CHAP. XIV.
It is predicted that Jerusalem shall be taken and spoiled by
many and cruel enemies, 1-3. The conversion sinners,
and the increase of spiritual light, till the whole earth submits
to God, 4-9. Jerusalem is rebuilt and replenished, 10, 11. The plague of all who have fought against her, and the conversion of a remnant, 12-19. The holiness of the church in the latter days, 20,21.
EHOLD , a the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.
2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and d the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
3 Then shall the LORD go forth, & and fight against those nations, has when he fought in the day of battle.
4 And his feet shall stand in that day
a Is. 2:12. 13:6,9. Joel 2:31. 3: 14. Mal. 4:5. Acts 2:20. Rev. 16:14.
b Deut. 28:9,&c. Is. 5:26. Jer. 34:1. Dan. 2:40-43. Matt. 22:7. Luke 2:1.
c Matt. 24:15,16. Mark 13:14, 19. Luke 19:43,44. 21:20-24. d Is. 13:16. Lam. 1:10. 5:11, 12. Am. 7:17. Matt. 24:1921.
e Luke 21:24.
f 13:8,9. Is. 65:6-9,18. Matt. 24:22. Rom. 9:27-29. Gal. 4:26,27.
g 2:8,9. 10:4,5. 12:2-6,9. Is. 63:1-6. 66:15,16. Dan. 2:34, 35,44,45. Joel 3:2,9-17. Zeph. 3:19. Hag. 2:21,22. Rev. 6:4 -17.8:7-13.
h Ex. 15:1-6. Josh. 10:42. 2 Chr. 20:15.
i 7. Ez. 11:23. 43:2. Acts 1: 11,12.
made "meet for their Master's use, and ready for every good work." But if the sharpest sufferings lead us to call upon the Lord, with increasing fervency, frequency, and importunity, he will hear us: and if we be "his people, and he be our God," the event of our trials will be "praise, and honor, and glory, at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ."
NOTES.
CHAP. XIV. V. 1-3. 'The Romans, be'ing lords of the known world, had the strength 'of all nations united in their forces.' Lowth. Half . (2) 'The Hebrew word may be rendered 'a portion.... The Romans spared the young 'and useful part of the Jews. However, these 'were either condemned to the mines in Egypt, 'or exposed to the sword, and to the wild beasts, 'in the provincial theatres, or sold for slaves. '... The forty thousand, who were permitted 'to go where they pleased, were Idumeans.' Bp. Newcombe.
Yet all these were "cut off from the city."-Some expositors, on this and other grounds, suppose that all the predictions of this chapter relate to events still future: but probably they begin with the catastrophe of Jerusalem's destruction by the Romans, and so gradually extend to those events, which shall hereafter take place in respect of the Jews, the church of Christ, and their enemies.
The time, when the Romans marched their armies, composed of many nations, to besiege Jerusalem, was "the day of the Lord" Jesus, on which he came to "destroy those that would not that he should reign over them." ( Marg . Ref . a, b.- Notes , Matt. 22:1-10, v. 7. 24:3,23 -35. Luke 19:11-27, υυ . 14,27,41-44.) When the Romans had taken the city, all the outrages were committed, and the miseries endured, which are here predicted. ( Marg .
Ref.c -e. -Note, Luke 21:20-24.) A very large proportion of the inhabitants were destroyed, or taken captives, and sold for slaves; and multitudes were driven away to be pursued pursu by various perils and miseries: numbers also, having
6 And it shall come to pass that the light shall dark:
k 4:7. Is. 64:1,2. Mic. 1:3,4. Nah. 1:5,6. Hab. 3:6. Mark 11:23.
110. Joel 3:12-14. m Ez. 47:1-12.
* Or, my mountains.
