CHAP. IX. V. 1. This chapter begins another prophecy, which reaches to the end of the eleventh: and it opens with predictions of judgments upon several nations, bordering upon the Jews. This "burden of the word of the LORD" first related to Hadrach: Syria is doubtless intended; but it is not certain whether Hadrach was the name of some idol, or of some district in Syria; or for what reason it was thus called. This burden, however, would fall and rest on Damascus, Damascus, the capital of Syria. ( Marg . Ref . a-c.- Notes , Is . 9:8-12, v . 8. 17:1 -3. Jer. 49:23-27.
Am . 1:3-5.) The prophecy was fulfilled by Alexander, who seized on immense riches in that city, and by his successors who governed it as conquerors: but it is not foretold of Damascus, as of Tyre, that the city should be destroyed: (4) and accordingly it is still a considerable city, and probably the most ancient city in the world. ( Gen. 14:15. 15:2.) These events would take place, "when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, should be toward the LORD;" which may denote, that these troubles would continue till the coming of Christ, when the eyes of men in general, as those of all the tribes of Israel, should be fixed upon the true God, expecting help and salvation from him: and it might intimate, that the Syrians would not be delivered, till they were converted to Christianity, and became worshippers of Israel's God. ( Marg .
Ref. d.-Notes, 8:20-23. Is . 17:4-8, vv . 7,8. Jer. 16:19-21, v. 19.) Or, that this burden would rest on Damascus, "when the eyes of men, even of all the tribes of Israel, would be towards the LORD;" by whom they would be protected, when their neighbors were reduced.
When the Jews saw the conqueror approach, they looked to God and implored his protection: and Jaddua, the high-priest, met Alexander in his pontifical robes, who received him very graciously. (Note, Dan . 8:5-7.)-Some learned men have endeavored to shew, that this and the two following chapters were not written by Zechariah, but before his time. Their arguments, however, do not bring any degree of conviction, to my mind at least.
They urge, that it was not at all likely for Zechariah to predict the destruction of the temple, when encouraging the Jews to build it; ( Note , 11:1-3.) but did not God, by Moses, predict the dispersion of Israel, while encouraging them to go up and possess the promised land? ( Deut . 28:--32:) Did not the Lord foretel to Solomon the destruction of the temple, through the sins of the people, even when it had just before been dedicated? ( Note , 1 Kings 9:7-9.) And did not Daniel, a considerable
and she shall be devoured with fire.
5° Ashkelon shall see it , and fear; Gaza also shall see it , and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; 9 for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.
6 And a bastard shall dwell in Ash
within seventy weeks; on the very day, when his prayer was heard for the rebuilding of the temple, and the restoration of Jerusalem? ( Note , Dan . 9:25-27, v . 27.) It is certain, that Tyre was very affluent and powerful, when Alexander the Great took and de destroyed it: and why should not that judgment, and not the desolations by Nebuchadnezzar, be predicted?
The arguments, indeed, adduced in favor of this opinion, would not have been much no. ticed, had th they not been sanctioned by eminent names: but one thing above all others satisfies my mind, that the opinion is unfounded; namely, they who do not allow that Zechariah delivered these predictions, are not agreed to whom they should be ascribed, or what date to assign them. Some argue that Jeremiah was the writer of them; but others carry back many parts of them, to a far earlier period.
In fact, the whole book has been ascribed to Zechariah by the Jews, in every age: and it is rather remarkable, that learned men, who frequently suppose errors of transcribers, and propose conjectural amendinents, should be influenced, by what probably was an error of a transcriber, ( Notes , 11:12-14. Matt . 27:6-10, v . 9.) to assign part of this book to Jeremiah, or to some preceding prophet, contrary to the constant tradition both of the Jewish and Christian Church.
V. 2-4. Hamath bordered on Syria on the one hand, and Tyre and Zidon on the other; and they would share her burden. ( Marg . Ref . e-g.) The Tyrians deemed themselves exceedingly wise. ( Note , Ez . 28:2-5.) They had strongly fortified the city upon the island, since Nebuchadnezzar bad destroyed that upon the continent; and they were become extremely rich by their industry and commerce. But the Lord meant to reject and impoverish them, and to destroy the strong-holds which were built in the sea, as well as their naval force; and to burn the city with fire.
