O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments
Which the Jews did not, but slighted and despised them, and were
not obedient to them. So, in the times of Christ, they
disregarded his doctrines, though so profitable; and despised his
ordinances and commands, which were not grievous; they neither
hearkened to them themselves, nor would suffer others; wherefore
our Lord expresses his great concern at it, and his desire, as
man, after their welfare; see ( Matthew
23:13 Matthew
23:37 ) : then had thy peace been as a
river:
their prosperity, temporal and spiritual, had been abundant, and
would have always continued, have been increasing and ever
flowing, yea, overflowing, like the waters of a river. The Targum
is, the river Euphrates, a river which ran through Babylon: but
they had no regard to the things which related to their temporal,
spiritual, and eternal peace, these were hid from their eyes, (
Luke 19:42 ) :
and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:
large, abundant, numerous as the waves of the sea; which may
regard acts of justice and righteousness, which are the support
of a people and state, and blessings the fruit thereof; and which
God of his goodness bestows on such a people, as all kind of
prosperity, protection, safety, and continuance.