Or, when he shall touch the valley of the mountains to the place he separated.
n Num. 16:34. Rev. 11:13. 16: 18-21.
o Am. 1:1.
p Ps. 96:13. 97:4-6. 98:9. Is. 64:1-3. 66:15,16. Dan. 7:9-in that day, clear, nor
14:21-27. Matt. 16:27. 24:3, 27-31. 25:31. Mark 13:26,27. Luke 21:27. 2 Thes. 2:8. Jam. 5:8. Jude 14. Rev. 6:16,17. 20:4,11.
q Deut. 33:2. 1 Thes. 3:13. 2 Thes. 1:7-10.
r Ps. 97:10,11, 112:4. Prov. 4: 18,19. Is. 50:10.60:1-3. Hos. 6:3. Luke 1:78,79. John 1:5. 12:46. Eph. 5:8-14. Col. 12 12. 2 Pet. 1:19. Rev. 11:3,15. Heb. precious.
Heb. thickness.
been converted to Christianity, became citizens of "the heavenly Jerusalem," and thus were "not cut off from the city" of God. ( Notes , Gal . 4:21-31. Heb . 12:22-25.) But, it is probable, that the remnant of Jews who survived this almost exterminating destruction, and their descendants who have for so many centuries been preserved a distinct people, in order to their future restoration, are intended. (See on Note , 13:8,9.)-It is also observable, that the Romans, after having been thus made the executioners of divine vengeance on the Jewish nation, never prospered as they had done before: but the Lord evidently fought against them, and all the nations which composed their overgrown empire; till at last it was subverted, and their fairest cities and provinces were ravaged by barbarous invaders. ( Marg . Ref . g. -Note , 12:2-5.)
Day of battle . (3) When he overthrew the 'Egyptians in the Red Sea; or when the ark of 'God's presence led the armies of Israel in the land of Canaan.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . h.)
V. 4, 5. The Lord Jesus, who will "go forth to fight against" the enemies of his people, often stood upon the mount of Olives when on earth; from thence he ascended into heaven; and, in consequence of his ascension, and the commission granted to his apostles, the gospel was sent to the different regions of the globe. ( Marg . Ref . i.- Notes , Ez . 11:22-25, ν. 23. Matt . 21:1-5. Luke 24:50-53. Acts 1:9-12.) The ceremonial law, and the whole Mosaic dispensation, which obstructed the admission of the Gentiles into the church, as the surrounding mountains did their entrance into Jerusalem, were then virtually removed. The peculiar privileges, that Jerusalem had enjoyed, (of which the pleasant pl and fruitful mount
of Olives was an apt emblem,) were taken from her, and divided among the heathen nations: and the remnant of Jews, who believed the word of God, fled away from the destruction which was coming on Jerusalem. The valley caused by the removal of this mountain,
ties; yet some holiness and consolation would be found. This period could neither be called a clear bright day, cheered and illumined by the shining of a summer's sun; nor would it be dark, as if the sun were set, or totally eclipsed: but it would contain a great mixture of truth and error, of holiness and sin, of happiness and misery. Yet it would form one day, and never be interrupted by a night of total dark
"reached unto Azal." Some suppose this to be a proper name of some place, near the mount of Olives; but, being derived from a verb, which signifies to separate, it may signify the separate place. Some think that the Gentiles are meant, who, by the ceremonial law had been separated from the people of God, yet were at length admitted into the church: but perhaps the place to which the Jewish converts fled, to separate themselves from their unbe-ness. It would also be known unto the Lord,
Notes
lieving countrymen, when the Roman armies were about to encompass Jerusalem, may be intended. Thither they fled, being warned by these convulsions. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.k n.-Notes, 4:4-7. Is. 64:1-3. Mic . 1:2-4.
Matt . 24:15-18. 27:51-53, v. 52.)-On the cleaving of mount Olivet, while part was removed to the north and part to the south, a valley, or chasm is supposed to have been made from east to west, through which those who took the alarm hastened to escape, as the Jews had "fled from before the earthquake in he days of Uzziah." This seems to have been very terrible, as the traditional memory of it was common when Zechariah prophesied, nearly three hundred years after. ( Notes , Am . 1:1.
Rev. 11:13,14. 16 1:13,14. 16:17-21.) Then says the prophet, "the LORD my God will come, and all the saints with thee:" that is, Christ would come to destroy Jerusalem and to establish his church and kingdom, in which all his saints and angels would joyfully concur. ( Marg . Ref . p, q.-Notes, Deut . 33:2. Ps . 50:1-3.96:1013.98:4-9. Dan . 7:9-14,23-27. Matt . 16:24 -28, v. 27. 24:29-31, 25:31–33. 2 Thes . 1:510.
Jude 14-16.) The above seems the most satisfactory interpretation: the language made use of may, with great probability, be considered as figurative; and the rejection of the Jews, and the establishment of the Christian church, chiefly of Gentile converts, with only a remnant of God's ancient people, and the total abolition of all the ancient rites, was the most extraordinary religious revolution, which had then, or has yet, taken place.
Some, however, consider the passage as a prediction of events yet unfulfilled; but, as might have been expected, they are not agreed what particular events are intended.
V. 6-9. If the preceding verses have been properly explained, these contain a compendious prophecy of the state of the church, from ts establishment in the apostles' days, to those glorious times, which are expected in the predicted millennium. "In that day ," under the Christian dispensation, for a long season, the light would neither be "clear nor dark:" it would be greatly obscured by ignorance, heresy, superstition, and idolatry; yet not wholly
as to the degree of its light, and the term of its continuance; and he would watch over it, and take care of his cause and people during gall the time of it. But his people would le would hardly know, whether to call it day day or night, or a compound of both: yet at length, towards the evening of the world, "the Sun of righteousness" would break forth, and shine with unclouded splendor, dispelling the gloom of ignorance, heresy, heresy, idolatry, and superstition; and illuminating the church, and the earth, with knowledge, righteousness, ousness, peace, and consolation. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . r-u.-Notes, Is . 9:6,7, 9:6,7, ν. 7. 30:26. 60:15-22. Dan . 2:44,45. 7: 8: 11:31-45. Hos . 3:4,5. 6:1-3. Rev. 11:3-14. 19:11-21.20:1-6.) During that whole period, however, the gospel, attended by the influences of the Holy Spirit, having begun its progress from Jerusalem, would continue its course on every side, amidst all those changes of which summer and winter are an emblem. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . x, y.- Notes . Ez . 47:1-11.
Joel 3:18-21.) Thus nothing should totally impede its progress, till "the LORD shall be King over all the earth," not only in right but in fact; till neither idols, false religion, or antichristian power should remain, as his rivals; till all princes should submit to and serve him; and all the earth should agree in one Object and way of worship, and unite in submission and obedience to one Lord.
No longer would they have deities of different names, according to the regions which they inhabited; or trust to the tutelary care of this or the other saint; or be divided into a number of sects and parties: but they would be all of one mind, to worship that one "name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost," into which all Christians are baptized.
This interpretation evidently accords with various other prophecies, both in the Old and New Testament, and with the history of the Christian church, which records the fulfilment of those prophecies: and it shews, that the prophet was inspired to deliver a regular series of predictions, from the death of Christ ( Note , 13:7.) to the establishment of the millennium: ( Marg . Ref . z, a.- Notes , 8:2023. Gen. 49:10. Ps . 2:6-12. 22:27,28. 72:4-7, 17-19. Is . 2:2-5. 11:6-9.54:4,5. Zeph . 3:9,10.
extinguished: and the state of the church Matt . 28:19,20. Rev. 11:15-18.) whereas, acwould be much deformed by sin and calami-|| cording to some eminent expositors, the most VOL. IV. [889
112
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that'a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor.
15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations, which came against Jerusalem, shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, "even upon them shall be
no rain.
18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain ; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tab
14m And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered to-ernacles. gether, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.
g Num. 21:3. 19.60:18. Jer. 31:28:59. 2 Chr. 21:15,18,19. Ps. 40. Ez. 37:26. Joel 3:17,20. 90:11. Acts 12:23. Rev. 9.5, Am. 9:15. Rev. 22:3. 6. 16:10,11,21. 17:16. 18:6-8. 12:4. Judg. 7:22. 1 Sam. 14: 15-23. 2 Chr. 20:22-24. Ez. 38:21. Rev. 17:12-17.
