Isa 1:16-17, Rom 12:9 | JFB | STEP | 16. God saith to the sinner, "Wash you, " &c., that he, finding his inability to "make" himself "clean," may cry to God, Wash me, cleanse me ( ). before mine eyes —not mere outward reformation before man's eyes, who cannot, as God, see into the heart ( ).

Isaiah 1:16-17

16. God saith to the sinner, "Wash you," &c., that he, finding his inability to "make" himself "clean," may cry to God, Wash me, cleanse me (Ps 51:2, 7, 10).

before mine eyes—not mere outward reformation before man's eyes, who cannot, as God, see into the heart (Jer 32:19).

17. seek judgment—justice, as magistrates, instead of seeking bribes (Jer 22:3, 16).

judge—vindicate (Ps 68:5; Jas 1:27).

Romans 12:9

9. Let love be without dissimulation—"Let your love be unfeigned" (as in 2Co 6:6; 1Pe 2:22; and see 1Jo 3:18).

Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good—What a lofty tone of moral principle and feeling is here inculcated! It is not, Abstain from the one, and do the other; nor, Turn away from the one, and draw to the other; but, Abhor the one, and cling, with deepest sympathy, to the other.