he restoration of Jerusalem. (1-8) The people encouraged by
promises of God's favour, and exhorted to holiness. (9-17) The
Jews in the latter days. (18-23)
Verses 1-8: The sins of Zion were her worst enemies. God will take away
her sins, and then no other enemies shall hurt her. Those who
profess religion must adorn their profession by godliness and
honesty. When become a city of truth and a mountain of holiness,
Jerusalem is peaceable and prosperous. Verses (4,5), beautifully
describe a state of great outward peace, attended with plenty,
temperance, and contentment. The scattered Israelites shall be
brought together from all parts. God will never leave nor
forsake them in a way of mercy, for this he has promised them;
and they shall never leave nor forsake him in a way of duty, as
they have promised him. These promises were partly fulfilled in
the Jewish church, betwixt the captivity and the time of
Christ's coming; and they had fuller accomplishment in the
gospel church; but the full import must be as to the future
times of the Christian church, or the future restoration of the
Jews. With men this is impossible, but with God all things are
possible; so far are God's thoughts and ways above ours. In the
present low state of vital godliness, we can hardly conceive
that so complete a change can be made; but a change thus
extensive and glorious, can be brought to pass by the almighty
power of the new-creating Spirit, in less time than he was
pleased to employ in creating the world. Let the hands of all
who labour in the cause of the gospel be strong, serving the
Lord in true holiness, assured that their labour shall not be in
vain.
Verses 9-17: Those only who lay their hands to the plough of duty,
shall have them strengthened with the promises of mercy: those
who avoid their fathers' faults have the curse turned into a
blessing. Those who believed the promises, were to show their
faith by their works, and to wait the fulfilment. When God is
displeased, he can cause trade to decay, and set every man
against his neighbour; but when he returns in mercy, all is
happy and prosperous. Surely believers in Christ must not trifle
with the exhortation to put away lying, and to speak every man
peace with his neighbour, to hate what the Lord hates, and to
love that wherein he delights.
Verses 18-23: When God comes towards us in ways of mercy, we must meet
him with joy and thankfulness. Therefore be faithful and honest
in all your dealings; and let it be a pleasure to you to be so,
though thereby you come short of the gains others get
dishonestly; and, as much as in you lies, live peaceably with
all men. Let the truths of God rule in your heads, and let the
peace of God rule in your hearts. Thus the ancient servants of
God drew the notice of heathen neighbours, whose prejudices were
softened. A great increase to the church shall be made. Hitherto
the Jews had been prone to learn the idolatries of other
nations: what more unlikely than that they should teach religion
to their conquerors, and to all the principal nations of the
earth! Yet this is expressly foretold, and it came to pass.
Hitherto the prophecy has been wonderfully fulfilled, and no
doubt future events will explain it further. It is good to be
with those who have God with them; if we take God for our God,
we must take his people for our people, and be willing to take
our lot with them. But let not any one think that mere zeal,
either for Jews or Gentiles, will stand in the place of personal
religion. Let us be living epistles of Christ, known and read of
all men, so that others may wish to go with us, and to have
their portion with us in the realms of bliss.
he restoration of Jerusalem. (1-8) The people encouraged by
promises of God's favour, and exhorted to holiness. (9-17) The
Jews in the latter days. (18-23)