This was fulfilled by Alexander. ( Notes , Is . 23: Ez . 26: 27: 28:29:17-20. Am . 1:9,10.) 'New Tyre was built on an island, at the distance of half a 'mile from the shore: so its situation was very 'strong; and it was fortified with a wall round 'it one hundred and fifty feet high. ... By her 'merchandise she had gained inmense riches. ... The Carthaginians shall not be able to as 'sist her with their naval forces. Lowth .
"Her power in the sea" may signify the strength of her insular situation: and this distinguishes the Tyre taken by Alexander, from that destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. ( Note , Ez . 26:14.) -The carnage made by Alexander, when he took Tyre, the multitudes sold for slaves, and likewise the entire desolations of the city, fix
time before Zechariah began to prophesy, fore- the fulfilment of the prophecy to the latter tel the destruction of Jerusalem and the tem-event: and the fall of Tyre would of course ple, and the judgments of God on his people i prove ruinous to Zidon. ( Marg . Ref . i-n.)
dod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
7 And I will take away his * blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but " he that remaineth, even he shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as y a Jebusite.
8 And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, a because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more; for now have I seen with
V. 5, 6. The Philistines, having witnessed the desolations of Tyre and Zidon, would be greatly alarmed and distressed, even in their principal cities. Perhaps they had hoped, that Tyre would stop and terminate the progress of Alexander's victories, and that they should escape: but they would be made "ashamed of these expectations," and find themselves exposed without defence to the power of the conqueror.
Then the king would be destroyed at Gaza; Ashkelon would be reduced to desolation; either some base person would be made ruler over Ashdod, or the city would be given to be inhabited by a colony of strangers; and thus the pride of the Philistines would be cut off. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, Is . 14:28-32. 20: 5,6. Jer . 47: Ex . 25:15,16. Am . 1:6-8. Zeph . 2:4 -7.) 'Gaza was taken by Alexander after a 'two months' siege; ten thousand of the in'habitants slain; and the governor, Betis, drag'ged round the city till he was dead. "King" 'is a general word for any governor.
Strabo, 'speaking of Gaza, saith 'It was formerly a ''city of note, but was destroyed by Alexander ''the Great, and remains desert and uninhabit''ed.' ... ( Acts 8:26.)' Lowth. When Gaza was thus taken and destroyed, the other cities of the Philistines fell into the hands of the conqueror, and probably experienced little favor from him; and especially some stranger , not a native of the country, had authority in Ashdod. 'The family of Israel shall dwell in Ashdod, 'who before were in it as strangers.' Chaldee paraph. quoted by Lowth .
The Maccabees conquered Ashdod: and the Philistines are not mentioned in the New Testament, but their country seems to have been possessed by the Jews.
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: the is just, and having salvation; & lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle-bow shall be cut off; and
he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
Jebusite
lem; or, as some Jebusites, whom David perhaps proselyted and incorporated among his people, when he took Jerusalem. Araunah, on whose threshing-floor David was ordered to sacrifice, and on which the temple was afterwards built, was a Jebusite; but his conduct shewed the spirit it of a genuine Israelite. ( Marg . Ref . u-y.- Notes , 8:20-23. 2 Sam . 24: 15-25 . 1 Chr . 21:28-30. 22:1. Is . 19:23-25.) Many Philistines might be proselyted to the Jewish religion, at or after the times of the Maccabees: but their conversion to Christianity was principally intended.
V. 8. While the Macedonian conquerors were extending their ravages; and afterwards, while the successors of Alexander, who reigned in Syria and in Egypt, were continually marching their armies through Judea, in their wars with each other; the Lord promised to encamp round his temple to protect it from being plundered and destroyed: for he had seen the oppression of the Chaldeans and others, and he would watch over it to protect it from similar depredations. ( Marg . Ref . z, a.- Notes , 2: 1--5. 7:14. 2 Kings 23:29-34.2 Chr . 35:2024.
Dan . 11:5-30,40-45.) Antiochus Epiphanes was permitted to profane the temple, and to persecute the Jews: but this was only for a short time, and not like the desolations of the Chaldeans; and it ended in the honor of the Jews, and the disgrace and ruin of their persecutors: so that no such oppressor as Nebuchadnezzar passed through them any more: that is, till after Christ was come and rejected, when they ceased to be the people of God. But the passage no doubt refers to events yet future, which will far more signally accomplish it. (Marg. Ref . b. Notes , Is . 51:21-23.54:15— 17.60:15-22.