* Or, shall abide.
h 2:4. 8:4,8. Is. 26:1. 66:22. Jer. 23:5,6. 33:15,16. Ez. 34: 22-29.
i 3. 12:9. Ps. 110:5,6. Is. 34: 66:15,16. Ez. 38:18-22.39:4 -6,17-20. Joel S:1,2. Mic. 4:11-13. 5:8,9, 7:16,17. Rev. 16:19:17-21.
k Lev. 26:18,21,24,28. Dent.
m 10:4,5, 12:5-7.
Or, thou also, O Judah, shalt, &-c.
Or, against.
n 2 Kings 7:6-18. 2 Chr. 14: 13-15. 20:25-27. Is. 23:18. Ez. 39:9,&c.
distant events are brought together, without the least connexion; and the reader cannot tell, whether any part has been fulfilled, or what part; or whether the triumphs of the church on earth, or the glories of heaven are foretold. V. 10, 11. About the same time, an entire change will be made in the condition, disposition, and character of Israel, even as great, as if a large district should be entirely levelled to a plain; the mountains ns being cast down, and the valleys filled up.
Every outward or inward obstruction to their conversion, and restoration to their own land, will be effectually removed. Jerusalem, which has long been 'trodden under foot of the Gentiles," will be raised up from that debased condition, and rebuilded to the whole of her former extent, and inhabited throughout: and it shall no more be devoted to utter destruction, under the awful curse of God, as it had been after the crucifixion of Christ; but it will become a secure and peaceful habitation for the converted Jews. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 2:1-5.4:4-7. 8:4-8.12:6-8. Neh . 3:1.
Is . 26:1. 40:3–5. Jer. 31:38-40. Ez . 34:23-31. 37:25-28.38:11. 39: 21-29. Am . 9:13-15.)
V. 12-15. These verses seem to predict the tremendous judgments, which will be inflicted on those, who shall oppose the settlement of the Jews in their own land: but whether they are to be understood literally, or not, the event must determine. They will all, however, be subdued by Judah "fighting at Jerusalem," and by their fierce contentions
ο 12.
20 T In that day
P 8:20-23.9:7. Is. 60:6-9.66: 18-21. Joel 2:32. Acts 15: 17. Rom. 9:23,24. 11:5,16,26. Rev. 11:13,15-17.
q 17. Ps. 24:7-10. Is. 6:5. Jer. 46:18. 43:15. 51:57. Mal. 1:14. Luke 19.38. John 1:49. Phil. 2:9-11. Rev. 19:16.
r 18,19. Lev. 23:34-36. Num. 29:12-38. Deut. 16:13-16. 31:10-13. 2 Chr. 7:8-10.8: 13. Ezra 3:4. Neh. 8:14-18. Hos. 12:9. John 7:2,37-39. 5 Ps. 2:8-12, 130:5,6. Is. 45: 23. 60:12. Jer. 10:25. Rom.
shall there be upon
| 14:10,11.
t Gen. 10:32. 12:3. 28:14. Am. 3:2. Acts 17:26,27.
u Deut. 11:17. 28:23,24. 1 Kings 8:35. 17:1. 2 Chr. 6:26. 7:13. Is. 5:6. Jer, 14:4,22. Am. 4: 7,8. Jam. 5:17. Rev. 11:6. Heb. upon whom there is not. Deut. 11:10,11.
|| Or, sin. John 3:19. x Prov. 21:3,4. Is. 23:18. Ob. 17. Zeph. 2:11. Mal. 1:11 Luke 11:41. Acts 10:15,28 11:9. 15:9. Rom. 14:17,18. Col. 3:17,22-24. Tit. 1:15,16. 1 Pet. 4:11.
