Exposition of Haggai Zechariah and Malachi, Exposition of prophecy 2 · Chapter 1
CHAP. I.
IN this Chapter, (after the Inſcription, v. 1.) the Lord exhorts them to repentance, from the conſideration of Gods diſpleaſure againſt their fathers, v. 2. and from the hope of his favour, v. 3. and that they ſhould not imitate their fathers in contemning of the Word, v. 4. conſidering that though their fathers, and the Prophets alſo who had admoniſhed them, were dead: yet the Word is permanent in all ages, and the truth of it appeared in the effects upon their fathers, which were yet to be ſeen, v. 5, 6. Next, he propounds two comfortable viſions for their encouragement, in the firſt whereof is held forth Chriſt in his Kingly office, attended on by Angels, v. 7, 8. perfectly knowing and obſerving the quiet eſtate of enemies, while the Church was afflicted, v. 9, 10, 11. interceding thereupon for the Church, v. 12. and getting a good anſwer, v. 13. which by the Prophet he communicates to the Church, v. 14, 15, 16, 17. In the ſecond viſion, the enemies who had moleſted the Church; are repreſented to the Prophet, v. 18, 19. together with inſtruments prepared of God to cruſh their power, v. 20, 21.
Verſ. 1.
JN the eighth monethmonth, in the ſecond yeare of Darius, came the Word of the LORD, unto Zechariah the ſonne of Barachiah, the ſonne of Iddo the Prophet, ſaying.
This Inſcription is the ſame in ſubſtance with that of Haggai, only he comes out two moneths later, and hath been a man whoſe anceſtors have been of note among that people, and of the Prieſts lineage, as appeares, Nehem. 12.12. with 16. Concerning whom I ſhall not determine whether this be he of whom mention is made, Mat. 23.35. or if it be the ſon of Jehoiadah, (who it may be had two names) of whom, 2 Chro. 24.21. though both the name and times reckoned by Chriſt, ſeem rather to plead that it was this Prophet. Doct. As it is a merciemercy unto faithful Miniſters, when the Lord raiſeth up helpers unto them, to ſtrengthen their hands, and joyne with them in their painful ſervices; ſo it is a token that God hath ſome great work amongſt a people, when he raiſeth up many faithful inſtruments, as on the contrary, it is a ſad token when their number decreaſeth; therefore Haggai being imbarqued in that work, and the Temple-work being to proſper; In the eighth monethmonth, (two moneths after the former,) came the Word of the Lord to Zechariah.
Verſ. 2.
The LORD hath been ſore diſpleaſed with your fathers.
The Prophet being to carry comfortable tidings to this people, begins-with the doctrine of repentance, inviting them not to obſtruct their own merciemercy by impenitencie: and to make way for this doctrine, he points out to them the greatneſſe of Gods diſpleaſure againſt their fathers for their ſin, as might be ſeen in the horrible calamities that did come upon them, which might teach their children not to expect exemption if they followed their way. Doct. 1. A people are prepared and fitted for favourable manifeſtations of God, by repentance; and mercies are ſweeteſt and moſt comfortable unto penitents, therfore the Lord premits this doctrine to the following viſions, as the only way to fit people for them, and make them truly comfortable to them. 2. No priviledge beſtowed upon any people, will exempt them from ſharp corrections when they ſin; for, albeit the Jewes were the only people of God at that time, yet the Lord hath been ſore diſpleaſed with your fathers, which is alſo a warning to them. 3 Though the Lord do not chaſtiſe any of his choſen and regenerate people in pure wrath, or beyond the bounds of moderation; yet his fatherly diſpleaſure may be very hot and ſad in its effects, and his diſpleaſure againſt a viſible Church, which hath abuſed mercy very grievous, and therefore ought to be ſeriouſly laid to heart; therefore he calls them to conſider how the Lord hath been ſore diſpleaſed, or had diſpleaſure on diſpleaſure. 4. Albeit examples of Gods anger, eſpecially when they are near, ought to be effectual documents to others, exciting to tremble and repent, yet ſuch is the ſtupidity of men, that notwithſtanding any ſuch warming, they will be ready to adventure on the ſame ſins, which God hath ſo remarkably puniſhed; therefore they need ſtirring up to ſee and make uſe of Gods anger againſt their fathers, the effects whereof were very viſible to them.
Vers;. 3.
Therefore ſay thou unto them, Thus ſaith the LORD of hoſtes, Turne ye unto me, ſaith the LORD of hoſtes, and I will turne unto you, ſaith the LORD of hoſtes.
