Excerpt from "Sinners in the Hand of Angry God!"
"In this verse is threatened the vengeance of God on the wicked unbelieving Israelites, who were God's visible people, and who lived under the means of grace; but who, notwithstanding all God's wonderful works towards them, remained (as vers 28.) void of counsel, having no understanding in them. Under all the cultivations of heaven, they brought forth bitter and poisonous fruit; as in the two verses next preceding the text. -- The expression I have chosen for my text, their foot shall slide in due time, seems to imply the following things, relating to the punishment and destruction to which these wicked Israelites were exposed.
That they were always exposed to destruction; as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall. This is implied in the manner of their destruction coming upon them, being represented by their foot sliding. The same is expressed, Psalm 72:18. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction."
It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning: Which is also expressed in Psalm 73:18,19. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction: How are they brought into desolation as in a moment!"
Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves, without being thrown down by the hand of another; as he that stands or walks on slippery ground needs nothing but his own weight to throw him down.
That the reason why they are not fallen already and do not fall now is only that God's appointed time is not come. For it is said, that when that due time, or appointed time comes, their foor shall slide. Then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight. God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then, at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction; as he that stands on such slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot stand alone, when he is let go he immediately falls and is lost" (Edwards, 1-2).
That they were always exposed to destruction; as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall. This is implied in the manner of their destruction coming upon them, being represented by their foot sliding. The same is expressed, Psalm 72:18. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction."
It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning: Which is also expressed in Psalm 73:18,19. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction: How are they brought into desolation as in a moment!"
Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves, without being thrown down by the hand of another; as he that stands or walks on slippery ground needs nothing but his own weight to throw him down.
That the reason why they are not fallen already and do not fall now is only that God's appointed time is not come. For it is said, that when that due time, or appointed time comes, their foor shall slide. Then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight. God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then, at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction; as he that stands on such slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot stand alone, when he is let go he immediately falls and is lost" (Edwards, 1-2).
Reflection:
This sermon explains the wrath that God hast thrown down upon the Israelites or will throw down because of their horrible sins. I enjoyed this part of the sermon because it's use of comparison between the Israelites position and being on a slippery ground very different and very creative.
It is true about how when someone defies the laws of God they seem to be pictured on a "slippery ground" and it is only by God's hand that they are still standing because otherwise, they would fall and be "destroyed". I like Mr. Edwards view point about how if not guided by God the Israels would "slip and fall". But this does not apply to these people unless they have defied God in some way because God accepts all, unless they have defied him.
Diary:
I quite enjoyed listening to Mr. Edwards during his sermon because he speaks the truth that the holy Lord Almighty is in control and shall banish those who are not worthy to Hell. Otherwise they are accepted as his followers which most people thrive to become so that they are accepted in his eyes. God can forgive all but when it comes to people such as the Israelis, as Mr. Edwards stated in his sermon, some things should just not be forgotten and therefore, I, Uriah Thomas, try as hard as I can to rid myself of all thoughts of sins because I want to be accepted under God's wing. I pray for the men and women who are not following under the Lord's law for they will surely be punished by being "destroyed" as Mr. Edwards put it.
Worship
Political Extension:
Essential Question Answer:
Refer to "Plymouth Plantation" Essential Question Answer
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