5:3 For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out [by] a thousand shall leave {b} an hundred, and that which went forth [by] an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel.
(b) Meaning, that the tenth part would hardly be saved.
5:3 By a thousand - That sent out one thousand soldiers. An hundred - Shall lose nine parts of them.
5:1-6 The convincing, awakening word must be heard and heeded, as well as words of comfort and peace; for whether we hear or forbear, the word of God shall take effect. The Lord still proclaims mercy to men, but they often expect deliverance from such self-invented forms as make their condemnation sure. While they refuse to come to Christ and to seek mercy in and by him, that they may live, the fire of Divine wrath breaks forth upon them. Men may make an idol of the world, but will find it cannot protect.