The Lord ſubjoynes the uſe of the former example, in an exhortation to repentance, to which he encourages them by his own invitation, and promiſe of being reconciled to them, and of dealing favourably with them. Doct. 1. Judgements rightly ſtudied, do call for repentance as the only remedy, and ought not to harden, ſtupifie, or provoke to murmuring, which aggredges ſin, and ripens for more judgements; upon the former doctrine in v. 2. is inferred, therefore turn ye unto me, ſaith the Lord of hoſtes. 2. It may be a great encouragement to the guilty ſinner to repent, to conſider, that the Lord not only allowes, but calls him to it; and that he is moſt excellent to whom the penitent ſinner comes; therefore God interpoſes in this, Say unto them, Thus ſaith the Lord, turne ye, and thrice deſignes himſelf the Lord of hoſtes. 3. True penitents, and ſouls indeed ſenſible of ſin, will diſcern, that ſin hath not only cauſed a diſtance betwixt God and them, but an alienation of affection in them, and that their back is turned on God, and will not only loath, but renounce their ſinful way, not reſting on any thing, till they attain to communion and reconciliation with God: ſo much is imported in this deſcription of repentance; Turn ye unto me. 4. The Lord, in letting out his diſpleaſure againſt his people, doth not caſt off thoughts of mercy, but chaſtiſeth them, that he may drive them to his mercy, which upon repentance he is ready to manifeſt: Turn ye unto me, and I will turn unto you. 5. The Lord in ſuſpending his turning unto us till we repent, doth not import that we can repent of our ſelves: but his ſcope is to convince us of our duty, and make us ſenſible of our inability, that we may flee to him, and then he will both turn us and turn to us; thus are we to underſtand this order of his command and promiſe; Turn ye and I will turn: See, Jer. 31.18, 19. 6. No outward diſpenſation or token of favour can be comfortable, or promiſe that things ſhall go well, ſo long as a people are not turned to God; ſo much doth alſo this order, Turn ye, and I will turn, teach, that …o diſpenſation of God could aſſure them, that he was turned to be in favour with them, till they repented.
Vers;. 4.
Be ye not as your fathers unto whom the former Prophets have cried, ſaying, Thus ſaith the LORD of hoſtes, Turn ye now from your evil wayes, and from your evil doings: but they did not heare nor hearken unto me, ſaith the LORD.
A ſecond exhortation is, that they would not imitate their perverſe fathers, of whom they were deſcended, in contemning the admonitions to repentance given them by the Lords Prophets, which is alſo an argument inviting them to repent, who were come of ſuch Progenitors. Doct. 1. Cuſtome and example in a ſinful way, is ſo far from being a warrant to others to imitate it; that on the contrary, when men conſider the ill diſpoſition they have from their Progenitors, the power of inveterate ſinful cuſtome, and how much old debt is lying upon them, who walk in ſuch pathes, it may be a ſpecial motive to repentance, and getting out of ſuch a courſe: therefore ſaith he to the Jewes who gloried of their fathers, Be not as your fathers, &c. 2. It is an uſual lot of the Lords faithful ſervants to labour in vaine in outward appearance, and it is an old ſin of the viſible Church, to contemn the Word of God in their mouth, of which poſterity is to be aware: therefore he inſtances this ſin of their fathers which they are to avoid: that the Prophets cried, but they did not heare. 3 As it ſpeaks much patience and long-ſuffering in God, to warne a ſinful people of their danger; ſo theſe who are ſent out in that employment, ought to be faithful, bold and free, enforcing their doctrine from the divine authority of the Word; for as their ſinful fathers had the former Prophets, ſo they cried, ſaying, Thus ſaith the Lord of hoſtes. 4. The Lord requires of ſuch as would approve themſelves true penitents, that their turning to God, and reformation, flow from a ſerious conviction of the ſinfulneſſe of their debordings; the Prophets doctrine was not only to turne, but turne ye from your evil wayes, and from your evil, doings, that is, their courſes which they ought to look upon as groſſe. 5. As ſome may come to that height of ſin in the Church, as not to give an care to the Lords meſſage; and as none can prove themſelves hearers, who make not ſome conſcience of giving obedience; ſo inadvertency, and not conſidering who ſpeaks, and what is ſpoken, is a cauſe why the Word hath ſo ill ſucceſſe; They did not hear, (either would not give an eare, or did not obey) nor hearken (to wit, attentively) unto me. 6. The contempt and ſleighting of the Word of God in the mouth of his ſervants, will be reckoned as a contempt and injurie done to God; the deſpiſers of the former Prophets, did not hear nor hearken unto me, ſaith the Lord.
Verſ. 5.
Your fathers: where are they? and the Prophets, do they live for ever?
6.
But my words and my ſtatutes, which I commanded my ſervants the Prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and ſaid, Like as the LORD of hoſtes thought to do unto us, according to our wayes, and according to our doings; ſo hath he dealt with us.
