od's judgments in the latter days. (1-8) The extent of these
judgments. (9-17) The blessings the church shall enjoy. (18-21)
Verses 1-8: The restoration of the Jews, and the final victory of true
religion over all opposers, appear to be here foretold. The
contempt and scorn with which the Jews have often been treated
as a people, and the little value set upon them, are noticed.
None ever hardened his heart against God or his church, and
prospered long.
Verses 9-17: Here is a challenge to all the enemies of God's people.
There is no escaping God's judgments; hardened sinners, in that
day of wrath, shall be cut off from all comfort and joy. Most of
the prophets foretell the same final victory of the church of
God over all that oppose it. To the wicked it will be a terrible
day, but to the righteous it will be a joyful day. What cause
have those who possess an interest in Christ, to glory in their
Strength and their Redeemer! The acceptable year of the Lord, a
day of such great favour to some, will be a day of remarkable
vengeance to others: let every one that is out of Christ awake,
and flee from the wrath to come.
Verses 18-21: There shall be abundant Divine influences, and the gospel
will spread speedily into the remotest corners of the earth.
These events are predicted under significant emblems; there is a
day coming, when every thing amiss shall be amended. The
fountain of this plenty is in the house of God, whence the
streams take rise. Christ is this Fountain; his sufferings,
merit, and grace, cleanse, refresh, and make fruitful. Gospel
grace, flowing from Christ, shall reach to the Gentile world, to
the most remote regions, and make them abound in fruits of
righteousness; and from the house of the Lord above, from his
heavenly temple, flows all the good we daily taste, and hope to
enjoy eternally.
od's judgments in the latter days. (1-8) The extent of these
judgments. (9-17) The blessings the church shall enjoy. (18-21)