they profaned, The Jews, when thus scattered, appeared to them an abject and wretched company of people. They were recognized as the worshippers of Jehovah wherever they went; but they were looked upon as a viler and more worthless race than any of the idolaters among whom they were driven. Many would ascribe their wickedness to the tendency of their religion, which they abhorred, and not to their having acted inconsistently with it; and regard their miseries, not as the punishment of their sins, but as proofs of God's inability to protect them. This profanation of his holy name, Jehovah was determined to wipe away, by shewing mercy unto them.

Isaiah 52:5 Now therefore, what have I here, said the LORD, that my people is taken away for nothing? they that rule over them make them to howl...

Romans 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

These

Exodus 32:11-13 And Moses sought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why does your wrath wax hot against your people...

Numbers 14:15,16 Now if you shall kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of you will speak, saying...

Joshua 7:9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round...

2 Kings 18:30,35 Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us...

2 Kings 19:10-12 Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying...

Jeremiah 33:24 Consider you not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD has chosen, he has even cast them off?...

Daniel 3:15 Now if you be ready that at what time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer...