CHAP. IV. V. 1. In the day before mentioned, the wrath of God would "burn as an oven," or furnace, against the "proud" Pharisees and Sadducees, and all others who should reject the Messiah: and it would destroy all the wicked Jews, with their city and temple; so that no remains of them would be left in the land, or acknowledged as the people of God. (Marg. Ref . a-c.- Notes , 3:1-6,13-18, υυ . 13 -15. Ps . 21:8-12, vv . 8,9. Joel 2:28-32, υυ . 30 -31. Am . 5:18-20. Zeph. 1:14-16.)-The
k Gen. 3:15. Josh. 10.21,25. 20 3:1. Is. 40:3. Matt. 11:13,14. Sam. 22:43. Job 40:12. Ps. 91:13. Is. 25:10. 26:6.63:3-6. Dan. 7:18,27. Mic. 5:8. 7:10. Zech. 10:5. Rom. 16:20. Rev. 11:15. 14:20.
pl. Joel 2:31. Acts 2:19,20. Rev. 6:17.
q Luke 1:16,17,76. rIs. 61:2. Dan. 9:26,27. Zech. 11:6. 13:8. 14:2. Matt. 22:7. 23:35-38. 24:27-30. Mark 13:14-26. Luke 19:41-44. 21:22-27.
s Deut. 29:19, &c. Is. 24:6, 43. 28. 65:15. Dan. 9:11. Zech. 5:3. Mark 11:21. Heb. 6:8. 10:26-31. Rev. 22:3,20,21.
pating desolation. ( Marg . Ref . Note , Matt . 24:21,22.)
V. 2, 3. Christ is "the Sun of Righteousness.' By his doctrine he discovers God, and his perfections, law, and truth to mankind; he shews them the eternal world, and its infinitely important concerns: he brings them acquainted with themselves, their sins, dangers, wants, enemies, and refuge. He is the Source of all man's righteousness for justification and sanctification: his influences render the sinner wise, holy, fruitful, and joyful. ( Marg . Ref . fi.) All the light in the church, before his coming, was derived from the dawning of the day, which his rising was to perfect.
He arose at his birth, became more conspicuous in hiş ramistry, was eclipsed at his death, shone forth brighter after his resurrection and ascension, and attained his meridian splendor, when the Mosaic dispensation terminated in the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Christian dispensation was completely established. Then he shone on all the pious Jews, (3:16.) 'and on all 'believers with "healing in his wings , or beams;" "wings" metaphorically for "beams."" Вр. Newcombe.
Thus he healed their wounded consciences, their broken hearts, their spiritual maladies; and they went forth from the bondage of Satan, or the yoke of the ceremonial law, to grow up in knowledge and holiness, as calves grow strong and vigorous which are fed at the stall: and then they were made victorious and triumphant over all their wicked persecutors.--The beams of this Sun have enlightened the nations, and the souls of all that fear God, ever since. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 3: 13--18, υυ . 16-18. 2 Sam . 23:3,4. Ps . 84:11,12. Prov . 4:18,19. Is . 60:1--3,15--22. Hos . 6:1--3, v. 3.
Luke 1:76--79. 2:28--32, v . 32. John 1:6-9. 8:12. 12:44--50. 2 Cor . 4:6. 2 Tim . 1:10. 2
history of the siege and destruction of Jerusa- Pet . 1:19. 1 John 2:7––11. Rev. 21:22--27. 22:2 lem and the temple; and the unspeakable mise---5.)
ries of the Jews, and the unparalleled slaughter V. 4--6. Because the time was come, that made of them by the Romans; with all the suf- 'the Jews should be destitute of prophets, until ferings of the scattered remnant to this day, 'the time of Christ; because they should with forms the best comment on this verse. - Leave 'more fervent minds desire his coming; the them, &c.] A proverbial expression for extir- || 'prophet exhorteth them to exercise themselves 'refusing to hearken to his testimony concern'ing the Messias.' Lowth .
'diligently in studying the law of Moses in the ||--The utter destruction of the Jewish nation 'mean season, whereby they might continue in 'and country is here threatened, upon their 'the true religion, and also be armed against 'rejecting the preaching of John Baptist, and 'all temptations.'-These verses intimate, that the Jews ought not to expect any more prophets, till the forerunner of Christ appeared among them. They were therefore to attend to the law of Moses, and wait the Messiah's coming by the light of that dispensation.
At length Elijah would come, (that is, John the Baptist,) to introduce that glorious and terrible day of Christ: and his ministry would be rendered effectual in numerous instances, to turn the hearts "of the fathers with the children" to the Lord, to reconcile their discordant parties, by directing them all to Christ; or, to restore the degenerate children to the temper of their pious forefathers, that they might be owned as their posterity.
But, except this change took land with a curse." With this awful sentence place, the Lord would "come and smite the the Old Testament concludes.--'He sheweth, 'wherein John's office should stand; in the 'turning of men to God, and joining the father 'and children in one unity of faith; so that the 'father shall turn to the religion of his son, 'which is converted to Christ, and the son 'shall embrace the faith of the true fathers, 'Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.'-John the Baptist, in many things, resembled Elijah, the intrepid, self-denying, and zealous reformer of Israel, in the days of Ahab.--He came "in the spirit and power of Elijah," who was considered as the chief of the prophets, after Moses. ( Marg . g.
Ref . Notes , 3:14 1--4, v. 1. Is . 40:3--5. Dan. 9:25-27. Joel 2:28--32, vv. 30,31. Zech. 11:7-11. 13:8,9. 14:1--3. Matt . 11:13-15. 17: 10-13. Mark 9:11-13. Luke 1:11-17, vv . 16, 17,76-79, 0.76. John 1:19-29. Rev. 20:4-6.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Behold, another day is coming, far more dreadful than any that has gone before, to all "the proud and those that work wickedness!" But "the Sun of righteousness" now shines, to enlighten and bless all who "fear the LORD:" and the more we walk in his light, and delight in his fructifying beams, the more speedily will our souls be healed, and we shall grow holy, fruitful, and happy. What then will be our felicity, when we go forth from the dungeon of this world, to rejoice and grow up in his immediate presence for evermore!
Then takers of the Redeemer's triumphs and glory; all enemies will be put under our feet, as parand peace and joy unutterable will be our portion.
Let others then boast in the illusion of their proud reasonings, and call it illumination: but let us keep near to that sacred word, through which this "Sun of righteousness" shines upon the souls of his people: and in the way of his ordinances and commandments, let us wait with patience the hour of our release; and cheerfully expect the great and dreadful, yet delightful day, when he shall come the second time to complete our salvation. ( Notes , Is . 50:10,11. 2 Tim. 4:6-8. Tit . 2:13,14.
Heb . 9:27,28.)--But let all men observe, that unless their hearts are turned from sin and the world to Christ, to God, to peace, and holiness, they cannot escape the curse of his broken law, or enjoy the felicity of his chosen and redeemed people.
GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH.
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THE END OF VOL. IV.
Family Record.
BIRTHS.
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