He ſubjoynes a reaſon why they ſhould not imitate their fathers, taken from the fruits of their contempt, they who would not hearken to the Word, were now not to be found, but conſumed with judgements, according as had been threatened: and albeit the Prophets died as well as their fathers, and that it may be before what they threatened was executed, yet their fathers had found that the Word they ſpake died not with them, but was effectually executed, inſomuch that they were made to confeſſe that threatenings had not been pronounced in vain, but were accompliſhed as was foretold, and according to their works; and therefore, however their fathers who had been warned, and the Prophets who ſpake unto them, were dead, yet they ought to look on the Word as a perpetual rule of righteouſneſſe, which is ſtill alive to have alike execution in all ages: and this example of their fathers diſobedience, and the ſad fruits of it ſhould be freſh in their memory, and alive to inſtruct and invite them to repentance, ſo much the rather as ſome of theſe fruits, were yet to be ſeen in their low and afflicted condition. Doct. 1. When the Lord honours a people by ſending his Word unto them, it is their part ſerionſly to conſider and lay to heart, the authority and certainty thereof, that they may take heed that they dallie not with God ſpeaking therein, and ſo deceive themſelves; for this end doth the Prophet, in the beginning of his Miniſtery, ſo ſeriouſly inculcate the truth and certainty of the Word from former experience. 2. Contemners and fleighters of the Word will not alwayes continue to mintain their oppoſition and rebellion, but will at laſt ſuccumbe in their cauſe, and be a miſſing; for, your fathers (who did not hearken) where are they? what is become of their oppoſition? how have they gained their point? ſo he interrogates their children, that they may conſider on this. 3. Whatever encouragement to ſin, men gather from the evil example of others, yet a right view of the iſſue of their way, may convince them of follie who follow it: for, your fathers, (of whom ye boaſt, and whom ye will imitate) where are they? 4. The divine authority and certainty of the Word doth not depend upon, nor is to be judged by the condition of the men who are employed to carry it: their frailty doth not diminiſh its perfection, their baſeneſſe doth not take away its authority, their outward hard lots will not hinder it from having effect, and their mortality and death will not hinder it to be immortal, and take effect in all ages; for, though the Prophets do not live for ever, yet my Word did take hold, &c. when they were gone it lived. 5. Every man by nature is a fugitive from the convictions or directions of the Word, and a defender of himſelf from the rod following thereupon, ſo long as he is able, ſo much is implied in the Wo…d its taking hold, or overtaking of him as a fugitive. 6. The Word of God in its performance and effects, will at laſt reach and overtake the greateſt ſhifter, will drive him from all his ſubterfuges, and ſt…ike through all his bucklers: for, my words— did they not ta…e hold of (or overtake) your fathers? 7. The conſcience of the greateſt contemner of the Word, will at laſt, when God reckons with him, be forced to acknowledge the infallible truth of the Word, and certainty of its accompliſhment, and the deſert of ſin, and that however they thought it ſweet and advantageous, yet the real fruits of it are ſuch, as Gods Word tells, and that juſtly: for their ſtiffenecked fathers returned and ſaid, Like as the Lord of hoſtes thought to do unto us, according to our wayes, and according to our doings, ſo hath he dealt with us. 8. Examples of Gods judgements are not to be looked on as ſingular things, concerning only theſe on whom they are inflicted: but as executed according to a rule of righteouſneſſe revealed in the Word, which is ſtill the ſame in all ages, and therefore to be a document to others, when they who ſmarted are gone: therefore when their fathers and the Prophets are dead, the Lord ſets this example before them to excite them to repentance, conſidering that the Word lived and was ſtill the ſame, and that the ruines of their fathers calamity were left amongſt them to preach to the living.
Verſ. 7.
Ʋpon the foure and twentieth day of the eleventh monethmonth, which is the monethmonth Sebat, in the ſecond year of Darius came the Word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the ſonne of Barachiah, the ſonne of Iddo the Prophet, ſaying;
8.
I ſaw by night, and behold, a man riding upon a red horſe, and he ſtood among the myrtle-trees that were in the bottome, and behinde him were there red horſes, ſpeckled and white.
Followes a comfortable viſion, wherein is repreſented Chriſt on foot in his Church, taking notice of the caſe of all people for her good, and drawing the condition of all enemies to the Churches uſe, by interceding for her, and getting good anſwers, which he communicates. In theſe verſes, after the deſignation of the time, and declaration of the authority of this viſion, v. 7. we have Chriſt repreſented in his Kingly office, caring for the things of the Church, under the type of a man riding on a red horſe, among the myrtle-trees in the bottome or valley, by which we may underſtand, partly the low and obſcure condition of his Church at that time, and partly, the way of Chriſts reigning in the world, which as in it ſelf it ſeemes humble and low, as being in a valley, and covered with the ſhadow of black and thick trees, ſuch as the myrtles are, ſo is it not alwayes ſeen by the Church for her comfort, till her eyes be enlightened as the Prophets were. This Kingly ſtate of … Chriſt further deſcribed from his Attendants; for, under the type of red horſes ſpeckled and white behinde him, is repreſented his having Angels for Miniſters, and all creatures ready for every diſpenſation, whether ſad, repreſented by red; or comfortable, repreſented by white; or mixed of mercy and judgement, repreſented by ſpeckled horſes, v. 8. Doct. 1. It concernes theſe who are invited to repentance by the Lord, to be real in hearkening to that invitation, and real in that duty; therefore after the former Sermon, there is no further meſſage for three moneths at leaſt, till it were ſeen what fruit that Sermon had, and how real they were in any thing they profeſſed; the former was in the eighth monethmonth, and this upon the foure and twentieth day of the eleventh monethmonth. 2. The Lord doth teach his Church, and they are to receive inſtruction, not only by his Word, but by ſignes appointed by him joyned therewith, whereby alſo the Church is informed, that the reality of what God ſaith is ſuch, as if the thing ſaid were exhibited; for, this whole viſion as well as the doctrinal part of it, is called the Word of the Lord unto Zechariah, ſaying, intimating that theſe types were appointed to reach, and that Gods words are not empty words, but real things, exhibiting to view promiſed mercies. 