Exposition of Haggai Zechariah and Malachi, Exposition of prophecy 2 · Chapter 6
CHAP. VI.
IN the firſt part of the Chapter we have the eighth viſion, wherein, under the type of four charets with horſes of ſeverall colours, v. 1, 2, 3. is repreſented Gods effectual providence, in guiding the world by fit inſtruments, for variety of diſpenſations, v. 4, 5, 6, 7. whereof in part an account is given to the Prophet, v. 8. In the ſecond part of the Chapter, under the type of two Crownes made of ſome ſilver and gold offered by ſtrangers, and ſet upon the head of Joſhua, v. 9, 10, 11. is repreſented Chriſt to be incarnate, the builder of his Church, and the King and Prieſt thereof, v. 12, 13. under whom ſtrangers ſhould come and joyne with the Jewes in building the ſpiritual Church, v. 14, 15. which Doctrine is cloſed with aſſuring this people that experience ſhould prove the truth of his authority in Propheſying, and with a declaration that obedience was the only way for them to finde the comfortable fruit of theſe promiſes, v. 15.
Verſ. 1.
ANd I turned and lift up mine eyes, and looked, and behold, there came four charets out from between two mountaines, and the mountaines were mountaines of braſſe.
2.
In the firſt charet were red horſes, and in the ſecond charet black horſes;
3.
And in the third charet white horſes, and in the fourth charet grizled, and bay horſes.
4.
Then I anſwered, and ſaid unto the Angel that talked with me, What are theſe, my LORD?
5.
And the Angel anſwered, and ſaid unto me, Theſe are the four ſpirits of the heavens, which go forth from ſtanding before the Lord of all the earth.
In the viſion there are four warlike charets, which are expounded, at the Prophets deſire, to ſignifie the four ſpirits, or, windes of the heavens; whereby we may underſtand, either bands of Angels, (who are ſpirits, and as windes, Pſal. 104.4. and are repreſented by charets, Pſ. 68.17.) imployed at Gods direction to all the quarters of the world, and therefore called four; or, generally, all inſtruments acted by the Spirit or motion of God, to do his will every where. The variety of colours of the charet-horſes, ſignifieth variety of diſpenſations, whether joyfull, ſad, or mixed, which are in Gods hands; the red portending calamities of warre and bloodſhed, the black, calamitie or deſtruction coming any other way then by the ſword, and the white, peace and proſperity, and the grizled and bay, a mixed diſpenſation of mercy and juſtice, though the bay may be rendered ſtrong, as a common property of all the charet-horſes. Theſe charets come forth from between two mountaines of braſſe, ſignifying the unchangeable decrees of God, which theſe inſtruments execute, and his firme providence by which they are ruled. Doct. 1. It is an uſeful imployment for the Church of God, to be much in ſtudying the Lords ſovereignty over the world, whereby it is ſubject to his government and adminiſtrations: and that he hath competency of fit inſtruments whereby to execute his purpoſes, and to exerce his providence and ſovereignty in the earth; for, ſo much is repreſented to the Church in this viſion, wherein God is Lord of all the earth, hath inſtruments ſufficient for al the parts of the world, and theſe inſtruments, obſequious to receive directions, as ſtanding before the Lord, and nimble as ſpirit, or windes, and ſtrong as warlike charets to execute them. By ſtudying whereof the Church is taught, to exalt God, to ſtoop to him, to cleave to her duty having ſuch a Protector, and to be comforted in ſuch a portion as he is, whoſe preſence and train, for her behoofe, makes her famous, Pſal. 68.16, 17. 2. It will contribute further to ſettle the mindes of Gods people, and make them to ſubmit to every diſpenſation, to ſtudy that all things are ordered in the world according to the pleaſure of God, that his decrees and purpoſes are, and ſhall be effectually executed in all the earth, and that his effectuall providence doth overrule all inſtruments, that nothing be done but what he hath decreed; This is alſo repreſented to the Church in this viſion, by the foure charets, (or inſtruments of God in all the parts of the world) their coming out from between two mountaines of braſſe, that is, his unalterable counſels, which they are ſent forth to put in execution, and his effectual providence by which they are hemmed in on every hand, that they do nothing but according to his pleaſure. This ſtudie will lead the Church to ſee God in every diſpenſation, (which is comfortable when ſhe is reconciled to him,) and to ſee that no ill purpoſes of men can be effectual without him, and that none of his thoughts of peace will be hindered. 