with hope, courage, and joy; and they ought to inspire with terror all who are in rebellion against Him. His hand is outstretched, not for, but against them; His irresistible executive forces are certain to be put forth for their overthrow. Alike for the warning of those whose lives are not governed according to the Divine will, and for the exciting of holy watchfulness in those who are trying to obey that will in all things, let us study this prophecy for the purpose of discovering, I. The reasons why God’s hand is outstretched in anger. Remind you that this is not an exhaustive statement of those reasons, and that no man is necessarily safe merely because his conduct is not here specifically described, I point out that among the things that put man in the most extreme peril of destruction by their Creator are—1. Oppression (x. 1, 2.)[2] 2. Hypocrisy (ix. 17).[3] 3. Stubbornness under Divine chastisements (ix. 9, 10).[4] II. The effects of the outstretching of God’s hand in anger. These are terrible, increasing, continuous. III. The mode of escape for those against whom God’s hand is stretched out in anger. Not defiance, but submission and repentance (ix. 13). IV. Let us note with reverent and thankful wonder, that against the wicked God’s hand is long stretched out; that it does not, as it so easily might, come down upon them instantly with destructive force. What a proof we have here that, while He is inflexibly righteous, He is tenderly pitiful! And what an encouragement we have here to return to Him with penitence of heart![5]
FOOTNOTES:
[1] It is so vast that the mighty ocean lies in the hollow of it (Isa. xl. 12). It is a hand of power and skill, for by it the foundations of the earth were laid; and all the wondrous hosts of heaven fashioned (Isa. xlviii. 13; lxvi. 2). In it our life is (Dan. v. 23). When He opens it, His creatures are filled with good, and all their desires are satisfied (Ps. civ. 28; cxlv. 16). By it the Good Shepherd feeds, guides, and protects His sheep (Ps. xcv. 7). It is a good hand, helping all who are trying to serve God (Ezra viii. 22; Neh. ii. 18). It is a mighty hand, delivering His people (Exod. xiii. 3). It is a hand that controls those who control others (Prov. xxi. 1). Even the shadow of it is sufficient protection (Isa. li. 16). It is a heavy hand when it rests upon His people in chastisement (Job xix. 21), and still more so when it rests upon the wicked in punishment (1 Sam. v. 11). It is outstretched to fight against His enemies (Jer. xxi. 5).
[2] See outlines on pages [94]–96 (Oppression of the Poor, The Pleader and the Judge).
[3] H. E. I. 3026, 3027; P. D. 1923.
[4] H. E. I. 143, 158.
[5] H. E. I. 2286.