with each other; and all that appertain to them will share in the plague: while restored Israel, whom they shall assault, will be enriched by their spoil. But it may also be interpreted of the destruction of all antichristian powers, which shall precede the glorious millennium. "The LORD will save the tents of Judah first;" (12:7.) and then 'they shall join their forces against the common enemy, when he comes 'against Jerusalem. (12:2.)' Lowth . No doubt the same events are predicted as in the verse referred to. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 10: 4-12, vv . 4,5. 12:2-8. Judg . 7:16-22. 1 Sam . 14:11-15. 2 Chr . 20:22-25. Ez . 38:19-23.39: 2-10. Dan . 11:44,45. Joel 3:1,2,9–17. Acts 12: 20--23, v . 23. Rev. 16:8-11. 17:15–18. 19:11 — 21.)
V. 16-19. The feast of tabernacles was typical of Christ's dwelling in our nature, as in a tabernacle; and of the Christian's contempt of the world, and joy in the Lord, as a stranger and pilgrim on earth. ( Marg . Ref . pr.- Notes , 8:20-23. Lev . 23:39-43. Neh . 8:1418.) To keep the feast of tabernacles therefore seems to mean, that the persons intended would be converted to Christ, and join with pleasure in his ordinances, continually and with perseverance. The remnant of the nations, which had just before been fighting against Jerusalem, or the church; the surviving subjects of the eastern and western antichrists, and all the Gentiles, will in general be converted to pure Christianity, and become the spiritual worshippers and obedient ser
the bells of the horses, & HOLINESS || Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of UNTO THE LORD; ' and the pots in hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come the LORD's house shall be like the bowls before the altar.
vants of the Lord. But such as persist in idolatry, and opposition to true religion, will be visited with drought and famine; which probably implies both temporal and spiritual judgments. And, as Egypt seldom has any rain, and another method must be taken to visit her with famine; so no situation or circumstances shall preserve any people from these judgments, who refuse to worship the Lord alone, because of their attachment to their ancient superstitions and idolatries, or to their iniquities: they must therefore either be converted or destroyed. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . s-u.Notes, Ps . 2:6-12. 149:7-9. Is . 5:5,6. Am. 4:7 -9. 8:11-14. Jam . 5:16—18.
Rev. 11:3-6, v . 6.) The impossibility of all nations literally coming to Jerusalem, every year, to observe a feast, is alone sufficient to prove, that a figurative meaning must be sought for: but the event only can fully ascertain that meaning. ( Note , Is . 66:19-23.)- 'The Jews have a tradition, 'that the defeat of Gog and Magog, which 'seems to be the same discomfiture which is 'here described, shall fall out upon the feast of 'tabernacles; or as others say, that the seven 'months' cleansing of the land ( Ez.39 :12.) shall 'be finished at that time.' Lowth .
In the upper parts of Egypt they seldom have any rain: but near the Mediterranean sea it sometimes rains abundantly, which is considered as a detriment, and not an advantage.
V. 20, 21. At length the time of the complete peace and purity of the church will arrive. Then the very "bells of the horses," or their "bridles," ( marg .) will be inscribed with HOLINESS TO THE LORD, according to the inscription on the mitre of the high high priest. (Note, Ex . 28:36-38.) Some explain this of the war-horses; supposing it to mean, that these being disused, their ornaments will be consecrated to God.
Others understand it of horses employed in common services; and suppose it to imply, that the most secular occupations will then be so conducted, that they will become holy actions performed to the glory of God.
Then the pots (either the earthen or brazen pots, which were used in boiling the sacrifices, or the drinking cups of the priests,) will be as holy as "the bowls before the altar" had been; which may signify, that the meanest minister or Christian (who is a spiritual priest,) will be equal to what the most eminent of God's servants formerly were; or that all their pleasures will be regulated with such moderation, and united with so much piety and gratitude and love, as to render them acceptable even like solemn religious services.
'This will be the case with all the "pots in Jerusalem and Judah:" all persons will then be thus devoted to God in their employments and satisfactions. They are likewise represented using these pots, even for sacrifices; which may mean, that the ceremonial distinction between holy and unholy will be abolished; and that men will conduct their ordinary affairs and their sacred services, upon the same holy principles of faith, fear, love, and obedience.
and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite din the house of the LORD of hosts.
