Verse 3, at the end. Whose judgement now of a long time lingreth not, and their damnation slumbreth not.
The Analysis. Hitherto we have seen the description of false teachers, and their sins; now followes their reproofe, or the punishment for their sins, that shall certainly befall them. This punishment is set forth, 1. Metonymically, by the cause, in that it is called judgement. 2. By the effect, in that it is called damnation. 3. By the adjunct of swiftnesse and speed, which is shewed by the negation of those things that are opposed unto swiftnesse. Now in generall, lingring or slownesse is opposed thereunto; in speciall, slumbring, which is put as a species of idlensse or slacknesse. This swiftnesse of the punishment that shall befall them, is set forth by the adjunct of time, that it did not now first of all begin to make hast, but now of a long time. The Doctrines arising herehence. Doct. 1. The punishment of sinne followes after sinne.
This is gathered from the connexion of these words with the words foregoing: there was the description of sin; and here presently followes the threatning of punishment.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, never to think of sin, but to adjoyne also the consideration of the punishment, which is joyned unto sin. Doct. 2. This punishment proceeds from the just judgement of God; for that it is here called judgement.
For God as judge of all the earth, pronounceth sentence upon men for their sins, and the execution of that sentence is called punishment. Now he pronounceth sentence according to right and a most holy law, and therefore the punishment which God inflicteth is in a proper sense called judgement.
Vse 1. This may serve to refute, 1 prophane men, which think that those evils that men suffer, both publick and private, come by chance. 2. Those that are wont to complaine of the evils which they suffer, as if God did deale unjustly with them, Gen.18.25. Deut.32.4.
