he restoration of the Jews. (1-13) The Messiah promised;
happiness of his times. (14-26)
Verses 1-13: Those who expect to receive comforts from God, must call
upon him. Promises are given, not to do away, but to quicken and
encourage prayer. These promises lead us to the gospel of
Christ; and in that God has revealed truth to direct us, and
peace to make us easy. All who by sanctifying grace are cleansed
from the filth of sin, by pardoning mercy are freed from the
guilt. When sinners are thus justified, washed, and sanctified
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Holy Spirit, they are
enabled to walk before God in peace and purity. Many are led to
perceive the real difference between the people of God and the
world around them, and to fear the Divine wrath. It is promised
that the people who were long in sorrow, shall again be filled
with joy. Where the Lord gives righteousness and peace, he will
give all needful supplies for temporal wants; and all we have
will be comforts, as sanctified by the word and by prayer.
Verses 14-26: To crown the blessings God has in store, here is a
promise of the Messiah. He imparts righteousness to his church,
for he is made of God to us righteousness; and believers are
made the righteousness of God in him. Christ is our Lord God,
our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption. His
kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. But in this world prosperity
and adversity succeed each other, as light and darkness, day and
night. The covenant of priesthood shall be secured. And all true
believers are a holy priesthood, a royal priesthood, they offer
up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God; themselves, in the
first place, as living sacrifices. The promises of that covenant
shall have full accomplishment in the gospel Israel. In (Ga
6:16), all that walk according to the gospel rule, are made to
be the Israel of God, on whom shall be peace and mercy. Let us
not despise the families which were of old the chosen people of
God, though for a time they seem to be cast off.
he restoration of the Jews. (1-13) The Messiah promised;
happiness of his times. (14-26)