3. The counſels and purpoſes of God in governing the world, are deep and unſearchable, rather to be adored and read by the Church, according to the tenour of the Covenant, then pried into, till by his executing and perfecting his work, ſhe be able to ſee and diſcern that which otherwiſe might readily be miſtaken; this is ſignified by the charets, coming out of ſome deep valley, between two mountaines, which is obſcure, and cannot eaſily be ſeen into. 4. The Lord hath variety of diſpenſations, according as the condition of men (whether enemies, or the Church) calls for them, laid up in ſtore, and at his command to carve upon, and let out at his pleaſure without controulment; ſo that he is to be ſeen, and his wiſdom, fidelity, juſtice or mercy, &c. to be adored in every one of them, according as they are let forth, and made beautiful in their time, and in reſpect of theſe toward whom they are diſpenſed: this is ſignified by charet-horſes of all colours, going forth at Gods direction. 5. As the ſtudy of the divine authority of the Word, and what is revealed therein, is that which the Church ought to be much about, in a time when ſhe hath her comforts to bring from thence; ſo in ſuch a time ſhe is to be much in dwelling upon the Word, and ſtirring up her ſelfe to underſtand the riches and fulneſſe thereof: for, by this queſtion, ſo oft propounded, and here repeated by the Prophet, v. 4. we are taught both that nothing in this viſion, or explication of it is invented by him, but all of God, and therefore to be leaned to; and alſo that for attaining the full comfort of the Scriptures, and of knowing Gods minde, lazineſſe would be ſhaken off, and God much employed for clearing it up unto us, being a depth not eaſily comprehended or taken up.
Verſ. 6.
The black horſes which are therein, go forth into the North-countrey, and the white go forth after them, and the grizled go forth toward the South, countrey.
The ſcope of the viſion is more particularly cleared up, by ſhewing the particular employment of theſe inſtruments, in ſeveral parts of the world, deſigned from their ſituation in relation to the land of Judah. We need not enquire concerning the red horſes, (though ſome reade the Hebrew, as pointing at them alſo, theſe which are therein, (pointing at the red charet) and the black horſes go forth, &c.) the number and colours pointing only at ſufficiency of meanes for all parts of the world, and of diſpenſations as they are needed; whereof only three are expounded. Two of theſe charets, the black and white, are employed toward the North in Babylon, ſignifying the deſtruction of the Babylonians by the Perſians, and the deliverance of the Jewes, which being already verified, might confirm the Church, and the godly in it, to wait for the like in time coming. If not alſo pointing out that the ſad condition of the Jewes, who yet remained in Babylon, ſhould at laſt end in peace and proſperity, many of them coming up afterwards to Judea. A third charet is employed toward Egypt ſouthward to Judea, whither many of the Jewes went with Johanan, Jer. 43. who were to be exerciſed with a mixed diſpenſation, as the colour of the horſes imports Doct. 1. Whatever ſad diſpenſations the Lord ſend either upon his people, or the Nations among whom they are, yet he hath a peculiar care of them to provide a good iſſue of their trouble, and can make ſad calamities not to ruine, but be a meanes of their deliverance; for, when the black horſes go forth into the North-countrey, the white go forth after them. The ruine of Babel where they remained, proved their delivery, and their own calamities end well: which is yet remarked after it is done, to ſhew, that God is ſtill the ſame to ruine enemies, and do good to the Church, and make overturnings, wherein it ſhould ſeem ſhe would be overwhelmed as well as others, bring about her happineſſe. 2. Albeit afflictions and lots which God ſends on a people, eſpecially for ſin, may be very grievous and ſad, yet they have ordinarily more comfortable iſſues then afflictions of their own chooſing; for, the white horſes go after the black to Babylou, whither God had ſent the Jewes, whereas the charet ſent to Egypt, whither they went of their own accord, is griſled. 3. Albeit the Lord be juſtly provoked againſt his peoples following their own ways, eſpecially under trouble; yet his ſeverity even to them is mixed with mercy; for, the charet ſent to the South is not black nor red, but griſled.
