song of praise. (1-5) A declaration of the gospel blessings.
(6-8) The destruction of the enemies of Christ's church. (9-12)
Verses 1-5: However this might show the deliverance of the Jews out of
captivity, it looked further, to the praises that should be
offered up to God for Christ's victories over our spiritual
enemies, and the comforts he has provided for all believers.
True faith simply credits the Lord's testimony, and relies on
his truth to perform his promises. As God weakens the strong who
are proud and secure, so he strengthens the weak that are
humble, and stay themselves upon him. God protects his people in
all weathers. The Lord shelters those who trust in him from the
insolence of oppressors. Their insolence is but the noise of
strangers; it is like the heat of the sun scorching in the
middle of the day; but where is it when the sun is set? The Lord
ever was, and ever will be, the Refuge of distressed believers.
Having provided them a shelter, he teaches them to flee unto it.
Verses 6-8: The kind reception of repentant sinners, is often in the
New Testament likened to a feast. The guests invited are all
people, Gentiles as well as Jews. There is that in the gospel
which strengthens and makes glad the heart, and is fit for those
who are under convictions of sin, and mourning for it. There is
a veil spread over all nations, for all sat in darkness. But
this veil the Lord will destroy, by the light of his gospel
shining in the world, and the power of his Spirit opening men's
eyes to receive it. He will raise those to spiritual life who
were long dead in trespasses and sins. Christ will himself, in
his resurrection, triumph over death. Grief shall be banished;
there shall be perfect and endless joy. Those that mourn for sin
shall be comforted. Those who suffer for Christ shall have
consolations. But in the joys of heaven, and not short of them,
will fully be brought to pass this saying, God shall wipe away
all tears. The hope of this should now do away over-sorrow, all
weeping that hinders sowing. Sometimes, in this world God takes
away the reproach of his people from among men; however, it will
be done fully at the great day. Let us patiently bear sorrow and
shame now; both will be done away shortly.
Verses 9-12: With joy and praise will those entertain the glad tidings
of the Redeemer, who looked for him; and with a triumphant song
will glorified saints enter into the joy of their Lord. And it
is not in vain to wait for him; for the mercy comes at last,
with abundant recompence for the delay. The hands once stretched
out upon the cross, to make way for our salvation, will at
length be stretched forth to destroy all impenitent sinners.
Moab is here put for all adversaries of God's people; they shall
all be trodden down or threshed. God shall bring down the pride
of the enemies by one humbling judgment after another. This
destruction of Moab is typical of Christ's victory, and the
pulling down of Satan's strong holds. Therefore, beloved
brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the
work of the Lord; for your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
song of praise. (1-5) A declaration of the gospel blessings.
(6-8) The destruction of the enemies of Christ's church. (9-12)