Hamilton Smith

(Vv. 8, 9). In the verses that follow (8–20) we see the glory of God maintained in His dealings in grace with Israel. With the words “But thou Israel” God turns from the Gentiles to address the Jewish nation. However much they have failed and come under the governmental dealings of God for their idolatry, yet they are the people of God’s sovereign choice, the seed of Abraham the friend of God, “called” out from the great ones of the earth, and “chosen” to be God’s servant to witness for Him. God may, indeed, chasten His people but He will not cast them off.