Ez . 28:24–26.34:23-31.37:2328. 39:23-29. Joel 3:18-21. Am . 9:13-15. Zeph . 3:14-20. Rev. 20:1-3.)-How can this suit the times before the captivity? ( Note , 1.)
V. 7. The Philistines, and other enemies of the Jews, would be deprived of their power to waste them any more: and the spoil, which they had taken by the most bloody and atrocious murders, or rapines, would be torn from Seen , &c.] ( Marg . Ref . c.) 'My eye hath them, as the prey from between the teeth of a 'pervaded future events, and hath thus deterwild beast. ( Marg . Ref . t.- Notes , 1 Sam . 17:34 'mined.' Bp . Newcombe . For I have well -37. Am . 3:9-15, v . 12.) Yet a remnant would 'noted and pitied thy late affliction.' Bp . Hall. embrace the true religion, and become the peoV. 9, 10.
From the promise, contained in ple of God devoted to his service: and they 'the foregoing verse, of God's protecting his would be honored even as "a governor in Ju- 'church and temple, the prophet, in a sudden dah," and the inhabitants of Ekron would be 'transport, takes occasion to break forth into a privileged as a Jebusite, or a citizen of Jerusa-l joyful representation of the coming of the
11 As for thee also, *by the blood offers out of the pit wherein is no water.
thy covenant, I have sent forth thy prison
Messias... "He is righteous and the Savior."
129 Turn you to the strong-hold, ye
p. Ps. 30:3. 40:2. Jer. 38:6. Luke 16:24. Rev. 20:3.
q Is. 52:2. Jer. 31:6. 50:4,5,28. 51:10. Mic. 4:8. Nah. 1:7.
Heb. 6:18.
rIs. 38:18. Jer. 31.17. Lam. 3:21,22. Ez. 37:11. Hos. 2 15.
until it should at length extend, not only all over the land, but to the utmost borders of the
The ancient Jews explained this prophecy 'of the Messias; and it is plain from the gos-earth. ( Marg . Ref . h-k.- Notes , Ps . 2:7-12,
'pels, that the Jews in Christ's time understood 'it so. For when our Lord applied it to him'self, by entering into Jerusalem upon an ass, Sit so affected the multitude, that they spread 'their garments and palm-branches in the way, 'as at the reception of some great prince: ( Matt . '21:8,9.) nay, his disciples took occasion, from 'this sight, to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice.' Lowth . All the preceding deliverances of the Jews were types of the blessings to be conferred on the church under the reign of the Messiah, or introductory to them.
"The daughter of Zion" was therefore called on to rejoice greatly and shout for joy, because her long expected King was about to come unto her. ( Marg . Ref . d, e.- Notes , 2:10-13, v . 10. Gen. 49:10. Ps . 2:4-6. 21:1.45:1—5,9-11. 96:11-13. Is . 9:6,7. 12:4-6. 52:9,10. 62:1012. Jer . 23:5,6. Zeph . 3:14-17.) When he appeared, he would be perfectly just and holy in his character and public administration; yea, he would honor the divine law and justice in the salvation of his people.
Though the most honorable and mighty of all the kings and conquerors, who ever appeared on earth; he would display none of that magnificence and grandeur, by which they generally are distinguished. On the contrary, humility and lowfiness would mark his deportment; poverty and outward meanness, his circumstances; and contempt and insult would be his lot on earth.
On the single occasion, in which he would at all assume the character of a King; on the memorable occasion, when he would enter Jerusalem amidst the Hosannahs of the multitude, (which soon after as loudly demanded his crucifixion,) he would for once ride; not on a stately steed gorgeously caparisoned, or in a triumphal car; but on an unbroken untractable creature, an ass's colt! a proper emblem of the ungovernable nature of those, over whom he came to reign; but whom his powerful grace renders subinissive and obedient; even as his miraculous energy made this animal go on un-'ance from all thy spiritual miseries, in that I
46:8-10. 72:8-11. Is . 2:2-5. 57:19. Hos . 1:6, 7. Mic . 5:5,6,10—15. Hag . 2:20-23, v. 22. 2 C 5:18-21. Eph . 2:14-18. Col. 1:18-20.) 'As 'horses are used in war, Christ may be sup'posed by this action to have shewn the hum'ble and peaceable nature of his kingdom . Ephraim and Judah shall not engage in war 'to spread the Messiah's kingdom; but their 'spiritual King shall peaceably convert the 'Gentiles, and shall extend his dominion every 'where.' Bp . Newcombe . - The beginning of the tenth verse may be rendered, "For I will cut off;" &c. Both Israel and Judah had been exceedingly prone to rely on chariots and horses: but the ruin of these confidences, by the calamities of successive ages, would introduce the reign of that meek and righteous King and Savior, who would enter Jerusalem riding on an ass's colt.-'By these places ("from sea to 'sea," &c.) he meant an infinite space and 'compass over the whole world.' ( Marg . Ref . 1, m.)