Verſ. 7.
And the bay went forth, and ſought to go that they might walke to and fro thorow the earth, and he ſaid, Get ye hence, walke to and fro thorow the earth: ſo they walked to and fro thorow the earth.
Whether we underſtand this of all the charets, whoſe horſes were ſtrong (as the word alſo ſignifies) or of the fourth charet only, who having done that particular work ſhewed to the Prophet, ſought to be employed elſewhere, all comes to one purpoſe, that by Gods allowance and command, they are employed through the earth; Hence learn, 1. As all inſtruments are ſubject unto God, and no ſervice can be acceptable to him, but what is warranted by his command: ſo he hath inſtruments, (and eſpecially Angels) very ready and willing to ſeek and take employments, and ſee them executed; this we are taught in that they ſought to go that they might walke to and fro through the earth; and in that having received orders, they walked to and fro through the earth. 2. Albeit the Church get now and then a clear ſight of ſome ſpecial Providences, yet it is but parts of his way that ſhe is able to take up: His Providence is not idle in all the parts of the world, though ſhe ſee not ſo well through it, and it is her comfort to know ſo much, that his Providence is ſo univerſal for her good; for, here is a command to get hence, and walk to and fro through the earth, obeyed by them, holding out his providence, and this is diſcovered to the Prophet for the Churches comfort, though particular actions, done by them, be not declared.
Verſ. 8.
Then cried he upon me, and ſpake unto me, ſaying, Behold, theſe that go toward the North-countrey, have quieted my Spirit in the North-countrey.
An account is given to the Prophet of that part of the viſion which ſpecially concerned the Church, that the inſtruments employed in the North, had fulfilled his counſel in ſeverity againſt Babel, and tenderneſſe toward the Jewes there, as a pledge for future times. Doct. 1. Albeit the Lord do effectually execute his purpoſes in all the world, yet his providence about his Church is (to ſpeak after the manner of men) his ſpecial care, in the ſtudy and knowledge whereof his Church is to acquieſce, albeit many other paſſages be hid from her; therefore it is that the Lord takes pleaſure in giving an account of that paſſage, and declares that only unto the Prophet, leaving the reſt untouched, Then he cried to me, and ſpake to me, ſaying, Behold, theſe that go toward the North, &c. 2. The Lord accounts himſelf not a little concerned in the afflictions of his people, and the proſperity of their enemies, nor will he be at reſt till he plague the one, and relieve the other; for, the red and white horſes do quiet his Spirit, which was before commoved. 3. Whatever work the Lord undertake againſt his enemies, and in delivering his Church, and whatever inſtruments he employ, there ſhall be nothing left undone or imperfect, or be delayed, but ſhall be fully accompliſhed according to his purpoſe, and as he hath promiſed or threatened; for, ſaith he, They have quieted my Spirit in the North-countrey, or done all things according to my minde.
Verſ. 9.
And the Word of the LORD came unto me, ſaying,
10.
Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the ſame day, and go into the houſe of Joſiah the ſonne of Zephaniah.
11.
Then take ſilver and gold, and make crownes, and ſet them upon the head of Joſhua the ſonne of Joſedech the High Prieſt.
