§. 115. Of the extremity of Gods revenge.
It is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
THe Apostle having long insisted upon Gods just severity in judging apostates, he concludes that point with a rhetorical * 1.1 figure, that doth much aggravate all that he had before delivered thereabouts. Every word herein carrieth an especiall 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
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1. This word, a 1.2 fearfull, is enough to cast an apostate into such a trembling pas∣•…•…ion, as Belshazzar was cast into, when he saw the hand-writing upon the wall.
Of the derivation of the Greek word, see v. 27. §. 96.
- 2. This phrase, b 1.3 to fall into the hands, being applyed to God, is metaphoricall; for to speak properly, God hath no hands, nor other members. It is applyed to God c 1.4 after the manner of man. The metaphor is taken from an enemy, which seeketh after one of whom he intendeth to take revenge: If he catch him, and lay hold on him, he is sure to pay for it.
- 3. It is d 1.5 God himself that layeth hold on this man: how then can he think to escape?
- 4. This God is the e 1.6 living God, which implyeth an everlastingnesse, so as there is no end of Gods vengeance.
Of this title, living God, see more Chap. 3. v. 12. §. 138. 139.
How fearfull a thing it is to fall into Gods hands, is evident by Belshazzars pas∣sion,* 1.7 Dan. 5. 6.
By a Prophets exclamation, Nah. 1. 6.
By the imprecations of such as are in Gods •…•…ands, Rev. 6. 16.
By the effects following thereupon, Matth. 8. 12.
And sundry other wayes.
Two particulars are here in speciall noted, which much aggravate this terror.
One is the inf•…•…nitnesse of God himself.
The other is his everlasting continuance.
As God himself is, so is his wrath, a great wrath: So is his hand, a strong hand, •…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hand, an heavy hand.