dismayed and guidable, amidst the joyful acclamations of the surrounding multitudes. Even this "ass's colt" was not his own, as Man , but borrowed; nor was it fitly prepared to be ridden on, but merely with the clothes of the disciples cast loosely upon it. In every respect, the divine majesty and dignity of this King were contrasted with the unexampled manner, in which he was received into the holy city, that was typically the capital of his mighty kingdom. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . f, g. -Notes , Ps . 45:6,7. 72:1–7. 85:10-13. Is . 11: 2-5.42:1-4.45:23-25. 61:1-3.
Matt . 1:22, 23. 11:28-30, v . 29. 12:14—21. 21:1—11. Mark 11:1-11. Luke 19:28-40. John 12:12-19. Rom . 3:19-26.) Then the Lord intended to deprive both Jews and Israelites of all carnal confidences; to terminate the contentions among such as submitted; and to destroy all the force and power of those, who rebelled against him. And at the same time he would send his gospel of peace among the heathen, reconciling them to God and to each other, and inducing them to submit to Messiah's dominion; VOL. IV.
110
Having salvation . (9) "Saving himself." Marg . נוש: "Being saved." All the ancient versions
render the word as our translators do, or nearly: but the Jews object to it, and indeed it is not easy to defend the translation. Zion's King, as "saved" through his awful sufferings, and made triumphant over his numerous and powerful enemies, and exalted to the throne of glory in our nature, is "become the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him." Thus, without any forced rendering of the words, the same general meaning is established. ( Notes , Is. 50:59. Heb . 5:7-10.)
V. 11. 'The prophet, speaking in the name 'of God, directs his discourse to the church of 'the faithful: the pronoun and affixes are 'feminine.' Lowth . 'As for thee, O Zion, whose 'covenant with me is made, and confirmed, by 'the precious blood of the Messiah; ... I do 'herein give thee a type of thy future deliver'have brought forth thy captives out of the 'miserable captivity at Babylon.' Bp . Hall. 'The restoration from the Babylonish captivi'ty, and the great future restoration, may both 'be foretold. Bp . Newcombe .
The bondage of Egypt, from which the Israelites were delivered by the sprinkling of the blood of the paschal Lamb; and that from which they had just been restored, were like pits or dungeons, in which was no water; where they were sinking in the mire, or perishing for want by a lingering death: and both these deliverances were granted in virtue of the engagement of Christ, to shed his blood for his people.
But these only shadowed forth the deliverance of sinners from the bondage of sin and Satan, and from the sentence of condemnation under which they lay: and numbers have been from age to age sent forth from their gloomy bondage, "in the pit where is no water," by the blood of the Redeemer's covenant; and saved from that horrible pit, where not a drop of water can be had to cool the burning tongue, of those who are tormented in the flame. [873
prisoners of hope: even to-day do I declare || the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds that I will render double unto thee.
of the south:
15 The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and d they shall devour, and subdue
13 When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, " and raised tip thy sons, O Zion, * against thy sons, O* with sling-stones; and they shall drink, Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man;
14 And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord God shall blow
Job 42:10. Is. 61:7. 11:21:10:3-7.12:2-8. Mic. 5:49. Rev. 17:14.
Ps. 149:2-9. Lam. 4:2. Am. 2:11. Ob. 21.
x Dan. 8:21-25. 11:32-34. Joel 3:6-8. Mic. 4:2,3. Mark 16:15-20. Rom. 15:16-20.1 Cor. 1:21-28. 2 Cor. 10:3-5. 2 Tim. 4:7. y 12:8.
Ps. 18:32-35. 45:3.
