38:17 Thus saith the Lord GOD; [Art] thou he of whom I have spoken of old {m} by my servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days [many] years that I would bring thee against them?
(m) By this he declares that no affliction can come to the Church of which they have not been advertised before to teach them to endure all things with more patience when they know that God has so ordained.
38:17 Spoken - All these enterprises I have spoken of, and will as well defeat as I did foretel them.
38:14-23 The enemy should make a formidable descent upon the land of Israel. When Israel dwell safely under the Divine protection, shalt not thou be made to know it by finding that endeavours to destroy them are made in vain? Promises of security are treasured up in the word of God, against the troubles and dangers the church may be brought into in the latter days. In the destruction of sinners, God makes it appear that he is a great and holy God. We should desire and pray daily. Father, glorify thine own name.
