Psalm 78:41 Yes, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. I. IN WHAT WAY WE MAY LIMIT THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. To limit is to set bounds to His operations; to circumscribe or confine Him in His ability to effect certain purposes or works, Now, God is often limited — 1. In the extent and freeness of His mercy. The Jews could not conceive of publicans and sinners being interested in Messiah's regards. 2. The penitent sinner often does this as to the ability and willingness of God to save. 3. The believer in trouble often does this in confining God to a certain mode of deliverance. 4. We often do this in the contractedness of our prayers. II. THE EVIL OF LIMITING THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. To limit the Holy One of Israel is — 1. To bring down the Creator to the standard of the creature. 2. Disbelieving His Holy Word. 3. Ungrateful reflection upon Him for past mercies. 4. To limit our mercies and enjoyments. He says, "Be it unto you according unto your faith." (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.WEB: They turned again and tempted God, and provoked the Holy One of Israel. |
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