( Marg . Ref . x-b.- Notes , 9:13-16, v. 15. Neh. 8:10,11. Ps . 110:3. Is . 23:15-18. Mal . 1:9-11, v. 11. Rom . 14:5-9,13-18, vv. 17,18. 1 Cor. 10:29-33, v. 31. Col. 3:16,17. Tit . 2:14-16. 1 Pet . 2:4-6,9,10. Rev. 1:4-6, v . 6.) 'God's name 'shall be honored in every circumstance.' Вр . Newcombe . And in that day, there will be no more any Canaanite in the house of the Lord: which may mean, that mercenary ministers will no more be allowed to prostitute that sacred function; nor ungodly inen to abuse holy ordinances to promote their worldly ends.
For the word may be rendered "a merchant;" and Christ will then drive "all buyers and sellers out of the temple." ( Marg . Ref . b, c.- Notes , Hos . 12:7-9. Matt . 21:12,13. John 2:13-17. Rev. 18:9-19. P. O. ) This happy state will continue to the end of the world.-How exactly do all the prophets agree about the final event of the long continued contest, between the worship of the true God and idolatry; betwixt piety and impiety, truth and error, holiness and unholiness! - "At the even tide it shall be light:" and, blessed be God, that season cannot be very distant. (See on Note , 6–9.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V.1-11.
The judgments of God commonly begin at the sanctuary. When his day of retribution comes, be can soon gather the nations together to battle against the objects of his wrath: indeed, he needs only give them power, and their own wicked hearts will dispose them to all the enormities, which avarice, cruelty, revenge, or lust can perpetrate.
But the residue of his chosen people shall never "be cut off from the city of our God:" and he seldom permits those to prosper, who have imbrued their hands in the blood of his worshippers.-"The Lord of glory," by his incarnation, and obedience unto the death upon the cross on earth in our nature, and by his ascension into heaven, and constant intercession for us, as our faithful, compassionate, and all prevailing High Priest before the Father's throne, has removed all obstructions to our entrance into his church, and into the mansions of felicity; and by his gospel, he has as it were, sent Jerusalem's choicest privileges to these distant regions: yet except we "fee for refuge to lay hold on this hope set before us," s," and "come to God by bim," we shall be no better for these advantages, in that day, when he shall come to judgment "and all his saints with him."-Men flee without delay from an earthquake, and leave every thing behind them, "lest the earth swallow them up also:" how should we then flee to the greatest distance from the brink of that tremendous gulph, which continually swallows up such multitudes of the ungodly!
In this world the believer enjoys the light of day: yet it is attended with so many clouds and storms, that it often seems to resemble the night. He sees; but it is "through a glass darkly:" he experiences some hope and consolation; but they are interrupted with a variety
of fears sorrows, and temptations: and his fee- || at all times,) tremendous will be the plagues ble beginnings of holiness are greatly counter- of all, who fight against the church; and could acted and obscured, by the remains and prev- we see the present condition of those, who
alency of his sinful passions. His life is therefore a strange mixture, or interchange, of light and darkness, and he often can scarcely teli whether it be day or night with him: yet is it " one day that is known to the LORD:" his faith
have perished in this conflict; we should behold far more terrible things, than if we witnessed men's "flesh consuming as they stand upon their feet, their eyes consuming in their holes, or their tongues in their mouths;" and
and hope may be much enfeebled and cloud-every member of the body, which had been an
ed, but they are never extinguished: his Sun may be eclipsed, or hidden, but it never goes down: it may be winter with his soul, but it is never total darkness, as with those who are yet unconverted. The Lord also knows all his difficulties, discouragements, and temptations: he can distinguish between his conflicts, failures, errors, and seasons of distrust or slackness; and the total unbelief, the willing slavery and negligence, of "the children of disobedience:" and he knows how to make all needful allowances, and to communicate proportionable supports.
