were it not that I feared the provocation of the enemy, lest their adversaries should judge wrongly, lest they should say, ‘Our hand is exalted; the LORD has not done all this.’”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 27. Wrath. The enemies of the Israelites wished nothing more than their destruction. If therefore God had gratified this desire, by punishing his people as they deserved, the enemy would have presently insinuated that He had not been able to drive them out, or that ( Bible.) he was fickle, and so forth—Mighty. (excelsa;) “lifted up.” This expression shews the pride and insolence of those who make use of it, as if they despised God and all his laws. Procopius mentions this wicked inscription, to be still seen at Rome, “I lift up my hands to (or against) God, who destroyed me, though innocent, in the 20th year of my age.” Pos. Procius, ( Calmet.) who seems to have been a woman, quæ vixi, and so forth Bible.