he rulers reproved. (1-6) The people are to be restored to
their own land. (7-16) The kingdom of Christ. (17-31)
Verses 1-6: The people became as sheep without a shepherd, were given
up as a prey to their enemies, and the land was utterly
desolated. No rank or office can exempt from the reproofs of
God's word, men who neglect their duty, and abuse the trust
reposed in them.
Verses 7-16: The Lord declared that he intended mercy towards the
scattered flock. Doubtless this, in the first place, had
reference to the restoration of the Jews. It also represented
the good Shepherd's tender care of the souls of his people. He
finds them in their days of darkness and ignorance, and brings
them to his fold. He comes to their relief in times of
persecution and temptation. He leads them in the ways of
righteousness, and causes them to rest on his love and
faithfulness. The proud and self-sufficient, are enemies of the
true gospel and of believers; against such we must guard. He has
rest for disquieted saints, and terror for presumptuous sinners.
Verses 17-31: The whole nation seemed to be the Lord's flock, yet they
were very different characters; but he knew how to distinguish
between them. By good pastures and deep waters, are meant the
pure word of God and the dispensing of justice. The latter
verses, (23-31), prophesy of Christ, and of the most glorious
times of his church on earth. Under Him, as the good Shepherd,
the church would be a blessing to all around. Christ, though
excellent in himself, was as a tender plant out of a dry ground.
Being the Tree of life, bearing all the fruits of salvation, he
yields spiritual food to the souls of his people. Our constant
desire and prayer should be, that there may be showers of
blessings in every place where the truth of Christ is preached;
and that all who profess the gospel may be filled with fruits of
righteousness.
he rulers reproved. (1-6) The people are to be restored to
their own land. (7-16) The kingdom of Christ. (17-31)