Last rites declaration of Ioannes Paulus PP. II (Karol Wojtyla)
2nd April 2005
--
as in the two verses next
preceding the text. -- The expression I have chosen for my text, their
foot shall slide in due time, seems to imply the following things,
relating to the punishment and destruction to which these wicked
Israelites were exposed. That they were always exposed to destruction;
as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to
fall. This is implied in the manner of their destruction coming upon
them, being represented by their foot sliding. The same is expressed,
Psalm 72:18. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou
castedst them down into destruction."
It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected
destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable
to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the
next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning: Which is
also expressed in Psalm 73:18,19. "Surely thou didst set them in
slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction: How are they
brought into desolation as in a moment!"
Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves,
without being thrown down by the hand of another; as he that stands or
walks on slippery ground needs nothing but his own weight to throw him
down.
That the reason why they are not fallen already and do not fall now is
only that God's appointed time is not come. For it is said, that when
that due time, or appointed time comes, their foot shall slide. Then
they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their o