In the ſecond part of the chapter, we have a promiſe of Chriſt the Builder and Governour of his Church, and of the Converſion of ſtrangers, the type whereof is the making of two Crownes, the one of ſilver, and the other of gold, as ſacred ſignes appointed of God for the uſes after-mentioned, and the ſetting them ſolemnly on the Head of Joſhua the Prieſt. Theſe Crownes are to be made of what was offered by foure men, (the firſt whereof and the laſt ſeems to have had two names, v. 14. at leaſt the firſt of them, fur Hen might be brother to Joſiah) who ſeem not ſo much to be eminent men amongſt them, who were fainting, and made others to faint by their example, and therefore needed to be encouraged, as to be men lately come from Babylon, with offerings for themſelves, or in name of others; of which for ſpecial cauſe the Crownes are made to encourage them to come and joyne with their brethren, from … promiſe of Chriſt, (at that time in whom all that they miſſed in Judea was to be made up) and of the Converſion of ſtrangers, as is after cleared. Doct. 1. Where Chriſt ſets up his Church in the world, he can when he pleaſeth induce men to joyne themſelves thereunto, though it ſeem to bring much outward diſadvantage; for, there are of the captivity which are come from Babylon, where many of theſe Jewes thought themſelves better accommodated then to leave it for Judah. 2. The Lord is very tender of ſuch as are at any paines to ſeek him, and allowes ſpecial encouragement upon them, and commands all diligence to be uſed for that end; for, this great type, and the explication therof is for their encouragement, and the Prophet is to come the ſame day unto the houſe of Joſiah, or the place where he lodged, if he be one of the number. 3. None are to appear before the Lord empty, but when they come unto him in his Church, they are to give up themſelves, and what they have to be at his diſpoſing: this is ſignified by their bringing ſilver and gold, which the Prophet is to take of them. 4. Albeit our ſervices, and any thing we can offer to God, be of no worth before him, and may juſtly be rejected; yet ſuch is his graciouſneſſe that he may make more of our ſervices then we could well expect; for, not only are their gifts accepted, but made uſe of in contributing to this type, their ſilver and gold were the matter of the Crowns. 5. The Lord may employ perſons to ſuſtain extraordinary relations as types, which it is not lawful for them to exerce in any ordinary way; for Joſhua's getting two Crowns to be an extraordinary type of Chriſt in his two offices, was no warrant for Joſhua in his adminiſtrations, to take on him not only the Prieſtly, but the Kingly office alſo, whereof ſome ſhadow was yet remaining in Davids race, and preſently exerciſed by Zerubbabel.
Verſ. 12.
And ſpeak unto him, ſaying, Thus ſpeaketh the LORD of hoſtes, ſaying, Behold, the man whoſe Name is the BRANCH, and he ſhall grow up out of his place, and he ſhall build the Temple of the LORD.
Followes the application of this type in two particulars; the firſt whereof is, of Joſhua's being crowned with two crowns; which leſt any ſhould miſtake, it is cleared to him that all this type pointed at Chriſts coming in the fleſh, the true King and Prieſt of his Church; who albeit in his humiliation he ſhould appear contemptible as a tender branch, yet ſhould he grow up miraculouſly, and build his own Church, whereof the Temple was a type, and in building whereof he alſo had a chief hand. Doct. 1. Chriſt manifeſted in and to his Church, is an excellent and ſovereign encouragement, to invite men to come and joyne with her in how low an eſtate ſoever ſhe be; for, the ſubſtance of all this type, and the encouragement held out unto theſe ſtrangers, to draw them and their brethren out of Babylon, is, Bebold, the man whoſe Name is the BRANCH. 2. It neither takes away the glory of Chriſt, no… the encouragement of his people in him and from him, that he was incarnate, and became a man like us, and appeared contemptible, during the ſtate of his humili…tion; but rather contributes much to their encouragement, that he came ſo near unto them, and was ſo like them in all things, and to his glory, that from ſo ſmall beginnings he grew to ſo great an height; and makes his Church to flouriſh; therefore is he here deſcribed: The man whoſe Name is the BRANCH, or, tender bud, out of the root of Jeſſe, who ſhall grow up. 3. As Chriſt and his work are ſtill upon the riſing and growing hand till his body be perfected in glory; ſo his own arme and power is able to raiſe him up beyond all probability, and without all humane help; for, he ſhall grow up out of his place, that is, out of Jeſſe's withered root, when the glory of Davids family was quite extinct, and out of his place Nazareth, which his Name the BRANCH in the Original points at, Mat. 2.…3. 4. Chriſts having his hand at a work, and his engagement to perfect it, ought to be an encouragement to all in their ſtation to put hand to it, eſpecially conſidering what preſage or fore-runner that work may be of a more glorious work to be done by Chriſt; therefore theſe Jewes are invited to come and joyne in building the Temple, ſince Chriſt was principal undertaker therein, and that by ſo doing they ſhould ſet up a clear type of his building his own Church; And he ſhall build the Temple of the Lord.
