he sufferings of Jerusalem. (1-7) Encouraging prospects, and
the destruction of her enemies. (8-15) The holiness of the
latter days. (16-21)
Verses 1-7: The Lord Jesus often stood upon the Mount of Olives when on
earth. He ascended from thence to heaven, and then desolations
and distresses came upon the Jewish nation. Such is the view
taken of this figuratively; but many consider it as a notice of
events yet unfulfilled, and that it relates to troubles of which
we cannot now form a full idea. Every believer, being related to
God as his God, may triumph in the expectation of Christ's
coming in power, and speak of it with pleasure. During a long
season, the state of the church would be deformed by sin; there
would be a mixture of truth and error, of happiness and misery.
Such is the experience of God's people, a mingled state of grace
and corruption. But, when the season is at the worst, and most
unpromising, the Lord will turn darkness into light; deliverance
comes when God's people have done looking for it.
Verses 8-15: Some consider that the progress of the gospel, beginning
from Jerusalem, is referred to by the living waters flowing from
that city. Neither shall the gospel and means of grace, nor the
graces of the Spirit wrought in the hearts of believers by those
means, ever fail, by reason either of the heat of persecution,
or storms of temptation, or the blasts of any other affliction.
Tremendous judgments appear to be foretold, to be sent upon
those who should oppose the settlement of the Jews in their own
land. How far they are to be understood literally, events alone
can determine. The furious rage and malice which stir up men
against each other, are faint shadows of the enmity which reigns
among those who have perished in their sins. Even the inferior
creatures often suffer for the sin of man, and in his plagues.
Thus God will show his displeasure against sin.
Verses 16-21: As it is impossible for all nations literally to come to
Jerusalem once a year, to keep a feast, it is evident that a
figurative meaning must here be applied. Gospel worship is
represented by the keeping of the feast of tabernacles. Every
day of a Christian's life is a day of the feast of tabernacles;
every Lord's day especially is the great day of the feast;
therefore every day let us worship the Lord of hosts, and keep
every Lord's day with peculiar solemnity. It is just for God to
withhold the blessings of grace from those who do not attend the
means of grace. It is a sin that is its own punishment; those
who forsake the duty, forfeit the privilege of communion with
God. A time of complete peace and purity of the church will
arrive. Men will carry on their common affairs, and their sacred
services, upon the same holy principles of faith, love and
obedience. Real holiness shall be more diffused, because there
shall be a more plentiful pouring forth of the Spirit of
holiness than ever before. There shall be holiness even in
common things. Every action and every enjoyment of the believer,
should be so regulated according to the will of God, that it may
be directed to his glory. Our whole lives should be as one
constant sacrifice, or act of devotion; no selfish motive should
prevail in any of our actions. But how far is the Christian
church from this state of purity! Other times, however, are at
hand, and the Lord will reform and enlarge his church, as he has
promised. Yet in heaven alone will perfect holiness and
happiness be found.
he sufferings of Jerusalem. (1-7) Encouraging prospects, and
the destruction of her enemies. (8-15) The holiness of the
latter days. (16-21)