It often happens likewise, that, towards the evening of life, the believer's light becomes more clear and abiding, and his last days his best days: and indeed his personal experience generally accords to that of the church, the "light of which will shine more and more unto the perfect day." ( Notes , Prov . 4:18,19. 2 Cor . 3:18,19. 4:6. Gal. 5:16-18, v. 17. 2 Pet . 1:19.
Rev. 21:22-27.) Let us then be thankful even for the dawning "of the Sun of righteousness" upon our souls; and let us rejoice in the hope of a clearer and more sanctifying and cheering ering light, towards the close of our pilgrimage; as ushering in the perfect light of the world above. The sacred streams of living waters also, which flowed from Zion, have reached our land: may we continually
instrument of unrighteousness, enduring the awful vengeance of God. Even that furious rage and malice, which cause men here to plague, torment, and murder each other, are faint shadows of the perfect mutual enmity, which reigns universally among the whole multitude of those, who have perished in their sins.
But every judgment of God on his enemies will tend to enrich and profit his believing people: his all-powerful grace speedily converts, and his plenteous mercy pardons and reconciles, even those who have just before been fighting against him; and they learn to rejoice in his worship and service. --But how distinguishing is that grace, which thus saves some of his enemies, at the moment when he consigns others to destruction!
Yet no unbelievers can escape, how long soever they be borne with: every sinner must either be reconciled to God, or fall before him; for "his hand will find out all his enemies, emies, ... and he will make them as a fiery oven in the day of his wrath;" nor can any man evade his vengeanc who does not come to him, worship him, and rejoice before him. The more the church is weaned from the beggarly elements of external distinctions and relative sanctity, the more will she be replenished with real holiness.
Every action and every enjoyment of the bethe truth and will of God, and directed to his glory, that it may be holiness to him. Our whole lives ought to be as one constant sacri
refresh our souls with them, amidst the vary-liever, ought to be so regulated according to
ing dispensations of Providence; and may every revolution, and every distress of nations, make way for them to flow on, wider and
deeper, till the Lord Jesus be acknowledged fice or act of devotion: no selfish or mercenary "King over all the earth;" till all men, in sin-motive should prevail in any of our actions, cerity and peace, unite in the spiritual wor-any more than "a Canaanite" should enter ship and service of our God and Savior; and "into the house of the Lord." Alas! how far all distinctions are swallowed up in the universal harmony of "the nations by the obedience of faith." When the Lord shall begin to
are we from this perfection! How far is the Christian church from this state of purity! How are her sacred functions made subservi-⚫
work in answer to our prayers, every moun-ent to the avarice, ambition, and lusts of men!
tain shall be brought low, and every valley shall be exalted; proud Babylon shall fall, and the ruins of Jerusalem shall be repaired, and her borders enlarged; that men may dwell therein safely, and fear no curse or utter destruction for ever.
V. 12-21.
Whilst the grand revolutions, predicted in this chapter, shall be taking place, (and indeed
How are her ordinances profaned to secular and mercenary purposes! How are our lives defiled by low and selfish pursuits, and our duties tainted by wrong motives! But times of greater purity are at hand, and the Lord will come speedily to reform and enlarge his church as he has promised. Yet in heaven alone will perfect knowledge, holiness, and felicity be found.
THE
BOOK OF MALACHI.
THE name of this prophet signifies, My angel , or My messenger; and is the same word as he employed yed concerning the forerunner of Christ, and nearly the same which he used about Christ himself. (3:1.)-Perhaps he was called Malachi with reference to these predictions, well as to his prophetical office; and probably he had another name. He seems to have been the last in order of the prophets, whose writings were transmitted to posterity; and to have 892]
been contemporary with Nehemiah, or even to have lived after his time.The scope of his prophecy was to reprove and reform many abuses and enormities, which prevailed among the Jews, and especially the priests; to announce the near approach of the Messiah; to declare the effects of his coming to men of different characters; and to teach the people in what manner they ought to wait and prepare for that event. But it also contains predictions of the calling of the Gentiles, and the extensive propagation of the Gospel.