3. Things ſpiritual cannot be ſeen of us while we are within time, but darkly, and as through a glaſſe; ſo much doth this way of repreſenting things ſpiritual by things bodily teach us. 4. As the eternal Son of God had his delights among the children of men, before the earth was made; ſo from age to age before his Incarnation, he gave proof unto his Church, what pleaſure he had in her, and to become a man, and be found in the forme of a ſervant for her ſake: as appears from this, that he who is the Angel of the Lord, and Interceſſor for his Church, v. 12. who hath Angels attending him, and at his command, v. 8, 11. yea, who is Jehovah, v. 20. (and therefore is no other then the Son of God) appears here for his Church, and that as a man appearing in bodily ſhape, and (as it were) eſſaying before-hand, how it would fit him to be bone of our bone indeed. 5. Chriſts reſidence and abode in an eſpecial way is in his Church, and as her low condition will not baniſh him, or make him ſeek another lodging; ſo his preſence is matter of her comfort, how little ſoever it ſeem to promiſe: ſo much may be gathered from his being among the myrtle trees in the bottome, pointing out his Church in a low condition, and this as a matter comfortable, though his preſence and way ſeem as little conſpicuous, as a man under a dark ſhade. 6. Though Chriſts preſence in his Church be ofttimes wanting to ſenſe, and little diſcerned by moſt, nor feared by enemies: yet they who have open eyes may ſee him in the Church in the darkeſt houre: this is held out to us in that the Prophet even by night ſaw a man among the myrtle trees: neither the night (taking it figuratively for their dark condition) nor the dark ſhadow, could hide him from the men illuminate by God. 7. Chriſt in his Church is not aſleep in her danger, but ready and watching a fit opportunity to let forth that zeale and vengeance, wherewith he is cloathed againſt her enemies: therefore is he riding, and that on a red horſe, ſignifying vengeance and ſeverity, and he ſtood among he myrtle-trees as watching his opportunity to prove that it was ſo. 8. Chriſt the King, Head and Protector of his Church, hath all power in heaven and earth given to him for her behoof, he hath Angels and all creatures at his call to execute his will, and diſpenſation of all ſorts, at his command, to let forth, as her condition or the temper of her enemies requireth: for, behinde him were there red horſes ſpeckled and white.
Verſ. 9.
Then ſaid I, O my Lord, what are theſe? And the Angel that talked with me, ſaid unto me, I will ſhew thee what theſe be.
10.
And the man that ſtood among the myrtle-trees, anſwered, and ſaid, Theſe are they whom the LORD hath ſent to walke to and fro through the earth.
11.
And they anſwered the Angel of the LORD that ſtood among the myrtle-trees, and ſaid, We have walked to and fro… brough the earth: and behold, all the earth ſitteth ſtill, and is at reſt.
So much of this viſion is expounded, as was at that time for the Churches behoof, and is given by Chriſt under the repreſentation, of an Angel talking with the Prophet, who is the ſame with the man among the myrtle trees, as appears, v. 10. and it is he who intercedes for the Church, v. 12, 13. and gives the Prophet a Commiſſion, v. 14. which is only Chriſts Prerogative. And ſo he repreſents Chriſt in his Prophetick office, who before appeared as Head of the Church on horſeback: he being enquired at by the Prophet, undertakes to informe him, v. 9. and accordingly teaches him concerning his Omniſcience and Sovereign Providence in the world, that he exactly conſiders the condition of all countreys and men, and how all the world about are at eaſe except the Church, all which is repreſented by the type of Angels ſent forth to view the world, as great Kings do their Intelligencers and Agents, v. 10. and by their returning an account of their diligence concerning the worlds quiet condition, v 11. Doct. 1. As Chriſt is appointed King and Head, ſo alſo to be the great Prophet and Teacher of his Church and people, who hath revealed the Father, and his counſel concerning mans ſalvation, and who muſt be the teacher of all thoſe who would inſtruct his people to any purpoſe; for, the man among the myrtle-trees, is alſo the Angel that talked with the Prophet. 2. As the Lord exalts none to much communion with himſelf, but they need ſomewhat to abaſe them, and keep them in minde of their owne wants; ſo in a ſpecial manner, as men grow in a right way of knowledge, they will alſo grow in the humbling ſenſe of their own ignorance: therefore the Prophet being exalted to ſee viſions, findes his own Ignorance, and is put to propound queſtions; O my Lord, what are theſe? 3. As Chriſt hath all treaſures of wiſdom and knowledge to ſolve every difficulty; ſo he is willing to clear every dark caſe to his people, who humbly imploy him, in ſo far as is needful and for their good; for, his anſwer to the Prophets queſtion is, I will ſhew thee what theſe be. 4 Angels are at Chriſts command, to come and go at his pleaſure, and he is their Head, to whom they are ſubject and accountable, and their promptitude and obedience unto him is ſuch as may be a pattern to all his ſervants This is implied in his ſending them to walk to and fro through the earth, and that they anſwered the Angel of the Lord, we have walked to and fro through the earth. 5. Chriſt hath perſect notice of all the affaires, and conditions, and wayes of the children of men, for the good of his Church: this is repreſented by his Angels going forth to ſpie all things, and by their bringing him an account for information; not that he needs theſe helps, who knowes all things immediately by himſelf, but he expreſſeth it thus; partly to ſet out his glory to our capacity, that he is a Royal King, with a great traine, and many intelligencers and agents abroad, and partly to condeſcend to the weakneſſe of our faith, which would ſee meanes for effectuating that which he hath alſufficiency in himſelf to do. 6. It pleaſeth the Lord for the triall and exerciſe of his Churches faith and patience, and for making way to his bowels of ſympathy, to afflict his people, when other people are at eaſe, and to leave them furtheſt behinde to ſenſe in outward things, who have beſt right to be well beyond others; for the whole earth ſitteth ſtill and is at reſt while Judah is vexed. 7. As Chriſt perfectly knowes the condition of the world and of his people, ſo his infinite wiſdome is the only fit carver of all remedies, and improver of caſes, to his Churches advantage, this is inſinuate in that they make their report ſimply, without preſcription of a remedy, but leave that to him.
