23. Israel's sins were like a thick cloud, yet this powerful sun melted
genealogy of Christ is called the son of God, Luke 3:38, not only in respect of creation, for so the devil is the son of God, but in a closer relation. Yet all the wickedness that has overflowed the world since the fall originated from him; moreover, Abraham, the father of the faithful, was probably an idolater in Ur of the Chaldees and a worshipper of the sun and fire, as his ancestors were, Josh. 24:2. Yet God made a particular covenant with this man, presented him with a richer act of grace than anyone else in the world had received. The Messiah, the great Redeemer of the world, would come from his seed. This man is set up as the pattern of faith for others, and his bosom seems to be a great receptacle of saints in glory, Luke 16:22,
23. Israel's sins were like a thick cloud, yet this powerful sun melted them: 'I have blotted out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a cloud,' Isa. 44:22. A sullen, gloomy morning often ends in a well-composed noon. Manasseh is an excellent example of this doctrine. His story, 2 Chron. 33, portrays him as a black devil, considering all the aggravations of his sins.
(1.) It was against knowledge. He had a pious education under a religious father. Education usually leaves some traces and impressions of religion. No doubt, the instructions his father
Hezekiah taught him, and the exemplary holiness he had seen in him, were sometimes awakened in his memory and recoiled upon his conscience.
(2.) His place and station; a king. Sins of kings are like their robes, more scarlet and crimson than the sins of a peasant. Their example usually infects their subjects. As they are not without their attendants in their travels and recreations, so neither in their vices and virtues.
(3.) Restoration of idolatry. Had he found the worship of the host of heaven inherited from his father, and the idols set up to his hand, the continuance of them would have less sin, because of more temptation. But he rebuilt those high places and altars to idols after