Probably, with Malachi the prophetical office ceased, or was suspended, till the coming of the Messiah, which was about four hundred years. As this prophet particularly foretold the ministry of John Baptist and the speedy coming of Christ, he is very frequently quoted or referred to, in the New Testament. (Com. 3:1. with Matt . 11:10. Mark 1:2. Luke 7:27. and 4:5,6. with Matt. 17:10-12. Mark 9:11,12.
Luke 1:16,17.)-'The words of Malachi (4:4,5.) import, that after him the Jews were not to expect a succession of prophets; whereupon he exhorts them 'carefully to observe the law of Moses, and to look for no other prophet, till Elias the fore'runner of the Messias should come.' Lowth .
a Is. 13:1. Hab. 1:1. Zech. 9:1. 12:1.
Heb. by the hand of. Hag. 1: 1. 2:1. margins.
b Deut. 7:6-8. 10:15. 32:8- 14. Is. 41:8,9. 43:4. Jer. 31: 3. Rom. 11:28,29.
с 6,7. 2:17, 3:7,8,13,14. Jer. 2: 5,31. Luke 10:29.
d Gen. 25:23. 27:27-30,33, 28:
NOTES.
В. С. 420.
4 Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, * The border of wickedness, and 1 The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.
5 And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The Lord will be magnified,
† from the border of Israel.
6Aoson honoreth his father, and Pa
h Is. 9:9,10. Jam. 4:13-16. i Job 9:4. 12-14.34:29. Ps. 127: 1. Prov. 21:30. Is. 10:4,15,16. Lam. 3:37. Matt. 12:30.
k Jer. 31:17. Ez. 11:10. Am. 6:2.
13. Ps. 137:7. Is. 11:14. 34:5, 10. 63:1-6. Lam. 4:21,22. Ez. 25:14. 35:9.
m Deut. 4:3. 11:7. Josh. 24:7. 1 Sam. 12:16. 2 Chr. 29:8.
Luke 10:23,24.
Ps. 35:26,27. 58:10,11. 83:17, 18. Ez. 38:16,23. 39:21,22. ↑ Or, upon . Heb. from upon. o Ex. 20:12. Lev. 19:3. Deut. 5:16. Prov. 30:11,17. Matt. 15:4,6. 19:19. Mark 7:10. 10: 19. Luke 18:20. Eph. 6:2. p 1 Tim. 6:1,2. Tit. 2:9,10. 1 Pet. 2:17-19.
far as it is known, profane and unbelieving: whilst Jacob was made the heir of the prom- ises, walked with God as a believer, and died happy. ( Notes , Gen. 25:31-34. 27:41,42. 32:6 -8.33:7. 36:6,7. 48:15,16. 49:18. Heb . 11:13– 16. 12:15-17.) They knew the history of Ja- cob's posterity, and they could not deny that the Lord had always remarkably appeared for them: but the mountains of the heritage, allot- ted to Esau's descendants, had, by wars and various means, been rendered so waste and barren, that they were only fit to harbor those monstrous serpents which frequent sandy des- erts.
The impoverished Edomites indeed were projecting to return to their land, and rebuild their cities, as the Jews had done: but the Lord purposed to defeat their efforts, and to make it appear that his indignation against them was perpetual; because of their other sins, and be- cause they had unjustly enlarged their borders, by seizing the lands allotted to Israel. (Marg. Ref . f-1.- Notes , Ps . 137:7-9. Is . 9:8-12, υυ . 9, 10.34:3-15. 63:1-6. Jer . 49:7-22. Lam . 4:21, 22. Ez . 25:12-14.35: Joel 3:18-21, v. 19. Am . 1:11,12.
Ob . 1:1-21.) Thus the Jews would see, and be compelled to own, that the Lord had magnified himself in maintaining their lot, and punishing those who endeavored to intrench upon them. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref. m, n.)-Edom was the type of the enemies of God, as Israel was of his chosen people. Judas Maccabeus and other Jewish leaders, shortly