Verſ. 12.
Then the Angel of the LORD anſwered, and ſaid, O LORD of hoſtes, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jeruſalem, and on the cities of Judah, againſt which thou haſt had indignation, theſe threeſcore and ten years?
13.
And the LORD anſwered the Angel that talked with me, with good words, and comfortable words.
As hitherto Chriſt hath been repreſented in his Kingly and Prophetical Office in this viſion, ſo here he is repreſented in his Prieſtly Office, upon this information interceding for his afflicted Church, as if he were afflicted with her, and paſſionately expoſtulating, that though the ſeventy years of their captivity were long ſince expired, yet the Lord, who eaſily could do it, had not put an end to that …ad diſpenſation, and let forth ſome effects of his mercy toward her, when all others were at eaſe: To which a good anſwer is returned. Doct. 1. Albeit Chriſt do not alwayes appear in glorious acts of power for his people in trouble, to prove his remembering of them; yet it is a ground of comfort and token of good, to know that the Church and her afflictions have a room in Chriſts heart, and are matter of his interceſſion to the Father; therefore the ſcope of this viſion is to aſſure them of Chriſts interceſſion for them, as the ground of many promiſes to be performed in due time. 2. Chriſt by vertue of the Covenant of Redemption paſt betwixt the Father and him, and the Covenant of grace made with ſinners in him, did exerciſe his Office of Mediator and Interceſſor for his people, making the price to be paid forth-coming in all ages, even before his incarnation; for here at this time, he is interceding for the Church of the Jewes. 3. Chriſt the Interceſſor is engaged to ſee the Churches good, and hath perfect knowledge of her affaires, and what her caſe requires, which puts him to appear for her in every neceſſity, and that very affectionatly, as if himſelfe were concerned and engaged in her trouble, all this is here ſaid of this Interceſſor, for he looks on her as his charge, for which he muſt make account, as being the Angel, or, Meſſenger of the Lord for that end: his information received in the former verſe ſhewes, that he is neither ignorant nor careleſſe of her caſe; his interceding upon that information unrequired, and anſwering it, as calling him to do his duty, ſhewes how mercifull and faithfull and High Prieſt he is, and his pleading how long &c? doth not import any diſtruſt in him, or quarrelling of his Father, but his deep reſentment of his Churches calamitie, and his cordiall affection to her and her welfare. 4. Theſe for whom Chriſt intercedes are not the periſhing world, but his own in the world, and his viſible Church for their ſake, that ſhe may be ſo dealt with as may moſt conduce for their bringing in and training up for heaven; for, here he prayes for Jeruſalem and the cities of Judah, as repreſenting the viſible Goſpel-Church, and as being the viſible Church wherein the elect were brought forth to God. 5. Chriſt in his interceſſion will not quit any of his or his peoples rights, but will plead them to the full, and keep up his whole claime, however matters ſeem to go; for however they were now ſcarce one City, yet he pleads for Jeruſalem and the cities of Judah, for all the people; and is accordingly anſwered, v. 16, 17. for things are never deſperate, which are within his claime. 6. Albeit Chriſt doth intercede for his own that are not within the fold that they may be brought in, yet then have we clear ground to make uſe of, and apply the benefit of Chriſts interceſſion to our comfort, when we are engaged in the way of our duty; for no mention is made of them who returned not from captivity, but only of Jeruſalem and the cities of Judah. 7. Chriſts way of interceſſion teacheth his people to come through him to God in faith as to one compleatly able to help them in all extremities; for he prayes to him as Lord of hoſtes, who could remove all impediments out of the way of his peoples happineſſe. 8. Such are fit for receiving the comfortable fruits of Chriſts interceſſion, as are humble, and made to ſtoop and expect them from free mercy; for Chriſt intercedes on no other termes, but that he will have mercy; which is extended to the miſerable, and ſuch as are ſenſible of their being ſuch. 9. Tender mercy, and bowels of compaſſion in God, is the carver out of what ſhall be the lot of his humble people; for Chriſt comprehends all they are to receive in its fountaine, which is mercy. 10. Such as Chriſt the Mediator taketh charge of he will not have them behinde with any for happineſſe; for, ſo much doth his complaining that mercy was not ſhewed to the Church, while as others were at eaſe, teach us. 11. Chriſt doth tenderly weigh the meaſure and continuance of the Churches trouble; ſo doth he here; Againſt which thou haſt had indignation theſe threeſcore and ten yeares. 12. Albeit the Lord for a time let out diſpleaſure againſt his Church for ſinne, yet his ordinary way of diſpenſation in the world, and his peculiar favour to his Church, will allow her to expect a viciſſitude and change of her hard condition into a better, after his prefixed time for triall is over; for after the ſeventy years captivity Chriſt pleads, that indignation ſhould reſolve in mercy. 13. The ſad effects of a captivity may laſt long time after the captivity is over, that ſo the fruites of ſinne may be well ſtudied, that a people ſo uſed may be ſtirred up more earneſtly to ſeek God, and that Chriſt may have much occaſion to let forth his bowels of affection, and his fathers through him; for here, after the ſeventy years are over, the Lord yet had not mercy on Jeruſalem, to wit, in that meaſure of outward effects they had enjoyed before their captivity, and was promiſed to them after it. 14. Chriſt is ſuch an Interceſſor, as even when he takes moſt deſperate-like cauſes in hand, he will be heard, and muſt be ſatisfied in his deſires; for, the Lord anſwered the Angel that talked with me. 15. The anſwer which Chriſt the Interceſſor receives will be ſatisfactory and comfortable, it will be ſuch as he accounts good, and ſo ſhould we, and being good ſhould be comfortable, and will prove ſo in the end; for he is anſwered with good and comfortable words. 16. A Church may receive rich fruits of Chriſts interceſſion, although at firſt they be not delivered, nor get the reſt which they expect, to wit, when they are led to ſpiritual things inſtead of temporal which they want, and get promiſes renewed of what is in due time to be performed: for Chriſts anſwer here is good and comfortable words, or promiſes concerning ſpiritual things, and their own enlargement, after publiſhed.
