7:4 The best of them [is] as {e} a brier: the most upright [is sharper] than a thorn hedge: the day of {f} thy watchmen [and] thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.
(e) They that are of most estimation and are counted most honest among them, are but thorns and briers to prick.
(f) Meaning the prophets and governors.
7:4 As a briar - Mischievous and hurtful. The day - The day in which they shall sound the alarm. Cometh - Surely, speedily, and unavoidably. Now - When that day is come.
7:1-7 The prophet bemoans himself that he lived among a people ripening apace for ruin, in which many good persons would suffer. Men had no comfort, no satisfaction in their own families or in their nearest relations. Contempt and violation of domestic duties are a sad symptom of universal corruption. Those are never likely to come to good who are undutiful to their parents. The prophet saw no safety or comfort but in looking to the Lord, and waiting on God his salvation. When under trials, we should look continually to our Divine Redeemer, that we may have strength and grace to trust in him, and to be examples to those around us.