Verſ. 13.
Even he ſhall build the Temple of the LORD, and he ſhall beare the glory,, and ſhall ſit and rule upon his throne, and he ſhall be a Priest upon his throne, and the counſel of peace ſhall be between them both.
The promiſe of Chriſts building his own Church, is again repeated for further confirmation; and concerning him, for explaining the type, it is further promiſed, that in him the glory of that people ſhould ſhine again, & to him only the glory of building his Church is due that there ſhould be a conjunction of the Kingly and Prieſtly office in his perſon; the exerciſe of both which ſhould ſweetly concur to carry on his purpoſes concerning his people. Doct. 1. There is great need of being much ſtudied in the certainty of Chriſts carrying on of his own work, and that it depends on him only, whether meanes be or not; for this end is this promiſe again repeated; Even he ſhall build the Temple of the Lord. 2. All the glory and excellency of the Church is to be found in Chriſt, and however ſhe in her ſelf and in her officers may ſeem very vile; yet ſhe is raiſed up to glory in him, and all outward pompe that is wanting, is made up in him; this is ſignified by the two Crowns on Joſhua's head, that however, both the Prieſthood and Princely dignity were now contemptible, yet he ſhould raiſe them to glory in his perſon: He ſhall bear the glory, though Zerubbabel and Joſhua were in a baſe condition, and had little or no ſplendor. 3. The glory of rearing up and building a Church to God in the world, is a burden too heavy for any but Chriſt to bear, and would cruſh any meane creature, however they be very ambitious of glory; this alſo is implied in that he ſhall build the Temple, and he ſhall bear the glory. 4. Chriſt alone is all-ſufficient for all the affaires of his Church, being inveſted with all offices that may contribute for her good, and appointed both King and Prieſt for her; for, he ſhall ſit and rule, and be a Prieſt upon his throne. 5. Chriſt as he is inveſted with power and authority, ſo he is not idle, but actively goes about all affairs, which his offices engage him to; for, he rules, and is a Prieſt upon his throne. 6. Chriſt hath a ſtable poſſeſſion of all his offices and dignities, from which no oppoſition will remove him to the prejudice of his people, to leave them without an Head, a King or Prieſt; for, he ſhall ſit and rule, &c. his ſitting points out his ſtable and ſetled poſſeſſion. 7. Albeit Chriſt be inveſted with many and divers offices, yet conſidering that he is God all-ſufficient, none of them ſhall hinder another, nor ſhall he be overcharged with many employments toward particular ſouls, his Church in general, or his enemies, but ſhall carry them on altogether, and particularly his Kingly and Prieſtly office, though very different, the one being for execution of juſtice, the other for obtaining mercy and pardon, ſhall …weetly concur to work out peace and ſafety for his people, his Prieſtly office tending to purchaſe, and his Kingly office to make his purchaſe forth-coming, and to maintain and defend it to them; for, the counſel of peace ſhall be between them both, that is, his two offices.
Verſ. 14.
And the crownes ſhall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the ſonne of Zephaniah for a memorial, in the Temple of the LORD.
15.
And they that are far off ſhall come and build in the Temple of the LORD, and ye ſhall know that the LORD of hoſtes hath ſent me unto you. And this ſhall come to paſſe, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.
