he havoc occasioned by war. (1) The times of the Messiah.
(2-6)
Verse 1: This first verse belongs to the third chapter. When the
troubles should come upon the land, as the unmarried state was
deemed reproachful among the Jews, these women would act
contrary to common usage, and seek husbands for themselves.
Verses 2-6: Not only the setting forth Christ's kingdom in the times of
the apostles, but its enlargement by gathering the dispersed
Jews into the church, is foretold. Christ is called the Branch
of the Lord, being planted by his power, and flourishing to his
praise. The gospel is the fruit of the Branch of the Lord; all
the graces and comforts of the gospel spring from Christ. It is
called the fruit of the earth, because it sprang up in this
world, and was suited for the present state. It will be good
evidence that we are distinguished from those merely called
Israel, if we are brought to see all beauty in Christ, and
holiness. As a type of this blessed day, Jerusalem should again
flourish as a branch, and be blessed with the fruits of the
earth. God will keep for himself a holy seed. When most of those
that have a place and a name in Zion, and in Jerusalem, shall be
cut off by their unbelief, some shall be left. Those only that
are holy shall be left, when the Son of man shall gather out of
his kingdom every thing which offends. By the judgment of God's
providence, sinners were destroyed and consumed; but by the
Spirit of grace they are reformed and converted. The Spirit
herein acts as a Spirit of judgment, enlightening the mind,
convincing the conscience; also as a Spirit of burning,
quickening and strengthening the affections, and making men
zealously affected in a good work. An ardent love to Christ and
souls, and zeal against sin, will carry men on with resolution
in endeavours to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Every
affliction serves believers as a furnace, to purify them from
dross; and the convincing, enlightening, and powerful influences
of the Holy Spirit, gradually root out their lusts, and render
them holy as He is holy. God will protect his church, and all
that belong to it. Gospel truths and ordinances are the glory of
the church. Grace in the soul is the glory of it; and those that
have it are kept by the power of God. But only those who are
weary will seek rest; only those who are convinced that a storm
is approaching, will look for shelter. Affected with a deep
sense of the Divine displeasure, to which we are exposed by sin,
let us at once have recourse to Jesus Christ, and thankfully
accept the refuge he affords.
he havoc occasioned by war. (1) The times of the Messiah.
(2-6)