For the phrases "and the maker of it," the margin reads, "and his work." So Alexander and Henderson. This reading renders the passage intelligible in meaning and terrible in import. It then in simple, vivid manner sets forth the reciprocal influence of the sinner and his sin. The man in committing sin degrades and enfeebles himself, and then the sin he has committed reacts upon his degraded and enfeebled nature to kindle in it the fire of its corruption. It is worth observing that these terrible words of warning are not levelled 1. against _low and vile people._ The term "strong" precludes that opinion. They are spoken against those who have been, or are still, esteemed, exalted, and powerful,--presumably against the princes, the judges, the counsellors of the nation (vers. 23-26). Nor are they spoken 2. against _the avowedly irreligious._ The people addressed performed a multitude of sacrifices (ver. 11), were punctilious in their attendance on the house of God, &c. (vers. 12-14), were full of apparent devotion (ver. 15). Nor 3. do they refer to _the grosser forms of sin._ These would of course come under the same condemnation. But spiritual sins, though more refined to our perception, are more fatal even than sensual sins. It is pre-eminently a spiritual sin in root, however sensual in fruit, that is here arrived at. It is all summed up in the one evil, "forsaking the Lord" (ver. 28). It is important to bear these considerations in mind if we would obtain personal and profitable application of these words. Consider--