Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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of the same body, at least of the same body of mankind. All we are brethren.
27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon
me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: Here is great humility. By this we learn, that the nearer we approach to God, the more our miserable estate appears, and the more we are humbled.
(1.) A deep sense of his own unworthiness (Ge 18:27): Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but dust and ashes; and again, Ge 18:31. He speaks as one amazed at his own boldness, and the liberty God graciously allowed him, considering God's greatness--he is the Lord; and his own meanness--but dust and ashes. Note,
[1.] The greatest of men, the most considerable and deserving, are but dust and ashes, mean and vile before God, despicable, frail, and dying.
[2.] Whenever we draw near to God, it becomes us reverently to acknowledge the vast distance that there is between us and God. He is the Lord of glory, we are worms of the earth.
[3.] The access we have to the throne of grace, and the freedom of speech allowed us, are just matter of humble wonder, 2Sa 7:18.
(2.) An awful dread of God's displeasure: O let not the Lord be angry (Ge 18:30), and again, Ge 18:32. Note,
[1.] The importunity which believers use in their addresses to God is such that, if they were dealing with a man like themselves, they could not but fear that he would be angry with them. But he with whom we have to do is God and not man; and, whoever he may seem, is not really angry with the prayers of the upright (Ps 80:4), for they are his delight (Pr 15:8), and he is pleased when he is wrestled with.