The ſecond particular explained in this type is, of the making of the typical crowns of their offerings who came from Babylon, and the crowning of Joſhua before them. After the crowns had been made uſe of on Joſhua's head to repreſent Chriſt, they were to be laid up as a monument in the Temple for theſe men, not only to be a witneſſe of their liberality, or a token to confirme their faith of the promiſed Meſſiah, but as a pledge, that many both Jewes in Babylon, and ſtrangers, ſhould come from afar (as they did) and joyne in building of the Temple, but eſpecially to make up a Church to God, ſome ſhadows whereof appeared afterward in ſtrangers adorning the Temple with their gifts, as now it was by their crowns, and in the help that they got from the Perſian Court, in ſending up their brethren under Ezra. Doct. 1. The Lords diſpenſations and manifeſtations toward his Church, ought to be of long and enduring uſe unto her, and may contribute to many purpoſes if they be well ſtudied: therefore beſide the preſent uſe of theſe crowns, they are to be ſet up for a memorial in the Temple, to teach long after, and to be a pledge yet further, that they that are afar off ſhall come. 2. Such as in times of great diſcouragement, do appear for ſtrengthening the hands of the Church, are ſingularly taken notice of, and may expect ſingular favours; for theſe men coming from Babylon with their offerings, in a time when the lingring of the Jewes there was the Churches grief, have this honour put upon them, that the Crowns ſhall be to them for a memorial, as a teſtimony of their zeal and affection, a pledge of the Meſſiahs coming, and of ſtrangers joyning to the Lord. 3. The hope of enlargement of the Church, is matter of great encouragement to the truly godly, and that God will bring theſe who are far off, lying by, or oppoſite to the work, to joyne in it when he pleaſeth, and will accept of them and their ſervice when they come: this is an encouragement to the Church of the Jewes; They that are far off ſhall come and build in the Temple: and may be ſtill an encouragement to them who are afar off, and have a minde to come 4. Such as come to joyne with Gods people are not to be idle and uſeleſſe, but to ſtudy in their ſtations to contribute ſomewhat for edifying and building up the body; for, they that come, muſt build in the Temple of the Lord.
Unto this doctrine two things are ſubjoyned by way of Concluſion, 1. That their own experience ſhould prove that Chriſt the Mediator was ſent to reveal theſe prophecies, and that the Prophet had authority to publiſh them, which was in part verified unto them, by their getting help to the work, from theſe they little expected it of, and is now fully verified to the Church in after-ages, as their ſucceſſors. 2. That it was requifite on their part to be diligent, in obedience to Gods commaods, if they would not be hinderers of the performance of promiſes, ſo far as they could, and would not deprive themſelves of benefit by their accompliſhment. Doct. 1. Whatever debates may ariſe in the mindes of Gods people, concerning the truth of promiſes, yet experience and the event will put it out of all controverſie, that God is true: for, Ye ſhall know that the Lord of hoſtes hath ſent me, which may be underſtood of Chriſt ſent to reveal theſe things to the Prophet, or rather of the Prophet ſent to publiſh them to the Church in the Lords Name, as v. 9. 2. The Lords accompliſhing and performing what he hath foretold in his Word, ſhould lead his people back to a new and ſerious conſideration of the truth of it, that their confidence may reſt on it in new exigents, without heſitation; for this is the uſe of what God doth, that we may know God hath ſent his Word by his ſervants, and learne to magnifie it as true. 3. Albeit the performance of the Lords abſolute promiſes be not ſuſpended upon mens doing of duty; yet neglect of duty may keep back the performance of many particular conditional promiſes, may juſtly be charged with impeding the performance of all promiſes to mens power, and doth alwayes hinder the comfort and fruit of performed promiſes from coming to the guilty man; for, ſaith he, This ſhall come to paſſe, if ye will diligently obey &c. Not that the promiſe of Chriſts coming, and Converſion of the Gentiles depended on the Jewes obedience, but that their neglect of duty would hinder mens preſent favouring of the work of the Temple, whom their ſins had made enemies of a long time, and that they did what they could, if they finned, to obſtruct all, and ſhould certainly have no comfort by theſe ſpiritual promiſes. 4. The people of God are then accounted to make conſcience of their duty when they ſubmit to what God injoynes in his Word, however it ſuit with their inclinations; when they are careful to hear and ſeek out Gods minde in his Word, not ſhifting light; when they are diligent and active in endeavouring obedience, as becomes ſo great a Lord to be obeyed by his creatures, trembling leſt they be found out of the way, in a courſe of diſobedience, or ſleighting convictions, and contemning the light of information; and when all this obedience is performed, not as a cauſe of righteouſneſſe and juſtification, but as a fruit of faith, cloſing with God, reconciled in Chriſt, and as a teſtimony of thankfulneſſe; for ſo is duty here deſcribed; If ye will diligently obey, (or hearken to) the voice of the Lord your God, which includes their abſolute ſubjection to the Word, their enquiring and hearkening to its directions, and both theſe with great diligence, and as a fruit of their being in Covenant with God.