Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
The call is directed to the scornful men who rule the people in Jerusalem, commanding them to hear the word of the Lord. Those rulers had made lies their refuge and falsehood their hiding place. Their trust rested on a claimed covenant with death and agreement with hell, which was only false confidence. Their course shows that there is no safety in human wisdom and strength or in human schemes devised for security.
Because of that false refuge they presumed that the overflowing scourge and coming disaster would not reach them. The Lord will judge that false security, exposing it and sweeping the refuge of falsehood away. In that judgment He lays judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet as His measure.
The prophet's figures represent spiritual things: set against the false refuge is the sure foundation laid in Zion, which is the protection for those who believe. The warning applies spiritually today, addressed to the churches and portraying conditions in the world today.
The call is directed to the scornful men who rule the people in Jerusalem, commanding them to hear the word of the Lord. Those rulers had made lies their refuge and falsehood their hiding place. Their trust rested on a claimed covenant with death and agreement with hell, which was only false confidence. Their course shows that there is no safety in human wisdom and strength or in human schemes devised for security.
Because of that false refuge they presumed that the overflowing scourge and coming disaster would not reach them. The Lord will judge that false security, exposing it and sweeping the refuge of falsehood away. In that judgment He lays judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet as His measure.
The prophet's figures represent spiritual things: set against the false refuge is the sure foundation laid in Zion, which is the protection for those who believe. The warning applies spiritually today, addressed to the churches and portraying conditions in the world today.