144:1. 149:6. Is. 41:15.16. 49: 2. Eph. 6:17. Heb. 4:12. Rev. 1:16. 2:12. 19:15,21.
z 2:5. 12:8. 14:3. Ex. 14:24,25. Josh. 10:11-14,42. Matt. 28: 20. Acts 4:10,11. Rom. 15: 19. Heb. 2:4.
a Ps. 18:14. 45:3-5. 77:17,18. 144:5,6. Is. 30:30. Rev. 6:2. b Josh. 6:4,5. Is. 18:3. 27:13. 2 Cor. 10:4,5.
( Marg . and Marg . Ref. Notes, Ex . 12:3-10. 24:3,4,6-8. Ps . 40:1-5, v . 2.6-8. Is . 49:913. 61:1-3. Jer . 38:1-6, v. 6. Matt . 26:26-28. Luke 16:19,24-26. Gal . 3:10-14, v. 13. Heb . 9:18-23. 10:1—4. 12:18—21. Rev. 5:8-14.)
V. 12. This may be considered as an address to the Jews, who still remained in Chaldea; they were prisoners; yet the favor shewn them by the Persian kings, and especially these promises and predictions, rendered them "prisoners of hope." Let them then without delay return to Zion, as "the strong-hold" prepared for them; assured that God would render their prosperity double to what their adversity had been, or double to all the advantages which they could relinquish for this purpose; for he had that day solemnly declared it.
Yet it is also an address to the prisoners of sin and Satan, who, having such a Savior preached to them, may hope for liberty and felicity: let them then turn to Christ; and in him the power, truth, and love of God will be their "Strong-hold:" and let them expect joys and comforts double and far more than double both to all their sorrows, and to all their sinful pleasures and worldly advantages which they renounce, or the trials, which they may be called to endure. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , Job 42: 10-17, υ . 10.)
Prisoners of hope .] 'A beautiful address, as 'God, when he doomed his people to banish'ment, by no means totally rejected them.' Bp. Newcombe.
V. 13-16. When Judah had been prepared, by a revival of true religion, to be as a "bent bow," in the Lord's hand; when Ephraim, or the remnant of the ten tribes, should be made
and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as & the corners of the altar.
16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, * lifted up as an ensign upon his land.
c Is. 21:1. 66:15.
d 10:5. 12:6. Mic. 5:8. Rev. 19:13-21.
e 1 Sam. 17:45-51. 1 Cor. 1: 18,25.
* Or, the stones of the slings. f 17, 10:7. Ps. 78:65. Cant. 1: 4. 5:1. 7:9. Is. 55:1. Acts 2: 13-18. Eph. 5:13,19.
† Or, fill both the bowls, &c. 14:
20.
g Ex. 27:2. Lev. 4:7,25. h Ps. 100.3. Is. 40:10,11. Jer. 23:3,4. Ez. 34:22-26,31. Mic. 5:4,5. 7:14. Luke 12:32
10:27-30. 1 Pet. 5:2-4.
i Is. 62:3. Hag. 2:23. Mal. 3: 17.
k 8:23. Is. 11:10-12. 60:3,14. Zeph. 3:20.
15,16. 2 Cor. 10:1-6, vv. 4,5.) While the Lord should thus defend them, they would consume their enemies and destroy them with sling-stones, as David did Goliath: ( Marg.
Notes , 2 Sam . 17:45-53.) they would celebrate their victories with every expression of joy, and their exhilaration and acclamations of gratitude would be so great, that they would resemble those who "make a noise th through wine;" and be filled with all good things, or with holy consolations, as the bowls used for the drink-offerings (or the corners of the altar into which a part of their wine was poured,) were with the wine. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . g .) Thus the Lord would take care of them as his flock, and count them precious as the jewels of his crown, and set them up as an ensign for the Jews to flock to, who had been dispersed by the persecutions of Antiochus. ( Marg . Ref . h-k. -Notes , Is . 11:10. 40:9—11. 62:1-5, v . 3. Ez. 34:23-31. Mic . 7:14-17. Mal . 3:13-18, v . 17. John 10:26-31. 1 Pet . 5:1-4.)-Others, however, interpret the passage of the apostles, and the preachers of the gospel, in the primitive ages.
