Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
The wicked labor with evil, conceiving harm in the heart and in the intentions and bringing forth lies and falsehood. Evil begins inwardly in purpose and is then produced outwardly as falsehood. The verse belongs to David's prayers and assurances as a tried soul, fitting to be read after Jacob's checkered career.
If the wicked turns not, this course draws death upon himself from God as righteous judge. God has indignation every day against such a one and has made ready the sword and the bow and the fiery instruments of death. By that same course the man's own mischief and violence return upon his own head, and he falls into the pit he made. The retribution pointed to is certain, though its punishment may seem slow or be delayed, coming sooner or later through God's providence.
Jacob's selfish plottings and overreaching and supplanting were met with overreaching and suffering, illustrating this retribution. By contrast, confession to God and to those wronged brings actual liberty to the captive soul. The snare is broken and the soul escapes like a bird from the fowlers. The forgiven one stands as free as if he had not sinned, with no condemnation and no dominion of sin, under Christ as Master whose rule is liberty and life and peace.
The wicked labor with evil, conceiving harm in the heart and in the intentions and bringing forth lies and falsehood. Evil begins inwardly in purpose and is then produced outwardly as falsehood. The verse belongs to David's prayers and assurances as a tried soul, fitting to be read after Jacob's checkered career.
If the wicked turns not, this course draws death upon himself from God as righteous judge. God has indignation every day against such a one and has made ready the sword and the bow and the fiery instruments of death. By that same course the man's own mischief and violence return upon his own head, and he falls into the pit he made. The retribution pointed to is certain, though its punishment may seem slow or be delayed, coming sooner or later through God's providence.
Jacob's selfish plottings and overreaching and supplanting were met with overreaching and suffering, illustrating this retribution. By contrast, confession to God and to those wronged brings actual liberty to the captive soul. The snare is broken and the soul escapes like a bird from the fowlers. The forgiven one stands as free as if he had not sinned, with no condemnation and no dominion of sin, under Christ as Master whose rule is liberty and life and peace.