Wesley Corpus

Chapter XLIX The judgment of the Ammonites, ver. 1 - 5. Their restoration, ver. 6. The judgment of Edom, ver. 7 - 22. Of Damascus, ver. 23 - 27. Of Kedar, and Hazor, ver. 28 - 33. Of Elam, and its restoration, ver. 34 - 39. No heir - During the long tract of time that there were wars between the Jews and Ammonites, the land of Gad and Reuben which lay beyond Jordan, fell into the hands of the Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites. Hence it is that the prophet saith, Hath Israel no sons God had given that country of Gilead to Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad; and as mens estates ought to descend to their heirs, so this land should have descended to their posterity, but the Ammonites had taken and possessed it. Ai - A city of the Ammonites, not the same mentioned, Josh 7:2, for that was on the other side Jordan. By the hedges - Where they might be hidden, and not so easily seen. Flowing - Either flowing with water, or plenty of corn and grass. Right forth - So that you shall be glad to flee, and never look back. Gather up - None will receive or entertain you. I will bring - Probably this refers to the conversion of the Ammonites, as well as other Heathens, to Christ. Edom - The Edomites were the posterity of Esau the eldest son of Isaac, but disinherited; the blessing being given to his younger brother Jacob, who was head of the twelve tribes of Israel. God promised him that he should have a fat, and plentiful country, tho' his brother should be his lord; and foretold, that he should break his brother's yoke from off his neck: the land of Seir was his country. The Edomites coasted southward upon Canaan, the Israelites passed by their coasts to go into Canaan, their way lay thro' Edom, but their king refusing to suffer them to go through, God ordered them to go another way. Balaam prophesied their ruin. They were enemies to the Israelites in the time of Saul, 1Sam 14:47, and David, 2Sam 8:14, and Amaziah, 2Kings 14:17, who slew of them ten thousand, and took Selah, calling it Jokteel. Many of the prophets foretold their ruin, Jeremiah in this place, Ezek 25:12 - 14 Joel 3:19 Amos 9:11,12, and others.