They were prepared for their work, as the Lord's "bow and arrows;" they were raised up to oppose the idolatry, iniquity, and proud science of Greece and Rome; and they were "as swords in the hand of a mighty man.' Wherever they went, God was evidently with them: his word from their lips (like an arrow from the bow,) penetrated the hearts and consciences of the hearers. The blowing of the gospel-trumpet called together increasing numbers, who, with accumulated weight, bare down before them the empire of idolatry and wickedness. They were marvellously defend
as arrows, to "fill the bow," and to be employed, in the midst of persecuting foes, by the
ed against his enemies; when Judas Maccabæus, and his followers the sons of Zion, should be raised up against Antiochus Epiphanes and his armies, who were of Grecian extraction, and they should become terrible, as the sword of a mighty man, to their oppressive assailants: then the Lord would be "seen over them," as the eagle hovers over and protects her young; and his arrows would be piercing and destructive as the lightning: then he would blow the trumpet of alarm, to call the Jews to the standard, and they would bear down all before them, as the whirlwinds do in the southern deserts. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . t-c. --Notes, 10:5-12, υυ . 5-7. 12:2-8. 14:1-3. Josh . 10:11-14. 2 Sam . 22:7—16. Ps . 45:3-5. 149:7-9. Is . 27:12,13. 30:29-32. 66:15-18, υυ.
power of God; they gained surprising victories by faith and prayer; they drank abundantly of divine consolations, and were "filled with the Spirit" as consecrated vessels. ( Notes , Acts 2:12-21, vv . 13,15. Eph . 5:15-20, v. 18.) They were saved by the good Shepherd as his flock, and honored and valued as his jewels and crown; and multitudes continually resorted to them as his ensign, to enlist as soldiers in the army of Jesus Christ. The former interpretation may be admitted, as in some measure typical of the latter, which is much more satisfactory.-'Alexander the Great is called the 'king of Javan, or Greece. ( Dan . 8:21.) ... I will 'animate the Jews against the troops of Antio'chus.' Grotius. - It is true that Judas Macca'bæus gained some advantages over the Syri
'ans; but the language of this prophecy seems 'too strong for these events; and may remain 'to be fulfilled against the present possessors 'of the countries called Javan, which were 'Greece, Macedonia, and part of Asia Mi'nor.' Bp . Newcombe. This may probably be the case: yet the context favors the preceding interpretation.
V. 17. The "goodness" of God would appear admirable, in the protection and successes of the Jews above mentioned: but far more in the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ, and the success of the gospel among the benighted gentiles. The free mercy and plenteous grace, the tender compassion and love of Christ to rebels and enemies, in the whole design of his salvation, and in its completion, pass all knowledge; and every deep contemplation upon them must issue in admiration.
At the same time "his beauty" (or the excellency and glory of all the divine perfections, as harmoniously displayed in the person and work of Christ,) is equally admirable with "his goodness:" for power, justice, holiness, truth, and wisdom are as conspicuous as mercy, in this grand concern. ( Marg . Ref . 1, m.- Notes , Ps . 31:19,20. 50:1,2. 104:34. Cant . 5:10-16, v . 16. Is . 64:4. Rom. 5:20,21. 2 Cor . 3:17,18. 4:5,6.
Eph . 1:38, υυ . 7,8. 3:9—12 , v . 10. 14-19.) This therefore may be supposed to be the principal object, which the prophet had in contemplation, when he thus anticipated the admiring praises of the church in the predicted times.
The plenteous gifts, graces, and consolations of the Spirit, afforded to believers of every description at and after the day of Pentecost, were represented under the allusion of young persons made exceedingly cheerful, by an abundance of temporal provisions: as when pinching penury is succeeded by plenty of every thing conducive to enjoyment; or as when victories are celebrated by feasts and rejoicings. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . n.- Notes , Cant. 2:4,5. 5:J. Is . 62:8,9. 65:13-15.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-8.
Dreadful will be the case of those, on whom "the burden of the word of the LORD" shall rest, at that solemn season, when the eyes of all the race of men shall be fixed on him, as come "to judge the world in righteousness." May our eyes now be fixed on him, in faith, hope, and love, as becomes the true Israel of God! All other wisdom will soon prove folly; all other strong-holds, except "the name of the LORD," will be cast down; and all the wealth, that men have gloried and confided in, will become contemptible "as the mire in the street:" nor will even oceans quench that fire, which shall be kindled by the indignation of God.Terror, sorrow, and confusion will soon succeed to the most sanguine expectations of those
the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.