Verse 4. - Thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee, etc. These are, of course, primarily the idolatries of Israel. The people are to reap what they have sown. Their sins should be recognized in their punishment.
7:1-15 The abruptness of this prophecy, and the many repetitions, show that the prophet was deeply affected by the prospect of these calamities. Such will the destruction of sinners be; for none can avoid it. Oh that the wickedness of the wicked might end before it bring them to an end! Trouble is to the impenitent only an evil, it hardens their hearts, and stirs up their corruptions; but there are those to whom it is sanctified by the grace of God, and made a means of much good. The day of real trouble is near, not a mere echo or rumour of troubles. Whatever are the fruits of God's judgments, our sin is the root of them. These judgments shall be universal. And God will be glorified in all. Now is the day of the Lord's patience and mercy, but the time of the sinner's trouble is at hand.
And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity,.... Though the punishment will be heavy, and the lamentation will be great; see Ezekiel 5:11;
but I will recompense thy ways upon thee; the evil of punishment for the evil of sin, the righteous demerit of their actions:
and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee; not taken away, unatoned for, and indeed not repented of. The Targum is,
"and the punishment of thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee:''
and ye shall know that I am the Lord; to whom vengeance belongs; who takes notice of sinful actions, and punishes for them; to whom appertain the perfections of omniscience, omnipotence, and punitive justice.
but I will recompense thy ways upon thee; the evil of punishment for the evil of sin, the righteous demerit of their actions:
and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee; not taken away, unatoned for, and indeed not repented of. The Targum is,
"and the punishment of thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee:''
and ye shall know that I am the Lord; to whom vengeance belongs; who takes notice of sinful actions, and punishes for them; to whom appertain the perfections of omniscience, omnipotence, and punitive justice.