18. immutable--Translate, as in
Heb 6:17,
"unchangeable."
impossible . . . to lie--"ever to lie"; this is
the force of the Greek aorist [ALFORD].
His not being able to deny Himself is a proof, not of weakness, but of
strength incomparable.
consolation--under doubts and fears, and so "encouragement,"
literally, "exhortation."
fled for refuge--as if from a shipwreck; or, as one fleeing to
one of the six cities of refuge. Kadesh, that is, holy, implies
the holiness of Jesus, our Refuge. Shechem, that is, shoulder,
the government is upon his shoulder
(Isa 9:6).
Hebron, that is, fellowship, believers are called into the
fellowship of Christ. Bezer, that is, a fortress, Christ is so
to all who trust in Him. Ramoth, that is, high, for Him hath God
exalted with His right hand
(Ac 5:31).
Golan, that is, joy, for in Him all the saints are justified and
shall glory.
lay hold upon the hope--that is, the object of our hope, as upon
a preservative from sinking.
set before us--as a prize for which we strive; a new image,
namely, the race course
(Heb 12:1, 2).
JFB.
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