An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

First, To fit them for instruction, and counsel; they heard (possibly) before, but not with an open, that is, a ready and obedient ear. The ear is shut, though we hear much, unless we submit and conform to what we hear. The ear seldom opens fully till the Lord smites, as well as speaks, and gives us both a word and a blow.

First, To fit them for instruction, and counsel; they heard (possibly) before, but not with an open, that is, a ready and obedient ear. The ear is shut, though we hear much, unless we submit and conforme to what we hear. The ear seldome opens fully till the Lord smites, as well as speaks, and gives us both a word and a blow.

Secondly, He openeth their ear to discipline, that is, to hearken what Gods chastening or correction speaks, or what he speaks by his chastening. The Lord would not have his chastenings unprofitable, nor his rods without fruit to us, and therefore he openeth the ear to discipline, and showeth us the meaning of such a cross or sickness, of such a loss or affliction; He openeth their ear to discipline.

Secondly, He openeth their ear to discipline, that is, to hearken what Gods chastening or correction speakes, or what he speaks by his chastning. The Lord would not have his chastnings unprofitable, nor his rods without fruit to us, and therefore he openeth the ear to discipline, and sheweth us the meaning of such a cross or sickness, of such a loss or affliction; He openeth their ear to d•scipline.

Hence note; First, It is a special power of God which helps us to understand his mind, either in his Word or in his Works.