calleth herself a prophetess._ Many persons set up the claim to be prophets in the times when the gospel was first preached, and it is not improbable that many females would lay claim to such a character, after the example of Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, &c. ¶ _To teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication._ Comp. ver. 14. Whether she herself practised what she taught is not expressly affirmed, but seems to be implied in ver. 22. It is not often that persons _teach_ these doctrines without practising what they teach; and the fact that they _desire_ and _design_ to live in this manner will commonly account for the fact that they inculcate such views. ¶ _And to eat things sacrificed unto idols._ See Notes on ver. 14. The custom of attending on the festivals of idols led commonly to licentiousness, and they who were gross and sensual in their lives were fit subjects to be persuaded to attend on idol feasts――for nowhere else would they find more unlimited toleration for the indulgence of their passions. 21 And I gave her [126]space to repent of her fornication; and [127]she repented not. 21. _And I gave her space to repent of her fornication._ Probably after some direct and solemn warning of the evil of her course. The error and sin had been of long standing, but he now resolved to bear with it no longer. It is true of almost every great sinner, that sufficient time is given for repentance, and that vengeance is delayed after crime is committed. But it cannot always be deferred, for the period must arrive when no reason shall exist for longer delay, and when punishment must come upon the offender. ¶ _And she repented not._ As she did not do it; as she showed no disposition to abandon her course; as all plea of having had no time to repent would now be taken away, it was proper that he should rise in his anger and cut her down. 22 Behold, [128]I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.