Verſ. 14.
So the Angel that communed with me, ſaid unto me, Cry thou, ſaying; Thus ſaith the LORD of hoſts, I am jealous for Jeruſalem, and for Sion with a great jealouſie.
This good anſwer is not kept up by Chriſt the Interceſſor, but the ſumme of it is preſently given to the Prophet to publiſh unto the Church for her comfort, it containeth ſeverall particulars; whereof the firſt is, a commiſſion to publiſh the Lords affection to his Church, to do her good, and his indignation and griefe (ſpeaking after the manner of men) for the injuries ſuſtained by her, no leſſe then any man hath for his married and beloved wife. Doct. 1. Chriſts fidelity and affection to his people for whom he intercedes, is ſuch, that he will not long keep up from them the fruits of his purchaſe and interceſſion in their need; this is repreſented to us in this, that a good anſwer and good newes being given, before (ſo to ſay) he read the packet, he poſts it away to the Church by the Prophet, So the Angel that communed with me ſaid, Crie thou, &c. 2. Good newes concerning the Church are to be expected from heaven as the fruit of Chriſts interceſſion, and are to be read in the Word and meſſages put in the mouth of his commiſſion-ſervants from day to day: So here, theſe good newes are the anſwer which Chriſt received to his prayer, and are ſent from Heaven to be publiſhed by the Prophet. 3. It is incumbent to theſe who are imployed as Ambaſſadours betwixt Chriſt and his people, to publiſh his minde with ſuch zeal and alacrity, ſuch affection and confidence, as may in ſome meaſure repreſent his great love who ſent the meſſage, his delight to do them good, and his real purpoſe to performe what he ſaith; for this cauſe is the Prophet here commanded, to cry this meſſage. 4. The Lords relation to his people is a marriage tie, which is not broken by every fault, nor caſt off in ſad diſpenſations: for, his being jealous for her, importeth, that ſhe was the wife ſtill, for all ſhe had done, or had come upon her. 5. Albeit the Lord will neither hold ſtroaks off his people when they need or deſerve them, nor deliver them till his time come; yet his marriage-affection doth reſent all their trouble and injuries done to them, ſo that they grieve not, nor are wronged, but his heart bleeds, as in due time will appear in effects; I am (ſaith he) jealous for Jeruſalem and Sion with a great jealouſie.
Verſ. 15
And I am very ſore diſpleaſed with the heathen that are at eaſe: for I was but a little diſpleaſed, and they helped forward the affliction:
A ſecond branch of the anſwer given in commiſſion to the Prophet, holds forth Gods great diſpleaſure againſt the enemies of the Church for all their quiet condition, becauſe that when God intended to correct his people by their meanes, they had proven ſevere executioners. Doct. 1. As it is an heatheniſh mark to live at eaſe in an uncertain world, eſpecially when the Church is in trouble; ſo Gods diſpleaſure againſt heathens, or men of heatheniſh diſpoſition and practiſes in afflicting the Church of God may be very great, and ready to break forth in due time, notwithſtanding their eaſie life and quiet eſtate, I am very ſore diſpleaſed with the heathen that are at eaſe. 2. The Lords hotteſt diſpleaſure againſt his own people will be found very eaſie when it is compared with his ſeverity againſt his enemies; therefore however the Jewes be called to conſider it in it ſelfe, as ſore diſpleaſure, v. 2. yet being thus compared with the lot of others: it is ſaid, I was but a little diſpleaſed. 3. Albeit none of the Churches enemies, and inſtruments of Gods chaſtiſements, can tranſgreſſe the bounds of his purpoſe and permiſſion, to adde any thing to the Churches trouble, yet as they go beyond his revealed will and approbation, ſo they uſe to execute Gods purpoſe, with ſuch cruell mindes and ſo deſtructive intentions, as renders them highly guilty before God; thus, They helped forward the affliction, when God was but a little diſpleaſed, they had more cruelty in their way then God determined to be executed, and they intended and aimed at the utter deſtruction of the Church, when God intended only to correct and purge them. 4. As the cruell deſignes of the Churches enemies will faile them; ſo their ſeverity in executing the Lords controverſie, is a token of Gods ſore anger againſt them, and of their approaching ruine; for, the Church is now delivered in part, beyond their expectations and deſires, and this their way, ſpeaks God very ſore diſpleaſed, which will not long conceale.
Verſ. 16.
Therefore thus ſaith the LORD, I am returned to Jeruſalem with mercies: my houſe ſhall be built in it, ſaith the LORD of hoſtes, and a line ſhall be ſtretched forth upon Jeruſalem.
