charge to keep the Divine precepts. (1,2) Blessings
promised. (3-8) Reproof to the careless watchmen, the teachers
and rulers of the Jews. (9-12)
Verse 1,2: The Lord tells us what are his expectations of duty from
us. Be honest and just in all dealings. Also strictly observe
the sabbath day. To have the blessing of God upon employments
all the week, make conscience of keeping the sabbath holy. Have
nothing to do with sin. Blessed is the man that keeps his hand
from all things displeasing to God and hurtful to his own soul.
Those who, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of
righteousness by faith, will be found walking in ways of holy
obedience.
Verses 3-8: Unbelief often suggests things to discourage believers,
against which God has expressly guarded. Spiritual blessings are
unspeakably better than having sons and daughters; for children
are a care, and may prove a grief and shame, but the blessings
we partake of in God's house, are comforts which cannot be made
bitter. Those who love the Lord truly, will serve him
faithfully, and then his commandments are not grievous. Three
things are promised. Assistance: I will not only bid them
welcome, but incline them to come. Acceptance, and comfort:
though they came mourning to the house of prayer, they shall go
away rejoicing. They shall find ease by casting their cares and
burdens upon God. Many a sorrowful spirit has been made joyful
in the house of prayer. The Gentiles shall be one body with the
Jews, that, as Christ says, (Joh 10:16), there may be one fold
and one Shepherd. Thanks be to God that none are separated from
him except by wilful sin and unbelief; and if we come to him, we
shall be accepted through the sacrifice of our great High
Priest.
Verses 9-12: Desolating judgments are called for; and this severe
rebuke of the rulers and teachers of the Jewish church, is
applicable to other ages and places. It is bad with a people
when their shepherds slumber, and are eager after the world. Let
us pray the Great Shepherd to send us pastors after his own
heart, who will feed us with knowledge, that we may rejoice in
his holy name, and that believers may be daily added to the
church.
charge to keep the Divine precepts. (1,2) Blessings
promised. (3-8) Reproof to the careless watchmen, the teachers
and rulers of the Jews. (9-12)