The Mysteriousness of God's Providence
S. Charnock, B. D. 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth… I. HIS WAYS ARE ABOVE HUMAN METHODS. Dark providences are often the groundwork of some excellent piece He is about to discover to the world. His methods are like a plaited picture, which on the one side represents a man and the other a beauty. II. HIS ENDS ARE OF A HIGHER STRAIN THAN THE AIMS OF MEN. Who would have thought that the forces Cyrus raised against Babylon, to satisfy his own ambition, should be a means to deliver the Israelites and restore the worship of God in the temple? III. GOD HATH SEVERAL ENDS IN THE SAME ACTION. Jacob is oppressed with famine, Pharaoh enriched with plenty, but Joseph's imprisonment is in order to his father's relief and Pharaoh's wealth. IV. GOD HAS MORE REMOTE ENDS THAN SHORT-SIGHTED SOULS ARE ABLE TO ESPY. (S. Charnock, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. WEB: For the eyes of Yahweh run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly; for from henceforth you shall have wars."