A third branch of this anſwer and meſſage, holds forth ſome promiſed effects of his declared love to his people, to wit, that the Lord, being now reconciled with them, the Temple ſhould be built: and their City and wall alſo in Nehemiahs time (ſignified by the ſtretching out of a workmans line to ſquare his building by, when he works) and ſo in effect promiſeth to erect their publick worſhip, and Politick State. Doct. 1. The Lord who ſpeaks comfortably of his love to the Church in her trouble, will in due time let forth reall and convincing proofes and fruits thereof; This promiſe comes in on the back of the former concerning his love to his people, and hatred againſt her afflicters, with a therefore, as minding to give a reall proof of what he ſaid. 2. As the Lords preſence with his people as a reconciled God, is a chief fruit of his love; ſo temporal calamities will not hinder his manifeſting of his being reconciled, in his own due time; for after he had been angry with them, and had gone away, as to any outward manifeſtation of his preſence, he aſſureth them again, as a great proof of his love. Thus ſaith the Lord, I am returned to Jeruſalem. 3. The Lords furniture and traine when he comes to dwell in his Church, are tender mercies of all ſorts, without which his Church could not enjoy him, nor he dwell long with her; and which ſhall rejoyce over any other diſpenſation he may let out upon her, I am returned to Jeruſalem with mercies, ſaith he. 4. The Lord may be reconciled with, and in the midſt of his people, loaden with mercy, when yet all things are but in the promiſes, going to bud forth in performance, I am returned, ſaith the Lord, when yet neither the City nor houſe were built. 5. The ſetting up of Gods houſe and worſhip amongſt a ſinfull unworthy people, is a chief evidence of his preſence, and fruit of his tender mercy; My houſe ſhall be built in it, is the firſt fruit of his returning with mercies. 6. Albeit the building of Gods houſe, and ſetting up his worſhip, be the Churches duty, the neglect whereof is her great ſinne; yet it is the Lord who only can undertake to ſet it up and hold it up, and the humble follower of his duty, may be encouraged by conſidering that what is their task, God is alſo engaged by promiſe to ſee it done, therefore what they were commanded to do by Haggai, here God promiſeth to ſee it done when they ſet about it, My houſe ſhall be built in it, ſaith the Lord of hoſtes. 7. Where Gods work goes firſt on as mens chief care, their own particulars will ſucceed the better, although they were to raiſe out of the very duſt and ruines of long deſolation; therefore it is promiſed in the ſecond place, and a line ſhall be ſtretched forth upon Jeruſalem.
Verſ. 17.
Cry yet, ſaying, Thus ſaith the LORD of hosts, My cities through proſperity, ſhall yet be ſpread abroad, and the LORD ſhall yet comfort Sion, and ſhall yet chooſe Jeruſalem.
The laſt branch of this anſwer (for which the Prophet gets a new commiſſion) containes yet more effects of his love, that whereas now they were but a few and poor people, ſo that they behoved to bring people from the countrey to inhabit Jeruſalem, Neh. 11. The Lord promiſes that all their Cities ſhould not only be peopled, but ſhould overflow with men and proſperity, (as ſome ſhadow of the enlargement of Chriſts Kingdome under the Goſpel) and that by all theſe diſpenſations he would comfort this people, and confirme them in that priviledge of being his choſen people, notwithſtanding their temporal rejection. Doct. 1. When the Lord hath ſaid much for the comfort of his people, he hath ſtill yet more to ſay, to be as confidently avowed, as if he had made but promiſe of one thing; and his ſervants need much up-ſtirring to ſearch into the riches of Chriſt, and not to weary in bringing it forth unto his people: therefore after the former commiſſion and promiſes, Cry yet ſaith the Lord. 2. Though there be many things that ſeem to lie in the way of promiſes, ſuch as guilt, difficulties, length of time, &c. which may make performance ſeem improbable, if not impoſſible: yet the faith both of Preachers and people ought to ſtep over theſe, and whatever appear to the contrary, the promiſe is to be publiſhed and believed; this is imported in the many yets in this commiſſion and promiſe; Cry yet, my cities ſhall yet ſpread, &c. ſhewing that whatever be ſaid to the contrary theſe things ſhould be. 3. When God is reconciled with a people, all things that concernes them becomes the Lords; in a ſpecial manner, to get protection and bleſſing from him; for now their cities are his: My Cities. 4. Though the Lords people reconciled with him, may lie low for a time, yet his bleſſing can exalt them beyond all expectation; My cities through proſperity ſhall yet be ſpread abroad. 5. Though the Lords people ſeem oft-times to be ſtricken with incurable and grievous wounds, yet the Lord both can, and in due time will comfort them over all their ſorrowes, and make them forget their miſeries; And the Lord ſhall yet comfort Zion. 6. The great comfort that ariſes to the Lords people from all his gracious diſpenſations, is that by them they are confirmed in the priviledge of being his peculiar people, and ſtanding in his favour, which by ſad afflictions ſeemed to be annulled and made void: for their comfort is, that by theſe diſpenſations he ſhall yet chooſe Jeruſalem, or give a new proofe of it.
Verſ. 18.
Then lift I up mine eyes, and ſaw, and behold, foure hornes.
19.
And I ſaid unto the Angel that talked with me, What be theſe? And be anſwered me, Theſe are the hornes which have ſcattered Judah, Iſrael, and Jeruſalem.
20.
