Ezekiel 31

Ver. 3–6. The kingdom of Assyria arrived at an astonishing extent of dignity and power, ruling over and protecting many nations; and r king was exceedingly exalted. Their fruitful soil, enriching commodities, udent, administrations, and traffic with, or conquest of, nations rendered it re powerful and extensive than any kingdom on earth. All the nations about e either under its dominion or courted its friendship. 13–17. Upon the of the Assyrian monarchy the conquering nations made a prey of it, and utted themselves with the spoils thereof: Let therefore no princes nor kingoms be puffed up with a concert of themselves because of present prosperity, they must all, in their turn, be reduced and ruined. When the Assyrian monarchy was destroyed, it struck a general terror into all its friends, dependants, and neighbours, and put a stop to all trade;—and while the Assyrians and their neighbours bewaited the disaster, the great kings and kingdoms, which had long. fore reduced, rejoiced to see Assyria in like manner ruined, and to see its murs and dependants brought to destruction. REFLECTION OF THE CHAP. XXXI.—kings and kingdoms may flourish and for a time is great pomp and grandeur, and yet must certainly fall at last. And the greater men’s height, the more ruinous is their fall. But how unhappy it is that men cannot excel in earthly things without creating envy to themselves! It is highly necessary that they who have power and wealth should use it for the protection and comfort of others around; and that God’s hand should be carefully observed in the advancement of the great men of the earth. He, as Judge, pulls down one king and kingdom, and sets up another. And often their ruin comes upon them just after they seemed most fixed and flourishing. The more proud and imperious they are, the greater is like to be their disgrace and contempt. They who were courted in their prosperity will be deserted and spoiled in the day of adversity; and their fall will probably involve multitudes in terror or ruin. And let us always remember that God intends every providential stroke as a warning to others; that, when proud presumptuous sinners are cast down, all around may mortify their lusts, and be clothed with humility