od's defence of his church. (1-8) Christ's coming and his
kingdom. (9-11) Promises to the church. (12-17)
Verses 1-8: Here are judgements foretold on several nations. While the
Macedonians and Alexander's successors were in warfare in these
countries, the Lord promised to protect his people. God's house
lies in the midst of an enemy's country; his church is as a lily
among thorns. God's power and goodness are seen in her special
preservation. The Lord encamps about his church, and while
armies of proud opposers shall pass by and return, his eyes
watch over her, so that they cannot prevail, and shortly the
time will come when no exactor shall pass by her any more.
Verses 9-17: The prophet breaks forth into a joyful representation of
the coming of the Messiah, of whom the ancient Jews explained
this prophecy. He took the character of their King, when he
entered Jerusalem amidst the hosannas of the multitude. But his
kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. It shall not be advanced by
outward force or carnal weapons. His gospel shall be preached to
the world, and be received among the heathen. A sinful state is
a state of bondage; it is a pit, or dungeon, in which there is
no water, no comfort; and we are all by nature prisoners in this
pit. Through the precious blood of Christ, many prisoners of
Satan have been set at liberty from the horrible pit in which
they must otherwise have perished, without hope or comfort.
While we admire Him, let us seek that his holiness and truth may
be shown in our own spirits and conduct. These promises have
accomplishment in the spiritual blessings of the gospel which we
enjoy by Jesus Christ. As the deliverance of the Jews was
typical of redemption by Christ, so this invitation speaks to
all the language of the gospel call. Sinners are prisoners, but
prisoners of hope; their case is sad, but not desperate; for
there is hope in Israel concerning them. Christ is a
Strong-hold, a strong Tower, in whom believers are safe from the
fear of the wrath of God, the curse of the law, and the assaults
of spiritual enemies. To him we must turn with lively faith; to
him we must flee, and trust in his name under all trials and
sufferings. It is here promised that the Lord would deliver his
people. This passage also refers to the apostles, and the
preachers of the gospel in the early ages. God was evidently
with them; his words from their lips pierced the hearts and
consciences of the hearers. They were wondrously defended in
persecution, and were filled with the influences of the Holy
Spirit. They were saved by the Good Shepherd as his flock, and
honoured as jewels of his crown. The gifts, graces, and
consolations of the Spirit, poured forth on the day of
Pentecost, (Ac 2) and in succeeding times, are represented.
Sharp have been, and still will be, the conflicts of Zion's
sons, but their God will give them success. The more we are
employed, and satisfied with his goodness, the more we shall
admire the beauty revealed in the Redeemer. Whatever gifts God
bestows on us, we must serve him cheerfully with them; and, when
refreshed with blessings, we must say, How great is his
goodness!
od's defence of his church. (1-8) Christ's coming and his
kingdom. (9-11) Promises to the church. (12-17)