And the LORD ſhewed me foure Carpenters.
21.
Then ſaid I, What come theſe to do? And he ſpake, ſaying, Theſe are the hornes which have ſcattered Judah, ſo that no man did lift up his head, but theſe are come to fray them, to caſt out the hornes of the Gentiles, which lift up their horne over the land of Judah to ſcatter it.
In this ſecond viſion, that part of the former meſſage concerning Gods diſpleaſure againſt the Churches enemies, is confirmed, and the removal of all obſtructions in the way of performance of promiſes is held forth; the ſumme whereof is, that as when God purpoſed to exerciſe and chaſten them, ſtrong and fierce enemies had ariſen from all quarters of the world, and had ſcattered the whole body of Gods people, both of Iſrael and Judah, (which enemies are repreſented to the Prophet, and under the type of hornes, alluding to the cuſtome of ſouldiers, who had iron hornes in their helmets for terrour, or to beaſts whom enemies reſemble in cruelty;) ſo albeit the Jewes could not reſiſt them, nor ſhake off the yoke till their trial was perfected; yet the Lord had other enemies and fitted inſtruments ready in all quarters, to be terrible unto theſe oppreſſors, and caſt them out of their power, and to break and cruſh it, which alſo is repreſented to the Prophet under the type of Carpenters, or Hammer-men, able to break and cut off theſe hornes, and both theſe types are explained by the Lord unto him. Doct. 1. When greateſt promiſes are given to the Church, her faith may have ſoreſt eſſayes, and greateſt obſtructions may appear in the way of performance, from potent, cruel and beaſtly enemies on all quarters, concurring together for her ruine; & not only threatening, but who have actually exerciſed ſo much cruelty, as may put her in feare for the future; for, when all theſe promiſes are made; Then I lift up mine eyes, and behold, foure hornes, which have ſcattered Judah, Iſrael and Jeruſalem. 2. As difficulties invironing the Church would be ſeen by her, that ſhe may be ſtirred up to her dutie: ſo the beſt ſight of them, and expounding of their way is had from God, whereby ſhe will ſee them to be under an over-ruling Providence, and that God takes notice of every circumſtance of her trouble; therefore the Prophet is made to ſee theſe hornes: and albeit their trouble from enemies was a known thing, yet the Lord will diſcover it in viſion, and expound it himſelf upon the Prophets queſtion, to ſhew that God knew, and had an hand in what they did. 3. Albeit the Lord take notice of all the cruelties exerciſed upon his Church, yet in a ſpecial manne… he reſents the enemies deſigne, to cut the face of a Church from off the earth; for, they ſcattered Judah, &c. as beaſts toſſe what they get upon their hornes into the winde, and for this cauſe it is, that the ſcattering of Jeruſalem, where the Temple ſtood, is conſidered by it ſelf, though it be a part of Judah. 4. Albeit the Lord do not alike ſoon deliver all his afflicted, yea, albeit theſe who were laſt afflicted be firſt delivered, yet the ſufferings of all are in his heart, and not forgotten in their trouble; and preſent ſufferers have the advantage of all the Churches former trouble, whoſe wounds do all bleed on every new ſtroak; therefore albeit Judah get the preſent comfort of this viſion, as appears, v. 21. yet the Prophet is made to ſee, that the hornes have ſcattered Judah, Iſrael and Jeruſalem, not only becauſe ſome Iſraelites had cleaved unto Judah; ſince the renting of the ten tribes from the houſe of David, but to ſhew that Iſraels troubles were laid up in his heart, to be forth-coming for their good in due time, and that Judah had this advantage againſt her enemies, that Iſrael had ſuffered by them alſo. 5. Such as have opened eyes may diſcern as much for the encouragement of the Church, as can be ſeen againſt her: that God is powerful to cruſh all her enemies, and hath as many effectual meanes for that end on all quarters, as they have power and confederates: for, the Prophet is made to ſee foure Carpenters, in oppoſition to the foure hornes. 6. However difficulties and enemies may eaſily be ſeen; yet help againſt them can be ſhewed by God only; for whereas it is ſaid of the hornes that the Prophet ſaw them, it is ſaid of their help expreſly; The Lord ſhewed me foure Carpenters. 7. Chriſt the King, Prieſt and Prophet of his Church, is very God, equal with his Father; for here the Angel, who all this while had communed with, and informed the Prophet in viſion and who had interceded for the Church, is Jehovah; The Lord ſhewed me. 8. No ſucceſſe which enemies have had againſt the Church, during her trial and exerciſe will aſſure them againſt a day of vengeance, or make them ſtand before the fitted inſtruments thereof; for, however theſe hornes have ſcattered Judah, ſo that no man did lift up his head, yet theſe are come to fray them, and caſt out the hornes of the Gentiles: The inſtruments of vengeance will eaſily affright them who had been the terrour of the world, and will caſt them out, not only from poſſeſſing the Churches inheritance which they had uſurped, but from their own kingdomes and power which they had employed ſo ill. 9. Whatever other wickedneſſe; perſecutors of the Church may be guilty of, or whatever quarrel the inſtruments of their ruine may have againſt them; yet the Lords great controverſie which fills their cup, and which the Church themſelves, and the world about ſhould look on as the cauſe of their ruine, is their oppoſition unto, and their oppreſſing of the people of God; therefore is it the third time ſet down in this viſion, that they lift up their horne over the land of Judah to ſcatter it.