Verse 47. Will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days] I have already expressed doubts (see ver. 42) whether the Moabites were ever restored to their national distinction. The expressions in this chapter, relative to their total destruction as a people, are so strong and so frequent, that they leave little room for a limited interpretation. That many of them returned on the edict of Cyrus by virtue of which the Jews were restored, I doubt not; but neither the Ammonites, Moabites, Philistines, nor even the Jews themselves were ever restored to their national consequence.
Perhaps the restoration spoken of here which was to take place in the latter days, may mean the conversion of these people, in their existing remnants, to the faith of the Gospel. Several judicious interpreters are of this opinion. The Moabites were partially restored; but never, as far as I have been able to learn, to their national consequence. Their conversion to the Christianfaith must be the main end designed by this prophecy.
The Philistines had always been enemies to Israel; but the Chaldeaarmy shall overflow their land like a deluge. Those whom God wil spoil, must be spoiled. For when the Lord intends to destroy the wicked, he will cut off every helper. So deplorable are the desolation of war, that the blessings of peace are most desirable. But we mus submit to His appointments who ordains all in perfectwisdom an justice __________________________________________________________________
