lessings to be sought from the Lord. (1-5) God will restore
his people. (6-12)
Verses 1-5: Spiritual blessings had been promised under figurative
allusions to earthly plenty. Seasonable rain is a great mercy,
which we may ask of God when there is most need of it, and we
may look for it to come. We must in our prayers ask for mercies
in their proper time. The Lord would make bright clouds, and
give showers of rain. This may be an exhortation to seek the
influences of the Holy Spirit, in faith and by prayer, through
which the blessings held forth in the promises are obtained and
enjoyed. The prophet shows the folly of making addresses to
idols, as their fathers had done. The Lord visited the remnant
of his flock in mercy, and was about to renew their courage and
strength for conflict and victory. Every creature is to us what
God makes it to be. Every one raised to support the nation, as a
corner-stone does the building, or to unite those that differ,
as nails join the different timbers, must come from the Lord;
and those employed to overcome their enemies, must have strength
and success from him. This may be applied to Christ; to him we
must look to raise up persons to unite, support, and defend his
people. He never will say, Seek ye me in vain.
Verses 6-12: Here are precious promises to the people of God, which
look to the state of the Jews, and even to the latter days of
the church. Preaching the gospel is God's call for souls to come
to Jesus Christ. Those whom Christ redeemed by his blood, God
will gather by his grace. Difficulties shall be got over easily,
and effectually, as those in the way of the deliverance out of
Egypt. God himself will be their strength, and their song. When
we resist, and so overcome our spiritual enemies, then our
hearts shall rejoice. If God strengthen us, we must bestir
ourselves in all the duties of the Christian life, must be
active in the work of God; and we must do all in the name of the
Lord Jesus.
lessings to be sought from the Lord. (1-5) God will restore
his people. (6-12)